news

2020-2021 Clergy Appointments

Clergy in The United Methodist Church are individuals who serve as elders, deacons, commissioned ministers, and local pastors under appointment of a bishop (full and part-time), who hold membership in an annual conference, and who are commissioned, ordained or licensed. 

Wondering how clergy appointments are made? Click here to read about the process!

June 9, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Mohawk

• Carol Jubenville as a retired local pastor to Oriskany Falls and Bouckville UMC’s effective June 1, 2021.

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Cornerstone

• Michael Childs as an elder of another denomination to Falconer UMC in addition to his current appointment at Lakewood UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Deborah Westcott as a part-time local pastor to Fentonville UMC and Frewsburg: Wheeler Hill UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Genesee Valley

• Ann Robinson as a retired elder to Warsaw: First and Warsaw: Immanuel UMC’s in addition to her current appointment at Nunda UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• David West as a part-time local pastor to Perryville/Peterboro UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Mountain View

• Richard C. Hurd as a retired local pastor to Caton UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Bernard “Chip” Possee as a retired local pastor to Presho & Addison UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Niagara Frontier

• Deborah Coatsworth as a provisional deacon to Elma UMC as Director of Christiane Education & Youth Ministries/Spiritual Care effective July 1, 2021.

Northern Flow

• Sally Buyea as a retired local pastor to Lake Ontario Parish effective July 1, 2021.
• Joseph Auslander as a retired local pastor to Dexter/Brownville UMCs effective July 1, 2021.

Oneonta

• Maryellen Moore as a part-time local pastor to Warnerville in addition to her current appointment to Middleburgh and Huntersland UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

May 26, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Genesee Valley

• Betty Jiles as a part-time local pastor to Churchville UMC effective May 17, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Finger Lakes

• Charles Valentine to Seneca Castle UMC in addition to his current appointment at Aloquin-Flint UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Bobbie Valentine to Lyons UMC in addition to her current appointment at Sodus: Third UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• Robbin Harris as a full-time local pastor to Maynard/Sauquoit/West Schuyler UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Oneonta

• John Buddle as a full-time local pastor to Oneonta: Elm Park and Otego UMCs effective July 1, 2021.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements July 1, 2021 pending approval of clergy session:

• Jeff Long

May 12, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Adirondack

• Bruce Hazard as a retired local pastor to Lake Luzerne and Fortsville UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.
• Debra Peacock as a retired local pastor to Hartford UMC in addition to her current appointments at Argyle UMC and West Hebron UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Carol Finke as a retired local pastor to Hartford UMC in addition to her current appointment at Shushan UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Richard Weihing as a full elder as coordinating pastor to South Corinth UMC in addition to his current appointments at Glens Falls: Christ Church and coordinating pastor at Wells UMC and Lake George First UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Cornerstone

• Craig Buelow as a full-time local pastor to Wellsville UMC 50% in addition to his current appointment at Northern KonXions UMC 50% effective July 1, 2021.

Crossroads

• Nathanael E. Lange as a full-time local pastor to Fayetteville UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Mountain View

• Michael Kelly as a part-time local pastor to Odessa-Catharine UMC and Montour Falls UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Oneonta

• Anna Blinn Cole as a full elder to Cobleskill UMC full time effective July 1, 2021 in addition to remaining coordinating pastor at Barnerville, Richmondville, and Sharon Springs UMCs.

April 28, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Mountain View

• Mark Erway as a retired local pastor to Pine City: Pennsylvania Avenue UMC effective April 21, 2021.

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Adirondack

• Kimberly Stevens Townsend as a part-time local pastor to Bolton Landing: Emmanuel UMC effective July 1, 201.

Binghamton

• JeaHyun Kook as a full elder to Union Center/Wesley UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Genesee Valley

• Gary Kubitz as a full elder to Greece UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Niagara Frontier

• Matthew Stengel as a full elder to Kenmore UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Northern Flow

• Nancy Hale as a full elder to Bald Eagle Valley Community UMC & Milesburg UMC in the State College District, Susquehanna Conference effective July 1, 2021.
• Brett Johnson as a provisional elder to Canton UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements July 1, 2021 pending approval of clergy session:

• Sheila Price
• Gary Spraker
• Heather Allport-Cohoon

April 14, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• Peter Mowers as a full-time local pastor to Lee Center/Point Rock and Taberg UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Oneonta

• Mary Rublee as a full elder to Norwich: Broad Street UMC effective July 1, 2021.

March 31, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Adirondack

• Richard Weihing as coordinating pastor at Wells UMC effective March 22, 2021 in addition to his current appointments.

Albany

• James Knapp as coordinating pastor at Petersburgh UMC in addition to his current appointment at Pittstown & Johnsonville UMC’s effective March 18, 2021.

Mountain View

• Bernard “Chip” Possee as a retired local pastor to Presho UMC effective March 1, 2021.
• Richard Hurd as a retired local pastor to Caton UMC effective March 1, 2021.

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Albany

• Pastor Lori Buno-Taylor as a full-time local pastor to Averill Park: Church of the Covenant effective July 1, 2021.

Binghamton

• Corey Turnpenny as a full elder less than full time to Church in the Wild effective July 1, 2021.

Finger Lakes

• Daniel Martin as a full-time local pastor to Moravia: Christ UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Donna Taylor Martin as a part time local pastor to Auburn UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Genesee Valley

• Rachel Dupont as a full elder to Asbury First UMC as minister of Christian Formation and director of the Discipleship Project effective July 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• Bryant Clark as a provisional elder to Oneida: First UMC in addition to his current appointments at Hamilton: Park and Waterville UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.
• David McKinney as a full elder to First UMC of New Hartford effective July 1, 2021.

Oneonta

• Jongdeok Park as a full elder to Delanson UMC in addition to his current appointment at Esperance-Sloansville and Gallupville UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Northern Flow

• Cori Louden as a full-time local pastor to Massena: First UMC effective July 1, 2021.

March 17, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Cornerstone

• Craig Buelow is appointed as a full-time local pastor ¾ time to Northern KonXions UMC in addition to his current appointment ¼ time at Caneadea effective April 1, 2021.

Mountain View

• Virginia Pantle is appointed as a part-time local pastor to Chemung/Wilawana UMC’s effective March 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• Mark Hediger is appointed as a part-time local pastor to Middleville, Salisbury Center/Stratford UMC’s effective March 8, 2021.

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Albany

• Bradley Chesebro as a full-time local pastor to Gloversville: Foothills UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Nicholas Bufano as an elder from the Baltimore-Washington Conference to Newtonville UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Binghamton

• Amy Winnie as a full-time local pastor to Whitney Point UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• Sherry Mahar as a provisional elder to Delta and Rome: First UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements July 1, 2021 pending approval of clergy session:

• Timothy Middleton, Sr.
• Sonya Mauser
• Cathy Fox

March 3, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Adirondack

• Phillip Richards as a full elder to Champlain: Three Steeples UMC in addition to his current appointment at Plattsburgh UMC effective February 1, 2021.
• Robert Basom to Morrisonville UMC effective February 1, 2021.

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Finger Lakes

• Rebekah Sweet as a full elder to Ithaca: St. Paul’s UMC effective July 1, 2021.
• Robyn Hays as a full elder to Dryden UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Northern Flow

• Melissa McCarthy as a Provisional Elder to Pulaski: Park UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of clergy session:

• Lawrence Lake effective March 1, 2021
• Richard Demers to Retired Honorable Location effective May 1, 2021
• Glynn English effective July 1, 2021
• Sundar Samuel effective July 1, 2021
• Sally Buyea effective July 1, 2021
• Paul Rowley effective July 1, 2021

February 17, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Mountain View

• Grace Warren as a provisional elder to Hammondsport UMC effective July 1, 2021.

February 3, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference intend to make the following appointments, effective July 1, 2021.

Adirondack

• Steven Smith as a full elder to Queensbury UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Mohawk

• Brian Lothridge as a provisional elder to transitional leave effective July 1, 2021.

Finger Lakes

• Teressa McConnell Sivers as a full elder to Personal Leave of Absence effective July 1, 2021.

Genesee Valley

• Beth Malone as a full-time local pastor to Geneseo UMC effective July 1, 2021.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of clergy session:

• Roselyn Kingsbury effective January 20, 2021
• Sylvia Barrett effective April 30, 2021
• Sue Acker effective July 1, 2021
• Joseph Auslander effective July 1, 2021
• James Brand effective July 1, 2021
• Pamela Carey effective July 1, 2021
• Keith Griswold effective July 1, 2021
• David Hays effective July 1, 2021
• Bruce Hazard effective July 1, 2021
• Bonnie LeValley effective July 1, 2021
• Jeffrey A. Matthews effective July 1, 2021
• Brooke Newell effective July 1, 2021
• Ruth Reppert effective July 1, 2021
• Joseph Sellepack effective July 1, 2021
• Jeff Stratton effective July 1, 2021
• Eileen Susan Wenner effective July 1, 2021
• Debra L. Wollaber effective July 1, 2021

January 13, 2021

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Albany

• Amy Winnie as a part-time local pastor to Melrose UMC in addition to her appointment at Round Lake UMC effective January 1, 2021.

Crossroads

• Deborah O’Connor-Slater as a retired elder to Fayetteville UMC effective November 8, 2020.
• Guerschom Saint Ange as a part-time local pastor to Minetto UMC effective December 1, 2020.

Cornerstone

• John Dedloff as part-time local pastor to Ellington UMC in addition to his current appointments at Cherry Creek-Leon and Conewango Valley UMC’s effective November 1, 2020.
• Carmen Perry as a full elder to extension ministry as Chaplain at Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care effective January 1, 2021.

Genesee Valley

• Daniel Finch as a retired elder to Wayland UMC effective January 1, 2021.
• Margaret Morin as a retired local pastor to Kendall UMC in addition to her appointment to Rochester: Asbury First UMC effective January 1, 2021.
• James Heiler as a part-time local pastor to West Barre UMC in addition to his current appointment at Carlton UMC effective January 1, 2021.

Mountain View

• Donald R Hoff as a retired elder to continue at Elmira: Westside UMC effective 10/1/2020 – June 30, 2021.
• Stephen Crowell, Sr. is appointed as a full elder, full time to KonXions UMC effective January 1, 2021.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of clergy session:

• Robert DeFelice effective January 1, 2021
• Timothy Phelps effective January 1, 2021
• Adrienne Phillips effective July 1, 2021
• Thomas Hester effective July 1, 2021
• Moon Ho Kim effective July 1, 2021
• Wilfredo Juan Ricardo Baez effective July 1, 2021
• Cynthia Wenzinger effective July 1, 2021

October 23, 2020

Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce the following ad interim appointments. 

Adirondack

• Hannah Mudge as a part-time local pastor to Whitehall and West Fort Ann UMC’s effective August 24, 2020.
• Rebekah Solar as a part-time local pastor to Harkness/Keeseville UMC’s effective September 15, 2020.

Crossroads

• Joseph Kim as a full elder as coordinator pastor at Onativia in addition to his current appointment at Manlius UMC and coordinating pastor at Borodino UMC effective August 1, 2020.

Finger Lakes

• Diane Walker as a retired elder to Amazing Grace Parish effective October 11, 2020.

Genesee Valley

• Margaret Morin as a retired local pastor to Kendall UMC in addition to her current appointment at Rochester: Asbury First UMC effective September 6, 2020.
• Andrew Pollock as a full elder to Williamson and Pultneyville UMC’s effective November 1, 2020.
• Mia Richardson as a part-time local pastor to Avon UMC effective October 26, 2020.

Niagara Frontier

• Stephen Mannion as a part-time local pastor to Lancaster: Faith & Orchard Park: Emmanuel UMC’s effective July 31, 2020.

Mohawk

• Robert Lindsay as a retired local pastor to West Schuyler UMC effective July 9, 2020.

Mountain View

• Nicole Eaton as a part-time local pastor to Pine City: Pennsylvania Avenue UMC effective October 1, 2020.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of clergy session:

• Inell Claypool effective September 1, 2020
• G. Ewart Morris effective November 1, 2020
• David Masland effective January 1, 2021
• Holly Coty effective January 1, 2021