news

2024 Appointments

After the prayerful discernment of the UNY cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2024.

New appointments will be announced on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

April 24, 2024

Becky Richards is appointed to Troy: Pawling Avenue UMC in addition to her current appointment at Albany: Trinity UMC effective July 1, 2024

Rev. Teressa M. Sivers is appointed to Central UMC in Endicott, NY effective July 1, 2024.

Greetings. My name is Teressa (McConnell) Sivers. I entered ministry in 1994, volunteering in several ministries at a large congregation in Baton Rouge, LA. My first career was in social work, focused on older adults and mental health disabilities. I attended seminary at Duke University and served churches in the former Wyoming Conference before the merger into the Upper NY Conference. I have a passion for preaching and worship, pastoral care, study, contemplative practicies and social justice. I chaired the Taskforce on Dismantling Racism, which was renamed Imagine No Racism. I have experience and training in working with people with disabilities of all ages, all types of disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness. I developed a collaborative team of faith communities and community service nonprofits to develop a nonprofit program to facilitate accessing resources and emergency assistance called Caring Connections.

I am married with two adult children. My husband, Doug, is a nurse practitioner. My daughter is married and lives and works in Maryland. My son is a recent college graduate, living and working in Charlotte, NC. I am originally from Mansfield, PA, where my parents and my sister and her husband still live.

Rev. C.J. Rolle is appointed to Buffalo: Lincoln Memorial UMC effective July 1, 2024

Lamentations 3:22
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end.”

Pastor C.J. Rolle started his ministry at a very young age. He accepted the Lord at an early age. His ministry consists of spreading the gospel to a lost generation. Pastor C.J. has served in many capacities in the Church. He has served as church organist, choir director, and now elevated to the office of pastor. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from the Eastman School. Pastor Rolle also holds a certificate in Early Childhood and a Masters in Educational Leadership. He is currently serving as a school administrator where he is making a difference in the lives of students and families.

Pastor C.J. Rolle is married to Dr. Danielle Tucker-Rolle and is the father of five children.

Rev. Nick Perry is appointed to Kenmore UMC effective July 1, 2024.

I am the parent of Nathan and Nadia and the spouse to the Rev. Carmen Perry. When I am not reminding my family to "turn off the lights" when they leave a room, I am torturing them with my subpar guitar skills. I enjoy a well-written footnote in a commentary or an insight that deepens my appreciation of Scripture. In my foolishness I lend my support to the Philadelphia Flyers and Cleveland Browns. My favorite season is autumn and non-liturgical color is orange. My interests in ministry meet at the intersection of the church and the academy. My mission is to help people grow in their relationship with the Triune God and to dive into the robust nature of the Christian Faith.

The capacity of my heart to love has been forever expanded by the congregations and people of the: Murvaul and St. Andrews (Texas Annual Conference), Williamsville, Bowmansville, Alden, Deposit, Hale Eddy, Ashville, Lakewood, and Westfield United Methodist Churches.

Brandilynn Craver to Sidney UMC effective July 1, 2024

I received my first pastoral appointment in 2007 and completed my MDiv at United Theological Seminary in 2013. Some of my gifts for ministry are spiritual formation, small group development, assisting people in identifying their spiritual gifts and encouraging them to employ those gifts as an expression of God’s love in the world. I have an abiding trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and maintain a deep sense of hope for the future. My husband and I have two adult children. We enjoy walking in nature, disc golfing, and kayaking.

April 17, 2024

Rev. Justin Hood is appointed to Shenendehowa UMC effective July 1, 2024

Driven by the call on my life to serve God through pastoral leadership, I firmly believe that humanity’s only hope in an often divisive world is Jesus Christ. As a church leader, I emphasize the importance of the congregation’s role in the greater community, strong children, youth, small group and music ministries, missional alignment, and worship experiences that glorify God in an engaging and relevant manner.

As a Seminary graduate of the Boston University School of Theology, with a focus on Ethical Leadership, I deepened my understanding of faith in action. As a pastor, I have used this missional focus to create ministries such as the Skaneateles Storks Diaper Bank, New Faith Communities geared toward children and youth outreach, the Loads of Love Laundry Mission, and many other programs that live out the Great Commission. I am committed to nurturing Christ-centered faith communities that reflect God’s love to everyone. I'm also passionate about equipping others for ministry, helping them build their understanding of Scripture, and helping to deepen their discipleship so that together we can share the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

In my pastoral journey, I have been blessed to serve congregations at Sand Hill, Unadilla Center, Mount Upton, Phoenix, Brewerton, and Skaneateles United Methodist Churches. Additionally, I have had the honor of serving as Coordinating Pastor for the Apulia, Ira, and Onativia United Methodist Churches. Music, particularly singing, and interests in hockey, football, and soccer enrich my life. I am blessed by my supportive family—my best friend and wife, Emma, and our one-year-old son, Jude.

Debby Waldron is appointed to Fort Ann Protestant church in addition to her current appointment at West Fort Ann UMC effective July 1, 2024.

Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost is appointed as Senior Pastor to Asbury First UMC, Rochester, New York effective July 1, 2024.

I am a lifelong United Methodist, deeply committed to the Wesleyan tradition and its legacy of personal and social holiness. My ministry is relational and collaborative, norming the expansiveness of the Body of Christ, casting creative vision, rethinking resource use, and discerning fruitful ways forward. I have served God in small and large congregations, and in District, Conference, NEJ and GC roles. I also work with clergy and congregations in the UMC and beyond to craft new vision and reach their highest potential. I pray God’s presence is perceived in each ministry setting, either through my work or despite it.

Rev. Rachel Stuart is appointed to Chautauqua: Hurlbut Memorial UMC effective July 1, 2024

The Rev. Rachel Erin Stuart delights in liturgy and sacred music of all kinds, teaching biblical studies and languages to congregations, and being present to people in crisis. Her dissertation, titled “Semantic Gender in the Book of Ezekiel,” explores the relationship between grammatical gender and social gender roles in several chapters of Ezekiel. Prior to her appointments at Victor First and East Bloomfield UMC, she served as Theologian-in-Residence at North Decatur UMC while doing doctoral work in Hebrew Bible at Emory University. During seminary, she interned at Kingston UMC in the Princeton, NJ area, and at Asbury First UMC in Rochester, NY.
Rev. Rachel is an ordained Elder, graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2017, and completed her undergraduate degrees in physics, music, and religion at the University of Rochester in 2014. She is a life-long United Methodist, does medieval reenactment for fun, and has a gorgeous black cat that can do no wrong.

March 13, 2024

Rev. Rob Abell is appointed to North Rose UMC effective July 1, 2024.

Rob grew up on a family farm in Pennsylvania. He accepted Jesus in his 20s and followed a call to pastoral ministry at age 30. He graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2008. Rob has been married to his wife Lisa since 2018. He and Lisa have four adult children, Malachi, Elise, Sam, and Eddie.They also have three dogs and a cat. He is a US Army veteran. He enjoys punk rock music, hikes in the woods, reading, and watching sitcom reruns. He’s a Penn State and Philadelphia sports fan. He drinks too much coffee.

Rev. Jennifer Stamm is appointed to Watertown: First UMC effective July 1, 2024. 

As a mother of three children, Jennifer is on a heartfelt mission to dedicate her life to spreading the transformative love of Christ, faith, and compassion within our communities. Juggling the intricate responsibilities of parenthood alongside the demands of pastoral duties and ongoing seminary education, Rev. Stamm's primary objective is to cultivate a nurturing church environment extending well beyond the pulpit. She's active in Conference ministries serving as the Vice Chair of Safe Sanctuaries and a member of the Board of Pensions and Benefits. She is a second career pastor but a lifelong United Methodist who first received the call as a youth in CCYM. Throughout this journey, her purposeful dedication to fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere remains paramount as she strives to make a meaningful impact, one guided by the teachings of Christ.

March 6, 2024

Rev. Vivian Ruth Waltz is appointed to Transition Coordinator for Project Blue of Peaceprints of WNY, effective November 27, 2023.

"I was in prison and you came to me." Matthew 25:36

Deacon Vivian Ruth Waltz has been appointed as Transition Coordinator for Project Blue of Peaceprints of Western New York (WNY). She provides wrap-around services to support clients who experience barriers because of a criminal history. These include intensive case management, mentoring and retention services, court advocacy, housing coordination, entitlement and benefits assistance, connection to treatment providers, and medical, educational, and workforce linkages.

Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals are among the most needy, neglected and marginalized people in our society. The Transition Coordinator position fulfills the call of the deacon to the ministry of word, service, compassion, and justice.

In addition to her primary appointment, Deacon Waltz also holds a secondary appointment at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church.

Rev. Jeff Aiosa is appointed to St. Matthew United Methodist Church in the Little Kanawha District of the West Virginia Conference, effective July 1, 2024.

Jeff Aiosa was born in a small town near Ithaca graduated high school in his hometown and then went on to college to pursue an engineering degree. He received his call to ministry early in life and worked in industry for a few years until it was time to focus completely on ministry. He’d always known of God’s love and knew that faith and ministry were to be a part of his life from the beginning.

He spent a year at United Theological Seminary, and then was offered his first two churches located near Port Byron in 1993. Jeff holds an MDiv degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, has completed the Leadership and Pastoral Care program at Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center in Syracuse and was Ordained Deacon in the Central New York Conference, Ordained Elder in the North Central New York both of which are now the Upper New York Annual Conference. He and his wife, Nettie, have served a number of churches, including Canastota, Oswego, Massena, Vestal, and now Rochester. They have three adult children and one who is a senior at Gates Chili High School. Family has always been a very important part of his life, and Jeff has worked hard to keep a balance between the demands of family and church. His mother, Lyn Aiosa, now lives with them also.

Jeff enjoys music, especially singing and playing guitar, has a lot of experience with computers and technology, is well versed in social media and continues to learn about many aspects of online ministry. He is looking forward to the new adventures that lie ahead of him.

February 28, 2024

Rev. Dr. Meredith Vanderminden to Queensbury UMC, effective March 1.

I am joyful in Christ! I am inclusive and welcoming, and I value my journey with God as well as the journeys of others. There is a place for all of us. I am strong and mature in my faith, but still growing in Christ. I am grounded and I know how to create safe space for people to grow in faith. I love to preach, teach, lead worship, and mentor people in their spiritual growth. Spiritual formation has long been important in my ministry. I am a certified spiritual director, and I hold several other certifications in mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, all of which I use to help bring people closer to Christ. I hold a doctorate in Arts and Theology, and I often incorporate creative ways to know God in my teaching and preaching. Finances are not a strong point, so I am appreciative of those with those gifts. I am at peace with myself and who I am in my faith, yet  I still heavily rely on God to help me discern the way. 

Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II is appointed to extension ministry as of President of Brite Divinity School effective March 1, 2024.

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady is being appointed to extension ministry as the new President of Brite Divinity School, a progressive theological institution on the campus of TCU in Ft. Worth, TX. Stephen has spent the last 12 years in the Upper New York Conference appointed to Asbury First UMC, where he has served as the Senior Minister since 2015. Asbury First is a Reconciling Congregation of more than 2,200 members dedicated to outreach and social justice in Rochester, NY. During his tenure he successfully completed a campaign to convert an historic building on campus into a fully accessible Community Outreach Center that offers hot meals, showers, laundry, healthcare, clothing, hair care, and bicycle repair to the most vulnerable. He received his PhD in Practical Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary where his research put the rich theology of Howard Thurman in conversation with the worship practices of youth and young ad ults. He completed his Mdiv at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, his BA at Ohio Wesleyan University and until recently served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He has preached, lectured, and/or taught in seminaries and churches nationally and internationally, from England to Norway to South Africa and has been the keynote speaker for the Rochester Citywide Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. This spring, he will be inducted into the MLK Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College. Prior to Asbury First, Stephen served as the lead minister of Kingston UMC in Kingston, NJ—designated during his tenure as a teaching congregation for young adults—and as the associate minister of Park Ridge Community Church in Park Ridge, IL. He is married to Emily Cady and has three children—Ellie, Charlie, and Hannah. Stephen plans to maintain his membership in the Upper New York Conference.

Rev. Ted Anderson as an interim appointment at Asbury First UMC from March 1 – June 30, 2024.

I strive every day to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe that to be a servant leader in the church and in the world...we must first be a follower of Jesus Christ. A follower of Jesus learns how to be a disciple through Bible study and other Christian education experiences, through consistent participation in worship, through ongoing conversation (prayer) with God, in the midst of reaching out to our neighbors next door and around the world, in Sabbath and other times of spiritual retreat, and in all the practices of the spiritual disciplines.

My passion is creating community in the midst of discovering and exploring the Word of God for us. I have prayed and lived that we would be one...in unity in the Holy Spirit.

I hope that Asbury First UMC will continue to invite, empower, prepare and inspire all people to be the Body of Christ in the world.  I hope for a United Methodist community of people which will invite, empower, prepare and inspire all people to join the greatest adventure on earth…following Jesus….being the Church. By all I mean ALL.

My greatest joy and satisfaction come in the moments of God inspired community that come in the midst of learning (studying the Bible) together, or working together (mission trips as an example)… or simply being together in worship. My passion is helping this to happen.

It has been my honor and privilege to take Youth on the Mission of Peace for the past 30 years. What a joy to know the fellowship in the Body of Christ with the people we have met and to assist the growth of faith and a desire for peace and justice in the participants.

Rev. Kyle Roehrig is appointed to Rush United Methodist Church effective July 1, 2024.

I am a husband and father of three. Kris(tina) and I have been married for 28 years. Joshua (24), Luke (21) and Kayla (19) live in California. Joshua graduated UC Irving and is soon to be married to Jenny: an incredible addition to our family. Luke and Kayla are still in college at UC Davis and Cal State Chico. I just retired from the Air Force after 20 years as a chaplain. I grew up in Austin, Texas. After graduating seminary, I served in the RioTexas Conference of The UMC for six years prior to my move to the USAF. I have long appreciated serving with an ecumenical mindset. The USAF provided me with a global itineracy allowing me to witness firsthand the variety of God’s community. We now look forward to putting down more local roots will serving in a place where it is still true; we are a place with Open Minds, Open Hearts and Open Doors.

Rev. Abigail Browka is appointed as the Associate Director of Missional Excellence effective March 1, 2024. 

Abigail will continue to provide leadership for Upper New York New Faith Communities’ work in an expanded role as the Associate Director of Missional Excellence. Abigail will also provide leadership to the implementation of UNY’s $1.25 million dollar Lilly Endowment Inc. Compelling Preaching Initiative Grant that aims to foster and support preaching that inspires, encourages, and guides people to come to know and love God, and to live out their Christian faith more fully. Whitesboro: Trinity UMC will be served by an interim pastor as Abigail begins this transition. Click here to read more about the Compelling Preaching Initiative Grant. 

February 26, 2024

Three District Superintendents appointments are being extended. The Rev. Mike Weeden is being extended to an eighth year and the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl and the Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer are both being extended to a seventh year as Conference Superintendents. Click here to read more. 

February 21, 2024

Christine Mitchell is appointed to Richfield Springs: Church of Christ United effective July 1, 2024.

I am a single mom with two grown children, my son Jacob is 25 and my daughter Kennedy is 23. I love to go camping and sit as the current Lt. Governor for the Finger Lakes Division of Kiwanis. I am a second career pastor, receiving a call to pastoral ministry while serving as a youth and Christian Education Director at Aldersgate UMC in Greece, NY.  I completed my MDiv at Northeastern Seminary while serving at the Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church. My focus is to bring families into the church so that they may grow and find salvation together. I am a down to earth preacher as I always bring a connection to the church, individual, or living life today through the biblical text.