news article
From Prayer to Action: UNY ministry leaders unite around love and mission
September 8, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Saturday, September 6, ministry leaders from across the Upper New York Conference gathered at Liverpool First UMC for a fall leadership summit - a day marked by prayer, reflection, and forward-thinking collaboration. The summit created sacred space to reconnect with God and one another while discerning next steps in ministry.
Organized by the Office of Missional Excellence, the gathering brought together more than 40 leaders representing a wide range of ministry areas, including the Board of Ordained Ministry, Creation Justice, Committee on Native American Ministries, Board of Laity, Conference Commission on Religion and Race, Global Ministries, Nominations, and the Conference Council on Youth Ministry.
The morning began with a grounding prayer led by the Rev. Abigail Browka, Associate Director of Missional Excellence. She invited participants to listen deeply and ask, “God, what is arising and emerging in you?” Drawing from the three-month prayer resource Preparing for the Journey, Rev. Browka framed the time in both lament and hope. The resource—launched in August—offers monthly themes, Scripture reflections, prayer cues, and conversation starters designed for worship, small groups, and leadership gatherings.
Rooted in Love: A Call to Lead Differently
Conference Lay Leader Jessica White delivered a powerful message on the nature of true Christian leadership. Reflecting on Ephesians 3:16-17, she reminded attendees that leadership begins not with outward success, but with inner strength formed by Christ.
“Leadership without love becomes control. Leadership rooted in love produces service, humility, and care for others,” White said.
She urged leaders to let Christ take permanent residence in their hearts and to ensure that every decision flows from faith and love.
A recording of Jessica’s message is available here.
The Rev. Pam Klotzbach followed with a moving communion service, offering a shared moment of sacred connection and renewal.
Missional Clarity and a Vision for the Future
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez offered reflections on the Conference’s Missional Playbook, emphasizing the importance of clarity, collaboration, and prophetic leadership. He reminded participants of the Conference’s mission, vision, and purpose, and encouraged them to keep the core values—living faithfully, collaboratively, and prophetically—at the center of every decision.
“These three core values shape and inform the work that we do and how we live together as United Methodists in Upper New York,” Bishop Héctor shared.
Small group conversations followed, inviting leaders to assess whether their ministry areas were embodying these values and centering the most vulnerable in their decision-making.
“I enjoyed the conversations during the table talks. One of the questions asked was, ‘What do you think is the greatest opportunity in the next three years?’ For me, it’s about being the hands and feet of Jesus in light of the economic and societal changes impacting people’s lives today,” explained Pastor Angela Stewart from Metropolitan UMC.
The Rev. Missy McCarthy reflected, “It was helpful to make connections with other leaders, name what we struggle with, and imagine where the Holy Spirit is calling us. I’m hopeful the visioning process will be fruitful in the next four years.”
Bishop Héctor also introduced the newly unveiled vision statement of The United Methodist Church, which complements its longstanding mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and encouraged participants to fully embrace it in their day-to-day discipleship and servant leadership:
The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.
A video explaining the new vision is available here.
Forward-thinking Discussions
The summit served as a launchpad for the 2025 Strategic Visioning and Planning Process, which was approved at this year’s Annual Conference. Ministry leaders engaged in dialogue about how love shapes leadership and how shared values can guide congregations through both opportunity and challenge.
Rev. Steven Smith, Vice Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, shared, “I appreciated the chance to ask questions and share feedback. It helped me better understand how BOM’s work supports the broader mission as we recruit, credential, and care for clergy.”
Carmen FS Vianese, Chair of the UNY Committee on Episcopacy and General Conference Delegation, added, “I was encouraged by the spirit-filled energy and transparency. We found ourselves in a safe space, committed to the work we’re called to in this new vision of The United Methodist Church.”
The summit concluded with a spirit of inspiration and renewed clarity. Ministry leaders left equipped with both prayerful grounding and practical tools to carry into the months ahead.
From prayer to action, United Methodists of Upper New York continues to move forward—rooted in love, guided by mission, and united in hope.