news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Devastating Flooding in Central Texas
July 10, 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 Thursday, July 10, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the flooding across Central Texas and New Mexico. Beloved Family of God, Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods across Central Texas. Lives have been tragically lost, families uprooted, …more
Cady Grant Recipients 2025
July 1, 2025 / By Dr. Blenda Smith, Chair of the Cady Grant Committee / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What an exciting year for the Cady Grant Committee. We were delighted that the Cady Grant stimulated so much interest. There were nine 2025 applications received which was a record year. Unfortunately, we could not honor that many requests for funding up to $5,000. Specific grant awards ranged from $1,200 to $5,000. We did the best possible to honor Ercil Cady’s bequest for people or projects that support people of color, especially …more
Upper New York United Women in Faith 2025 Mission u: Practicing Hope Together
July 1, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York United Women in Faith invite everyone to join their 2025 Mission u event, themed "Practicing Hope Together." This enriching gathering will take place from Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the scenic Asbury Camp and Retreat Center in Perry, New York, located on Silver Lake. Event Highlights: Participants will engage in meaningful study sessions led by the Rev. Robin Blair, using the book Practicing Hope by Tabatha …more
Mission of Peace 2026: A transformative journey to the US/Mexico southern border
June 30, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Mission of Peace (MOP) 2026 is set to take place from February 13–22, 2026, offering youth a profound and life-changing experience focused on understanding culture, compassion, and justice at the US/Mexico border. Sponsored by the Northeastern Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministry, Mission of Peace has been an ongoing ministry of peacemaking and learning since 1986. Each year, it invites young people to witness firsthand how faith, humanity, and global realities …more
Preaching with Purpose: Inside the Rest. Work. Play. cohort experience
June 25, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Tuesday, June 24, the Rev. Abigail Browka and Pastor Bekah Solar, both serving as Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, hosted a Preachers: Rest. Work. Play virtual open house to discuss the Compelling Preaching Initiative. This four-year initiative is designed to help preachers cultivate healthy rhythms of rest, work, and play through a ten-month cohort experience. Why just ten months? Because preachers are busy—the program is intentionally …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Updated Resource on Human Sexuality
June 24, 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 Tuesday, June 24 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding human sexuality resources. "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our …more
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