New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

09/06/2026

Happy Feast of the Creation Sunday. Today, United Methodists join Christians around the world in celebrating the new Feast of Creation in Christ, a fresh addition to the church calendar centered on God's work as Creator. Learn more about this new observance and what it means for our shared worship life: https://bit.ly/46aD7S1

We in the wish you a blessed Feast of Creation in Christ Sunday with this beloved Gospel verse.

09/03/2026

Several Lay Servant Ministries courses have registration deadlines in the coming weeks. If you've been considering one of these, now is the time to register for:

Living Our UM Beliefs, Jerry Eyster, Instructor, meets Wednesdays from September 16 through October 7. www.nyac.com/living-our-um-beliefs

Leading Public Prayer, Elaine Short, Instructor, meets Thursdays from September 17 through October 15. www.nyac.com/leading-public-prayer

The Millennial Narrative, Jeremy Mills, Instructor, meets Fridays from September 18 through October 16. www.nyac.com/the-millennial-narrative-sharing-a-good-life-with-the-next-generation

Soul Reset, Carol Merante, Instructor, meets select Mondays from September 21 through October 26.
www.nyac.com/soul-reset-relearning-the-rhythms-of-grace-through-daily-life-with-god

Sacraments: Means of Grace, Rev. Bette Sohm, Instructor, meets select Tuesdays from September 22 through October 27.
www.nyac.com/sacraments-means-of-grace

Spiritual Gifts, Rev. Laura Galbraith and Lauriston Avery, Instructors, meets Wednesdays from September 23 through October 21. www.nyac.com/spiritual-gifts

FULL DETAILS ON ALL LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES COURSES is available at: www.nyac.com/upcoming-training-courses

Catskill Hudson District NYAC of the United Methodist Church New York - Connecticut District of the New York Annual Conference Long Island East District of NYAC Long Island West DistrictMetropolitan District of the New York Annual ConferenceNew York - Connecticut District of the New York Annual ConferenceNew England UMC

09/01/2026

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Although my mother worked full-time and we had few material possessions as a family, she was always generous with her time and helped those in need — without expecting to be repaid for her kindness. As gracious as she was at giving, she was not always gracious at receiving. I suspect that her...

09/01/2026

United Methodist leaders got a midyear checkup on the denomination’s financial health — and all vital signs point in the right direction. Bottom line: Giving has been holding relatively steady, while some expenses are down. Get the full story below.

Church giving shows signs of stability | The board of the United Methodist Church’s finance agency heard a midyear review on the denomination’s finances.

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-giving-shows-signs-of-stability

08/30/2026

Dolly Parton "was a bridge-builder in a society that is often polarized, a healer in a world with lots of brokenness and a kind-hearted soul who exhibited extraordinary generosity in a variety of situations."
-Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, Resident Bishop Holston and West Virginia Conferences

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, whose episcopal area includes eastern Tennessee, mourns the passing of Dolly Parton. “I have been most impressed by her generous spirit, genuine love for others, authentic Christian faith and ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” Wallace-Padgett writes. https://www.holston.org/post/remembering-dolly-a-reflection-from-bishop-debra-wallace-padgett-19970257

08/24/2026

🙏📖🤍

08/11/2026

More than 740 families have received relief supplies following an earthquake that struck the southern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines in June. In the months since, the Davao Episcopal Area has carried out multiple waves of relief operations. Beyond material aid, Bishop Israel M. Painit explains how the Episcopal area laity, clergy, and volunteers also have provided spiritual care to accompany families throughout the recovery process. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hsTrVa

08/07/2026

The New York Annual Conference Long Island East District's Anti-Racism Task Force hosted Paint and Praise Parties at First Baldwin UMC and the North Shore UMC Campus of North Shore Villages Cooperative Parish as to commemorate the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Under the guidance of Rev. Ronald McHenry, paint party participants were inspired by the prophetic witness and enduring legacy of Congressman and Pastor John Lewis.

Together, they reflected on John Lewis' call to "make good trouble" and expressed hopes, prayers, and commitment to justice by creating meaningful works of art on canvas. Through the parties, people experienced fellowship, and healing.

The completed paintings were displayed at the Nassau County Legislative Building in Mineola on Thursday August 6, 2026, where they served as a visual witness during a community celebration of the Voting Rights Act. The celebration was filled with song, praise, prayer, and testimony. Speakers included Rev. Esteban Isaac, Attorney Fred Brewington, and Long Island East DS Ric Hanse.

08/06/2026

Bishop Bickerton at summer camp? Who knew?! 🥰😀 Read all about it here: https://bit.ly/4fV674J

On July 30, 2026, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton and Rev. We Hyun Chang, director of connectional ministries, visited Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, ME. Camp Executive Director Norman Thombs shares this reflection on their visit.

“I was so impressed with the leadership of our camp and the enthusiasm of our campers," Bishop Bickerton said. "Norm, his team, and the volunteer leaders are not only conducting successful camps but they are forming our next generation of leaders! What a blessing we have in Camp Mechuwana!”

Read more
https://www.neumc.org/blogdetail/bishops-camp-visit-brought-out-whats-important-19940649

08/03/2026

Get set to "Welcome the Stranger” with a United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grant. Awarded grants fund up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project.

Participating U.S.-based United Methodist churches across the country have used their UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grants to assist and care for vulnerable migrants and refugees in their communities. Emory Fellowship, a United Methodist congregation in Washington, D.C., used their grant to host a free clothing shopping event for 100 migrant families at a local school. A coalition of United Methodist churches in Albany, New York provided transportation to refugee families for employment, shopping and general transportation through their Bicycles for Refugees program.

Learn about the local churches that are putting their funding into action and apply today: https://bit.ly/4xiAYiL

If your NYAC church has received a Mustard Seed grant, please share your ministry story in the comments to encourage others to apply.