news article
Bishop Héctor’s message to UNY as we prepare for AC2023
May 23, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s, latest video message to the Upper New York Conference, he explained that with the 2023 Annual Conference (AC2023) quickly approaching (June 1-3 at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse), United Methodists of Upper New York alike are called to engage in prayerful reflection, review essential materials, and prepare to embody the love of Christ in their interactions.
This year’s Annual Conference is the first in-person Annual Conference since 2019. This is something to celebrate!
A time of learning
Acknowledging the importance of continual learning, Bishop Héctor expressed his excitement for the two learning sessions that will take place at AC2023.
Joining us as a special guest this year is the Rev. Trey Wince, CEO of Ministry Architects, who will lead the learning session on June 2 on the importance of having integrated discipleship pathways in our congregations.
On June 3, the Rev. Dr. Giovanni Aroyo, General Secretary for the General Commission on Religion and Race, will lead us in a conversation about the importance of integrating cultural competence into our ethos of discipleship as United Methodists.
Service preachers
Bishop Héctor expressed his joy to have Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, resident Bishop of the Western Pennsylvania and Susquehanna Conferences, as the speaker for the Ordination and Commissioning service on June 2. Bishop Moore-Koikoi will also lead the Clergy Session on June 1.
Bishop Héctor also was happy to share that UNY’s District Superintendent of the Crossroads and Finger Lake’s Districts, the Rev. Nola Anderson will bring the message during the Memorial Service on June 2.
Communal discernment
Bishop Héctor expressed that the call to communal discernment is a significant aspect of the United Methodist tradition. This process, marked by grace and focused decision-making, ensures that the community remains aligned with its mission. By fostering an atmosphere of unity and love, we aim to discuss important issues without causing division or fracturing the body of Christ.
Preparation and participation
United Methodists of Upper New York are encouraged to prepare for AC2023 by reviewing the Pre-Conference Workbook and familiarizing themselves with the guidelines for holy conferencing. These resources provide the necessary tools for active engagement in discernment and deliberation. Updates and addendums to the Workbook can be found on the Conference website.
A call for prayer
Bishop Héctor requested everyone throughout UNY to, “Pray for our communal times of discernment to be grace-filled and our decision-making to be mission-focused and pray for our times of visioning to be spirit-led, hope-given, and unifying." He asked everyone to pray that the times of worship during AC2023 be inspirational and transformational and for the times of learning to be meaningful and filled with new insights and implementable ideas.
Bishop asked to pray for our times of celebration to be joy filled.
A day of fasting and surrender
In preparation for AC2023, Bishop Héctor has invited all United Methodists of Upper New Yorkto fast on May 30. This designated day allows individuals to surrender themselves fully to God, opening their hearts and minds to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
As United Methodists gather for AC2023, we do so with a spirit of unity, prayer, and anticipation. Together, we move forward with faith, trusting in God's plans for a future filled with hope.
Click here to watch Bishop Héctor’s pre-AC2023 message.
If you are not attending AC2023 in-person, you are invited to watch the livestream beginning on June 1 at 10:30 a.m. by clicking here.