Explore MissionInsite, a demographic and analytics tool that helps Upper New York United Methodist churches understand their communities and strengthen outreach and discipleship. MISSION INSITE MissionInsite is a demographic research and analytics tool that equips churches to understand their surrounding communities. This resource helps leaders make informed decisions as they seek to reach new people and strengthen discipleship within their mission field. ▼ Church Registration ▼ Resources ▼ Contact CHURCH REGISTRATION The link below provide instruction for you to register and establish the user name and password for your local church. Log on to MissionInsite How to Register Learn More User Guide for Demographic Information Service Learn More HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Jordan Osborne Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence (315) 898-2013

Join Miracle Sunday with the United Methodist Church, a global initiative supporting theological education and scholarships in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. MIRACLE SUNDAY From April 12 to May 17, 2026, United Methodist congregations worldwide will join the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously – Miracle Sunday Initiative, a six-week emphasis led by the Council of Bishops to strengthen theological education outside the U.S. The effort aims to fund 500 permanently endowed scholarships each year in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines to help address global clergy leadership gaps. ▼ Donate ▼ Weekly Themes ▼ Video Testimonials ▼ Additional Resources DONATE TODAY More than 70% of U.S. clergy hold a theological degree while fewer than 5% of clergy outside the U.S. do, creating a stark disparity in pastoral formation. An offering from your congregation – together with all others worldwide – will help close that gap by funding and sustaining theological education for emerging pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Donate Here Checks may also be mailed to the Conference Office at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. Please include “Miracle Sunday” in the memo line. Learn More THE SIX-WEEK SERIES THEMES INCLUDE:  April 12: Disciples formed by Jesus Christ April 19: Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit April 26: Disciples Love Boldly May 3: Disciples Serve Joyfully May 10: Disciples Lead Courageously May 17: Disciples Transform the World – Miracle Sunday Weekly Series Resource Discipleship Ministries' Resources VIDEO TESTIMONIALS Miracle Sunday Miracle Sunday Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing Rares Calugar - Chapel v1 02:48 Play Video Now Playing Bertin Kyungu Wa Ngoy - ENG 02:01 Play Video Now Playing Princess Knuckles Jallah v1 03:24 Play Video ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Worship Slides Download Additional Resources Download

The Commission on the Status & Role of Women (COSROW) of the Upper New York Annual Conference advocates for the full and equal participation of women in all areas of church life through education and leadership development. COMMISSION ON THE STATUS & ROLE OF WOMEN (COSROW) The Commission on the Status & Role of Women (COSROW) of the Upper New York Annual Conference advocates for the full and equal participation of women across all areas of church life. It educates and equips leaders throughout the region while promoting the equal calling of all people as children of God. ▼ Understanding COSROW ▼ Past Monitoring Reports ▼ Contact UNDERSTANDING COSROW The Commission on the Status & Role of Women (COSROW) is made up of women and men, lay and clergy. Its work is mandated by the Book of Discipline. To that end, COSROW observes, listens, records, reports, and educates. The Bible overwhelmingly reports the importance of justice to God, so we can’t help but wonder: • Why God's Church continues to portray primarily a male God, when God is a Spirit and spirits have no gender. • Why some people in God's Church so often set more rigorous standards for women who are mothers than for men who are fathers. • Why many churches still think that the ability of a pastor to care for a church has to do with their gender. • Why most "tall steeple" churches are pastored by men, most district superintendents are men (76% in the US, 67% in the Upper New York Conference), and most church administrators are men, despite the fact that women comprise around 60% of active United Methodists. • What it is about the Church that leads some Christian men to assume they are brighter and more qualified to speak to issues than Christian women, particularly at Annual Conference Session, where 67% of speakers at the Uniting Session of the Upper New York Conference were male. • The question before us is how to help the whole Church be more faithful to the God of justice and mercy. The discrepancies between what is and what should be clearly illustrate the need for the work of COSROW. 2024 AC Monitoring Report Download Historic Data Download October 2023 AC Monitoring Report Download June 2023 AC Monitoring Report Download March 2023 AC Monitoring Report Download 2022 AC Monitoring Report Download 2021 AC Monitoring Report Download Find us on Facebook HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Dr. Robin Blair Conference Commission on the Status & Role of Women Chair Contact Jordan Osborne Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence (315) 898-2013

Learn how the Upper New York Conference Board of Ordained Ministry guides, mentors, and evaluates candidates pursuing ordained pastoral leadership in the United Methodist Church. BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) holds the important responsibility of guiding individuals pursuing ordained pastoral leadership within the United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. They recruit, encourage, mentor, and support candidates, while carefully evaluating their qualifications, preparedness, and effectiveness for this role ▼ About BOM ▼ Discerning a Call? ▼ UNY Local Pastor Licensing School ▼ Course of Study Satellite School ▼ BOM Ministry Library Website ▼ BOM Ministry Resources ▼ BOM Related Articles ▼ Contact Recruitment & Enlistment Coordinate with cabinet for seminary visitation Keep in contact with seminary students Promote Upper New York clergy careers Encourage theological education Manage scholarships, grants and loans Standards & Qualifications Oversee application and interview process and will follow-up with those seeking commissioning or ordination Requirements for status (checklist) Registrars of Deacons and Elders Provisional Membership Develop and oversee Provisional Mentors Continued theological education Manage residency program(s) Clergy Status Handling concerns regarding Conference Relations Retirement; leaves Exits and readmissions Clergy Effectiveness Will develop standards for clergy effectiveness Work with the three orders: Deacons, Elders and Fellowship of Local Pastors, & Associate Members on matters pertaining to the Clergy Covenant: ethical standards Encourage continuing education and formation and career development Manage clergy care District Committee On Ministry Coordination All matters of candidacy Licensing school Course of Study program Trains candidacy mentors and clergy mentors Mentor for CLM/local hires, etc Includes Registrars of Local Pastors and Candidates View Resources for DCOMs . DISCERNING A CALL INTO MINISTRY? If you are discerning a call into ministry, talk to your pastor, spiritual advisor, or clergy mentor. Share what you are experiencing. Your call is worth exploring. The Upper New York Conference has clergy who will support you every step of the way. Listen and follow where God is leading you. Begin Here Contact our Discernment Team Not all pastors serve local churches. Some serve as endorsed chaplains in healthcare, the military, as life coaches, and more. Learn More LOCAL PASTOR LICENSING SCHOOL The Local Pastor Licensing School equips candidates with the foundational skills for ministry through learning, collaboration, and practical experience. Participants should have or be in the process of becoming a certified candidate prior to attending Local Pastor Licensing School. Completion fulfills part of the licensing requirements. The candidate becomes licensed once appointed to serve in a local congregation by the appointed bishop. While not ordained, local pastors can preach, lead worship, administer the sacraments, and oversee the life of the congregation and serve the surrounding community. Learn More COURSE OF STUDY SATELLITE SCHOOL Registration information can be found on each Regional School's website. Please note that the Extension School sites for Course of Study are only for part time licensed local pastors. Learn More Need Help? BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY LIBRARY WEBSITE Organized by area, the library includes tools for candidacy, licensing, ordination and conference relations, as well as videos and downloadable flyers to assist with spiritual formation and vocational discernment for clergy, congregations and individuals exploring ministry. Visit Website Board of Ordained Ministry Forms Learn More Requirements for Candidates Learn More Deshon Study KSAP Resource Learn More Behavioral HEALTH Guidelines of General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Learn More BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY ARTICLES Bishop Héctor calls UNY to “rise up” with hope and courage May 29 3 min read From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Pentecost Message May 19 3 min read From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: An Easter Message of Hope Apr 5 2 min read 1 2 3 4 5 HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Cindy Muder Board of Ordained Ministry Support Assistant (315) 898-2091 Contact Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper Board of Ordained Ministry Chair Contact Rev. Caroline Simmons Board of Ordained Ministry Registrar

Learn about the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Team of the Upper New York Annual Conference, providing resources and guidance to help congregations foster justice, welcome, and inclusion. LGBTQ+ INCLUSION The LGBTQ+ Inclusion Team comprises a diverse group of leaders known for their spiritual depth, trusted guidance, and dedication to justice and inclusion. Together, these individuals lead the development, curation, and distribution of resources to support congregations seeking to become more inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. ▼ Our Way Forward ▼ Frequently Asked Questions ▼ UNY LGBTQ+ Inclusion Team ▼ Contact OUR WAY FORWARD Welcome to Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversation and Covenanting , a resource helping United Methodist congregations engage in respectful dialogue on human sexuality and ministry with LGBTQ persons. Commissioned by the Northeastern College of Bishops, it fosters unity, trust-building, and understanding of 2020/24 Book of Discipline updates. Explore this tool to embrace unity in diversity and strengthen our shared mission to transform the world. View Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversation and Covenanting resource below. This resource was revised on June 15, 2025 to reflect the Judicial Council decision #1516. Also find a list of districts and leadership information in order to request a facilitator. View The Resource FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What’s the purpose of this resource? The Graceful Conversations and Covenanting Process resource, commissioned by the NEJ College of Bishops, is designed to help congregations understand the 2024 General Conference’s changes regarding human sexuality. It provides a pathway for congregations to clarify their intentions around ministry with and by LGBTQ persons. Is engaging the resource and creating a covenant mandatory for all congregations? No, this is optional. Church leadership and pastors are entrusted by the cabinet to prayerfully discern whether this process is valuable for their specific context. Will congregational covenants affect appointment-making? The process aids congregations in articulating their ministry intentions with/by LGBTQ persons. These covenants offer guidance to support alignment in appointments, aiming to minimize unintended harm. Additionally, starting in 2025, clergy and congregational profiles completed during charge conferences will include questions on this matter to enhance the cabinet’s understanding of missional contexts and inform appointment decisions. Do already “Welcoming and Reconciling” churches need to re-engage the process? Not necessarily. Congregations already self-identifying as “Welcoming and Reconciling” or affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network may find this process unnecessary for their specific contexts. Facilitation: Can local teams lead the process? Yes, local teams within congregations can facilitate the process, with the pastor strongly recommended to be part of the facilitation team. Alternatively, congregations may opt for external facilitators; the conference has identified a pool of facilitators available upon request through your superintendent. Why was the Our Way Forward resourced revised on June 15, 2025? Judicial Council Decision 1516 interpreted changes made to the Book of Discipline by the 2020/2024 General Conference. The decision clarifies the authority of pastors regarding the use of church property for religious services, including marriage ceremonies. Notably, it affirms that pastors have sole discretion in deciding whether to perform any marriage, and that local church trustees cannot interfere with or restrict the use of church facilities for such services.As a result, updates have been made to the sections on the role of the pastor, discussion questions, sample covenants, and the addendum (c) to align with this clarified understanding. Read a statement from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding these changes here. UNY LGBTQ+ INCLUSION TEAM Together, these individuals will lead the development, curation, and distribution of resources to support congregations seeking to become more inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their work will be unfolding at a sustainable pace in consultation with the Bishop. Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost – Convener Superintendent Richelle Goff Rev. Dr. Heather Williams Pastor Aaron Carlson Michele Cole Diana Breedlove-Crouch Sam Mudge HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost Convener

Explore the UNY Resources Hub for essential tools, information, and support to equip pastors and congregational leaders for impactful ministry. RESOURCES Welcome to UNY Resources Hub, the go-to place for essential information and support and resources to equip congregational leaders and pastor for impactful ministry. ▼ Thriving Leaders ▼ Healthy Congregations ▼ Resilient Communities ▼ Emerging Generations THRIVING LEADERS Board of Ordained Ministry Clergy Wellness Compelling Preaching Initiative Sermon Bank Spiritual Life Portico Learning Platform Miracle Sunday Special Sundays Lay Servant Ministries United Women in Faith United Methodist Men HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS New Faith Communities Safe Sanctuaries Accessibilities Spiritual Life Stewardship Digital Discipleship Amplify Media MissionInsite Local Church Resources Church Chat Video Series RESILIENT COMMUNITIES Immigration Creation Justice Mission Hub Disaster Response Volunteers in Mission Social Holiness EMERGING GENERATIONS Conference Council on Youth Ministries Youth Service Fund Young Adult Ministries College Ministry Camp & Retreat Ministries Buffalo 10 Scholarship

The Board of Trustees of the Upper New York Annual Conference oversees and safeguards church property, assets, and legal matters in support of the mission of The United Methodist Church. TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees of the Upper New York Annual Conference is responsible for managing and safeguarding the property and legal interests of the conference. It ensures that facilities, assets, and legal matters across the region are handled faithfully and responsibly in support of the mission of The United Methodist Church. ▼ Closed Churches ▼ Insurance Articles ▼ Contact CLOSED CHURCHES The Conference Board of Trustees faithfully steward the real and financial assets from closed churches from across the Conference. REIMAGINING CLOSED CHURCH SPACES The Conference Board of Trustees seeks to faithfully steward church properties in ways that extend the life and impact of ministry, especially when opportunities for renewal emerge. In some cases, initiatives like the Open Doors NFC reimagine closed church spaces as welcoming hubs for connection, hospitality, and new expressions of community life. Rather than allowing assets to sit idle, these investments ensure that sacred spaces continue to serve God’s mission in innovative and relevant ways. In doing so, the Trustees balance responsible financial oversight with a bold commitment to sustaining and reimagining United Methodist ministry for the future. Watch Video ARCHIVES When a church closes, its records and official documents must be carefully handled in coordination with the District Superintendent. All deeds, records, and legal materials—including historical items—should be gathered and sent to the Conference office, where they will be reviewed and transferred to the Conference Commission on Archives & History for permanent preservation. This ensures that the church’s history and important legal records are properly safeguarded. Here is a list of items that should be boxed up using labeled banker boxes and sent to the Conference office: View List Learn More About Archives and History LIABILITY INSURANCE ARTICLES Flood Insurance: Is your church protected? Jul 29, 2025 1 min read Upper New York Property Insurance Update Oct 8, 2024 2 min read Conference property insurance update Nov 29, 2023 4 min read Preparing churches for the winter season Nov 13, 2023 2 min read HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Pam Klotzbach Trustees Chair Contact Bob Flask Treasurer (315) 898-2008

Meet the dedicated staff of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church, committed to supporting ministries, equipping leaders, and strengthening local churches. CONFERENCE STAFF ▼ Episcopal Office ▼ Communications ▼ Districts ▼ Finance & Administration ▼ HR & Benefits ▼ Missional Excellence EPISCOPAL OFFICE Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez Bishop (315) 898-2020 Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding Assistant to the Bishop (315) 898-2020 Mary Bradley Episcopal Office Manager (315) 898-2020 COMMUNICATIONS Shelby Winchell Director of Communications (315) 898-2015 Mary Dalglish Video Specialist (315) 898-2018 Kevin Miller Multimedia Content Creator (315) 898-2019 DISTRICTS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS Rev. Debbie Earthrowl Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent (518) 391-3215 Rev. Yohang Chun Northern Flow and Mohawk District Superintendent (315) 535-5149 Rev. Richelle Goff Genesee Valley and Mountain View District Superintendent (607) 962-8047 Rev. Mary Kelly Niagara Frontier and Cornerstone District Superintendent (716) 276-8631 Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell Binghamton and Oneonta District Superintendent (607) 748-0662 Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood Finger Lakes and Crossroads District Superintendent (585) 340-9525 DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY ASSISTANTS Rosemary DiIorio Binghamton and Oneonta District Superintendency Assistant (607) 748-0662 Joanna Feuer Adirondack and Albany District Superintendency Assistant (518) 795-4301 Patti Gridley Genesee Valley and Mountain View District Superintendency Assistant (607) 962-8047 Tammy McAdam Northern Flow and Mohawk District Superintendency Assistant (315) 535-5149 Lyn Moon Niagara Frontier and Cornerstone District Superintendency Assistant (716) 276-8631 Betsy O'Flynn Finger Lakes and Crossroads District Superintendency Assistant (585) 340-9525 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Bob Flask Treasurer (315) 898-2008 Jim Rowley Finance Manager (315) 898-2010 Trina Obrist Accounts Receivable & Accounting Support Specialist (315) 898-2006 Sue Duquette Accounts Payable (315) 898-2005 Autumn Wells Administrative & Accounting Services Specialist (315) 898-2004 Alma Malikow Payroll Specialist (315) 898-2000 Chelsea Connor Administrative Services Assistant (315) 898-2022 Shelby Manchester Archivist (315) 898-2035 Bill Burns Custodian Building Maintenance Technician (315) 898-2030 HUMAN RESOURCES & BENEFITS Bob Flask Treasurer (315) 898-2008 Julie Valeski Benefits Officer (315) 898-2001 Tracy Rickett Human Resources Manager (315) 898-2017 Chris Lupini Welcoming and Support Specialist (315) 898-2000 Shari Mudge CRM Central Office Administrative Assistant (315) 898-2026 Chelsea Connor Administrative Services Assistant MISSIONAL EXCELLENCE Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2014 Rev. Abigail Browka Associate Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2031 Kristina Clark Associate Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2066 Jordan Osborne Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence (315) 898-2013 Rev. Susan Ranous Christian Stewardship Specialist (315) 898-2061 Pastor Bekah Solar Associate Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2037 Rev. Jee Hae Song Associate Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2028 Cindy Muder Board of Ordained Support Assistant (315) 898-2091 Ben Mudge Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center Site Director (315) 348-8833 Shari Mudge CRM Central Office Administrative Assistant (315) 898-2026 Rev. Sue Russell Asbury Retreat Center Site Director (585) 237-5262 Robyn Vernon Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center Site Director (518) 494-7170 Matt Williams Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center Site Director (607) 467-2750

Learn about the Conference Leadership Team (CLT) of Upper New York United Methodists, which stewards mission and vision under the guidance of the resident bishop and Director of Missional Excellence. CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM The Conference Leadership Team (CLT) is the steward of the mission and vision of United Methodists of Upper New York. The resident bishop convenes the team with the Director of Missional Excellence. The team meets quarterly in person or online. ▼ Essential Functions ▼ Missional Playbook ▼ Leadership ▼ Articles ▼ Contact THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM INCLUDES: PROVIDE Provide missional clarity and alignment within the Upper New York, regions, and districts to achieve the primary task and missional objectives. CONSIDER Consider the missional questions that allow Upper New York to articulate and implement its strategies to increase faithfulness and fruitfulness. CREATE Create an environment for healthy accountability. SERVE Serve as the executive body of Upper New York between conference sessions, pursuant to The Book of Discipline ¶ 610 ACT In consultation with the extended cabinet, it can also act on behalf of the Upper New York Conference. UPPER NEW YORK MISSIONAL PLAYBOOK Outlines the mission, vision, purpose, primary task, and more of United Methodists of Upper New York. Read More LEADERSHIP Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez Bishop Jessica White Lay Leader Rev. Raquel Alston At-Large Roger Cullen Council on Finance & Administration Dr. Scott Johnson Commission on Religion & Race Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper Board of Ordained Ministry Rev. Pam Klotzbach Trustees Karyn McCloskey Board on Pension & Health Benefits Teddi Urriola Commission on Equitable Compensation Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens Director of Missional Excellence Bob Flask Treasurer Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood Dean of the Cabinet Shelby Winchell Director of Communications ARTICLES From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Casowasco Reopening Plan Nov 18, 2025 2 min read CLT gathers for prayerful leadership and strategic actions Sep 8, 2025 2 min read UNY Conference Leadership Team focuses on innovation and sustainability Feb 11, 2025 2 min read 1 2 HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2014

College Ministry of the Upper New York Annual Conference supports vocational discernment, discipleship, and leadership development among college students exploring their call to ministry. COLLEGE MINISTRY College ministry of the Upper New York Annual Conference is a vital space for nurturing young lay and clergy leaders in The United Methodist Church across the region. As a key season for vocational discernment, it offers meaningful opportunities to explore church-related callings. With millions of college students nationwide and United Methodist–affiliated institutions across the U.S., this ministry helps expand discipleship and leadership development. ▼ College Ministry in UNY ▼ Local UMC Campus Ministry ▼ UM Student Day ▼ School Sponsored ▼ Contact COLLEGE MINISTRY IN UPPER NEW YORK Across Upper New York, The United Methodist Church is committed to supporting college students—whether they attend school close to home, live on campus elsewhere, or take classes online. College ministry offers an important opportunity to nurture faith, build community, and encourage young adults as they discern their gifts, leadership, and potential call to serve in the church and the world. LOCAL UMC CAMPUS MINISTRY GENESEO UMC SUNY Geneseo, Wesley Foundation OSWEGO FIRST UMC SUNY Oswego, Asian Student Ministry EAST GREENBUSH UMC Cornerstone Campus Ministry, University at Albany ERWIN FIRST UMC House of Light, Syracuse University, and the vicinity schools WHAT IS UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY? United Methodist Student Day is recognized on the last Sunday of November and is a day that celebrates and supports United Methodist students as they pursue their education. Learn More SCHOOL SPONSORED Syracuse University Learn More Cornell University Learn More HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Jee Hae Song Associate Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2028

The Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) of the Upper New York Annual Conference empowers youth in grades 7–12 to lead, serve, and grow in faith together. CONFERENCE COUNCIL ON YOUTH MINISTRY The Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) of the Upper New York Annual Conference brings together youth from across the region to plan and lead meaningful ministry events. With support from adult coordinators, students in grades 7–12 grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and build a welcoming community where they serve together. ▼ Mission & Purpose ▼ Youth Service Fund ▼ Upcoming Events ▼ Join Our Team ▼ 2025-26 CCYM Officers ▼ Contact MISSION Collaborating with youth to experience and share God’s unconditional love. PURPOSE To grow in our relationship with God by following Jesus; equipping, engaging and empowering youth in ministries; encouraging and developing youth leadership built upon the vision of Christ and building relationships with all our neighbors in the global community. Learn More About Youth Service Fund Learn More UPCOMING EVENTS Thu, Jul 30 Salt of the Earth Missions / Kenmore UMC RSVP Jul 30, 2026, 12:00 AM – Aug 02, 2026, 11:50 PM Kenmore UMC, 32 Landers Rd, Buffalo, NY 14217, USA JOIN OUR TEAM The Conference Council on Youth Ministry is a diverse community of youth and adults. We are currently looking for youth and adult representation from all of our districts. Youth Apply Here Adult Volunteers 2025-2026 COUNCIL ON YOUTH MINISTRIES' OFFICERS Grace Stierheim Chair Eva Stamm Vice Chair Austan Flewelling Secretary Valeria Burgos-Adorno Social Media Coordinator HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Gregg Stierheim Youth Ministry Co-Coordinator Contact Rev. Tony Hipes Youth Ministry Co-Coordinator Contact Laura Clark Youth Ministry Co-Coordinator

Learn how the Local Pastor Licensing School (LPLS) of the Upper New York Annual Conference prepares United Methodists for pastoral leadership through foundational ministry training and peer learning. LOCAL PASTOR LICENSING SCHOOL The Local Pastor Licensing School (LPLS) of the Upper New York Annual Conference prepares United Methodists for pastoral leadership through foundational training, peer learning, and faculty engagement. Participants should have or be in the process of becoming a certified candidate. ▼ Upcoming Local Pastor Licensing School ▼ Frequently Asked Questions ▼ Contact UPCOMING LPLS Local Pastor Licensing School is held every spring. The 2026 Upper New York Local Pastor Licensing School will be May 18-24, 2026 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center . Register Here FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can anyone register for Local Pastor Licensing School (LPLS)? In order to register for LPLS, you must first get approval from both the District Committee on Ministry and your District Superintendent. What must I do before I can attend? The Upper New York Conference strongly recommends completing Safe Sanctuary Training before attending. Please bring a certificate (or copies) of successful completion to LPLS. When will I receive my license? While completion of the LPLS satisfies part of the licensing process, the school itself does not issue the Local Pastor’s License. Upon completion of the candidacy requirements, the District Committee on Ordained Ministry shall vote to certify the candidacy and upon completion of the prescribed studies, recommend the granting of a license. The Board of Ordained Ministry must recommend those to be licensed during clergy session at annual conference. Upon approval, they shall be listed in the pre-conference workbook as eligible to be appointed as local pastors. The license for pastoral ministry is not issued until the pastor is appointed to a charge. Between sessions of annual conference, the Board of Ordained Ministry may approve persons for licensing, to be verified at clergy session. HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Caroline Simmons Coordinator Contact Jordan Osborne Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence (315) 898-2013