United Methodists in Upstate New York have answererd a call to

 

 

Imagine the people of God in Upstate New York:

Living the gospel of Jesus Christ…
              Being God's love with our neighbor in all places…
    Download the Vision and Purpose statement for the new Annual Conference

A Faith Statement based in our Vision and Purpose:

Imagine the people of God in Upstate New York:

Growing in our relationship with God,
Being nourished by vibrant spiritual practices,
Speaking the truth in love
Developing Christ-centered and spirit-empowered leadership, lay and clergy
Trusting in God’s abundance and guidance

Imagine the people of God in Upstate New York:

Being the body of Christ within the world,
Becoming a community where people WANT to be
Showing hospitality by welcoming, engaging and serving in love with neighbor
Being transparent in word and deed
Embracing diversity in age, ethnicity, geography, gender, race

 Imagine the people of God in Upstate New York:

Living in the way of Jesus Christ  
Opening to new ways of being and doing Church
Trusting the ambiguity and messiness of change
Seeking courage to take risks
Connecting with one another and the world
Making decisions and planning with prayerful discernment 
Transforming the work of the Church into an act of worship.

               

This statement of faith is based in the Vision Statement guiding the work of the New Area Conference Team (New ACT).  On September 19, both New ACT and the Critical Questions Teams used this as a prayerful affirmation in worship.

Watch for further developments in the conversation around the core values of our new conference, and ways that our people and churches can live into the vision: “To live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbor in all places.”

Meanwhile, feel free to use this Imagine affirmation in worship, group devotional time or in your personal prayer for the conference and its churches. The document can be downloaded for print.

“Magnificent but Minimal…”

At our separate Annual Conference sessions this spring, the New Conference Area Team (New ACT) presentation included convener Bill Gottschalk Fielding’s description of what will be in place next June, and why. Watch the video.

… And read about current plans for Annual Conference structure

Postings for executive staff positions…

The Interim Personnel Team has posted the job descriptions for four key leaders who will guide the new conference in following the vision: Director of Connectional Ministries, Director of Communications, Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services, and Benefits Officer
Read more…