events
2025 Annual Conference
The 2025 Annual Conference for United Methodists of Upper New York is planned for May 22-24, 2025, at the OnCenter in downtown Syracuse. Click here to read more about the decision to hold the gathering on these dates.
Register now by clicking here. To be excused, click here and submit the form.
About the theme and logo
Workbook
Speakers
View Agenda
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.
The 2025 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook will be available on April 15 here.
Meet this year's speakers
Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. of the Central and North Texas Conferences will deliver 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, will lead 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 pastor/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, will deliver the message during the memorial service as United Methodists of Upper New York remember clergy and clergy spouses who died in the last year.
Click here to download a copy of the daily schedule of events during UNYAC25.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
8:30 AM Check-in/Registration opens
10:00 AM Opening Worship
11:30 AM Lunch
11:30 AM Extension Ministry luncheon (Invitation Only)
1:00 PM Clergy & Laity Sessions
2:30 PM Break
3:00 PM Business/ Plenary
5:00 PM Dinner
5:00 PM Retiree/Ordinands Dinner (Invitation Only)
6:00 PM Check-in/Registration closes for the day.
7:00 PM Business/ Plenary
9:00 PM Rehearsal for Commissioning/ Ordination Service
Friday, May 23, 2025
7:30 AM Check-in/Registration opens
8:30 AM Praise and Worship
9:00 AM Episcopal Address
10:00 AM Break
10:30 AM Memorial Service
11:30 AM Lunch
11:30 AM Memorial Service Family Luncheon (Invitation Only)
1:00 PM Learning Session
2:00 PM Business/ Plenary
3:00 PM Break
3:30 PM Business/ Plenary
5:00 PM Dinner
5:00 PM Check-in/Registration closes for the day.
7:00 PM Celebration of Ministry, Commissioning & Ordination Service
Saturday, May 24, 2025
8:30 AM Praise and Worship
9:00 AM Leadership Address
9:45 AM Break
10:00 AM Business/ Plenary
12:00 PM Closing Worship – Service of Passage & Reading of Appointments
1:00 PM Adjourn