July 17, 2024

CONFERENCE NEWS & INFORMATION

Prayers and relief for Lowville and Rome storm victims

We are calling on United Methodists of Upper New York to please keep the residents of Lowville, Rome, and other areas affected by the recent storms in your thoughts and prayers. These storms have caused significant damage and disruption, leaving many in urgent need of assistance. In these challenging times, the Upper New York Mission Central HUB team is stepping up to provide much-needed relief. They are tirelessly working to distribute relief kits to those affected, offering support and comfort to our neighbors in distress. Your prayers and support are invaluable as we come together to help those in need. Let's continue to uplift each other and extend a helping hand to our neighbors in need. If your church has been affected by the recent storms, contact Kristina Clark at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.

Stay connected and download the UNY app  

The Upper New York Communications ministry team is excited to announce the launch of the new UNY UMC app. It's designed to keep you connected, informed, and spiritually nourished wherever you go. 

• Stay Updated: Get the latest news, events, and announcements designed for United Methodists of Upper New York straight to your phone or tablet. Never miss an important update or event again. 

• Engage in Prayers and Podcasts: Access monthly and weekly prayers and teachings on-the-go through the Spiritual Practices podcast. Whether you missed something or want to revisit a message, it’s all at your fingertips. 

• Community Connection: Our app makes it easy to connect and grow together as United Methodists of Upper New York. Watch videos, shop our online store, and stay connected with what’s happening around Upper New York.  

• Convenient Giving: Support our conference and missions with secure, easy-to-use online giving options. Your generosity helps us continue to make a difference for United Methodists locally and around the world. 

• Easy Access: Our app is user-friendly and designed to meet all your spiritual needs. With just a few taps, you can access everything you need to stay informed, uplift your spirit, and guide your day. 

Download Now! Don't wait – download the UNY UMC app for free today from the App Store or Google Play. Stay connected with our faith community and deepen your spiritual journey.   

Watch “Together in Worship” 

"God is with you. Grace is present, but you may have to listen with different ears and see with different eyes."

That was the message delivered by the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop, during this morning’s "Together in Worship" Facebook Live event.

You're invited to join us either in-person at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool or online for the next Facebook Live on Wednesday, August 7 at 9 a.m. with Crossroads and Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood.

Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference 2024

From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New NEJ assignment announcement

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez will continue to serve United Methodists of Upper New York as announced at the 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Conference, held July 8-12 in Pittsburgh, PA. He will also serve the Susquehanna Conference. Bishop Héctor released a statement on Friday regarding these assignments.

NEJ reduces episcopal areas to six

During the 2024 NEJ Conference, delegates voted to reduce the number of episcopal areas from nine to six. In the new configuration, eight annual conferences will each share a bishop and two conferences will each have one bishop and one of those bishops will also serve the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

UNY to host next NEJ Conference

United Methodists of Upper New York will host the 2028 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. The conference is usually held once every four years during the month of July. Dates and a location have not yet been determined. The last time the NEJ Conference was held in Upper New York was twenty years ago in 2004.

Youth make an impact at NEJ Conference

Nineteen youth representatives took part in the 2024 NEJ Conference. It was the only jurisdiction in 2024 with youth representation. Valeria Burgos-Adorno and Grace Stierheim were two of the youth representatives from Upper New York with voice, but no vote. Learn more as they share their experiences.

Wrestling with Hope: NEJ Begins with Memorial Service

Bishop John Schol, resident bishop of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey, delivered a message of hope during the Service of Remembrance and Communion at the NEJ Conference on Tuesday, July 9. He unpacked the four “sins” or burdens that Jacob had to confront: grudges, judgment, despair, and management over vision.

Bishop Bickerton delivers State of the Jurisdiction Address

On Wednesday, July 10, New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton delivered a “State of the Jurisdiction” address. He states, “What we have now is the ribbon cutting on the beginnings of the next expression of Methodism... The door has now been unlocked and opened for us to take our shared values and create the elements, relevant elements, for the ministry in this modern context.”

Bishop Alfred Johnson preaches hope at NEJ

Bishop Alfred Johnson delivered a powerful message of hope during Thursday morning's worship at the NEJ Conference.

Preaching from Romans 5:1-5, Bishop Johnson, who retired 20 years ago but has continued to serve in local church settings since then, took up the theme of the jurisdictional meeting by preaching on how the waters of baptism initiate us into a revolution, and that leads to hope.

CRM international staff

Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) spans five locations across New York state, from the Adirondacks to the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Pennsylvania border. Each summer, they hire international staff, providing an opportunity to work in the US and experience American summer camp culture. In this video story, learn about Esteban from Mexico and the positive influence he's had on Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Preachers: Rest. Work. Play One Day Taste and See Retreat

Are you looking for a day of rejuvenation and renewal? Join the Preachers: Rest. Work. Play Fall Retreat on September 30, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center.

This retreat offers a blend of activities designed to nourish both body and soul. Enjoy open periods for play, physical rest, silent reflection, and creative crafting. Engage in journaling, small group discussions, and personal reflection, or simply take a leisurely walk and relax in the beautiful surroundings. Attendees are encouraged to bring a board game to share. Register by September 3 to secure your spot. The cost is $10 and includes lunch and a copy of God’s People: Rest. Work. Play. Journal. For overnight accommodations, contact Sky Lake at (607) 467-2750 or info@skylakecenter.org.

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!

Creating content for a younger generation

Today, reaching teens and young adults with resonating messages is very different from what it was in the past. The constant flood of news and information has decreased attention spans drastically. Everywhere you look, there's something new demanding attention. Jennifer Rodia, United Methodist Communications’ chief communications officer, shares some tips on engaging younger audiences.

MORE RESOURCES

AI for Ministry Masterclass: Beginner to Advanced

Unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for your ministry. Discipleship Ministries is offering workshops geared towards both beginner and advanced users. The beginners guide will help you set up and engage with AI Large Language Model technology and give you access to prompting templates. The advanced worship will connect you with other ministry leaders in an online workspace community and engage in advanced applications and technology tailored to your ministry. Workshops range from two to six weeks.

Updated Growing with God guide

Looking to strengthen and deepen your relationship with God to allow God’s guidance and direction? Then the Growing with God guide is for you. The program invites you to be a part of a more disciplined and focused prayer life. The updated guide is broken into sessions about a traditional spiritual practice and utilizes Biblical narratives that focus on discerning God’s presence and listening for God’s invitation. Each lesson requires 75-90 minutes of time. 

Greenhouses enrich lives at church mission

With financial support from Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, the Hanwa community constructed two half-acre greenhouses to fight climate change. Church leaders believe the greenhouses will lead to better harvests and energy savings and may inspire other schools to follow suit.