Close X
  • Our Focus
  • Home
  • About
  • Ministries
  • Missions
  • Events
  • News
  • Resources
  • Our Focus
    X

    Translate

    Close

    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets come together for missional collaboration

    January 29, 2025 / By Matt Shineman, Susquehanna Conference Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in the ministry. 

    To begin this new journey, the Missional Cabinets from both conferences came together for a joint retreat held in Williamsport, PA, from January 13-15. The retreat allowed the joint team and and to build a strong foundation for the new missional partnership while maintaining the distinct identities of the two conferences.  

    The retreat emphasized several key priorities to enhance the partnership: 

    • Building relationships and fostering unity 
    • Learning about each Conference’s missional context 
    • Discovering collaboration opportunities for a more significant impact 
    • Exploring new possibilities in shared missions 
    • Engaging in shared spiritual formation and resourcing 

    "This retreat was a great opportunity to get to know one another through conversation, worship, and activities," explained the Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, Dean of the Upper New York Missional Cabinet. "We learned we have much in common and are intrigued by the possibilities before us to collaborate in ministry." 
     
    The gathering also served as a reminder of the transformative potential of collaboration in ministry. The Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Dean of the Susquehanna Missional Cabinet, shared that he "sensed the reassurance that as communication and collaboration extends beyond the Cabinets, shared work will create both better work and a renewed reality that Kingdom work is not designed to be restricted by lines drawn on a map." 
     
    "As the resident bishop for the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area, I am excited about God's new work among us. I am committed to collaborating effectively and maintaining clear, transparent communication. Our focus will be on how this partnership can enhance our ability to serve with excellence in both conferences for the glory of God." 
     
    As the two conferences continue to walk this path together, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez invites the prayers and support of clergy, lay leaders, and congregants alike. “I call on all United Methodists in the Susquehanna-Upper New York Episcopal Area to surround this journey in our individual and communal prayers, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the God-sized possibilities ahead of us as we collaborate in equipping and resourcing our leaders and congregations to fulfill our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” concluded Bishop Héctor. 

    TAGGED / Communications / Episcopal Office / Finance / Bishop Burgos / Cabinet / Districts / Missional Excellence


    United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of a vibrant network of 677 local churches and active new faith communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."