The 2025 Annual Conference for United Methodists of Upper New York was held May 22-24, 2025 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.

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About the theme and logo

The theme for the 2025 Annual Conference session is "Believe... and see the Glory of God." The theme is based on John 11:1-45 (the death and resurrection of Lazarus) with companion verses of Luke 1:47 (my spirit rejoices in God my savior) and Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me).  

Our faith in Jesus Christ opens our spiritual vision, allowing us to perceive God at work in our lives and the world. Faith allows us to trust in God’s purpose and timing, even when circumstances seem difficult or unclear. Our faith is not simply an intellectual assent but an active, trusting relationship with God through Christ that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, leads to transformative experiences of God’s glory. 

As we continue moving toward God’s future, we are invited to seek the kind of faith that, when put into action, manifests God’s unlimited power to bring new life to our communities and congregations through the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ.

Articles and Videos

Pre-Conference Video

To help participants prepare for the 2025 UNY Annual Conference, lay member Beth Jordan from the Upper New York Conference and Rev. CJ Rolle, pastor at Buffalo: Lincoln Memorial UMC, guided viewers through a pre-recorded video. The video offered an overview of what to expect at Annual Conference, including Constitutional Amendments, the Episcopal Address, featured speakers, key recommendations, parking information, and steps that helped attendees get ready for this time of holy conferencing.

Meet The Speakers

Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. of the Horizon Texas Conference delivered an inspiring message during the ordination service.

The Rev. Kris Sledge and the Rev. Rachel Gilmore, co-authors of the highly anticipated book Followers Under 40, led a teaching moment. Their new book offers practical strategies and wisdom for engaging Millennials, Gen Z, and Alphas in ministry. Rev. Sledge is a United Methodist Church planter and founding/lead pastor of The Journey Church, an urban, multi-ethnic United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Rev. Gilmore is Director of New & Vital Faith at the Desert Southwest Annual Conference. 

The Rev. Mike Weeden, District Superintendent of the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts, delivered the message during the memorial service as United Methodists of Upper New York remember clergy and clergy spouses who died in the last year.

Offerings

The Engage Fund offering was collected during Opening Worship and helped nurture young people, serve them, and serve alongside them—including the Buffalo 10 Scholarship, Mission of Peace, and other national and international experiences.

The Clergy Care Fund offering was collected during the Clergy Session and was used to assist clergy in need of financial support.

The Helping Hands Fund offering was collected during the Laity Session and was used by the Cabinet to assist congregants in need of financial support.

Don’t wait to be part of the impact—give today through the UNY UMC app and support vital efforts that care for youth, clergy, and congregations in need.