news stories
Dr. Scott L. Johnson Honored with Excellence in Social Justice Award
September 15, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Annual Conference is delighted to announce that Dr. Scott L. Johnson has been honored with the Excellence in Social Justice Award from the New York State Council of Churches, comprised of nine partner denominations working together for justice and ministry across New York State. Dr. Johnson, who serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Buffalo and Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, was recognized …more
From INR to DRIA: A new name, the same mission
September 15, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and the Rev. Dr. Holly Strickland / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Seven years ago, the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) launched an innovative anti-racism ministry, Imagine No Racism (INR). Combined with CCORR’s dedication to addressing both systemic and personal manifestations of racism, this ministry has catalyzed essential conversations and concrete actions throughout our communities. However, we at CCORR have heard concerns about the name of this ministry. People of Color in UNY have rightly said that since …more
New York State Minimum Wage/Salary Increase effective January 1, 2026
September 11, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective January 1, 2026, New York State is increasing the minimum wage and minimum exempt salary amounts. The new amounts for New York State (excluding New York City, Long Island, and Westchester) are: MINIMUM WAGE: $16.00/hour MINIMUM EXEMPT SALARY: $1,199.10 per week / $62,353.20 per year Employers within the Upper New York Conference, regardless of the number of employees, must pay non-exempt staff minimum wage. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay under the state …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: An urgent call to Peacemaking and Hope
September 11, 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 Susquehanna and New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Thursday, September 11, 2025. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Optima aquí para leer en español. Yesterday, activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah …more
From Prayer to Action: UNY ministry leaders unite around love and mission
September 8, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Saturday, September 6, ministry leaders from across the Upper New York Conference gathered at Liverpool First UMC for a fall leadership summit - a day marked by prayer, reflection, and forward-thinking collaboration. The summit created sacred space to reconnect with God and one another while discerning next steps in ministry. Organized by the Office of Missional Excellence, the gathering brought together more than 40 leaders representing a wide range of …more
CLT gathers for prayerful leadership and strategic actions
September 8, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference Leadership Team (CLT) of United Methodists of Upper New York convened on Friday evening, September 5, 2025, at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. As the executive body of the Annual Conference, the CLT gathered for a focused time of prayerful conversation, strategic decision-making, and updates on vital areas of ministry and administration. 2026 Conference Benefit Funding Plan Approved During the two-hour meeting, the CLT reviewed and approved the 2026 …more
Casowasco Discernment Team Update
September 8, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Casowasco Discernment Team has begun work on their first “sprint.” In project management terms, a sprint is a short, focused burst of work where each member takes on specific tasks, then regroups to review progress, refocus priorities, and assign the next steps. What We’re Working On This sprint is focused on five key areas: staffing & operations, finances, physical property, programming, and relationships …more
Upper New York Conference’s response to pastor’s arrest
September 5, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: The Upper New York Conference's response to Rev. Ronald Wenzinger’s arrest For Immediate Release Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications shelbywinchell@unyumc.org On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church was informed of the arrest of Rev. Ronald Wenzinger. According to New York State Police, he's charged with attempted rape in the second degree …more
How the Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Greenhouse Days helped SPARK ignite a new way of being church
August 25, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a time when many churches are navigating declining membership and cultural shifts, a new kind of community is quietly growing within the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church—not through buildings or bulletins, but through belonging. SPARK has emerged as a vibrant fresh expression of faith, rooted in radical inclusion, community, and spiritual creativity at Kenmore United Methodist Church. While its origins began …more
Immigration Justice Cohort: Equipping justice-centered leaders in Upper New York
August 19, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York were awarded a $9,000 Action Fund Grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) to launch an Immigration Justice Cohort. This grant is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of United Methodist congregations around the world who faithfully participate in our shared giving. The Immigration Justice Cohort is an initiative of Missional Excellence. It is a ten-month journey that will prepare six regional …more