news stories
UNY donates $20,000 to continued tornado recovery in Rome
June 10, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: United Methodists of Upper New York donate $20,000 to Connected Community Schools for Ongoing Tornado Recovery in Rome For Immediate Release Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications (shelbywinchell@unyumc.org) Liverpool, NY — The Upper New York Conference (UNY) of The United Methodist Church donated $20,000 to Connected Community Schools to support continued recovery efforts in Rome, NY, following the devastating EF-2 tornado that struck the …more
Support immigrants and refugees in Upper New York through a new conference Advance Special
June 10, 2025 / By Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference, a new conference Advance Special was approved: Upper New York Immigrant and Refugee Ministries, #718. This fund is now open for individuals and churches to contribute to and receive support from, in support of vital ministries with immigrants and refugees across our conference. Every day, individuals and families flee violence, persecution, and poverty in search of a better life. As United Methodists, we …more
One-day clergy family retreats this summer to Rest. Play. Connect.
June 9, 2025 / By The Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This August, clergy and their families are invited to step away from their day-to-day demands and reconnect through a series of one-day retreats designed to foster rest, recreation, and spiritual renewal. Under the theme REST. PLAY. CONNECT., all preachers and their loved ones are encouraged to attend—whether solo attendees or part of a multi-generational household. The events will be held at two UNY camp and retreat locations: …more
Pentecost Message from Bishop Burgos – A Call to Reclaim Our Baptismal Vows
June 6, 2025 / 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 Friday, June 6, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, urging us to reclaim and faithfully live our baptismal vows this Pentecost. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory …more
Gratitude and generosity: AC 2025 giving update
June 3, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC), United Methodists of Upper New York once again demonstrated deep generosity and a heart for ministry by giving to four vital funds. These offerings support people, programs, and communities in need—extending the impact of the Church beyond the gathering itself. As of now, a total of $15,851.59 has been collected through gifts given during AC and those that continue to …more
Faith-based affordable housing can help Western New York thrive
June 2, 2025 / By Hector A. Burgos-Núñez / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following op-ed was written by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and published by the Buffalo News on May 15. Western New York is facing a housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities. In 2022, nearly half – 45.9% – of our renters were rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. It’s unacceptable – and we need an immediate solution. …more
Rev. April Casperson calls laity to lead across difference in transformative address at UNY Annual Conference
May 28, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference Laity Session, held on Thursday, May 22, the Rev. April Casperson delivered a stirring and practical keynote aimed at equipping lay leaders to navigate differences with grace, purpose, and courage. Drawing from her deep experience as a Deacon in the West Ohio Conference as the Director of Enrollment Management at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and longtime diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant, Rev. …more
Celebrating the Call: Honoring the newly ordained and commissioned
May 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Friday night, the Service of Ordination and Commissioning was held at the Oncenter in Downtown Syracuse as part of the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference, which took place from May 22–24. This sacred gathering celebrated the commissioning and ordination of individuals called to serve in ministry, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journeys. In a powerful sermon titled “Agents of Resurrection,” Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., …more
Learning Session Recap: Reaching the next generation
May 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Friday, May 23, 2025, during the Upper New York Annual Conference, the Rev. Kris Sledge and the Rev. Rachel Gilmore led a compelling learning session on why younger generations are distancing themselves from the church. Drawing from their new book, Followers Under 40, the session explored the trends behind this shift and offered insights into how faith communities can be reimagined to meet Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha where they are. …more
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez inspires hope and vision at 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference
May 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On day two of the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez delivered a passionate and visionary Episcopal Address, inspiring clergy and laity alike to deepen relationships, embrace change, and boldly live into God’s call. Speaking to a room filled with United Methodists from across the region, Bishop Burgos Núñez expressed gratitude, celebrated progress, and outlined a …more