News Stories from June 2025
Mission of Peace 2026: A transformative journey to the US/Mexico southern border
June 30, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Mission of Peace (MOP) 2026 is set to take place from February 13–22, 2026, offering youth a profound and life-changing experience focused on understanding culture, compassion, and justice at the US/Mexico border. Sponsored by the Northeastern Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministry, Mission of Peace has been an ongoing ministry of peacemaking and learning since 1986. Each year, it invites young people to witness firsthand how faith, humanity, and global realities …more
Preaching with Purpose: Inside the Rest. Work. Play. cohort experience
June 25, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Tuesday, June 24, the Rev. Abigail Browka and Pastor Bekah Solar, both serving as Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, hosted a Preachers: Rest. Work. Play virtual open house to discuss the Compelling Preaching Initiative. This four-year initiative is designed to help preachers cultivate healthy rhythms of rest, work, and play through a ten-month cohort experience. Why just ten months? Because preachers are busy—the program is intentionally …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Updated Resource on Human Sexuality
June 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, June 24 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding human sexuality resources. "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our …more
A Call for Peace in the Midst of Conflict in the Mideast
June 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: This letter was published by The United Methodist Council of Bishops on June 24, 2025 and shared with United Methodists of Upper New York. As Bishops of The United Methodist Church, we stand united in our pursuit of peace and our commitment to the sacredness of human life, guided by the Scriptures and our Social Principles. The scriptures and the Social Principles affirm the sacred worth and dignity of …more
The Upper New York Conference welcomes Jordan Osborne as Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to welcome Jordan Osborne as the new Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence. In her new role, she will support the teams in the Missional Excellence area, the Director of Missional Excellence, the Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, and other staff in the Missional Excellence area. Jordan brings a dynamic background in college and career administration, communications, and community outreach. She holds …more
From the Desk of Bishop Hector: From Reflection to Renewal: Shaping the Future Together
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, June 23 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. …more
Moving forward at Casowasco
June 23, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During this sabbatical season at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, we’re reminded of the vital importance of rest. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28–29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls. Though this pause hasn’t always been easy, it has given Casowasco the needed space to lie …more
Campfires, cleanup, and connection: Aldersgate Rally ignites hearts
June 17, 2025 / By Pastor Kevin Kitto, Lowville UMC
The Aldersgate Regional Rally Day was an incredible success, filled with joy, connection, and inspiration! Over the weekend, we witnessed the power of community as participants came together to celebrate, learn, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth. Nearly 60 volunteers from a handful of local churches, including Lowville, Carthage, Champion, Natural Bridge, Beaver Falls, Turin, Martinsburg, and Constableville, pitched in to help get Aldersgate …more
Youth inspire and impress at Annual Conference
June 17, 2025 / By Tara Barnes
“Hallelujah!” From reports to a display table to proposing legislative amendments, youth made their presence known at the 16th session of the Upper New York Annual Conference May 22-24 in Syracuse, New York. They even inspired a roomful of hundreds to shout in praise and thanksgiving, when one “Hallelujah!” from a table of youth became many, an overture Bishop Héctor A. Burgos …more
Creation Care: Doing it God’s way
June 17, 2025 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, Creation Care Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley, Chair of the UNY Creation Care Team. The views expressed in this article are of the author and team, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. If you are familiar with the Bible’s book of Genesis, you know that God gave the …more