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Recent comments on pages throughout the site

WNY Board of Laity schedules series of listening sessions

Ellen Klock wrote on 1/8/2010 1:23:13 PM

Scott - I am so sorry I will be unable to attend. I hate to miss what sounds to be an informative meeting, but the date for my area is the same night I have to go to Clarence Town Court with my son to fight a ticket he received. I know I'll see you soon. Ellen

The WNY/NCNY Conference Fall Youth Gathering

Dee Finch wrote on 10/16/2009 8:46:23 PM

Can't wait to see youth and adults of the Conferences gathered together for fun and worship! Thanks CCYM'ers for putting this event together!!! :)

Only essential structure planned as new conference comes together

Pastor Jeff McDowell wrote on 10/7/2009 3:49:26 PM

May God continue to inspire vision among us as we move forth into the unknown! I do hope the teams and individuals charged with the management of this transition will take a serious look at the role of the Superintendent, in light of a balanced and healthy schedule. The DS's are role models and if they are constantly overworked in terms of hours and responsbilities, this does not show forth a balanced spirituality. I do also hope that the district liness are not changed right away, as this would be yet another transition that may make it difficult for local churches to navigate. I believe the addition of an old - fashioned District Associate position may help. Peace to you all, Jeff McDowell

UMCOR responds to three emergencies

Gerry Kauffman Retired Local Pastor wrote on 10/6/2009 10:40:09 AM

I am a member of New Heights UMC, Jamestown, NY and I make a monthly offering to UMCOR, knowing that our offering goes directly to needs around the world. I served in the Air Force and was stationed at Dau, PI and located at the edge of Clark Field.

Donations and Volunteers needed for Southern Tier

Cathie Phelps wrote on 9/1/2009 10:05:57 AM

My sister-in-law and I spent Monday, Aug. 31, helping at the Love InC distribution center for donated items at the Moose Hall in Gowanda. They have to move this week to a store on Main Street and could use packers and unpackers because it will be a big job. The center will be open about two more months. Call Gowanda Love InC to volunteer. No clothing is being accepted!

Camp Asbury

Leslie Shisler wrote on 7/21/2009 7:24:47 PM

I am looking for Jenna Rae Gesel-Aquatics. I am her Aunt Leslie & I wanted to email her from Florida but I got an undeliverable email response to the address that I was given. That is asburycampers@wnyunc.org Could you please let me know if I have the right address or not? Thank you.

Resident bishop of Alabama-West Florida Conference shares Word with WNY

Linda Bourey wrote on 6/29/2009 1:16:52 PM

How we miss hearing Bishop Leeland speak/preach here in North Carolina - he blesses all who will hear him!

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

Kim Smith wrote on 6/19/2009 12:00:58 AM

I have suggested that we call the new conference the "Koinonia" conference. My reasoning for this is that we will be a new conference, much like the early Christian church. In the forming of this new conference, we are coming together as sisters and brothers who share a common bond, in that our basic belief is that Jesus Christ is Lord. This new Christian fellowship is a historic event in New York, where we will work together to proclaim that salvation comes through Jesus Christ. The four conferences will joining together to fulfill our calling of making disciples.

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

James Pollard wrote on 6/15/2009 7:42:30 PM

Lest anyone be confused, the comment dated 6/15/09 posted as "MES POLLARD" should read from James Pollard.

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

Greg Van Dussen wrote on 6/15/2009 6:10:07 PM

In an earlier conversation there was a lot of support for "Upstate New York Conference." This is clearly the single most recognizable name for the territory included in the new conference. Most alternatives, while they have historical or geographical importance, would still require explanation. I continue to support "Upstate New York Conference" as the best option we have.

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

mes Pollard wrote on 6/15/2009 3:54:30 PM

I offer the name "New York State" Conference. "Upper" NY and "Upstate" NY identify the region for what it isn't - NY City - an all too common practice. NY State Conference would have meaning to the outside world, and that is important. Is it "overclaiming?" I don't think so. the NY Conference took that name after having been called the NY/Connecticut Conference for years, and clearly, the NY Conference does not encompass all of NY State.

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

Kit Snyder wrote on 6/11/2009 4:58:38 PM

We could embrace some of our past as we look forward, and call the new conference the "Genesee Conference". While some may feel that a conference comprised of most of NY seems large, if we studied our history, we would have a better perspective on such matters!

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

Larry Wiliford wrote on 5/20/2009 11:27:50 AM

Since the new Conference will include most of New York state, I would suggest the name "Empire New York Conference"

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

Bob Rood wrote on 5/14/2009 11:41:49 AM

I had suggested "New York Great Waters Conference" as some have alluded to the homage to our Native American brothers and sisters. The New York is pretty obvious, of course. The "Great Waters" would represent the western and northernmost boundaries of the conference (Lakes Erie and Ontario) as well as the Niagara and the St. Lawrence rivers, and lakes Champlain and George, and the Hudson river on the east. Of course there are the Finger Lakes and many other major inland waterways, including the Erie Canal. This name also reminds us of our baptism.

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

J Paul Womack wrote on 5/5/2009 4:25:34 PM

I would suggest "The Erie Canal" Conference, since it meanders all the way, generally speaking, from Albany to Buffalo and the canal served to help connect east and west.

4 Word 09

Doug Mackey wrote on 4/27/2009 1:48:32 PM

4Word was a wonderful event. NUMC Youth (Troy Conference) made some great new friends, inlcuding the youth from First UMC Amherst. Thanks to them for helping us "Prepare the way of the Lord" to open the Saturday Evening Session! Our Youth are already looking forward to seeing you again next year at 4Word 2010!

Name suggestions for new Conference sought

Brian Rotach wrote on 4/27/2009 10:36:29 AM

Since a great part of the new conference sits on the ancient homelands of the Iroquois Nations, I think "Iroquois" would be an appropriate name. Another possible Iroquois name that might put us at or near the top of the list of conferences would be "Adirondack."

Clergy Session

Sandra L Lasher wrote on 4/24/2009 12:13:41 AM

When and where...Time?????

Laity Banquet

Mary Denea wrote on 4/13/2009 10:18:20 AM

How much does it cost to attend?

2009 Annual Conference Registration

Bethany Ruane wrote on 3/7/2009 8:39:36 AM

How on earth is a small congregation, one that pays all shared ministry, advance askings, and missions, supposed to pay this exhorbadent fee for two people to attend Annual Conference? Each year, since I have come to conference, the fee has increased. It is nearly triple what it was the first year I went, when we were at Houghton for the last time. As for handicap access, there have been "fires" two times since I have been there, and there was a directive to stay where we were. With the new conference developing, my prayer is that we do not make this a venue that only the wealthy churches can attend. I am a part time pastor, who pays my own housing expenses, my own insurance, and my own retirement. Are there funds available, as was stated when we were at Houghton, for those of us who struggle with these expenses? Sincerely, Bethany Ruane, Pastor South Dayton and Hamlet Churches.

Prayer Service to lift up those impacted by crash of Continental Flight 3407

Yoon-Seok Choi wrote on 2/18/2009 8:39:36 PM

I am a pastor in Washington DC area. This moment I am also in prayer for the people who are in deep greif. I do not know the future of our lives, but one thing I know is God is with us even in this unexpected agony. God will lift all the broken-hearted up. I also lift up my heart and pray for the suffering people and NY West area conference.... Gracious God, have mercy on us.

Visioning continues as nuts and bolts are gathered

Greg Van Dussen wrote on 2/6/2009 4:03:52 PM

Thanks to Larry Lundgren for the clarification on who is responsible for naming the Area and Conference. I'm glad we'll have an opportunity for input on the Conference name, which is by far the most important because it is the one we will use most commonly. I appreciate Cameron's concern for an emphasis on our mission, but believe this is not a relevant venue. Conference names have generally designated where God's work is going on, rather than defining the shape of that work. As Daryl says, it'a a practical matter. When we refer to a Conference with a geographically recognizable name, at least we have some idea what part of the church we're talking about. This broke down with Disticts, I believe, in Eastern PA, where names of important historical UM figures were substituted for geographical names. Does anybody outside Eastern PA know where the "Albright District" is? I love the idea of honoring the pioneers of our Church, but this isn't the place. To be fair, we also run into this in our own Conference with "Mountain View" and "Cornerstone," which have important meaning to some, but do not adequately communicate the simple fact of location. I also have a concern that we use a name that is not imposed upon, but chosen by the Conference. I believe we will have a healthier and more connectional future if we get this symbolic designation right, and if we do it ourselves.

Visioning continues as nuts and bolts are gathered

Cameron Lienhart wrote on 2/3/2009 10:48:32 AM

^^Upper NYS tells WHERE we are, but it does NOT tell WHO we are. If we want to be defined solely by our geographical location then that is fine, but don't give us lip service about how this was done for missional reasons (as opposed to geographical, financial, etc.), and then throw out that reasoning when it comes to how we identify ourselves. What happened to the body of Christ (that is what we are, isn't it?) identifying and marking ourselves as HIS? "A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a chosen people, a people belonging to God"....if we define ourselves as anything LESS than what God has called us to be, then what is the point? I think I'll work to rename my local church to "5 miles south of Jamestown UMC".

Visioning continues as nuts and bolts are gathered

Larry Lundgren wrote on 2/3/2009 10:42:54 AM

As per The Book of Discipline and the rules of the NEJ, the College of Bishops is charged with setting of Areas Boundaries (that is determining which conferences are in which Areas) and the naming of the Areas. On July 18, 2008 Bishop Schol reported that the name of the new Area would be The Upper New York Area. In the NEJ Areas and Conferences (even when there is only one conference in an Area) do not necessarily have the same name, e.g. Western Pa Conference is in the Pittsburg Area. The name of the new Annual Conference is up to the Conference to select. No determination of the name of the new conference has been made, nor is there a process presently in place to select its name. I would anticipate that the New ACT Team will provide opportunities for persons in the conferences to offer their suggestions. Ultimately the name would need to be ratified by the organizing session of the new conference.

Visioning continues as nuts and bolts are gathered

Daryl Hansen wrote on 2/3/2009 9:34:38 AM

Let's be realistic, "UpState NY Annual Conference" identifies who and where we really are.