news stories
Serving together: Volunteer in Mission updates and tools
January 8, 2026 / By Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New 2026 Mission Guide and Team Leader Training Now Available Volunteers in Mission (VIM) is excited to share new and updated resources to support mission teams preparing to serve in 2026. Whether you already know where you will be serving or are still discerning your next mission opportunity, these resources are here to guide and support your mission planning. New 2026 Mission Guide Created by the Upper New York Missional Excellence Office, the 2026 …more
Celebrating 20 years of partnership with CCE of Warren County
January 6, 2026 / By Hannah Lasher, Skye Farm Assistant Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
2025 marked Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center’s 20th year of partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County, a partnership that has allowed thousands of local kids to experience summer camp with full scholarships over the years. As 2025 comes to a close, we want to celebrate all the good this partnership has done! Twenty years ago, then Skye Farm Executive Director Rev. Harold …more
Clergy Days Apart offer space for rest, renewal, and reconnection
January 6, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clergy Days Apart are being offered across the Upper New York Conference in early 2026, inviting pastoral leaders to step away from the regular rhythms of ministry and rest in the unhurried rhythms of grace. These days are designed to provide sacred time and space for reflection, renewal, and reconnection with one’s spiritual center. Participants will draw deeply from the Wellspring of Love and return to ministry refreshed and …more
Joint Deacon retreat: A spring gathering for connection, calling, and collaboration
January 5, 2026 / By UNY Communiations
This spring, the Orders of Deacons of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences invite all who share the distinctive call of the Deacon to gather for a time of renewal, fellowship, and purposeful conversation. Whether you are discerning your call, newly commissioned, in Full Connection, or retired, this retreat is designed to strengthen our shared ministry through connection, reflection, and practical learning. Save the Dates: March 13–14, 2026 Location: Liverpool …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Christmas Message
December 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following Christmas message was sent to United Methodists of Susquehanna and Upper New York on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Dear Family of God, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend be with you. This Christmas, and everyday, may we remember the One who stepped into our world and declared, “I …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Response to NY Medical Aid in Dying Act
December 19, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent electronically to Upper New York clergy on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Friday, December 19, 2025 following Governor Hochul's signing the NY Medical Aid in Dying Act into law. Dear Upper New York community, Grace and peace of Christ be with you in this holy season of Advent. I …more
UMC Bishops’ 2025 Christmas Message: Christ’s light still shines
December 17, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was published on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, on behalf of Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, reflecting on hope and the call to live as peacemakers this Christmas. Click here to download a PDF of the statement. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all.” (Luke 2:14) Beloved in …more
Upper New York welcomes Joanna Feuer
December 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is excited to welcome Joanna Feuer as the new Superintendency Administrative Assistant serving the Adirondack and Albany Districts. Joanna replaces Carrie Boyer, who retired at the end of August. Joanna comes to this role with both strong administrative skills and a heart for The United Methodist Church. Most recently, she served as the Administrative Assistant at …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Miracle Sunday 2026—Let’s Lead the Way Together
December 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 Dear Pastors and Congregational Leaders in Upper New York,| Grace and peace from Christ be with you this Advent. I thank God for the countless ways you embody the love of God in your communities and …more
Conference-wide effort sends $160,000 in supplies to Red Bird Mission
December 16, 2025 / By David Alexander, Red Bird Mission Team Coordinator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s note: The following message was shared on behalf of David Alexander to the Upper New York Conference, highlighting the generosity, rising costs, and ongoing need for support that make the Red Bird Mission’s annual ministry possible. On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, our crew delivered 2,626 shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies for men, women, girls, and boys to the Red Bird Mission in …more