news stories Tagged “Bishop Burgos”
Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender
December 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender For Immediate Release Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications shelbywinchell@unyumc.org On November 23, 2025, Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf announced to the congregation at North Chili United Methodist Church outside of Rochester, NY that she is transgender and beginning her transition. “I …more
Bishop Héctor A.Burgos Núñez’s Advent Message
December 2, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following Advent message was shared with United Methodists in Susquehanna and Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A.Burgos Núñez. Greetings in the name and with the love of our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ. I am Héctor Burgos Núñez, resident bishop for United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Casowasco Reopening Plan
November 18, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Dear Partners in Ministry, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Camp and Retreat Ministries (CRM) have long been sacred spaces where disciples of Jesus Christ are formed. Over generations, these ministries have sparked faith journeys, deepened spiritual …more
C3 Tour 2025: Clergy gather across Upper New York to embrace chaos and cultivate hope
November 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More than 200 clergy from across Upper New York came together last week for the 2025 C3 Tour—a three-stop worship and visioning experience at Clarence Center UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and Fayetteville UMC. Centered on the theme of navigating chaos with faith, the tour created sacred space for pastors to pause, connect, and imagine what a Spirit-led future for ministry might look like. Worship Rooted in Creation and Pentecost …more
Faith in Action: Helping feed our neighbors in need
October 27, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, it did more than stall legislation—it put millions of Americans at risk. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that no federal SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1 unless funding is restored. The impact of this decision will be deeply felt. Thousands of individuals and families who depend on these benefits may soon face …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A Call to Compassion and Action – Government Shutdown
October 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown on October 24, 2025. “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4 Dear partners in ministry, Grace and peace to you in the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: UNY Cabinet Transition
October 21, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the UNY Cabinet Transition to take place on June 30, 2026. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21a Dear Upper New York clergy and laity community, Grace and peace to you in Christ. The …more
Rev. Yohang Chun installed as District Superintendent of the Northern Flow & Mohawk Districts
October 14, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sunday, October 12, Asbury United Methodist Church in Watertown hosted a spirit-filled service celebrating the installation of the Rev. Yohang Chun as Superintendent of the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Friends, clergy, and laity from across the districts gathered to worship, pray, and affirm Rev. Chun’s leadership. The service opened with gathering music by the Asbury …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A Blessing for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 13, 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 on Monday, October 13, 2025. “I establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature…” - Genesis 9:9 Dear family of God, On this sacred day of remembrance, we humbly honor the enduring …more
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