news article

UNY Conference Leadership Team focuses on innovation and sustainability

February 11, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In early February, the UNY Conference Leadership Team (CLT) gathered to continue its meaningful work on behalf of United Methodists of Upper New York. 

The meeting included strategic updates from the Executive Staff Team and Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Also, the CLT continued its discussions on the net asset project, which is steadily progressing. This project aims to create alternative, permanent sources of income to support UNY resourcing initiatives.  

Managing the numerous asset funds from the legacy annual conferences has been one of the longstanding challenges of Upper New York. These funds were originally designated either internally or by donors within the predecessor conferences and required extensive review and reconciliation. Given the complexity of merging financial records from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy and proper stewardship took considerable time. Since 2010, all compiled funds have been carefully tracked, with a clear record of their balances and any accrued interest. These funds have also been consistently included in Upper New Conference’s regular audit process, including the recently completed 2023 audit, which has provided the Finance Ministry with the most up-to-date totals for all assets. 

“As stewards of the mission, we are seeking innovative ways to leverage our resources to expand our capacity for resourcing leaders and congregations without increasing shared ministry allocations to our local churches,” said Bishop Burgos.  

The CLT also collaborated with the UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries Board to explore strategies for fostering a thriving and sustainable camp and retreat ministry in Upper New York. Both teams are set to reconvene in the spring to continue their collaborative efforts. 

The purpose of the CLT is to serve as the steward of the mission and vision of the Upper New York Conference ministry while providing missional clarity and alignment within the Conference. Learn more about the role of the CLT by clicking here.