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From the Desk of Bishop Hector: From Reflection to Renewal: Shaping the Future Together
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, June 23 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez.
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3–5
Dear Family of God in Upper New York,
I continue to give thanks to God for a 2025 Annual Conference session filled with deep joy and renewed hope. Our time together affirmed that the Holy Spirit is indeed moving among us with resurrection power—deepening our faith, strengthening our relationships, and energizing our shared mission.
During my episcopal address, I raised two questions you would have an opportunity to share as part of the conference evaluation survey.
- What are your joys and hopes for our future?
- What important topics still need our attention that were not mentioned in the episcopal address?
More than 300 of you offered heartfelt responses, and I remain deeply grateful. As promised, I’m sharing below the key themes that emerged from your reflections.
Joys and Celebrations
- Youth Leadership: You celebrated the bold witness and fresh vision of youth and young adults for the church.
- Inclusion and Justice: Many lifted growing commitments to racial, gender, theological inclusion, LGBTQ+ belonging and anti-racism efforts.
- Grace Amid Differences: A sense that loving across disagreement is becoming more real.
- Connectional Strength: Affirmation of shared relationships, collaboration, and support.
- Missional Engagement: Meaningful service, both local and global.
- Resilience and Hope: Renewal and signs of resurrection after years of divisions and challenges.
Areas Needing Attention
- Congregational Vitality: Innovation and renewal, especially for small and rural churches.
- Discipleship: Spiritual formation that is rooted in our Wesleyan tradition, deep, creative, and relevant across generations.
- Leadership Development: Equipping bi-vocational clergy and lay leaders with equity.
- Financial Transparency: Clearer communication and resource sharing around budgets and finances.
- Justice in Action: Moving beyond statements toward advocacy and accountability.
- Young People: Investment in youth leadership and belonging.
- UMC Identity: Greater clarity around our theology and values.
- Innovation and Accountability: Embracing creativity with proper accountability.
- Connection and Communication: Stronger ties across churches, districts, and leadership.
- Stewardship and Membership: Renewed understanding of covenant and generosity.
These themes reflect a people willing to hold space for both tradition and transformation, committed to authentic community, courageous discipleship, and a future filled with hope.
Next Steps
The Conference Leadership Team and Missional Cabinet will prayerfully consider these insights. Your voice will also inform the work of the Visioning Taskforce as they begin their work after the summer.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your honesty, and your hope. Thank you for investing in our shared mission as United Methodists of Upper New York.
Continue to proclaim the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ. Keep living the gospel. Keep showing up as God’s love in your neighborhoods and communities—trusting that, through you, the glory of God is being revealed.
Together in Christ’s mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Susquehanna & Upper New York Area
The United Methodist Church