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Strategic Visioning Task Force advances work toward a shared future

November 11, 2025 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

On November 3, members of the Strategic Visioning Task Force gathered in Corning, NY, to continue the vital visioning work the Upper New York Conference committed to earlier this year. Click here to learn more.

This joint meeting brought together the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conference teams and consultants Mike Bonem, Daniel White, and Tod Bolsinger. The day opened with a powerful learning session led by Tod Bolsinger, who deepened the team’s understanding of the adaptive challenges and opportunities ahead. Many will recognize Tod as the author of Canoeing the Mountains, a book that has guided many faith communities through seasons of significant change. 

Following the morning’s learning, the team turned its focus to insights drawn from the conference-wide survey conducted earlier this fall. Two thousand leaders—including clergy (active and retired), CLMs, Lay Supply pastors, Lay Members to Annual Conference, Local Church Lay Leaders, and those elected through the nominations report—received invitations to take part. Nearly 300 respondents shared their voices and perspectives, offering valuable insight to help shape the visioning process. 

Early analysis of the data is already revealing key themes that the team will explore further in the coming months. During the week of November 17, focus groups will gather to listen more deeply and expand understanding of what emerged from the survey. Insights from these focus groups, combined with the survey results, will inform the team’s work through December and January as they discern the next faithful steps for the visioning process in Upper New York. 

We invite you to continue praying for God’s wisdom and the continued movement of the Holy Spirit in this work. Hope and anticipation are growing among the team as glimpses of God’s unfolding vision begin to take shape. 

Stay tuned for the next update in late January, as we continue walking together toward the future God is preparing for us.