News Stories from October 2025
A Holy Invitation: Joining together in Anti-Racism Ministry for Licensed Local Pastors serving in Upper New York
October 28, 2025 / By Rev. Raquel Alston, dCOM chair, Niagara Frontier District & Georgia Whitney, Regional Coordinator, DRIA / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8 You know this journey well, the sacred, sometimes uncertain path of discernment you're walking as a licensed local pastor. It's the early morning study sessions, the late-night prayers over sermon notes, the hospital visits that stretch your heart, the difficult conversations that demand your wisdom. You've said yes to God's call on your life, …more
Faith in Action: Helping feed our neighbors in need
October 27, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, it did more than stall legislation—it put millions of Americans at risk. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that no federal SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1 unless funding is restored. The impact of this decision will be deeply felt. Thousands of individuals and families who depend on these benefits may soon face …more
Honoring a lifetime of faith
October 27, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Ministry doesn’t end with retirement at Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester. The church is keeping connection alive through a thriving Older Adult Ministry, led by Pastor Kathy Thiel. It’s allowing faith and fellowship to continue to bloom well into the later chapters of life. What began decades ago as a few seasonal gatherings has become a year-round ministry that touches the lives of 60 to 100 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A Call to Compassion and Action – Government Shutdown
October 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown on October 24, 2025. “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4 Dear partners in ministry, Grace and peace to you in the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Input Sought for New Superintendent
October 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editors note: The following letter was sent to United Methodist of Upper New York on October 23 in response to the recent announceent regarding the end of District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowls tenure. Dear Upper New York clergy community, Grace and peace from Christ be with you. On Tuesday, I shared with the Conference that the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl will conclude her tenure in the cabinet on June 30, 2026. …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: UNY Cabinet Transition
October 21, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the UNY Cabinet Transition to take place on June 30, 2026. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21a Dear Upper New York clergy and laity community, Grace and peace to you in Christ. The …more
The BibleKing Ladies: A whopper of a Bible study
October 20, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Eight years ago, three women from Oswego: Trinity United Methodist Church hesitated to join a traditional Bible study. “They felt that they didn’t know enough,” recalls longtime member and SPRC Chair of Oswego: Trinity UMC, Sheila Buske. “I responded that I would be willing to run a class for just the three of them, so that they would feel comfortable and not intimidated.” …more
Commentary: Climate change and crops
October 17, 2025 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Justice Team
The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley on behalf of the UNY Creation Care Ministry. The views expressed in this article are of the UNY Creation Care Ministry, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. October is here and what a month! First, International Coffee Day came and went on October 1. October 31 is Halloween. This …more
Save Money, Save the Planet: Join Community Solar Today!
October 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The New York State Council of Churches invites you to make a difference—for your wallet and the environment. The United Methodist Social Principles remind us that "sustainability is crucial to the development of ecologically sound policies and practices that seek to restore balance to the natural world." They urge us to reduce our carbon footprints and support "cooperative efforts aimed at redressing the ecological harms humans have wreaked …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Honoring Pastoral Leaders
October 14, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about Clergy Appreciation Month and supporting your pastor when it comes to clegy wellness. “I thank God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel…” Philippians 1:3–6 Dear partners in …more