news article
Joint Deacon retreat: A spring gathering for connection, calling, and collaboration
January 5, 2026 / By UNY Communiations
This spring, the Orders of Deacons of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences invite all who share the distinctive call of the Deacon to gather for a time of renewal, fellowship, and purposeful conversation. Whether you are discerning your call, newly commissioned, in Full Connection, or retired, this retreat is designed to strengthen our shared ministry through connection, reflection, and practical learning.
Save the Dates: March 13–14, 2026
Location: Liverpool First UMC, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool, NY 13088
Lodging: Staybridge Suites, Liverpool, NY — Group discount available (Code: Loi)
Registration: $50 (includes two meals) — Please bring payment with you
RSVP: jordanosborne@unyumc.org
Why Attend?
The Deacon Retreat of the Susquehanna and Upper NY Conferences offers space to reconnect with the heart of your ministry and with colleagues who understand the joys and challenges of the diaconal call. Over the course of two days, participants will experience:
Moments of Fellowship and Worship
Enjoy unstructured time to reconnect—or meet new colleagues—as we share in community. Saturday morning worship with Holy Communion will center us in the Spirit who sustains our service.
Timely, Impactful Conversations
This year’s retreat includes two focused sessions that speak directly to the present and future of diaconal ministry:
1. Sacramental Authority in Practice
Reflect together on the 2020/2024 General Conference decisions granting Sacramental Authority to Deacons. How is this being lived out across diverse ministry settings, both within and beyond the local church? Participants are encouraged to review the Best Practices document beforehand. Click here to download.
2. Strengthening Our System of Support
Explore what a robust, sustainable support system for the Order of Deacons could look like. We’ll discuss communication channels, mutual care, collegial accountability, and how to articulate the distinctive and essential call of the Deacon in today’s Church.
3. Deacons in a Changing Denomination
With the number of elders and licensed pastors decreasing in many areas, how might Deacons strengthen ministry across circuits, collaborative parishes, and new ministry models? We’ll engage questions of deployment, compensation, and the insights offered in A Study of Ministry – A Sacred Trust. Click here to download.
What to Bring
Breakfast items or snacks to share
Water bottle
Comfortable clothing
Curiosity, openness, and the desire to build one another up in our ministry of compassion and justice
A Gathering Rooted in Hope and Mutual Care
As Deacons, we lean on clear communication, shared learning, and holy encouragement to sustain our work as bridge-builders between the Church and the world. The attachments provided ahead of the retreat are meant to help us maximize our time together, equipping us to enter these conversations informed and ready to engage.
We look forward to a retreat filled with renewed friendship, collective wisdom, and Spirit-led imagination for the future of diaconal ministry. Please reach out with any questions—we are eager to welcome you.
RSVP today and join us for this meaningful time of connection, learning, and support.