news article
Rev. Richelle Goff installed as District Superintendent of Genesee Valley and Mountain View Districts
October 13, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, clergy and laity from across Upper New York gathered at Bath: Centenary United Methodist Church to celebrate the installation of the Rev. Richelle Goff as District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley and Mountain View Districts. The sanctuary was filled with music, prayer, and blessings as the community of family, friends, and loved ones affirmed this new season of ministry.
The service began with vibrant music from Bath: Centenary’s Praise Band and Bell Choir, setting a joyful tone for worship. The Rev. Leanne Zeck, pastor of Bath: Centenary UMC, welcomed the congregation and led the Call to Worship, written by the Rev. Heather Williams, reminding all that “God has called us here for such a time as this.”
The Rev. Dr. Marlowe Washington offered a powerful prayer of blessing for Rev. Goff, thanking God for calling her to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction. He celebrated her spirit of justice and bridge-building, asking that her ministry inspire the Mountain View and Genesee Valley Districts to become “a movement of joy, justice, and Jesus.” He prayed, “Remind Rev. Goff that she is not alone, but surrounded by the Spirit and the saints, and by the One who called her by name.”
Pastor Betty Jiles, appointed to Walworth UMC, followed the prayer with a heartfelt a cappella performance of “Open the Eyes of My Heart.”
Dr. Holly Strickland and Joy Leinenbach read Micah 6:1–8 and Matthew 5:1–16, grounding the service in God’s call to justice, mercy, and discipleship. As the prophet Micah declares, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Jesus echoes this call in the Beatitudes: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).
During the service, an offering was collected to support Stacy’s Children’s Clothing Closet, a ministry providing free clothing to local families in need at Bath: Centenary UMC. The outreach—named in memory of church member Stacy Phillips, who devoted her life to caring for children in need—continues her legacy of love and compassion. The Rev. Sheila Price shared, “When we give to this ministry, we’re reminding every child that they are surrounded by a village that loves and cares for them.”
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez formally introduced Rev. Goff and led the covenant service, in which she affirmed her commitment to the ministry of supervision and leadership. He reflected on the Spirit-led discernment that guided the appointment of Rev. Goff as a district superintendent, praising her as a compassionate, justice-driven leader with a quiet confidence and deep love for Jesus. Bishop Héctor said, “Time and time again, the Holy Spirit has made it clear about those God is inviting into this role—and with Richelle, it was clear she is a woman of God who boldly loves those whom Jesus loves.”
Bishop expressed joy in meeting Richelle’s family; her husband Mike and two daughters, Karis and Zoe, highlighting the importance of supporting pastoral families, especially as they encounter new challenges. He also celebrated the move toward a more unified, collaborative cabinet leadership model across the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area.
The congregation pledged their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in support of her leadership. As part of the installation service, Rev. Goff received a series of symbolic gifts, each representing an essential aspect of her ministry.
- Pastor Greg White of the Mountain View District presented her with a Bible, charging her to be among the people as one who proclaims the Word for the building up of believers and the conversion of the world.
- Mira Washington offered water, reminding her to be renewed in her baptism and to renew the congregation in theirs.
- Ann Welch Wood, lay leader of the Mountain View District, presented the bread and cup, symbols of communion, with the call to keep the church in fellowship with Christ and His body.
- Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper and Chris Doran gave a hymnal and the Book of Worship, to serve as guides for prayer and praise.
- Pastor Kathy Thiel presented the towel and basin, symbols of servant leadership, charging her to be among the people as one who serves.
- Pastor Bob Briggs presented a stole, signifying her pastoral role and the call to shepherd the people of God.
- Robert Williams presented the Book of Discipline, a reminder to strengthen and uphold the church’s connection as United Methodists.
- Rev. Dr. Robin Blair offered a globe, symbolizing the church’s mission to the world and the call to lead with a vision for global discipleship.
The Rev. Mary Martin shared the Scripture reading from Esther 4:12–17, reminding the congregation of Mordecai’s challenge to Esther: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Rev. Goff expressed gratitude for her unexpected call to ministry, calling her installation service “one of the best days of my life” as she reflected on the journey that led her to this moment.
“God calls us not because we’re ready, but because there is something in this moment that requires what we have—our voice, our heart, our faith, our courage.”
Drawing on the stories of Esther and Micah, she challenged The United Methodist Church to live out justice, kindness, and humility—not as abstract ideals, but as everyday acts of faith that bring light to a weary world. Emphasizing collaboration as essential to the church’s mission, she encouraged clergy and laity alike to move forward together “for such a time as this.”
“I believe deeply that collaboration is an act of faith. It’s how the body of Christ breathes.”
Prior to Communion, the Morning Glory Choir, made up of young women from Fairport UMC, performed “At This Table” and Anneliese Leinenbach performed “Prelude from J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in C Major” on the Viola.
The service concluded with the hymn “The Summons” and a benediction, followed by the recessional “Bring Forth the Kingdom.”
A reception in the fellowship hall followed the service, where friends and family greeted Rev. Goff and offered prayers and encouragement for her ministry.
The installation marked both a joyful celebration of God’s call and a hopeful beginning for the Genesee Valley and Mountain View Districts as they move forward together in mission and ministry.
Watch a recording of the livestream on Facebook here.