news stories
A Call for Peace in the Midst of Conflict in the Mideast
June 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: This letter was published by The United Methodist Council of Bishops on June 24, 2025 and shared with United Methodists of Upper New York. As Bishops of The United Methodist Church, we stand united in our pursuit of peace and our commitment to the sacredness of human life, guided by the Scriptures and our Social Principles. The scriptures and the Social Principles affirm the sacred worth and dignity of …more
The Upper New York Conference welcomes Jordan Osborne as Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to welcome Jordan Osborne as the new Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence. In her new role, she will support the teams in the Missional Excellence area, the Director of Missional Excellence, the Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, and other staff in the Missional Excellence area. Jordan brings a dynamic background in college and career administration, communications, and community outreach. She holds …more
From the Desk of Bishop Hector: From Reflection to Renewal: Shaping the Future Together
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, June 23 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. …more
Moving forward at Casowasco
June 23, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During this sabbatical season at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, we’re reminded of the vital importance of rest. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28–29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls. Though this pause hasn’t always been easy, it has given Casowasco the needed space to lie …more
Campfires, cleanup, and connection: Aldersgate Rally ignites hearts
June 17, 2025 / By Pastor Kevin Kitto, Lowville UMC
The Aldersgate Regional Rally Day was an incredible success, filled with joy, connection, and inspiration! Over the weekend, we witnessed the power of community as participants came together to celebrate, learn, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth. Nearly 60 volunteers from a handful of local churches, including Lowville, Carthage, Champion, Natural Bridge, Beaver Falls, Turin, Martinsburg, and Constableville, pitched in to help get Aldersgate …more
Youth inspire and impress at Annual Conference
June 17, 2025 / By Tara Barnes
“Hallelujah!” From reports to a display table to proposing legislative amendments, youth made their presence known at the 16th session of the Upper New York Annual Conference May 22-24 in Syracuse, New York. They even inspired a roomful of hundreds to shout in praise and thanksgiving, when one “Hallelujah!” from a table of youth became many, an overture Bishop Héctor A. Burgos …more
Creation Care: Doing it God’s way
June 17, 2025 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, Creation Care Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley, Chair of the UNY Creation Care Team. The views expressed in this article are of the author and team, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. If you are familiar with the Bible’s book of Genesis, you know that God gave the …more
A Palestine Journey
June 16, 2025 / By Rev. Gary Doupe / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by the Rev. Gary Doupe on behalf of the UNY Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel (Equal Justice for Palestine-Israel). The views expressed in this article are of the UNY Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. In early May 2025, I joined …more
AC2025: Survey reflects a joyful Annual Conference experience across Upper New York
June 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: This article is based on feedback from the 2025 Annual Conference survey conducted by the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Nearly half of those in attendance provided feedback anonymously through a post-event survey. The 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC2025) left a lasting impression on United Methodists across the region, according to survey feedback from both clergy and laity. Held on May 2 …more
Tiny Jesus: One figurine’s journey of faith, comfort, and connection
June 12, 2025 / By Rev. George Gallandorm, Oneonta Superintendency Associate
My Tiny Jesus story began nearly nine months ago. I was blessed to be asked to be the spiritual director on a men’s Walk to Emmaus. During a pre-walk team meeting, one of the laity, during his talk preview, told a touching story on how his wife led him to Jesus several years earlier. He spoke about what an exciting time in his life it was and how …more