events
2026 Annual Conference
The 2026 Annual Conference for United Methodists of Upper New York is scheduled for May 28-30 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. More information about the event is to follow.
About the theme and logo
Petitions & Resolutions
Pre-Conference Briefings
Speakers
Offerings
RISE UP!
Love Boldly | Transform the World
Matthew 22:36–40
The 2026 Annual Conference session marks the beginning of a three‑year journey into embodied discipleship—a season of renewal that calls us not only to deepen what we believe, but to more fully live out what we proclaim.
Guided by Love Boldly, the first movement of the newly adopted Vision Statement of the United Methodist Church, this year’s theme invites us to rise with passion, clarity, and courage. It is a call to step forward—together—into a faith that is visible, practiced, and transformative.
Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36–40, we are inviting our disciples, leaders, and congregations to Rise Up and Love Boldly:
- to grow in deeper love for Christ,
- and to stretch into wider love for our neighbors.
The 2026 logo visually embodies this invitation. Its rising arc and upward movement symbolize growth, momentum, and hope. The warm rays suggest awakening and possibility, while the strong foundation grounds us in the central call to love—love God and love our neighbor.
This is more than a theme. It is a summons to spiritual renewal and a renewed sense of mission in this new era of United Methodism. Together, we will begin to articulate our shared how for ministry across the region: how we live, how we serve, and how we lead in ways that reflect the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ.
As we rise in deeper love for Christ and reach into wider love for neighbor, we move toward nothing less than a revolution of love—one capable of transforming hearts, communities, the Church, and the world.
RISE UP. Love Boldly. Transform the World.
To equip you for bold, informed engagement at Annual Conference, eight in-person 90-minute briefing sessions are taking place across Upper New York. These gatherings will prepare clergy and lay members for critical conversations and decisions at our May 28-30 gathering in Syracuse.
What You'll Hear:
- Updates from the Upper New York Conference’s Visioning Task Force on the future direction of our conference.
- Key recommendations from administrative teams with financial implications for local churches, including:
- Commission on Equitable Compensation
- Council on Finance and Administration
- Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits
Format: Presentation followed by Q&A
When & Where: Three weekends in April and May — attend the location most convenient to you:
April 25
10-11:30 a.m. Watertown: First UMC, 236 Mullin Street, Watertown, NY 13601
5-6:30 p.m. Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
April 26
2-3:30 p.m. Clifton Park: Shenendehowa UMC, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065
May 2
10-11:30 a.m. Olean: Christ UMC, 633 Linwood Ave, Olean, NY 14760
2-3:30 p.m. Pendleton Center UMC, 6864 Campbell Blvd, N Tonawanda, NY 14120
7-8:30 p.m. Rochester: Asbury First UMC, 1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607
May 3
2-3:30 p.m. Conference Office: 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088
May 16
2-3:30 p.m. Endwell UMC:3301 Watson Boulevard, Endwell, NY 13760
Petitions & Resolutions
The submission form for petitions and resolutions to the 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference is now closed. The due was March 1 for inclusion in the 2026 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook. Submissions received after the deadline will be posted on the conference website, and will not appear in the workbook.
For assistance with the submission process, please contact Jordan Osborne at jordanosborne@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2013.
Bishop Delores J. Williamston is the Ordination speaker. In her episcopal role, she provides spiritual leadership to the Louisiana Conference and serves the wider church, including as President of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women and liaison to the Disabilities Ministries Committee. She is also on the board of Strengthen the Black Church for the 21st Century. Before her episcopal ministry, she served churches in Kansas and held leadership roles including district superintendent and Director of Clergy Excellence/Assistant to the Bishop in the Great Plains Conference. She is a 22-year veteran of the Kansas Army National Guard and a breast cancer survivor.
Ken Willard is the 2026 UNY Annual Conference study leader. Ken is a professional Christian leadership coach, author, and church consultant whose mission is to equip God’s people to expand God’s Kingdom. He has over a decade of experience coaching pastors and church leaders and consulting with churches, districts, and annual conferences nationwide. In 2018, he joined the West Virginia Conference as Director of Faith Communities ReNEWal. Ken has authored multiple books for church leaders, including Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People, and emphasizes Christ-centered strategic thinking, leadership development, continuous learning, and encouragement in his work.
The Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Superintendent of the Adirondack and Albany Districts, is the 2026 UNY Annual Conference Memorial Service speaker. Prior to serving in this role, she served several Upper New York churches, including Salem UMC, West Hebron UMC, and Cambridge UMC. Rev. Earthrowl considers it a privilege to walk alongside congregations and communities as they seek to welcome all, grow in faith and discipleship, and bear witness to God’s abundant grace and mercy. She values the deep sense of belonging that faith communities foster and is grateful for the ways God continues to call and equip people for ministry in particular places, drawing on the unique gifts each person brings to God’s mission.
Three offerings will be collected at Annual Conference this year:
- Opening Worship: Engage Fund is designed to help nurture young people, serve them, and serve alongside them—including the Buffalo 10 Scholarship, Mission of Peace, and other national and international experiences.
- Clergy Session: Clergy Care Fund assists clergy in need of financial support.
- Laity Session: Helping Hands Fund assists 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.