event
Christmas
December 25, 2026 — December 26, 2026
The Conference Office will be closed in observance of Christmas Decemeber 25-26.
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2026
The Conference Office will be closed on Christmas Eve.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
December 9, 2026 — December 10, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
December 8, 2026
Thanksgiving
November 26, 2026 — November 27, 2026
Conference Office will be closed on November 26-27 in obervance of Thanksgiving.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
November 10, 2026 — November 11, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
November 9, 2026
Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (3.5 hour basic training)
November 7, 2026 / 9:00am – 12:30pm
3.5 HOUR BASIC TRAININGS
(this training is for all clergy, and laity working with children, youth or vulnerable adults)
Saturday, November 7, 2026 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration Opens October 1, 2026 @ Midnight & Closes October 31, 2026 @ Midnight (no exceptions)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/MS2v2M8K13SXHDHY6
Basic ERT Training
October 17, 2026
Basic ERT Training:
October 17th at Clinton United Methodist Church from 9AM - 4PM (registration and more info to come)
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
October 13, 2026 — October 14, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
October 12, 2026
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
September 28, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
September 14, 2026 — September 17, 2026
Labor Day
September 7, 2026
The Conference Office will be closed in observance of Labor Day.
Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (Training of Trainers)
September 5, 2026 / 9:00am – 12:30pm
Training of Trainers - TOT
(this training is for anyone who would like to become a church or district Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the Upper New York Conference. Must havecompleted 3.5 hour basic Training prior to taking the TOT Training.)
Saturday, September 5, 2026 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration Opens August 1, 2026 @ Midnight & Closes August 29, 2026 @ Midnight (no exceptions)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/Np12v2GJ4zGmSi549
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
August 25, 2026
Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (3.5 hour basic training)
August 1, 2026 / 4:30pm – 5:30pm
3.5 HOUR BASIC TRAININGS
(this training is for all clergy, and laity working with children, youth or vulnerable adults)
Saturday, August 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12:30pm
Registration Opens July 1, 2026 @ Midnight & Closes July 25, 2026 @ Midnight (no exceptions)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/5J4WkQqn8QLEY7B69
Salt of the Earth Youth Mission
July 30, 2026 — August 2, 2026
Salt of the Earth Youth Mission:
July 30, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Location: Kenmore UMC
Contact: saltofearthmissions@gmail.com
More Information and Registration: Coming Soon
Cost: $100/youth and $75/adult leader
Independence Day (observed)
July 3, 2026
The Conference Office will be closed in observance of Independence Day.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
June 30, 2026
Juneteenth
June 19, 2026
June 19 commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. The Conference and Episcopal Offices will be closed on this day.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
June 10, 2026
Peace with Justice Sunday
May 31, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
May 27, 2026
Memorial Day
May 25, 2026
The Conference Office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Clergy Days Apart | Binghamton & Oneonta District (Resurrection/Pentecost)
May 20, 2026 Location: Sidney UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
Location: Sidney UMC
More information to follow
Clergy Days Apart | Northern Flow & Mohawk District (Resurrection/Pentecost)
May 19, 2026 Location: New Hartford UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
Location: New Hartford UMC
More information to follow
Local Pastor Licensing School
May 18, 2026 — May 24, 2026 More Information: Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
The 2026 Upper New York Local Pastor Licensing School (LPLS) will be May 18-24, 2026 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center. The Local Pastors Licensing School experience provides an opportunity to learn with other students about the basics of ministry. Approval of the District Superintendent is required for the student to attend this important milestone in becoming a Licensed Local Pastor.A registration link will be coming soon. Click here for more information and click here to register.
Clergy Days Apart | Cornerstone & Niagara Frontier (Resurrection/Pentecost)
May 14, 2026 Location: Springville First UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
Location: Springville First UMC
More information to follow
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
May 11, 2026
Basic ERT Training
May 9, 2026 / 9:00am – 4:00pm
Basic ERT Training:
May 9th at Christ United Methodist Church in Olean from 9AM - 4PM (registration and more info to come)
UNY Confirmation Rally 2026
May 2, 2026 / 10:00am – 3:00pm
Get ready for an inspiring and joy-filled day at Upper New York’s Glow & Grow Confirmation Rally! Confirmands and leaders from across Upper New York are invited to come together for worship, music, and meaningful connection on May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conference Center in Liverpool.
This year’s theme, “Claiming a Faith of Our Own,” invites youth to explore how God’s light shines in and through each of us as we continue to grow in faith.
This is a free event!
More details and registration information will be available soon. For questions, please contact Jordan Osborne, Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence, at jordanosborne@unyumc.org.
Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (3.5 hour basic training)
May 2, 2026 / 9:00am – 12:30pm
3.5 HOUR BASIC TRAININGS
(this training is for all clergy, and laity working with children, youth or vulnerable adults)
Saturday, May 2, 2026 9am - 12:30pm
Registration Opens April 1, 2026 @ Midnight & Closes April 25, 2026 @ Midnight (no exceptions)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/jtUQiYYH6GRAoMEm7
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
April 28, 2026 — April 29, 2026
Clergy Days Apart | Crossroads & Finger Lakes District (Resurrection/Pentecost)
April 22, 2026 Location: Auburn UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
Location: Auburn UMC
More information to follow
Mentor Training at Geneseo United Methodist Church
April 21, 2026 / 10:00am – 3:30pm Location: Geneseo United Methodist Church Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) More Information: LINK
One of the strengths of the UMC connection is our mentoring candidates for ministry. Mentoring offers support, a sounding board, and guidance for those discerning their call and going into ministry. It also offers the mentors new ideas and eyes to see ministry afresh. This training supports mentors for ministry candidates, clergy mentors for Local Pastors who have not completed Course of Study and mentors for Provisional Members preparing for Ordination. Current mentors, all ordained clergy and all LLPs who have finished course of study are encouraged to participate. Lunch will be provided. Register by 4-1-26.
Register here
Native American Ministries Sunday
April 19, 2026
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
April 14, 2026 — April 16, 2026
Good Friday
April 3, 2026
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Conference and Episcopal Offices will be closed on this day.
Mentor Training at Saratoga Springs UMC
March 25, 2026 / 10:00am – 3:30pm Location: Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) More Information: LINK
One of the strengths of the UMC connection is our mentoring candidates for ministry. Mentoring offers support, a sounding board, and guidance for those discerning their call and going into ministry. It also offers the mentors new ideas and eyes to see ministry afresh. This training supports mentors for ministry candidates, clergy mentors for Local Pastors who have not completed Course of Study and mentors for Provisional Members preparing for Ordination. Current mentors, all ordained clergy and all LLPs who have finished course of study are encouraged to participate. Lunch will be provided. Register by 3-8-26.
Register here
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
March 23, 2026 — March 25, 2026
Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously
March 21, 2026 / 10:00am – 11:30am
Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously Webinar
These opportunities invite clergy and laity to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the future of our Church. Participants may send questions in advance and recordings will be available afterward.
Click here to register.
UMCOR Sunday
March 15, 2026
Deacon Retreat of the Susquehanna and Upper NY Conferences
March 13, 2026 — March 14, 2026
The Orders of Deacons of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences invite all Deacons—discerning, Provisional, Full Connection, and retired—to a joint retreat on March 13–14, 2026 at Liverpool First UMC. This gathering will offer meaningful fellowship, Saturday worship with Holy Communion, and two focused sessions exploring Sacramental Authority, building a system of support for the Order, and the evolving role of Deacons across the denomination. Registration is $50, with group-rate lodging available at Staybridge Suites. RSVP to jordanosborne@unyumc.org and join in this time of renewal, connection, and shared ministry.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
March 10, 2026 — March 12, 2026
AI 101 Webinar with Jason Moore
March 9, 2026 / 7:00pm – 8:30pm Location: Zoom Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New to AI or ready for a refresher? Join Jason Moore on March 9 from 7–8:30 p.m. for an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence and its practical applications in ministry. This foundational session will help you understand what AI can (and can’t) do, explore ethical and faithful use, and discover simple ways to begin integrating AI into your daily work.
Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (Training of Trainers)
March 7, 2026 / 9:00am – 12:30pm
Training of Trainers - TOT
(this training is for anyone who would like to become a church or district Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the Upper New York Conference. Must havecompleted 3.5 hour basic Training prior to taking the TOT Training.)
Saturday, March 7, 2026 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration Opens February 1, 2026 @ Midnight & Closes February 28, 2026 @ Midnight (no exceptions)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/3UsK3GLmn6dLb64h6
UMVIM Team Leader Training Part 4
February 24, 2026 / 7:00pm – 8:30pm
This four-week training is geared toward anyone who would like to lead teams on mission journeys and/or anyone who needs a refresher training. This training is broken up into 4 ninety-minute sessions the dates and times provided. Participants must attend all trainings.
Participants are encouraged to read the Team Leader Handbook. Click here to download.
This training will focus on theology of mission, the UMC connectional structure, practical advice for leading a team, and mission travel.
Trainers are the UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinators.. Minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants will be needed for the training.
Click here to register.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
February 24, 2026 — February 25, 2026
Wesleyan Mission: Serve Joyfully Webinar
February 21, 2026 / 10:00am – 11:30am
Wesleyan Mission: Serve Joyfully Webinar
These opportunities invite clergy and laity to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the future of our Church. Participants may send questions in advance and recordings will be available afterward.
Click here to register.
Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (3.5 hour basic training)
February 21, 2026 / 9:00am – 12:30pm
3.5 HOUR BASIC TRAININGS
(this training is for all clergy, and laity working with children, youth or vulnerable adults)
Saturday, February 21, 2026 9am - 12:30pm
Registration Opens January 14, 2026 @ Midnight & Closes February 14, 2026 @ Midnight (no exceptions)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/WPTnJphKgHW5hSSbA
UMVIM Team Leader Training part 3
February 17, 2026 / 7:00pm – 8:30pm
This four-week training is geared toward anyone who would like to lead teams on mission journeys and/or anyone who needs a refresher training. This training is broken up into 4 ninety-minute sessions the dates and times provided. Participants must attend all trainings.
Participants are encouraged to read the Team Leader Handbook. Click here to download.
This training will focus on theology of mission, the UMC connectional structure, practical advice for leading a team, and mission travel.
Trainers are the UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinators.. Minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants will be needed for the training.
Click here to register.
Presidents’ Day
February 16, 2026
The Conference Office will be closed in observance of Presidents' Day.
Clergy Days Apart | Crossroads & Finger Lakes District (Pre-Lent)
February 11, 2026 / 9:30am – 2:30pm Location: Fayetteville UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) More Information: LINK
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
On Wednesday, February 11th, Crossroads & Finger Lakes District pastoral leaders are invited to gather at Fayetteville UMC for a Clergy Day Apart. Our day will begin with gathering and refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the day will conclude around 2:30 p.m. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided. Please note any dietary restrictions below.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jordan Osborne, Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence, at jordanosborne@unyumc.org.
Crossroads & Finger Lakes District
- Pre-Lent, 2/11/2026 at Fayetteville UMC
- Resurrection/Pentecost, 4/22/2026 at Auburn UMC
Sermon Design with AI Support with Jason Moore
February 10, 2026 / 7:00pm – 8:30pm Location: Zoom Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Join Jason Moore on February 10 from 7–8:30 p.m. for a practical, ministry-focused webinar exploring how AI can support sermon design. Learn ways to spark creativity, strengthen structure, and save time—while staying grounded in your voice, theology, and pastoral context. Whether you’re curious or cautious about AI, this session offers thoughtful tools you can use right away.
Clergy Days Apart | Northern Flow & Mohawk District (Pre-Lent)
February 10, 2026 / 9:30am – 2:30pm Location: New Hartford UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) More Information: LINK
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
On Tuesday, February 10th, Northern Flow & Mohawk District pastoral leaders are invited to gather at New Hartford UMC for a Clergy Day Apart. Our day will begin with gathering and refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the day will conclude around 2:30 p.m. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided. Please note any dietary restrictions below.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jordan Osborne at jordanosborne@unyumc.org.
Northern Flow & Mohawk District
- Pre-Lent, 2/10/2026 at New Hartford UMC
- Resurrection/Pentecost, 5/19/2026 at New Hartford UMC
Clergy Days Apart | Binghamton & Oneonta District (Pre-Lent)
February 10, 2026 / 9:30am – 2:30pm Location: Chenango Bridge UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) More Information: LINK
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
On Tuesday, February 10th, Binghamton & Oneonta District pastoral leaders are invited to gather at Chenango Bridge UMC for a Clergy Day Apart. Our day will begin with gathering and refreshments at 9:30 AM. Worship will begin at 10:00 AM and the day will conclude around 2:30 PM. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided. Please note any dietary restrictions below.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jordan Osborne, Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence, at jordanosborne@unyumc.org.
Binghamton & Oneonta District
- Pre-Lent, 2/10/2026 at Chenango Bridge UMC
- Resurrection/Pentecost, 5/20/2026 at Sidney UMC
Clergy Days Apart | Cornerstone & Niagara Frontier District (Pre-Lent)
February 10, 2026 / 9:30am – 2:30pm Location: Springville First UMC Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) More Information: LINK
Clergy Days Apart are offered across the Conference to provide pastoral leaders with time and space to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. Our prayer is that this time allows leaders to reconnect with their own spiritual center and draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love.
On Tuesday, February 10th, Cornerstone & Niagara Frontier District pastoral leaders are invited to gather at Springville First UMC for a Clergy Day Apart. Our day will begin with gathering and refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the day will conclude around 2:30 p.m. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided. Please note any dietary restrictions below.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jordan Osborne, Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence, at jordanosborne@unyumc.org.
Cornerstone & Niagara Frontier
- Pre-Lent, 2/10/2026 at Springville First UMC
- Resurrection/Pentecost, 5/14/2026 at Springville First UMC
UMVIM Team Leader Training part 2
February 10, 2026
This four-week training is geared toward anyone who would like to lead teams on mission journeys and/or anyone who needs a refresher training. This training is broken up into 4 ninety-minute sessions the dates and times provided. Participants must attend all trainings.
Participants are encouraged to read the Team Leader Handbook. Click here to download.
This training will focus on theology of mission, the UMC connectional structure, practical advice for leading a team, and mission travel.
Trainers are the UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinators.. Minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants will be needed for the training.
Click here to register.
Camping Sunday
February 8, 2026
Join United Methodists across Upper New York in celebrating the life-changing work of our Camp & Retreat Ministries on Sunday, February 8. Congregations are encouraged to highlight these vital ministries during worship and receive a special offering to support camp scholarships, making our programs accessible to all. Click here to make a donation.
Saving Grace Financial Training
February 4, 2026
Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a six-session small group curriculum held via Zoom that addresses saving, earning, giving, spending, and debt. The course is led by the Rev. Susan Ranous, an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, a Certified Public Accountant, who specializes in clergy tax, church finance and stewardship. There is no cost to clergy to enroll. The next Saving Grace training is planned for February 4, February 11, February 18, February 25, March 4, and March 11, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Click here to register.
UMVIM Team Leader Training
February 3, 2026 / 7:00pm – 8:30pm
This four-week training is geared toward anyone who would like to lead teams on mission journeys and/or anyone who needs a refresher training. This training is broken up into 4 ninety-minute sessions the dates and times provided. Participants must attend all trainings.
Participants are encouraged to read the Team Leader Handbook. Click here to download.
This training will focus on theology of mission, the UMC connectional structure, practical advice for leading a team, and mission travel.
Trainers are the UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinators.. Minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants will be needed for the training.
Click here to register.
SUS & UNY Appointive Cabinet
February 3, 2026 — February 5, 2026
SUS & UNY Missional Cabinet
February 2, 2026
Women’s History in the UMC
January 31, 2026 / 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Join us for Women’s History in the UMC, a special afternoon with Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the UMC General Commission on Archives and History and author of Nevertheless, American Methodists and Women’s Rights. Dr. Boggan will share insights from her work and explore the vital role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping our Church.
This free event, sponsored by UNY Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW), will take place via Zoom. Registrants will receive the link prior to the event.
All are welcome to learn, reflect, and be inspired!
Wesleyan Theology: Love Boldly Webinar
January 24, 2026 / 10:00am – 11:30am
Wesleyan Theology: Love Boldly Webinar
These opportunities invite clergy and laity to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the future of our Church. Participants may send questions in advance and recordings will be available afterward.
Click here to register.