“The Lord had said to Abram, “go to the land I will show you.” So Abram left as the Lord told him. The Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteous.” Genesis 12:1b & 15:5-6

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!  Alleluia! We have entered the Easter season in the life of the church. A time of rejoicing and change. A time of new beginnings. Christ’s resurrection changed the world. Those who followed Christ experienced change, challenges, rejection and a new way of life in experiencing ministry.

As Jesus journeyed to the cross he went to the garden alone to pray. In Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Jesus knew where he was being led. In this struggle he asked his Father to take the cup from him. Yet, Jesus was willing to be faithful and obedient to his Father’s will. 

Recall the story of Abram. The Lord told Abram to “leave his country, his people and his father’s household and go to the land I will show you. Abram left as the Lord told him.” Abram was willing to be faithful and obedient to the Lord.

Time passes and Abram is concerned about having an heir. What happens? Abram is inside his tent and God takes him outside. When Abram was in his tent he could see only as far as his manmade tent ceiling. God takes Abram outside and tells him to look up into the sky, the heavens, the expanse, the vastness of space that stretches in every direction beyond what we can see or even imagine.

Let’s look at two main points in this story. First, Abram was inside his tent. He was focused on his own ability and his circumstances. So, God gives him a different vantage point by taking Abram outside of his tent. God helps Abram to see beyond his manmade tent ceiling. The manmade tent ceiling obscured and blocked Abram’s vision. The farthest Abram could see was ceiling of the tent. Had Abram’s faith had been reduced to the size of his tent?

Second, Abram did what so many of us do: we put a ceiling (a limit) on what God can do. We put a ceiling on God’s love, faithfulness, power and wisdom. God helped Abram to refocus by making Abram look up into the night sky. God gets Abram’s eyes off of his own circumstances and helps Abram refocus on God’s faithfulness. 

That is where we live our lives between our human circumstances and the faithfulness of God. What we decide to focus on will make all the difference in this world and the next. As we continue our focus on becoming stronger disciples of Jesus, let us make a commitment to God, each other and our selves. That together we will: Live an Intentional Faith Life (praying daily, reading the scriptures, fasting, participating in the Sacraments of Holy Communion & Baptism, being part of a Bible Study and/or an accountability group) ; Take Holy Risks (by intentionally serving others, being part of a Bible Study and/or an accountability group, stepping out in faith as a congregation by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in building relationships within our community and beyond ); Help to Bring the Kingdom of God here on earth (living our lives demonstrating the love, compassion of Jesus to this hurting world) .   

Remember, God’s promise to Abram didn’t happen overnight. There was a span of years, of second-guessing between when God’s promise was given and then fulfilled.  

Each of us will experience our growth as disciples differently. Even as we are experiencing changes in our lives, in the life of the Cornerstone District and in the life of the Upper New York Conference, like Abram let us be faithful and obedient as God leads us outside of our tents and see where this new journey in faith takes us as we continue to touch hearts and lives for Jesus Christ.

Rejoicing in our Risen Lord,  

Suzanne

After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023. 



2023 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, to be held June 1-3, at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse, closed on April 30. There is a lot of work that happens behind-the scenes among the UNY staff to make the registration process smooth and easy-to-understand. For those who registered (over 900 of you), we thank you!

Because the Book of Discipline ensures all voting members have the opportunity to vote, onsite registration will be provided. As in the past, a $50 late fee will be added to the $250 registration fee and the entire $300 fee must be paid in full at the time of registration onsite. Also, because the SRC Arena needed numbers in advance for meals, we can only guarantee meals for the first 50 people who register onsite.

Questions can be addressed by sending an email to info@unyumc.org 

2023 Lay Servant Course

Please remember that you MUST Attend ALL class times & dates to receive credit.

All registrations and course fees must be in by the DUE DATE

For a registration form or more information, contact Arlene Schmidt at arlenedschmidt@gmail.com

Advanced Course: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs

Registration opens May 2

Mondays: June 12, 19, 26, July 10 & 17: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Basic Lay Servant Course

Registration opens May 2

Thursdays: June 15, 22, 29, July 6 & 13: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitators: Paula McMahon, CLM & Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Registration opens June 1

Tuesdays: July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim, CLM & Paula McMahon, CLM

Advanced Course: Leading Worship

Registration opens June 19

Mondays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, & 28: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15 

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Advanced Course: Leading Prayer

Registration opens July 13

Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Polity

Registration opens July 25

Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Registration opens August 24

Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Called to Preach

Registration opens September 26

Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9 p.m.

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. 

The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry. New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways. 

Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.

Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”



Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.