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From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Call to Prayer about Visioning Process
July 22, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, July 22 about the 2025 Strategic Visioning and Planning Process approved at the 2025 Annual Conference. More information can be found here.
Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders in the Upper New York Conference,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
At the 2025 Annual Conference session, the Upper New York Conference affirmed a resolution calling upon the Conference Leadership Team to start and oversee a Strategic Visioning and Planning Process, to discern and articulate a faithful, forward-looking roadmap for our shared life in Christ.
As part of this sacred endeavor, we are entering into a summer season of prayer, opening our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we seek the direction God wants for us.
To support congregations in this time of spiritual preparation, we invite you to engage with Preparing for the Journey, a three-part prayer resource offering monthly themes, Scripture reflections, prayer cues, and conversation starters. This resource can be used in worship, small groups, and leadership gatherings, and may be adapted freely for your context.
The Three Movements of Prayer
1. Thanksgiving — Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
We begin with gratitude for the ministries that have shaped us, the communities that have sustained us, and the grace that has carried us thus far.
2. Lament and Release — Entrusting Our Burdens to God
In this movement, we name our losses and release what no longer serves God's purpose, creating space to receive new blessings.
3. Imagination — Envisioning New Possibilities with Holy Hope
With hearts open to possibility, we dream God-sized dreams, listen for divine whispers, and embrace the Spirit’s unfolding vision.
You can learn more about the visioning process here.
I encourage pastors to lead your congregations in engaging in this prayer journey fully and faithfully. May we surrender together to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and walk into this season with unity, humility, and renewed hope—trusting that “the One who began a good work among you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Together in Christ’s mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area