news article
2024 Bishop’s Retreat focuses on wellness
January 19, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Fellowship, worship, times of learning, and a little bit of magic happened at the 2024 Bishop’s Retreat. This was the first Bishop’s Retreat since 2019, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first retreat hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. 
“This year’s retreat provided a time for reconnecting with God and fellow clergy, extended rest and renewal, and allowed for a safe environment to engage in learning through meaningful and robust conversations about God’s desire for Upper New York (UNY) clergy to experience joy and wholeness,” said Bishop Héctor.
Clergy and their spouses were invited to take part in the three-day event that focused on the different dimensions of clergy wellness, with an emphasis on emotional and mental health. The time of rest and renewal allowed clergy to come together as a group and leave with an understanding that in order to serve others, you must take care of yourself.
“We have not been able to have a Bishop’s Retreat since 2019, and this was our first with Bishop Hector, so I didn’t know what to expect. Bishop Hector was so warm and welcoming, and he was so sweet with my son Daniel, who stayed with the grownups for the whole event. He learned as much this week as I did,” exclaimed the Rev. Natalie Bowerman, pastor at Eastern Parkway UMC in Schenectady.
The Rev. Dr. Ron Bell from The Upper Room and Andrew Hendren, General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Wespath were the featured keynote speakers.
During his first keynote address, Rev. Dr. Bell talked about the theological framework for emotional and mental health and urged those in attendance to check their SPICE; how are you spiritually, physically, intellectually, connectional, and emotionally? He made a direct connection to our emotional well-being, the emotions and feelings we experience, and how they affect our overall well-being. 
"One of the exercises encouraged us to make a commitment toward our wellness. I decided to unplug from technology for ten minutes every two hours. I feel this will help me feel more grounded and focused when I am plugged in while interacting with others," said Alicia Wood, pastor at University UMC in Syracuse.
Rev. Dr. Bell led a second session about the impact of burn-out, embodied trauma, and conflict. He specified that emotional and spiritual trauma can have a great impact on our physical well-being and reminded participants to focus on the importance of centering, realigning, and breathing. Andrew Hendren shared with clergy valuable resources available through Wespath that can help clergy get to a place of wholeness.
"Rev. Dr. Bell's study sessions on wellness were enlightening. They emphasized the importance of holistic wellness, reminding me that caring for my spiritual health is just as crucial as physical health. These sessions have left me with a renewed sense of balance and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all aspects of wellness,” said Pastor Raquel Alston from First UMC in North Tonawanda.
Participants were encouraged to attend at least one workshop that focused on a dimension of well-being. Workshops were centered around improving your devotional life, time management, financial, and physical wellness.
“The times of worship, guest keynote speakers, workshop leaders, and times of fellowship allowed clergy that attended to imagine what abundant life and ministry can look like, even during these challenging times. I am filled with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for UNY clergy. This is just the beginning - the best is yet to come,” emphasized Bishop Héctor. 
The theme for this year’s event was “Thrive” based on the scripture by John 10:10 (AMP), “I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
Magician David Black entertained attendees with his magic skills and even taught a few magic tricks. There was even some time for dancing. Members of the Upper New York cabinet led a session on how to dance the Electric Slide.
During closing worship, participants were encouraged to offer a gift of healing of the nations. Everyone in attendance was invited to trace their hand on a piece of construction paper, cut it out, then write one word that signifies a gift they could offer to others in the form of well-being and healing. Different colored paper hands were collected on the Communion table. The hands will be joined together to become the leaves of a tree; the leaves that can bring healing and wholeness to another as described in the Book of Revelation.
"I look forward to our Bishop's Retreat next year and to the new wellness program our Bishop and Annual Conference has launched. I feel valued when my health and well being rises to the top of their concerns," said Pastor Alicia.
More than 140 Upper New York clergy and their spouses attended the Bishop’s Retreat, which was held Jan. 16-18 in the Mountain View District at the Radisson Hotel in Corning.