news stories Tagged “Communications”
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
Beyond the Pews: Church on the porch
October 6, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For Pastor J Lanni, ministry doesn’t end at the doors of Middlesex United Methodist Church or Vine Valley UMC. It stretches well beyond the pulpit, pews, and stained-glass windows. This summer, that ministry found a new home—on a front porch in the middle of a neighborhood—where an honest conversation about life and faith began. It started when Matt, a man wrestling with questions …more
Fresh vision for ministry takes root at Greenhouse Days
September 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On September 20 and 21, United Methodists from across the Upper New York Conference came together for UNY Greenhouse Days, with gatherings held at Kenmore UMC near Buffalo and the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. Greenhouse Days are annual one-day events hosted by the Upper New York Conference’s New Faith Communities and Innovation Initiative. Clergy and laity joined in a shared experience of learning, conversation, and visioning as they explored …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
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
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
Casowasco Discernment Team Update
September 8, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Casowasco Discernment Team has begun work on their first “sprint.” In project management terms, a sprint is a short, focused burst of work where each member takes on specific tasks, then regroups to review progress, refocus priorities, and assign the next steps. What We’re Working On This sprint is focused on five key areas: staffing & operations, finances, physical property, programming, and relationships …more