news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Honoring Pastoral Leaders
October 14, 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 Clergy Appreciation Month and supporting your pastor when it comes to clegy wellness. “I thank God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel…” Philippians 1:3–6 Dear partners in …more
Rev. Yohang Chun installed as District Superintendent of the Northern Flow & Mohawk Districts
October 14, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sunday, October 12, Asbury United Methodist Church in Watertown hosted a spirit-filled service celebrating the installation of the Rev. Yohang Chun as Superintendent of the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Friends, clergy, and laity from across the districts gathered to worship, pray, and affirm Rev. Chun’s leadership. The service opened with gathering music by the Asbury …more
Rev. Richelle Goff installed as District Superintendent of Genesee Valley and Mountain View Districts
October 13, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, clergy and laity from across Upper New York gathered at Bath: Centenary United Methodist Church to celebrate the installation of the Rev. Richelle Goff as District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley and Mountain View Districts. The sanctuary was filled with music, prayer, and blessings as the community of family, friends, and loved ones affirmed this new season of ministry. The service began with vibrant music from Bath: …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A Blessing for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 13, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following pastoral letter was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, October 13, 2025. “I establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature…” - Genesis 9:9 Dear family of God, On this sacred day of remembrance, we humbly honor the enduring …more
UNY LGBTQ+ Inclusion Team Announced
October 13, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Earlier this week, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announced the formation of the Upper New York (UNY) LGBTQ+ Inclusion Team—an initiative established by the 2025 Annual Conference session and shaped in response to recent revisions to the Book of Discipline adopted by the 2020/2024 General Conference. A Spirit-Led Team of Trusted Leaders The Inclusion Team comprises a diverse group of leaders known …more
Beyond the Pews: Weekly café ministry builds community and connection in Latham
October 13, 2025 / By Rev. Dr. Nick Bufano/UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each Thursday afternoon in Latham, a quiet but impactful ministry unfolds just a few blocks from the walls of Newtonville UMC. From 12-1:30 p.m., the Rev. Dr. Nick Bufano relocates his “office” to The Works Café—a local coffee shop that has become more than just a place for lattes and lunch. It's become a space for spiritual presence, meaningful conversations, and unexpected connections. …more
Beyond the Pews: Church on the porch
October 6, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For Pastor J Lanni, ministry doesn’t end at the doors of Middlesex United Methodist Church or Vine Valley UMC. It stretches well beyond the pulpit, pews, and stained-glass windows. This summer, that ministry found a new home—on a front porch in the middle of a neighborhood—where an honest conversation about life and faith began. It started when Matt, a man wrestling with questions …more
A sacred space dedicated: Consecration of the Columbarium and Memorial Garden
September 29, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On September 21, the Asbury First UMC community gathered for a moving consecration ceremony, marking the official dedication of the Columbarium and Memorial Garden. This meaningful addition to the campus has been several decades in the making, born out of a deep desire to provide a sacred space of remembrance, reflection, and hope for generations to come. The Rev. Kathy Thiel presided over the ceremony, guiding the congregation through words …more
New York State unemployment benefits increase effective October 1, 2025
September 25, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective October 1, 2025, New York State unemployment insurance benefits will increase from $504 per week to $869 per week. More information regarding this change is available here. As a reminder, in general, virtually all employed people in New York are covered by unemployment insurance. However, New York State’s Unemployment Insurance law provides exclusions from coverage for certain people rendering services to not-for-profit corporations. Exclusions applicable only to nonprofit religious organizations: Duly …more
Fresh vision for ministry takes root at Greenhouse Days
September 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On September 20 and 21, United Methodists from across the Upper New York Conference came together for UNY Greenhouse Days, with gatherings held at Kenmore UMC near Buffalo and the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. Greenhouse Days are annual one-day events hosted by the Upper New York Conference’s New Faith Communities and Innovation Initiative. Clergy and laity joined in a shared experience of learning, conversation, and visioning as they explored …more