news stories
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 …more
Exploring AI in Ministry: Training with Jason Moore
November 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pastors, church leaders, and Upper New York Conference staff came together on Wednesday, November 5, at the United Methodist Center to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance and support ministry. Nationally recognized digital ministry expert Jason Moore led the training, explaining the fundamentals of AI, demonstrating its potential benefits in planning and ministry work, exploring different forms of AI, and reflecting on the ethical and spiritual discernment needed to …more
UNY pastors reflect on renewal and learning at Facing the Future 2025
November 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Four Upper New York clergy serving in cross-racial and cross-cultural (CR/CC) ministries gathered to reflect on their experiences at Facing the Future 2025, a national conference hosted by the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR). The event, held in Los Angeles, brought together more than 200 pastors from across the denomination for worship, workshops, and connection centered on the realities of CR/CC ministry. The …more
UMC Bishops finish canvassing of amendments; all four are ratified
November 5, 2025 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s note: The following statement from The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church was released on November 5 regarding the canvassing of votes of annual conferences on the four constitutional amendments approved by the 2024 General Conference. The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has completed canvassing the votes of annual conferences on the four constitutional amendments that were approved by the 2024 General Conference. …more
Saving Grace: Finding financial peace through faith
November 4, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For many people—including those in ministry—money can be a quiet source of stress. Balancing budgets, managing debt, and planning for the future often carry a weight that feels more burdensome than blessed. But for Pastor Wendy Morrison of Sherrill: Christ UMC, Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being turned that stress into peace—and faith into action. “I actually took Saving Grace twice, …more
C3 Tour 2025: Clergy gather across Upper New York to embrace chaos and cultivate hope
November 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More than 200 clergy from across Upper New York came together last week for the 2025 C3 Tour—a three-stop worship and visioning experience at Clarence Center UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and Fayetteville UMC. Centered on the theme of navigating chaos with faith, the tour created sacred space for pastors to pause, connect, and imagine what a Spirit-led future for ministry might look like. Worship Rooted in Creation and Pentecost …more
A Holy Invitation: Joining together in Anti-Racism Ministry for Licensed Local Pastors serving in Upper New York
October 28, 2025 / By Rev. Raquel Alston, dCOM chair, Niagara Frontier District & Georgia Whitney, Regional Coordinator, DRIA / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8 You know this journey well, the sacred, sometimes uncertain path of discernment you're walking as a licensed local pastor. It's the early morning study sessions, the late-night prayers over sermon notes, the hospital visits that stretch your heart, the difficult conversations that demand your wisdom. You've said yes to God's call on your life, …more
Faith in Action: Helping feed our neighbors in need
October 27, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, it did more than stall legislation—it put millions of Americans at risk. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that no federal SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1 unless funding is restored. The impact of this decision will be deeply felt. Thousands of individuals and families who depend on these benefits may soon face …more
Honoring a lifetime of faith
October 27, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Ministry doesn’t end with retirement at Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester. The church is keeping connection alive through a thriving Older Adult Ministry, led by Pastor Kathy Thiel. It’s allowing faith and fellowship to continue to bloom well into the later chapters of life. What began decades ago as a few seasonal gatherings has become a year-round ministry that touches the lives of 60 to 100 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A Call to Compassion and Action – Government Shutdown
October 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown on October 24, 2025. “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4 Dear partners in ministry, Grace and peace to you in the …more