news stories
Auburn UMC paying it forward
February 17, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beginning this year, Auburn UMC will sponsor one student at Africa University (AU) each year through a fully endowed scholarship. The church will not select the recipient; instead, AU will choose the student annually based on its own criteria. The endowment is funded through the Starbucks Foundation—unrelated to the coffee company—which awarded Auburn UMC money to use not for …more
Casowasco clean-up week
February 16, 2026 / By The Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter, Casowasco Site Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco is preparing for re-opening April 1, but to get there we need to call on interested Casowasco volunteers. Come for a day, a night or several days during the week of March 20-29, that includes two weekends. We have free beds available for those who want to stay for more than a day. And we can arrange meals for registered participants at a nominal cost (be the first to sample …more
A food pantry milestone
February 13, 2026 / By Darlene Hyde, Lay Supply Pastor at Oakwood UMC / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The food pantry held Thursday evenings at Oakwood United Methodist Church in Elmira Heights has come a long way since its humble beginnings. When the food pantry began, it looked nothing like the current pantry. In the beginning, food items were kept in a room not much bigger than a closet. Back then, the food was placed in grocery bags and handed out on an …more
What churches and employees need to know about New York’s Secure Choice savings program
February 12, 2026 / By Julie Valeski, Conference Benefits Officer / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What is Secure Choice? Secure Choice is a New York state-sponsored retirement savings program structured as an automatic-enrollment Roth IRA. Employees are automatically enrolled but may opt out at any time. Contributions are funded through payroll deduction, and unlike a 401(k), employers do not contribute, manage investments, or assume fiduciary responsibility. Their role is limited to facilitating access. Upper New York United Methodist churches and the conference office are exempt …more
Faithful Resistance 2026
February 11, 2026 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York are at our best when we are participating in transforming the world as we nurture passionate disciples of Jesus Christ who share faith, mercy, and justice in their everyday lives. Passionate disciples are people who both seek and work for justice. On February 25, 2026, there is an opportunity …more
Upper New York Disaster Response strengthens leadership and prepares for the year ahead
February 11, 2026 / By Kristina Clark, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference Disaster Response Ministry continues to grow in strength and readiness as it reflects on last year’s response efforts, prepares for upcoming trainings, and enhances leadership. In 2025, Upper New York Disaster Response trained 22 new Early Response Team (ERT) members and dedicated more than 2,000 volunteer hours supporting disaster response efforts in seven communities. Teams responded to disasters across the Conference, including the St. Regis Mohawk …more
Enroll in a spring learning cohort
February 10, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This spring, we’re pleased to invite you to participate in Spring Learning Cohorts being offered across our Episcopal Area in partnership with the Susquehanna Conference. These cohorts build on a series of Fall Learning Cohorts that were very well received by participants in the Susquehanna, who named the experience as meaningful, practical, and deeply supportive of their ministry. Based on that strong response, we’re excited to …more
From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Rebuilding a Vibrant Life of Prayer – Together!
February 10, 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 Tuesday, February 10 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, inviting the Susquehanna–Upper New York Area into a renewed focus on prayer during Lent and in the months ahead. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12 Dear family of …more
End of disaffiliation process in Upper New York Conference
February 3, 2026 / By Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On November 18, 2025, the New York State courts approved the final disaffiliation request in Upper New York (UNY), marking the completion of an unprecedented chapter in our conference's history. Between October 2022 and December 31, 2023—when the limited right to disaffiliate under ¶2553 of the Book of Discipline expired—118 churches in Upper New York voted to disaffiliate, though the court approval process extended into 2025. This has been a challenging season …more
The joy of serving: Put love into action
January 26, 2026 / By Tara Barnes
Being United Methodist means striving to be “perfected in love,” to grow hearts capable of fully loving God and neighbor. In our local churches we find joy, respite, and inspiration during worship on Sunday mornings, we grow spiritually in Bible studies, and we extend our hands to our communities through meals, pantries, clothing drives, bike repairs, backpack giveaways, and more. We also belong to a connection. From Niagara …more