March 13, 2024

UNY response to Netflix documentary

A new documentary on Netflix shares alleged abuse that happened on the campus at Ivy Ridge Academy in Ogdensburg, NY. Ivy Ridge was described as a “behavior modification facility” for youth that closed in 2009. 

United Methodists of Upper New York are committed to ensuring the safety of the people we serve, especially the most vulnerable among us.  

We stand with those harmed by the alleged abuse and questionable practices portrayed in the Netflix documentary and recommit ourselves to confronting abuse in all the ways it manifests in our society.

Join Bishop Héctor for District Days

District Days continues across Upper New York as Bishop Héctor visited with clergy and laity in the Oneonta District earlier this week. Thank you Pastor John Buddle and staff at Elm Park United Methodist Church for graciously hosting this gathering.

Tomorrow, Bishop will head to the Niagara Frontier District to visit Clarence Center United Methodist Church. Clergy are invited to meet with Bishop Héctor from 1-3 p.m. and with laity (and clergy who couldn't attend the earlier meeting) from 7-8:30 p.m.

Rev. Jefferson Niles on Physical Wellness video

United Methodists of Upper New York are dedicated to the well-being of our clergy, initiating a holistic wellness program in early 2020. This commitment gave rise to the Clergy Wellness Team, focused on embedding comprehensive wellness into all aspects of our ministry.

The next video in this series embarks on a journey to optimal physical wellness with the Rev. Jefferson Niles of Cicero UMC in Cicero, NY, in this enlightening clergy wellness video. Join us as Rev. Niles shares his secrets to maintaining a healthy body and mind, which include practical fitness routines, mindful nutrition choices, and a commitment to self-care. Explore how clergy members can integrate physical wellness into their own lives, boost your energy, and improve your overall well-being.

New episode of Spiritual Practices podcast available

Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer. The practice was originally used with the psalms but can be used with any scripture. In this episode of Spiritual Practices, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius guides us through Lectio Divina using part of Psalm 51, a reading from the lectionary for the fifth week of Lent.

Annual Conference speakers 

Bishop Tracy Malone from the Ohio East area will deliver the message during the Service of Ordination and Commissioning at Annual Conference and Dr. Ashley Boggan will lead the learning session. Dr. Boggan is the General Secretary of the General Commission of Archives and History. Dr. Scott Johnson, pastor at Buffalo: First UMC and Pendleton Center UMCs, will deliver the message during the memorial service as United Methodists of Upper New York remember clergy and clergy spouses who died in the last year.  

Volunteers needed 

Consider living out your discipleship by serving as an Annual Conference volunteer. Volunteers are needed to greet and escort attendees, assist staff, and lend a helping hand. Annual Conference will held May 30-June 1 at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.  

Traveling crosses for Lent 

They serve as a visual reminder of all that Jesus sacrificed for us. Three six-foot crosses will make their way to two dozen homes this Lenten season. For Lycoming and Mexico UMCs, the crosses also help connect two nearby communities. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Apply for Lottie Brown Scholarship 

Each year, the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships for undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. The scholarship enables young people to fulfill the path God is calling them to take. Applications are being accepted now through May 1. 

COMMENTARIES

Upper New York Communications may include commentaries in the Weekly Digest that reflects a variety of voices and viewpoints. They are the opinions of the writers, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member or team.

The Ugly Truth: A call for speaking truth to power, finding resilience, and combating injustice through faith and life

The Rev. Daniel J. Bradley authored a narrative which contrasts the prophetic calling and message of Amos with personal reflections on the enduring nature of faith and activism, likening the commitment to social justice and truth-telling in Christianity to the persistent support of the Buffalo Bills, emphasizing the importance of resilience, hope, and speaking out against injustice in both spiritual and everyday life.

TOGETHER: MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES

OTHER RESOURCES

Native American Ministries pastor and leader kit available

Native American Ministries Sunday is April 14 this year. Make sure you’re ready. The 2024 Special Sunday kit provides a full package of ready to use resources to help your church celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday and define how and why we give along with the impact we make through connectional efforts.

Your contributions on this Special Sunday will help support Native American missions, ministries, and communities right here in Upper New York through the Committee on Native American Ministries.

"Why Aren't We Talking About Money?" Webinar

Churches have been through a lot, and if your congregation is struggling financially, there are a lot of things we can point to: pandemics, denominational turmoil, economic uncertainty, and a culture of division and frustration. While we may feel powerless about these situations, our reality is that many of us in the church just don’t like talking about money. Some even advocate that money conversations should be taboo in church. Thankfully, Jesus didn’t feel that way. As we read the gospels, we realize Jesus spoke more about money and possessions than almost any other subject, except the kingdom of God.

Crafting Sacred Moments: A Webinar Series for Worship Planners

Worship is the heartbeat of the church. From the vital and passionate gathered celebration each week, flows the life and ministry of the whole church and the support and encouragement of those who gather each week. The Worship Team at Discipleship Ministries wants to come alongside those who guide worship in the local church to spark creativity and to listen and learn with you in “Crafting Sacred Moments.” This webinar series is designed to empower worship planners with a deep understanding of the theological underpinnings, practical considerations, and creative elements that contribute to meaningful worship experiences. This webinar aims to equip worship planners with the tools and inspiration needed to curate worship services that engage hearts, minds, and spirits.