Close X
  • Our Focus
  • Home
  • About
  • Ministries
  • Missions
  • Events
  • News
  • Resources
  • Our Focus
    X

    Translate

    Close

    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    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

    2026 Leadership Gathering

    October 20, 2026 — October 24, 2026

    The Council of Bishops is hosting a Leadership Gathering in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from October 20-24, 2026 in place of a Special Session of General Conference. This gathering will bring together bishops, church leaders, clergy, laypersons, and key representatives from across the connectional church to discern, dream, and co‑create the future direction of The United Methodist Church. Click here to learn more.

    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 Missions: Neighborly Love Never Falls Short

    July 30, 2026 — August 2, 2026 Location: Kenmore UMC More Information: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/CCYM/event/saltoftheearthmissions26/

    Salt of the Earth Missions: Neighborly Love Never Falls Short is an exciting opportunity for youth, who have completed grades 6–12 to spend intentional time together this summer serving, learning, and growing in their relationship with God and others. Grounded in Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19), this weekend invites young people to live out their faith through hands-on service, meaningful worship, and authentic community.

    Adult chaperones for each group are fully resposible for the youth they are bringing to the event. This includes behavior, maintaining your church's Safe Sanctuary policies, supervision, and transportation throughout the weekend. All programatic elements - service opportunities, food, worship, and sleeping arangements - will be provided by CCYM and Upper New York Missional Excellence.

    Quick Overview: 

    Date: July 30 - August 2
    Cost: $100/youth and $75/adult leader
    Host Church: Kenmore United Methodist Church
    Food: Meals provided by area churches. Groups encouraged to bring snacks to share!
    Worship: Each day will include time set aside to worship together in unique ways. Before the weekend concludes, your group will have a special time to worship on Sunday morning with the host chruch. 

    Click here to register.

    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

    Annual Conference 2026

    May 28, 2026 — May 30, 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

    ERT Basic Training at Christ UMC

    May 9, 2026 / 9:00am – 4:00pm

    A basic Early Response Team training, hosted by Upper New York Disaster Response, is planned for May 9 from 9 a.m. ntil 4 p.m. at Christ UMC in Olean. Click here to register.

    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. 

    Register here.

    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.


    United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of a vibrant network of more than 600 local churches and active new faith communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."