News Stories from December 2025

From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Response to NY Medical Aid in Dying Act

December 19, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following message was sent electronically to Upper New York clergy on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Friday, December 19, 2025 following Governor Hochul's signing the NY Medical Aid in Dying Act into law.   Dear Upper New York community,  Grace and peace of Christ be with you in this holy season of Advent.  I …more

UMC Bishops’ 2025 Christmas Message: Christ’s light still shines

December 17, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following message was published on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, on behalf of Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, reflecting on hope and the call to live as peacemakers this Christmas. Click here to download a PDF of the statement. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.” (Luke 2:14) Beloved in …more

Upper New York welcomes Joanna Feuer 

December 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Upper New York Conference is excited to welcome Joanna Feuer as the new Superintendency Administrative Assistant serving the Adirondack and Albany Districts. Joanna replaces Carrie Boyer, who retired at the end of August.  Joanna comes to this role with both strong administrative skills and a heart for The United Methodist Church. Most recently, she served as the Administrative Assistant at …more

From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Miracle Sunday 2026—Let’s Lead the Way Together

December 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8  Dear Pastors and Congregational Leaders in Upper New York,| Grace and peace from Christ be with you this Advent.   I thank God for the countless ways you embody the love of God in your communities and …more

Conference-wide effort sends $160,000 in supplies to Red Bird Mission

December 16, 2025 / By David Alexander, Red Bird Mission Team Coordinator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor’s note: The following message was shared on behalf of David Alexander to the Upper New York Conference, highlighting the generosity, rising costs, and ongoing need for support that make the Red Bird Mission’s annual ministry possible.  On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, our crew delivered 2,626 shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies for men, women, girls, and boys to the Red Bird Mission in …more

Conference Office closed on December 11, 2025

December 11, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Due to inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool is closed today, December 11, and staff will be working remotely. The building is scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 12.  …more

Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender

December 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

PRESS RELEASE: Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender For Immediate Release  Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications shelbywinchell@unyumc.org  On November 23, 2025, Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf announced to the congregation at North Chili United Methodist Church outside of Rochester, NY that she is transgender and beginning her transition. “I …more

Bishop Héctor A.Burgos Núñez’s Advent Message

December 2, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following Advent message was shared with United Methodists in Susquehanna and Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A.Burgos Núñez. Greetings in the name and with the love of our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ.  I am Héctor Burgos Núñez, resident bishop for United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York …more