news stories
Gratitude and generosity: AC 2025 giving update
June 3, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC), United Methodists of Upper New York once again demonstrated deep generosity and a heart for ministry by giving to four vital funds. These offerings support people, programs, and communities in need—extending the impact of the Church beyond the gathering itself. As of now, a total of $15,851.59 has been collected through gifts given during AC and those that continue to …more
Faith-based affordable housing can help Western New York thrive
June 2, 2025 / By Hector A. Burgos-Núñez / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following op-ed was written by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and published by the Buffalo News on May 15. Western New York is facing a housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities. In 2022, nearly half – 45.9% – of our renters were rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. It’s unacceptable – and we need an immediate solution. …more
Rev. April Casperson calls laity to lead across difference in transformative address at UNY Annual Conference
May 28, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference Laity Session, held on Thursday, May 22, the Rev. April Casperson delivered a stirring and practical keynote aimed at equipping lay leaders to navigate differences with grace, purpose, and courage. Drawing from her deep experience as a Deacon in the West Ohio Conference as the Director of Enrollment Management at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and longtime diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant, Rev. …more
Celebrating the Call: Honoring the newly ordained and commissioned
May 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Friday night, the Service of Ordination and Commissioning was held at the Oncenter in Downtown Syracuse as part of the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference, which took place from May 22–24. This sacred gathering celebrated the commissioning and ordination of individuals called to serve in ministry, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journeys. In a powerful sermon titled “Agents of Resurrection,” Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., …more
Learning Session Recap: Reaching the next generation
May 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Friday, May 23, 2025, during the Upper New York Annual Conference, the Rev. Kris Sledge and the Rev. Rachel Gilmore led a compelling learning session on why younger generations are distancing themselves from the church. Drawing from their new book, Followers Under 40, the session explored the trends behind this shift and offered insights into how faith communities can be reimagined to meet Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha where they are. …more
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez inspires hope and vision at 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference
May 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On day two of the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez delivered a passionate and visionary Episcopal Address, inspiring clergy and laity alike to deepen relationships, embrace change, and boldly live into God’s call. Speaking to a room filled with United Methodists from across the region, Bishop Burgos Núñez expressed gratitude, celebrated progress, and outlined a …more
Together in Diversity: Empowering laity for culturally aware ministry
May 13, 2025 / By Jessica White, Conference Lay Leader / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On behalf of the Board of Laity, I want to express how excited we are to see you all at this year’s Laity Session. We are especially pleased to announce that our teaching session will feature a special guest speaker and focus on intercultural competency training for the laity. This session promises to be an invaluable opportunity for attendees, equipping lay leaders to engage in more inclusive …more
2028 General Conference headed to Minneapolis
May 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mark your calendars. General Conference (GC) is headed to Minneapolis May 8-18, 2028. The Commission on the General Conference made the announcement after the conclusion of the Commission's spring virtual meeting. General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. The three-week event will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. “The selection of Minneapolis as a General Conference …more
Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper to be honored at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
May 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS), a theological institution with over two centuries of tradition and transformation, will honor outstanding graduates at its 2025 Alumni/ae & Friends Reunion. The celebration, rooted in CRCDS’s enduring mission of peace, service, and justice, will recognize alumni/ae whose ministries and vocations exemplify the school’s legacy of leadership and impact. The Distinguished Alumni/ae Award celebrates excellence in theological education, …more
United Methodist Bishops issue four letters on justice and peace
May 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: On May 7, 2025, the Council of Bishops released the following statement, a set of four pastoral letters issued during their April 2025 meeting, offering a unified response to several pressing justice issues around the globe. To The Beloved People of The United Methodist Church, We write to you at a moment when our world is confronted by profound suffering, deep division, and urgent calls for justice and …more