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Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of The United Methodist Church
January 22, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on January 22 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering.
Dear partners in ministry,
I write with both urgency and hope as we prepare for the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering—a pivotal moment for The United Methodist Church. Your leadership and engagement are essential.
This gathering is more than an event in Calgary this October. It is a Spirit-led movement beginning now in the Susquehanna & Upper New York Episcopal Area, in our congregations, and through our shared discernment.
After years of navigating significant challenges, we now have a sacred opportunity to look toward the future with courage, clarity, and collective wisdom. The Leadership Gathering Design Team has created several ways for United Methodists to participate:
Denomination-Wide Survey
The Council of Bishops invites all United Methodists to complete a church-wide survey that will directly shape the 2026 Leadership Gathering. It is open through February 15, 2026.
You can complete the survey here or scan the QR code.
Pastors, please help ensure broad participation by sharing the survey in worship, bulletins, websites, social media, and among lay leaders, long-time members, newer members, young adults, and those whose voices are often overlooked. If possible, consider setting aside time on a Sunday morning for completion. The survey takes about ten minutes, and results will be shared with the Church ahead of the October gathering.
You can find resources on our website, including images for social media. Click here to access these tools. You can also find information in the UNY UMC app.
Denomination-Wide Webinars
UMCOM will host three webinars to help us reflect on our Wesleyan identity and emerging vision:
- January 24, 2026 – Wesleyan Theology: Love Boldly
- February 21, 2026 – Wesleyan Mission: Serve Joyfully
- March 21, 2026 – Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously
All webinars run from 10–11:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Registration links are available on ResourceUMC.org. Click here to register. Participants may send questions in advance and recordings will be available afterward.
These opportunities invite clergy and laity to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the future of our Church. I am deeply grateful for your leadership and the many responsibilities you carry. Our connection is strengthened when we listen widely, discern together, and remain rooted in our Wesleyan heritage.
Thank you for your faithfulness and partnership in this shared work. Please hold this process in prayer, as I continue to hold you and your ministries in mine.
Together in Christ’s mission, With hope and gratitude,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez
Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area
Of The United Methodist Church