news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Jesus’s life is not an Option
September 23, 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 and Susquehanna on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Dear Beloved Family of God, In the past week, I have received many requests for statements about the pressing issues confronting our nation and world. Your desire for clarity, courage, and leadership is …more
Reminder regarding New York State New Hire Reporting Requirements
September 23, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder for all churches regarding New York State’s new hire reporting requirements. Who must report new hires All employers in New York State must report certain identifying information about each newly hired or rehired employee working in New York State. A newly hired or rehired employee means an employee: previously not employed by the employer, or previously employed by the employer but separated from such …more
Back to Church Sunday celebrates faith, friendship, and community
September 22, 2025 / By Gayle Denning, Akron First United Methodist Church
This past Sunday, Akron First United Methodist Church joined thousands of congregations across the country in celebrating National Back to Church Sunday, a movement designed to reconnect people with their faith communities and welcome new faces into the life of the church. At a time when our nation and community have faced heartbreaking tragedies and uncertainty, the invitation to gather, pray, and walk together has never been more important. …more
Building Unity and Vision: SUS and UNY Missional Cabinets Gather for Joint Retreat
September 22, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Upper New York Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Missional Cabinets from both the Susquehanna (SUS) and Upper New York (UNY) Conferences gathered in Corning, NY, in early September for a multi-day retreat. Over four days, leaders from both conferences engaged in worship, learning, and collaboration with a focus on team building and moving forward together. The last time the Missional Cabinets from both conferences met was January 2025. You can read about that collaborative missional meeting here. …more
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