news stories Tagged “Missional Excellence”
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
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
Immigration Justice Cohort: Equipping justice-centered leaders in Upper New York
August 19, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York were awarded a $9,000 Action Fund Grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) to launch an Immigration Justice Cohort. This grant is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of United Methodist congregations around the world who faithfully participate in our shared giving. The Immigration Justice Cohort is an initiative of Missional Excellence. It is a ten-month journey that will prepare six regional …more
Casowasco Discern & Design Summit update
August 5, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 18-19, a group of leaders, alumni, and supporters gathered at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center for a Discern & Design Summit. Guided by consultants Scott Pontier and Heather Kenny from Ministry Incubators, the goal wasn’t to solve every problem—but to listen and imagine what a renewed future for Casowasco could look like. The summit was designed to celebrate Casowasco’s legacy, …more
Answered Prayer: Rush UMC’s journey of compassion and connection
July 28, 2025 / By Erma Perkins, Rush UMC
On May 29, 2025, Rush United Methodist Church commissioned a missionary team to Empangeni, South Africa, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than two decades with Zululand Hospice and MusaweNkosi Orphanage. This year’s mission once again deepened relationships and offered lasting hope to all who participated. Erma Perkins, who has faithfully led the team for most of those years, described the experience as “a true moment of answered …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Call to Prayer about Visioning Process
July 22, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, July 22 about the 2025 Strategic Visioning and Planning Process approved at the 2025 Annual Conference. More information can be found here. Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders in the Upper New York Conference, Grace and peace to you in the …more
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
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