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Welcome to Upper New York

Interested in taking the next step? Contact Dean of the Cabinet, the Rev. Nola Anderson at nolaanderson@unyumc.org.

Welcome

Thank you for exploring ministry in Upper New York. As United Methodists, we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are doing it right here in God's country, which we know as Upstate New York. 

We are a large Conference with more than 950 churches and New Faith Communities. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is made up of 12 Districts, each with its own cultures, systems, and strengths under the leadership of District Superintendents.

Our Conference stretches as far north as the Canadian border, east to the Vermont border, south and west to Pennsylvania border and everything in between. It's surrounded by rolling hills, lakes, and rivers, with a blend of rural, urban, and suburban congregations. We are north of New York City. Larger cities in our Conference include Albany (state capitol), Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Elmira, and Binghamton. There are churches in the North Country that welcome military families stationed at Fort Drum. We have five Camp & Retreat Ministries throughout the state that offer opportunities to connect with God, while creating new friendships and rekindling old ones at the same time.

UNY is full of rich American history, including the Underground Railroad, Niagara Falls, Erie Canal, Seneca Falls, James H. Seward House, the home of Mark Twain, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and the Boxing Hall of Fame. Racing fans can rejoice at Watkins Glen Raceway. It's home to some of God's natural wonders, including Niagara Falls, two of North America's Great Lakes: Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and is home to the famous Finger Lakes. Living in Upstate NY will allow you the opportunity to experience the four seasons, including a winter that's great for skiing, sledding, and ice skating and a summer that offers water sports like sailing, water skiing, and kayaking. 

Our churches come in all shapes and sizes. We have praise bands and pipe organs, Bible studies and food pantries, youth ministries and mission trips. The doors, hearts, and minds of our churches are open to all. Please join us for worship this Sunday. We will save you a seat!

Videos About Us

Here is a sampling of videos created by the Upper New York Conference Communications Ministry. Click here to access the full video channel and watch more.