events

2023 Laity Delegate Nominations

The following members of the Upper New York Conference have submitted their information to be considered as candidates for the 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. There are two delegate vacanies for UNY and the election will take place at the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference laity session, presided by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, on June 1. Click here to read more. The self-nominated candidates, who submitted an application by the May 14, 2023 deadline, are listed below in alphabetical order.

Name: Hudda Eileen Aswad
Address: 17 Sunset Ave., Binghamton, NY 13904
Phone number(s): 607-724-2568 (home), 607-760-5756 (cell)
Email address: Haswad@stny.rr.com
Occupation: Retired
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1972
Location of current UMC and District: First United Methodist Church of Chenango Bridge, Binghamton
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: None

If elected, will you be able to participate actively in pre‐Conference meetings of the Annual Conference delegation throughout the previous year and, following the Conferences, to share regarding your service as a delegate?

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

Past - local - evangelism, worship, trustees, youth, SPRC, finance. District- DCOS, youth coordinator. Conference- youth coordinator, delegate to AC, Chr., Safe Sanctuaries, chr. Petitions & Resolutions. NEJ - delegate in 2008,2012, 2016, Program & Arrangements both chair and committee member since 2008, and Vision Committee. General Church - alternate delegate.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

In the time of uneasiness within the UMC I believe it’s important to be able to see through the garbage and help move the church forward. A time to encourage UMs to get out of their comfort zones and meet people where they are. It’s being said we have moved away from our beliefs and faith. I know that’s not true so let’s reaffirm that.

Name: Valerie D. Clark
Address: 174 Hazelwood Terrace
Phone number(s): 585-233-9808
Email address: vdjphilly@gmail.com
Occupation: Retired
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1983
Location of current UMC and District: Covenant UMC-Rochester, Genesee Valley
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: None

I will commit the time needed to read and study the issues; attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

Local- present- lay leader, liturgist,Church Council, Finance committee, think Tank, UWFaith (UMW) president, Past- SPPRC chiar, member, Sunday School Superintendent District- Present-dCom, Past - dLT; UWFaith district President, vice- president;Committe on Nominiations; Conference: Present;CLT; Past- UWFaith, president, VP, Committee on Nominations, Dean of Mission u; National _Present-United Women in Faith Board of Directors.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

I am called to add voice and advocacy for those who have not yet been heard. I want to help the UMC to develop a more just ministry for ALL who seek opportunities in ministry and leadership in our churches. I am hopeful that the future of the United Methodist Church will grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ being His disciples for the transformation of the world.

Name: Sarah Beth Gibbons
Address: 1472 County Hwy 22, Schuyler Lake, NY, 13457
Phone number(s): 336-430-0471
Email address: sarahbrich@gmail.com
Occupation: CT Technologist
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 2019
Location of current UMC and District: Fly Creek UMC, Oneonta
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: Schuyler Lake UMC, West Exeter UMC, Cooperstown UMC

I will attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

I have been a Certified Lay Servant for the past 3 1/2 years. I have recently become certified as a Lay Speaker. I have preached at 4 different churches. I am now the Lay Leader of the Fly Creek UMC. I am heading guided self-assessment journeys for individuals in several churches (with hopes to expand to district level). I will be leading a small group study starting in June.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

I am very interested in the workings and disciplines of the UMC. I would be intrigued to take a part in the discernment process of reviewing new and upcoming initiatives and helping be a part of revision of old ones in order to expand and improve the ministry of the church in its mission. I am also interested in the governing processes of the UMC as well as the elections and candidacy process of the episcopy. Although, I would not be able to get time off for this year's NEJ conference (too late in the year to request it), I would be able to attend next year's NEJ conference and already plan on attending General Conference.

Name: Kenneth C. Guilfoyle
Address: 440 Leonard Street, Oneida, NY 13421
Phone number(s): 315 363 3151 (home), 315 254 6673 (cell)
Email address: kguilf2855@aol.com
Occupation: Appraisal Instructor
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 2005
Location of current UMC and District: First UMC, Oneida, NY, Mohawk
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: Lay Supply Pastor in the Mohawk District assigned to: Stockbridge UMC, 8 years & United Church of Canastota, 3 years

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

Oneida First: Lay Leader, Endowment Committee Chair, member Administrative Council, member of Finance Committee, providing Pulpit Supply to assist Pastor; District: District Leadership Team member, Pastor Area Connection Team member, Lay Servant Ministries Committee Chair, Retreat Coordinator.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

I feel called to participate in the discussions and be a voice for the traditional long standing standards that have been predominate in the United Methodist Denomination over the years. I also want to have a voice in selecting the leaders that will carry our denomination forward as we begin to move on from the continuing stalemate and seperation of our people. We may differ in some of our principles but we must stay focused on the main mission to preach the gospel and pray to bring God back into this country.

Name: Joyce S Miller
Address: 15 Forest Ave
Phone number(s): 607-432-8751 (home), 607-434-4963 (cell)
Email address: millerumw@verizon.net
Occupation: Retired
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1942
Location of current UMC and District: Oneonta First UMC, Oneonta
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: None

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

Name: Janet (Jan) Rothfuss
Address: 51 Southfield Drive, Webster, NY 14580
Phone number(s): 585-347-6020 (home), 716-698-0118 (cell)
Email address: jan_rothfuss@hotmail.com
Occupation: Retired Project Manager
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1960s
Location of current UMC and District: Aldersgate UMC: Greece, NY, Genesee Valley District
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: Volunteering at Covenant UMC, Rochester

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

I am currently chair of the Aldersgate UMC Church Council, the Benevolence Treasurer, and member of the Finance Team and Communications Team. I also volunteer at our monthly Community Dinners. At the former Rochester District and current Genesee Valley District level, I have served on the DCOM/Leadership Council, chair, the District Deaf Ministries Committee chair, and chairperson of the District UMW Projects Committee. At the Conference level, including both Western NY and Upper NY, I was a member/co-chair of the NY West Area Consultation on Partnership and the WNY Boundaries Task Force (both created to merge four existing Conferences into UNY). Other Conference level agencies include the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministries, chair, ACOM and Covenant Council, CF&A, Connectional Ministry team and the UMW Conference Board of Directors. During the 2004/7 and the-2008/11 quadrenniums I served on the NEJ Program and Arrangements Committee and was a member of the NEJ Committee on Appeals hearing one case. I also served on the NEJ Episcopacy Committee during the 2012 session, making Bishop assignments. I hereby commit myself to the responsibilities of a delegate should I be elected to serve as a lay delegate to the 2024 NE Jurisdictional Conference.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

I have served as a General Conference delegate in 2004 and 2008, attending the corresponding NEJ conferences. I attended the St. Louis special session in 2019 as a visitor and look forward to visiting the 2024 General Conference in North Carolina. These are difficult times in United Methodism. I feel it is now even more important to participate in the process. My church remains loyal to the United Methodist Church with no vote to disaffiliate planned. However, some of my friends belong to a nearby church that recently voted to disaffiliate with an 80% to 20% vote. Members of the 20% have contacted me as they attempt to adjust to their new reality. The vote is splitting the church and, in the case of multiple generation memberships, splitting up families as well. Staff members want to continue their employment but are questioning whether they can continue in their roles. This new ministry opportunity has made me very sensitive to the 20% and responding to their needs as they navigate on their new journey. I am committed to continue this Lighthouse ministry and feel that participation as an NEJ delegate will strengthen me personally as well as strengthen our UNY delegation.

Name: Emma Scavo
Address: 412 Brunswick Drive Apt. 5 Troy NY
Phone number(s): (518) 618-9033
Email address: emmascavo55@gmail.com
Occupation: High School Student
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 2017
Location of current UMC and District: Center Brunswick United Methodist Church, Albany
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: None

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

I have held a variety of leadership roles throughout my time at the United Methodist Church. I am honored to be the First Youth representative in my Church allowing me to bring new perspectives into the church and help the advanced members to understand what we would like to see improve in the church as we grow and develop in it. I enjoy the ability to learn from lifelong members of the church and gain a deep understanding of our church and how beliefs have developed over time. Some of the things I have accomplished have been helping to develop a youth group, volunteering at free community dinners to welcome god's children regardless of walk of life, making everyone feel welcome to one table. I also volunteer in a variety of events at our church. Since I was a toddler I have attended Sky Farm Camp off of a Scholarship from the Church, I will never be able to express my gratitude for this amazing experience of faith and fun that genuinely helped me grow. This year I am volunteering in the K-3rd Sunday School class. It is humbling to be a part of something full of love and hope.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

I feel called to serve as a delegate because of my love to serve the community through the church. I feel as though my service can help my community understand anyone is welcome at a United Methodist church regardless of their background, how they identify or who they love. I am pleased that the United Methodist church is becoming more inclusive. I have many fresh ideas about how we can help peple create or strengthen these relationships with god. Many teenagers do not feel as though they have a positive relationship with God, in part this is due to their parents' ideas about religion regardless of denomination. I am very fortunate to have parents and grandparents who grew up in the methodist church to guide me in my faith, helping me to understand God's acceptance. Some examples of things I have done in my church to break this stigma among teenagers have been inviting some of my peers to youth groups, and different events put on by the church. The youth are the future of the United Methodist Church and I feel called to expand my beliefs on God's acceptance to anyone who is willing or excited to know it.

Name: Thomas Schmidt
Address: 311 Palmer St, Jamestown, NY 147023
Phone number(s): 716-499-1786
Email address: tschmidt@netsync.net
Occupation: Retired
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1989
Location of current UMC and District: Hurlbut Community United Methodist Church, Cornerstone
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: None

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

At the local church level I served as lay leader and chair of the SPR Committee. I am also the cantor for our Sunday services. At the Conference level I served on the CCYM for over 20 years and currently I am the chair of the Petitions and Resolution Committee. At the Jurisdictional level I am past coordinator of the NEJCYM and currently the Communications Coordinator of the NEJ Mission of Peace.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

I believe in the direction that the United Methodist Church is taking to include all people in the ministries and sacraments of the church. I will work to make changes in the Discipline so that this belief can become reality.

Name: Sanjay Solomon
Address: 8 Terrace Dr Apalachin NY 13732
Phone number(s): 937-626-5247
Email address: sanjsol@aol.com
Occupation: Businessman (hotelier) & Accountant
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1970
Location of current UMC and District: Endwell United Methodist Church, Binghamton
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: I have participated actively in Endwell UMC, Endwell NY. Foundation UMC, Vestal NY. New Harvest Hispanic Church Utica, NY and Restauradores Minsterios at Endwell UMC.

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

I was part of the core team for a planter church, Foundation Church (UMC), Vestal NY. I was Communications Manager of the UMM for Upper NY Conference. Working hand in hand with the conference staff has enabled me to communicate more efficiently. Leading the planning and executing a Christian Retreat at Sky Lake in Windsor NY was challenging and exciting. The keynote speaker, Bishop James Swanson, Sr. of the Mississippi area and Bishop Mark Webb. Presently I lead the core team to start up Restauradores Minsterios at Endwell UMC. After four years of planning, gathering with the Hispanic community, the launch date has been set for July 15th, 2023. I am also currently the lay delegate of Endwell UMC for the past two years, before that was the equalization member to the Upper NY Conference. In the community currently, I serve on the Board of Directors of Broome County Council of Churches as Vice-Chairman and Vice-President of the Executive Committee. I have been asked to join the Board of Directors at Vestal Public Library as well RISE (comprehensive domestic violence services).

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

My roots of Methodism are from my parents. My dad was clergy in Western NY Conference. I am a devout and passionate UMC member. I want to use communication technology of the 21st century. To be an effective communicator I did get a religious communications degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton OH. I learned about the book of discipline and Roberts Rules of Orders from my father who retired as a Methodist Bishop. The commitment I would make as a delegate to the Jurisdictional/General Conference would be that I want to serve the UMC and use my skills. Helping our churches interact with God’s people from all backgrounds. I do want to mentor younger members to take my place so we have a continuity of progression in the UMC. This can only happen if we connect with our church leaders for guidance. The excitement is connectional ministry with churches and the relationship we can form with other religious groups and people. I know this is a calling of God to use my talents the Lord has given me to serve the UMC. This can happen with the Lord guiding me in everything I do.

Name: Cory Tylenda
Address: 69 Boulevard Parkway, Rochester, NY 14612
Phone number(s): 585-259-1325 (home), 585-465-2674 (cell)
Email address: corytylenda@gmail.com
Occupation: Sr. Manager, Business Continuity Management
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 1988
Location of current UMC and District: Asbury First United Methodist Church, Genessee Valley
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: Asbury First United Methodist Church

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

Throughout my UMC lifeline journey, I have sung in choirs, led the Stewardship Committee, served on the Finance committee, gardening committee, volunteered as an usher, supported technology initiatives, capital campaign committees and Church Council. As a teenager, I served as an active volunteer performing groundskeeping, janitorial, and maintenance tasks for the North Rose United Methodist Church. Additionally, I was involved in the youth group program, bible study groups and found myself attending Casowasco retreats numerous times. Currently, I am Secretary of the Governing Board (Board of Trustees) at Asbury First United Methodist Church, member of the Safety and Gardening Committees. Most importantly, I am a member of the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group at Asbury First and active member of the Rochester Pride Community.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

As a faithful United Methodist, I have always been in positions to advocate for the less fortunate, under-represented, the forgotten, and those who could not speak up for themselves. Faith through action by advocating for others is a foundation of our Church. My professional experience includes private industry, NYS politics, US Congress, not-for-profit collaborations, finance, and the utility sectors; all have provided me with unique insights that I can bring to this role and help our Church thrive. I am excited about this opportunity to serve you! I respectfully ask you to consider my candidacy and your vote. Thank you!

Name: Linda Zanke
Address: 841 Payne Ave, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Phone number(s): 716-523-0149
Email address: FunShipFan@yahoo.com
Occupation: Church Administrator
Year of initial membership in The United Methodist Church: 2007
Location of current UMC and District: Pendleton Center UMC, Niagara Frontier
United Methodist churches in which you have participated actively in the past four years: I occasionally sing at Amherst Trinity UMC but that is in addition to attending Pendleton Center UMC.

I will attend the NEJ Conference July 10-13; attend delegate meetings of the UNY Conference; commit the time needed to read and study the issues; pray for God's guidance in decision-making.

List your past and present responsibilities in The United Methodist Church (local church, district, Annual Conference, jurisdictional, and/or General Church):

I have been attending Pendleton Center UMC since 2006, a member since 2007. Since then I have been involved in many ways - bible studies, music ministries, altar care, etc. I also became a Certified Lay Minister in 2015. I have served on many teams at our church including Leadership Team, Finance Team and SPRC. I have attended several Annual Conferences, first as an Equalization Member and now as a Lay Leader of my church. I was also involved in our District Lay Servant Ministry Team where I was the Lay Servant Assistant. (Note - that was before I got married and changed my last name from Weatherall to Zanke.) I have always enjoyed serving in my local church and now feel ready to serve on a broader scale.

Share a statement (between 100—250 words and single‐spaced) as to why you are offering yourself as a candidate.

When I first saw that there was an opening for a delegate, I thought, "Okay, someone will do that." But then it kept coming back to my mind, sometimes when friends suggested I nominate myself and sometimes just out of the blue. I was a bit fearful because even though I have attended many Annual Conferences, I was not one to go up to the microphone often so I figured since people didn't know me, I probably wouldn't get many votes anyway. However, since it kept coming up, I had to wonder if I am being led to put myself out there and self-nominate. I have become quite familiar with the United Methodist Church over the years. I tend to process information internally and even though I may not say a lot in conversation, if I have something to say, I am not afraid to say it. I believe I am a good listener and am willing to put in the work to get all the information possible to make good decisions. Therefore, I am stepping out in faith for the position of delegate to the NE Jurisdictional Conference.

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The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church

events

2023 Laity Delegate Nominations