July 10, 2024

Upper New York delegates gather at Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference

The Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Conference is underway in Pittsburgh. Fifteen delegates, made up of clergy and lay delegates from Upper New York, are in attendance. There are 157 total voting delegates and 19 youth representatives who have voice, but no voting privileges. Two of those youth are from UNY. Please continue to pray for the all the delegates as they continue to do important work for the conference, jurisdiction, and The United Methodist Church.

Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy announces SEJ and NEJ will share a bishop 

The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy (ICOE) recommended 32 total bishops serve five jurisdictions across the United States at the 2024 General Conference. The Upper New York Conference is part of the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), which is made up of nine episcopal areas and ten annual conferences including Baltimore-Washington, Eastern Pennsylvania, Greater New Jersey, New England, New York, Peninsula-Delaware, Susquehanna, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania. 

The approved recommendation specifies the NEJ will be assigned six bishops. On July 2, the ICOE decided the NEJ and Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) will also share a bishop due to two unexpected vacancies in the number of bishops eligible for assignment. 

Providing outreach to the community

At Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial UMC, feeding the hungry is one of the many ways they show their love to the community. The Lord’s Table feeds people with the help of volunteers who prepare and serve meals every Tuesday night from 5-6 p.m. But that’s not all. The church also provides bike repairs, the Clothing Closet, and the Diaper Closet which provides diapers of all sizes to those in need.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join us for “Together in Worship” 

Join us on Wednesday, July 17 for our next “Together in Worship” event beginning at 9 a.m. Watch remotely on Facebook or in-person at the United Methodist Center, located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. Everyone is invited to attend, regardless if you’re clergy or laity, and you don't need a Facebook account to participate. The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop, will be leading worship focusing on listening to God speak and having the courage and humility to respond well. If you can’t join us in-person, click here to join remotely. 

Register now for Safe Sanctuaries training

Registration is now open for a basic Safe Sanctuaries training program to be held over Zoom this summer. All Upper New York clergy and anyone working with children, youth, or vulnerable adults must complete the three-and-a-half hour course. This applies to youth group leaders, Sunday School teachers, Vacation Bible School coordinators, music leaders, after-school program workers, home visitors, respite care workers, and more. This training session is scheduled for August 3 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There is no charge to take the course.

Register for VIM team leader fall training 

Offer your skills and talents in areas affected by disaster or hardship through Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM). An upcoming team leader training is being offered on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. Led by NEJ VIM Coordinator, Ray Yarnell, this training is designed for both new and seasoned mission leaders in the local church. Early bird registration is $15 until August 31. After that, the price increases to $25.

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program still available 

Clergy may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), which updated its guidelines in 2022. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans: 

• after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan, and 
• while working full-time for an eligible employer. 

To be considered for PSLF, you need to submit a PSLF form. 

TOGETHER: GOD IS DOING SOMETHING NEW

Are you ready for the fall rush? September in the Upper New York area is one of the biggest times of the year when people try out church for the first time. Many people try something new as the school year begins. Is your church doing something unique and creative to reach into your community in new ways? Tell us all about it!

Neighbors enter church pickleball courts with praise

Believing that churches should be places to play as well as pray, West Lawn UMC in Reading, PA, and St. Paul’s UMC in Brick, NJ, are providing indoor pickleball courts as inviting gifts to their communities. Learn how both churches have gotten into step with America’s fastest-growing sport, drawing praise from their neighbors. 

MORE RESOURCES

How is the United Methodist Constitution amended?

Following the Post-General Conference, dive deeper into understanding The United Methodist Church's structure with this video, " How is the United Methodist Constitution amended?" This video explores Part One of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, highlighting our foundational and organizational principles. Learn about the four-step process for constitutional amendments.

Neurodiversity: A spectrum of ministries serves all

The United Methodist Church's commitment to "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." ensures accessibility for all. With rising autism diagnoses, many families avoid churches due to past harm or ableist theology. By providing sensory-friendly tools, building trust, and fostering acceptance, churches can create welcoming environments that extend God's love to everyone.

Project Restoration shows the connection in action

Thelma Bruton, a resident of Darby, PA, endured years of hardship after Hurricane Isaias damaged her home in 2020. Thanks to a successful second appeal to FEMA and the efforts of United Methodist Volunteers-in-Mission, her roof and interior were finally repaired. Project Restoration, supported by UMCOR grants and local donations, coordinated the volunteer teams to help Thelma and others affected by hurricanes, showcasing the power of community and compassion in disaster recovery.

Recovering addicts find a healing space at 'Three-Quarter' House

Jeremiah Bowden, once a troubled individual with a history of drug addiction and personal tragedy, is now on a path to recovery at the Lucille Raines Residence in Indianapolis. Directed by Carolyn Marshall, this "three-quarter house" supports recovering addicts transitioning from in-patient treatment. Jeremiah, who is now a counselor and contemplating becoming a pastor, finds purpose in helping others overcome their struggles. His journey from despair to redemption highlights the transformative power of faith and community support.