news article
Announcing SUS-UNY participants to the 2026 UMC Leadership Gathering
January 14, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The United Methodist Church is embarking on a historic moment of collaboration, visioning, and renewal with the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering, to be held October 20–24, 2026 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
This Leadership Gathering—called for by the Council of Bishops in place of a Special Session of General Conference—will bring together bishops, church leaders, clergy, laypersons, and key representatives from across the connectional church to discern, dream, and co‑create the future direction of The United Methodist Church.
Three representatives from each episcopal area are being selected to attend the summit. The following individuals have been selected to represent the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area with Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez:
- Robyn Vernon- Site Director, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center (Upper New York)
- Rev. Kris Sledge- Lead Pastor, Journey Church (Susquehanna)
- Christina McDermott- Associate Lay Leader (Susquehanna)
What the Gathering Will Focus On
The 2026 Leadership Gathering is designed to build on the positive momentum of the 2020/24 General Conference by:
- Advancing adaptive strategies for implementing key legislation and missional priorities.
- Creating a space for hope, imagination, and shared vision among church leaders from around the world.
- Initiating preparations for the 2028 General Conference with a focus on programmatic and structural adaptations.
This event will emphasize relationship, conversation, Spirit‑led discernment, and collaboration with a focus on innovative, contextually relevant approaches to fulfilling the Church’s mission.
Looking Ahead
As Robyn, Rev. Sledge, and Christina prepare to travel to Calgary with Bishop Héctor, please lift them up in prayer as they prepare to participate in this important season of leadership, discernment, and innovation. Their presence at this leadership gathering represents not only our episcopal area’s commitment to the life and future of The United Methodist Church, but also our confidence that God is calling us into a time of renewed hope, rooted in justice, love, and the transforming power of Christ.