The paradox that sometimes unfolds in nature has resulted in a tornado that has brought devastation to the state of Oklahoma. In the aftermath of the recent tornado, we are called to pray for the victims, the first responders and for the city of Moore, Oklahoma. In the New York area we have experienced similar natural catastrophes and we can testify that prayer is helpful. I invite you to pray.

Many of you may have read the recently published article in The New York Times that centered on same sex marriage and The United Methodist Church. The confidentiality requirements of the complaint process prevent me from discussing the case in detail. However, as is the case on many issues confronting the church today, there are multiple perspectives associated with human sexuality.

To help the Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, UMCOR has allocated much of the $8.35 million it had received in Sandy donations by early March. On April 12, UMCOR directors approved $3 million grants to both the New York and Greater New Jersey conferences, to be delivered in six-month installments. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference received $500,000 for its Sandy recovery work in Somerset County, Md. Another $500,000, not yet approved, has been earmarked for the Methodist Church of Cuba, which is preparing its grant proposal.

Summerfield United Methodist Church, organized in 1828, was closed in 2012. The third church building, dedicated in June 1902, was designed by architect O.S. Teale of New York City and was sometimes known as “The Castle”. Click the title to read more...

I am grateful for the accomplishments of your confirmands! This preparation is just the beginning of their Christian journey. I pray that they will continue to experience the joy of the journey as they deepen their commitment to Jesus Christ.

Did you miss the miniseries, The Bible on TV?  The Resource Library has a copy you can borrow.

New York survivors have until April 13 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return their applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Click title to read more.

You are invited to attend a workshop to better understand disaster ministry in behalf of the United Methodist Church, and to identify opportunities for service in response to Hurricane Sandy. UMCOR US Disaster Response executive, Cathy Earl, will be the presenter and facilitator. April 16, 2013

Click here for more information>>

Caring for children after a disaster brings new volunteers to disaster work, often drawing from teachers and child care providers and others who work with children, according to Children’s Disaster Services. If you’ve thought about how a disaster affects children and have wanted to help, this May workshop is a unique opportunity to find out what Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is all about and possibly to become a volunteer. Click title to read more.

Greetings on the occasion of Holy Week 2013! Click title to read more.

Learn about recently acquired material from baptism to death

A topic of conversation at the conference center recently has been about "spoofing" emails that folks have been getting from other nyac email addresses and other institution which vaguely appear legitimate. These are probably "phishing" attempts.

The team included pastors Oscar Destruge, Arturo Maine, Susan Woodworth and Bob Kersten. Woodworth shares her thoughts in these entries.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, thousands of New Yorkers have filed claims for flood insurance. While many policy holders have received satisfactory settlements, others may not have. Policy holders who still have open claims should consider taking the following steps. Click title to read more.
 

It is always a pleasure to help solve a long-standing mystery for a researcher, and this past week I was fortunate to be able to assist New York flutist Sato Moughalian in her search for an altar constructed by her grandfather David Ohannessian. Click the title to read more...