News Stories from January 2026
The joy of serving: Put love into action
January 26, 2026 / By Tara Barnes
Being United Methodist means striving to be “perfected in love,” to grow hearts capable of fully loving God and neighbor. In our local churches we find joy, respite, and inspiration during worship on Sunday mornings, we grow spiritually in Bible studies, and we extend our hands to our communities through meals, pantries, clothing drives, bike repairs, backpack giveaways, and more. We also belong to a connection. From Niagara …more
Harvesting harmony: The challenge of sharing inclusive music
January 26, 2026 / By UNY Communications and UNY AC Worship Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Every spring, United Methodists of Upper New York gather for Annual Conference (AC)—a time when the Church comes together to pray, worship, make decisions, and celebrate the shared work of ministry. It is a sacred rhythm that unites lay and clergy members in holy conferencing and collective song. Within those moments of worship, music does what words alone cannot—it connects hearts across generations, cultures, and languages, …more
Conference Office closed on January 26, 2026
January 25, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, and staff will be working remotely. The building is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, January 27. …more
Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of The United Methodist Church
January 22, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on January 22 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering. Dear partners in ministry, I write with both urgency and hope as we prepare for the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering—a pivotal moment for The United Methodist Church. Your …more
Be a Global Ministries EarthKeeper
January 22, 2026 / By Betsy Croft, member of Saint Paul’s UMC Castleton/Schodack and member of the Creation Justice Team
Creation is calling and the Church is responding. The application period for the next Global Ministries EarthKeepers online training is now open. This free training is planned from May 1-16, 2026 and will connect you with resources and new friends across the country. Speaking from personal experience, when you attend, your time will be repaid with a multiplicity of blessings! …more
A new season at Casowasco
January 21, 2026 / By Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter, Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center Interim Site Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center is working toward reopening on April 1, 2026. In 2025, Casowasco shut down operations with the purpose of creating a new ministry plan to ensure a bright future for the site. Throughout this past year the Casowasco Discernment Team has worked hard on a ministry plan for reopening and creating a sustainable future for Camp & Retreat Center. On November 15, 2025, the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team (CLT) …more
UNY Visioning Task Force presses forward in discernment process
January 21, 2026 / By The Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The UNY Visioning Task Force launched the new year by pressing forward with the work entrusted to them by the 2025 Annual Conference. On Saturday, January 10, the team gathered in Corning, NY, for their second in-person workshop with the consulting team. Colleagues from the Susquehanna Conference joined them, strengthening the collaborative spirit of this shared journey. The first workshop, held in November, centered on the initial results of a conference-wide …more
Saving the Soul of Our Nation, State, and Church: NEJCAH Annual Meeting
January 20, 2026 / By UNY Communiations / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Northeastern Jurisdictional Commission on Archives and History (NEJCAH) invites clergy, laity, historians, archivists, and all who care about the church’s witness to justice and memory to its 2026 Annual Meeting and Program, Saving the Soul of Our Nation, State, and Church, to be held May 12 through May 14. The meeting is hosted by the Greater New Jersey Commission on Archives and History in partnership with Pennington United Methodist Church …more
Walk in the footsteps of the Wesleys: A spiritual pilgrimage
January 20, 2026 / By SUS/UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There are journeys that change us - journeys that are more than travel, more than sightseeing, more than a vacation. They are pilgrimages: journeys of devotion, reflection, and encounter with the living God. This fall, the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church invite you to embark on such a journey on the 2026 Wesley Heritage Pilgrimage, September 30-October 8, led by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-N …more
From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Announcement of New Conference Superintendent
January 18, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Sunday, January 18 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the new Conference Superintendent appointment for the Albany and Adirondack Districts. “…Christ gave gifts to some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the …more