Answering the Call: A sacred night of Ordination and Commissioning

By UNY Communications | Email

On Friday night, the Service of Ordination and Commissioning was held at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse as part of the 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference, which took place from May 28–30. This sacred gathering celebrated the commissioning and ordination of individuals called to serve in ministry, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journeys.  

The service brought together clergy, laity, family members, and friends for a time of worship, prayer, and celebration. Throughout the evening, the conference recognized those entering new stages of ministry, including the consecration of a deaconess, the commissioning of candidates for ministry, the ordination of elders, and the recognition of orders.  

In his opening remarks, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez reflected on the theme of the service and the call to faithful discipleship. “Today we gather as a people called to rise up—not in our own strength, but in the bold love of Christ that lifts us, steadies us, and sends us,” he said. He encouraged those gathered to embrace a faith that moves people into action, adding, “When we love boldly, we become signs of God’s presence; when we rise up in faith, we become witnesses to God’s glory.” 

Preaching during the service, Bishop Delores J. Williamston of the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church centered her message on Mark 10:46-52 and the story of Bartimaeus. Using the theme “Rise Up,” she challenged those preparing for ministry to answer God's call with courage, faith, and a commitment to serving others. 

“The good news, y’all is, you have been called to ‘get up’ or rise up, like Bartimaeus and Mamie,” Bishop Williamston said. “Called to get up/rise up, and let your faith transform you and the ministry God is calling you too and putting in your hands!” 

Throughout her sermon, Bishop Williamston emphasized that ministry is rooted in service and in responding to the needs of others. 

“Remember you/we all are CALLED to get up and serve,” she said. “And know that it is God who calls and appoints, and Jesus Christ, who teaches us to serve Somebody’s Child.” 

The service celebrated Tara Barnes, who was consecrated as a deaconess; Pamela Kay Anderson, who was commissioned as a deacon; Katelyn Alexis Bradwell, Samuel Edward Smith, and Ian Carlos Urriola-Schonewolf, were commissioned as elders; Jeffrey John Hodge, Justin Michael Hood, Alicia Margaret Wood Keating, and Michael G. Whitcomb-Tavey, were ordained as elders; and Joseph Daniel Sellepack, whose orders were recognized as a full elder. 

The evening also honored retirees whose faithful ministry helped shape the life of the conference. Reflecting on their legacy, Bishop Héctor said, “Your ministry and service has been a symbol for others; you accepted authority for sharing the Holy scriptures, for preaching the Word, for celebrating the sacraments, for ordering the life of the church, for equipping the people of God, and for serving as a bridge from the church to the world.” Looking toward the future, he added, “As I hold the mantle today, I lift up those who are to be commissioned to continue this legacy of ministry and service.” 

As the service concluded, the conference gave thanks for those who have answered God’s call and committed themselves to lives of ministry, leadership, and service. Through ordination, commissioning, consecration, and recognition, the church celebrated both the faithfulness of those who have served and the promise of those preparing to lead in the years ahead. 

Click here to watch a recording from the livestream of the Service of Ordination and Commissioning.