“The Lord had said to Abram, “go to the land I will show you.” So Abram left as the Lord told him. The Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteous.” Genesis 12:1b & 15:5-6

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!  Alleluia! We have entered the Easter season in the life of the church. A time of rejoicing and change. A time of new beginnings. Christ’s resurrection changed the world. Those who followed Christ experienced change, challenges, rejection and a new way of life in experiencing ministry.

As Jesus journeyed to the cross he went to the garden alone to pray. In Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Jesus knew where he was being led. In this struggle he asked his Father to take the cup from him. Yet, Jesus was willing to be faithful and obedient to his Father’s will. 

Recall the story of Abram. The Lord told Abram to “leave his country, his people and his father’s household and go to the land I will show you. Abram left as the Lord told him.” Abram was willing to be faithful and obedient to the Lord.

Time passes and Abram is concerned about having an heir. What happens? Abram is inside his tent and God takes him outside. When Abram was in his tent he could see only as far as his manmade tent ceiling. God takes Abram outside and tells him to look up into the sky, the heavens, the expanse, the vastness of space that stretches in every direction beyond what we can see or even imagine.

Let’s look at two main points in this story. First, Abram was inside his tent. He was focused on his own ability and his circumstances. So, God gives him a different vantage point by taking Abram outside of his tent. God helps Abram to see beyond his manmade tent ceiling. The manmade tent ceiling obscured and blocked Abram’s vision. The farthest Abram could see was ceiling of the tent. Had Abram’s faith had been reduced to the size of his tent?

Second, Abram did what so many of us do: we put a ceiling (a limit) on what God can do. We put a ceiling on God’s love, faithfulness, power and wisdom. God helped Abram to refocus by making Abram look up into the night sky. God gets Abram’s eyes off of his own circumstances and helps Abram refocus on God’s faithfulness. 

That is where we live our lives between our human circumstances and the faithfulness of God. What we decide to focus on will make all the difference in this world and the next. As we continue our focus on becoming stronger disciples of Jesus, let us make a commitment to God, each other and our selves. That together we will: Live an Intentional Faith Life (praying daily, reading the scriptures, fasting, participating in the Sacraments of Holy Communion & Baptism, being part of a Bible Study and/or an accountability group) ; Take Holy Risks (by intentionally serving others, being part of a Bible Study and/or an accountability group, stepping out in faith as a congregation by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in building relationships within our community and beyond ); Help to Bring the Kingdom of God here on earth (living our lives demonstrating the love, compassion of Jesus to this hurting world) .   

Remember, God’s promise to Abram didn’t happen overnight. There was a span of years, of second-guessing between when God’s promise was given and then fulfilled.  

Each of us will experience our growth as disciples differently. Even as we are experiencing changes in our lives, in the life of the Cornerstone District and in the life of the Upper New York Conference, like Abram let us be faithful and obedient as God leads us outside of our tents and see where this new journey in faith takes us as we continue to touch hearts and lives for Jesus Christ.

Rejoicing in our Risen Lord,  

Suzanne

After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023. 

The In Person 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference, being held June 1-3 at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse.



There will be NO In Person registration accepted. 

WHEN:MAY 12TH-13TH, 2023

WHERE: LETOURNEAU CHRISTIAN CENTER

4950 COUNTY ROAD 11

RUSHVILLE, NY 14544

COST:

• (1) LODGE GUEST (1) NIGHT PLUS (3) MEALS - Single occupant $155
• (1) LODGE GUEST (1) NIGHT PLUS (3) MEALS - Double occupancy $135.00
• DAY GUEST ONLY (3) MEALS $75
• DAY GUEST ONLY (2) MEALS $55
• DAY GUEST ONLY (1) MEAL $35

The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. 

It is the desire of the Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith to offer grants to non-profit community and church-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference. Grants are not to be used for salaries or equipment. Applications must be filled out completely to be considered and will be evaluated by the committee. Grant period will be July 1 - June 30.

Deadline for submission is May 23, 2022 

The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry. New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways. 

Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.

Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”



Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.