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From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Miracle Sunday 2026—Let’s Lead the Way Together
December 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Dear Pastors and Congregational Leaders in Upper New York,|
Grace and peace from Christ be with you this Advent.
I thank God for the countless ways you embody the love of God in your communities and beyond. Your leadership and congregational ministry continue to inspire hope, nurture discipleship, and extend grace in transformative ways. As we reflect on the abundance of God’s blessings, I invite you to embrace a spirit of generosity and gratitude every day, living as those who trust in God’s provision and participate boldly in God’s mission.
It is in this spirit that the Council of Bishops, supported by the Connectional Table and the General Council on Finance and Administration, is inviting all United Methodists congregations worldwide to join a God-led, Holy Spirit-empowered six-week emphasis.
The Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously initiative will unite 30,000 congregations worldwide to raise vital support for 500 clergy a year through The Endowment for Theological Education outside the U.S.
Together with congregations around the world, I invite you to set aside the six weeks following Easter as a sacred season of growing in our shared understanding of the new vision of The United Methodist Church. This shared journey will culminate in a special one-time Miracle Sunday offering on May 17, 2026, dedicated to empowering the Endowment for Theological Education outside the U.S.—a vital investment in the formation of leaders across our worldwide connection.
Why This Matters
- More than 70% of U.S. clergy hold a theological degree while fewer than 5% of clergy outside the U.S. do, creating a stark disparity in pastoral formation.
- An offering from your congregation – together with all others worldwide – will help close that gap by funding and sustaining theological education for emerging pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
What Your Congregation Will Receive
- A complete six-week worship and small-group series developed by global leaders.
- Thematic materials aligned with Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously.
- Stories and videos from graduates from theological schools in Africa, Europe and the Philippines that highlight the urgent need for theological education outside the United States.
The six-week series themes include:
- April 12: Disciples formed by Jesus Christ
- April 19: Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- April 26: Disciples Love Boldly
- May 3: Disciples Serve Joyfully
- May 10: Disciples Lead Courageously
- May 17: Disciples Transform the World – Miracle Sunday
Let me know if your congregation plans to participate in the Miracle Sunday Special Offering so I can pray for you here.
Let us rise together, grateful for God’s abundance. I have already pledged my miracle contribution. May our congregations be among the first to say “yes” to this Spirit-led movement, trusting that through our generosity, God will equip and empower a new generation of pastoral leaders across the globe.
Together in Christ’s mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area