The following note was sent to the Upper New Conference on Nov. 7, 2022 on behalf of Bishop Webb. 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week, Jurisdictional Conferences gathered throughout the United States to engage in holy conferencing and to complete the important work of discerning and electing bishops of The United Methodist Church. The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, of which Upper New York is a part, met in College Park, Maryland Nov. 2-4. Delegates from each Annual Conference in our jurisdiction including our own Upper New York delegates prayed, worshipped, and faithfully offered their service in carrying out the work before them.

I am grateful to the delegation of The Upper New York Conference and their role and leadership throughout the conference gathering. Our appreciation to Carmen Vianese and the Rev. William Mudge for leading our delegation well and each one of our delegates in offering themselves to serve the church in this way.   

It was a joy to witness the election and consecration of Bishop Hector Burgos and celebrate with others his assignment to the Upper New York Conference, effective Jan. 1, 2023. 

I invite you to pray deeply for Bishop Burgos, his spouse, Jazelis, and their four children, Joel, Fabian, Marcos, and Valeria. While this is a time to celebrate God’s new call and look forward, it is also a time of saying goodbye. Bishop Burgos will begin transition work with me and other leaders of the Upper New York Conference in the days and weeks ahead. We will be blessed by the leadership he will offer and the gifts he and his family will bring to the Upper New York community.

I also want to extend my prayerful gratitude to the Rev. Dr. Wendy Deichman who accepted the endorsement of the Upper New York Conference to be considered as an episcopal candidate. Wendy represented herself and us with grace, clarity, and a deep sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Let us pray for Wendy as she continues to reflect on this experience and continues to be used by God in her place of ministry and mission.

As I move toward the end of my time in partnership with you, be assured of my on-going prayers and deep gratitude for the journey we have shared. The mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, remains our corporate call. May we continue to have courage and boldness in responding to that call.

Blessings,

Mark J. Webb