news article
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: New Superintendent announcement
August 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 18, 2024 announcing the new superintendent of the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts.
Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you.
Last week, I shared with you that the Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer stepped down from the UNY cabinet and withdrew his clergy membership from The United Methodist Church.
After learning about Rev. Rosa’s decision, the cabinet and I immediately engaged in focused conversations. It became clear that swiftly identifying an elder to fill the cabinet vacancy was crucial for the mission of the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts and UNY.
It is with great joy that I announce the appointment of Rev. Mary Kelly as a conference superintendent assigned to lead the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts, effective September 1, 2024. Rev. Kelly is a gifted transformational leader with over 25 years of experience in pastoral ministry. Her peers and laity highly respect Pastor Mary. She knows the clergy and congregations of the districts she will oversee. She is Christ-like and Christ-centered. Her passion for justice and experience in urban ministries will be an invaluable asset to the cabinet and the conference. She also brings leadership experience as a member of DCOM and BOM. Superintendent Kelly will prioritize rebuilding connections and community among the clergy and laity of the two districts and exploring opportunities to launch ministries that reach new people with the good news of Christ. Rev. Kelly will fully transition out of her current appointment by October 1st. Please join me in congratulating Rev. Mary Kelly on this new missional assignment. I also ask that you keep in your prayers DS Mary and her husband Jayme, her son Will, her current congregation, the districts, and the cabinet during this transition.
Please save the date for Rev. Mary Kelly’s Installation Service on November 2, 2024, at 3 p.m. An announcement about the location will be sent later.
During this transition period, Superintendent Mike Weeden will continue to lead the two districts. For any inquiries or requests for support, please contact the district administrative assistant.
By God’s grace and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will continue moving towards God’s future, filled with hope and joy. I encourage clergy and congregations alike to remain focused on living the gospel, embodying God’s love, and sharing faith, love, mercy, and justice with our neighbors in all places the Wesleyan way.
I am deeply grateful for your faithful witness and impactful ministry as United Methodists across Upper New York. Together, we are making Christ's love visible in the world.
Paz,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving United Methodists of Upper New York