Discover the Upper New York Conference Safe Sanctuaries® policy, designed to safeguard children, youth, and vulnerable adults through proactive prevention and accountability in ministry settings. SAFE SANCTUARIES The June 2011 Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference adopted the resolution creating a Safe Sanctuaries® policy to reduce the risk of abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults participating in the ministries of our churches, districts, agencies, and ministry groups. ▼ Minimum Standards ▼ Training Opportunities ▼ Upcoming Trainings ▼ Background Checks ▼ Sex Offender Registry ▼ Guidelines ▼ Local Church Safe Sanctuaries Teams ▼ Contact MINIMUM STANDARDS The Minimum Standards have been established by the Upper New York Annual Conference for all ministries. They are mandatory. They are not inspirational, but set minimum standards to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Without exception, these standards apply to all local churches/charges, district and annual conference ministries, and those who serve within. Learn More TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES The Upper New York Conference is offering the upcoming Safe Sanctuaries® training opportunities. Registration for each event opens one month prior to the training date. UPCOMING TRAININGS Sat, Aug 15 Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (3.5 hour basic training) / Zoom RSVP Aug 15, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Zoom Sat, Sep 05 Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (Training of Trainers) / Zoom RSVP Sep 05, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Zoom Sat, Nov 07 Safe Sanctuaries Zoom Training (3.5 hour basic training) / Zoom RSVP Nov 07, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Zoom BACKGROUND CHECKS Safe Sanctuaries® Team establishes minimum standards and procedures, provides training programs, and assists local churches and Conference ministry programs in reducing the risk of abuse to church, youth, and vulnerable adults. Background Checks Trak-1 SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY Here one can search the Sex Offender Registry and also sign up for email alerts to be notified whenever a Level 2 or 3 sex offender moves into or out of your neighborhood. Learn More Reporting: New York State Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720 is a toll free phone number to report suspected child abuse. Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-844-697-3505 is a toll free phone number to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults. GUIDELINES FOR SEX OFFENDERS PARTICIPATION IN CHURCH ACTIVITIES Making Churches Safe & Welcoming News Article Learn More Letter To Predator Previously Charged Learn More Letter To Predator Charges Pending Learn More Sex Offender Covenant Learn More LOCAL CHURCH SAFE SANCTUARIES TEAMS The adopted Conference resolution directs “[e]ach church/charge, district, agency and ministry group shall have a Safe Sanctuaries® committee or team in place no later than December 31, 2011.” This team shall be amenable to the local church’s governing board (Church Council/Administrative Board) and shall have the following responsibilities: Developing the local church’s Safe Sanctuaries policy in line with annual conference guidelines. Overseeing the implementation of this policy in the local church setting. Linking the local church, district, and annual conference Safe Sanctuaries Team. Learn More HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Rev. Christine Mitchell Safe Sanctuaries Chair Contact Jordan Osborne Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence (315) 898-2013

2024 Annual Conference The 2024 Annual Conference for United Methodists of Upper New York is May 30-June 1 at the SRC Arena, located on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. About the theme and logo The theme for this year's logo uses familiar imagery that helps convey God’s invitation for United Methodists of Upper New York to move forward with a renewed sense of identity and vision in Christ-centered missional unity, led by the Holy Spirit. The colors highlight our warmed-heart experience as United Methodists; the dove represents the Holy Spirit's guiding presence, and the italic font signifies movement – we are on the move with God. Workbook 2024 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook and Updates Worship Booklets 2024 Annual Conference Opening Worship Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 2.35MB 2024 Annual Conference Memorial Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 2.01MB 2024 Annual Conference Ordination Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 2.66MB Daily Notes 2024 Annual Conference May 30 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 131KB 2024 Annual Conference May 31 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 164KB 2024 Annual Conference June 1 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 150KB Articles Being willing partners with God Youth voices matter: Bridging generational divides in church leadership Dr. Ashley Boggan offers lessons in history at Annual Conference 2024 Resources 2024 Annual Conference Memorial Service Booklet Wesleyan Viletality Leaders Guide .pdf Download PDF • 633KB Videos Thursday Read Bishop Héctor's opening message transcript. View Victor Giso's Presentation Transcript Friday Read the Episcopal Address Article. View Destiny Hoerbelt's Transcript Saturday Webinar Recordings Rest Screens for Annual Conference Waterfall Sunset Ocean 2024 Annual Conference Rest Slides .pdf Download PDF • 1.96MB Meet The Speakers Bishop Tracy S. Malone, resident bishop of the East Ohio Conference and the new Council of Bishops president, will deliver the message during the Service of Ordination and Commissioning on Friday evening, May 31. Earlier that same day, Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission of Archives and History, will lead the learning session. Dr. Scott Johnson, pastor at Buffalo: First UMC and Pendleton Center UMC, will deliver the message during the memorial service on Friday afternoon as United Methodists of Upper New York remember clergy and clergy spouses who died in the last year.

2022 Annual Conference Daily Notes Notes cover the highlights of the Annual Conference in bullet-point format and serve as a valuable tool in helping Conference members pull together reports for their local churches. October 6, 2022 October 7, 2022 October 8, 2022 Videos October 6, 2022 Conference Commission on Religion & Race (CCORR) Report Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) - shown during plenary A Message from Global Ministries Laity Session Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) Imagine No Racism: Unlearning Racism Imagine No Racism: Racism is Real United Methodist Men Videos from Leadership Report Leadership Report Opening Video What is a Vital Congregation? What is a Christ Following Transformational Leader? Panel Discussion October 7, 2022 Teaching Time with Rev. Dr. Kimberly Reisman Ministry at the Baltic Methodist Theology Seminary October 8, 2022 Recording of Ordination Young Adult Worship Recognition of the Class of 2022 Retirees Recognition of Licensed Local Pastors Recognition of Certified Lay Ministers Recognition of Course of Study Participants Journal Download Volume I of the 2022 AC Journal Updates to Volume I Updated Agenda 2023 Comprehensive Benefit Plan Funding Plan Church Closure: Bombay United Methodist Church Church Closure: Moira: Park United Methodist Church Equalization Member List UNYAC2022.4: A Call To Sisters And Brothers Leaving The United Methodist Church 2022 Nominations Report Nominations Recommendations Nominations Recommendation: Niagara Frontier District Nominations Recommendation: Oneonta District Nomination Recommendation: Cornerstone District UNYAC 2022.5 Scholarship Petition UNYAC 2022.6 Endorsement of Candidates for Episcopacy Disaffiliation Request: Alexander United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Ava: Hilltop United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Cherry Creek United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: County Line United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Great Valley United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Hannibal United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: South Corinth United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Wesley United Methodist Church Advance Specials: Buffalo 10 Scholarship Advance Specials: Southern Sudan Health Project Buffalo 10 Scholarship UNYAC2022.5 was passed at the 2022 Annual Conference Session. It calls for the creation of a scholarship in the name of 10 for students from the 14208-zip code attending college. Donate to the Buffalo 10 Scholarship 2023 Ministry Share Budget View the proposed 2023 Ministry Share Budget

2023 Annual Conference After three years of meeting virtually due to the COVID pandemic, United Methodists of Upper New York were able to gather in-person for the 2023 Annual Conference at Onondaga Community College's SRC Arena in Syracuse on June 1-3, 2023. Pre-Conference Workbook The 2023 Pre-Conference Workbook , formerly known as Journal, Vol. I , is now available. Workbooks Download the Workbook View Addendums to the Workbook Purchase Pre-Conference Workbook 2023 Worship Booklets 2023 Annual Conference Opening Worship Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 928KB 2023 Annual Conference Memorial Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 815KB 2023 Annual Conference Ordination Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 705KB Daily Notes 2023 Annual Conference June 1 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 132KB 2023 Annual Conference June 2 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 171KB 2023 Annual Conference June 3 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 86KB Videos Livestream Recordings Together in Mission videos Together in Service videos Together in Diversity Resources 2023 Annual Conference Opening Worship Sermon Transcript .pdf Download PDF • 220KB

2020 Annual Conference Daily Notes Nominations Annual Conference Video Playlist View the 2020 UNY Annual Conference Video Channel

2017 Annual Conference Daily Notes This year, rather than producing the Daily Advocate, the Conference published the Daily Notes for those attending Annual Conference session. These notes covered the highlights of the previous day in a bullet point-format and serve as a much more valuable tool in helping Conference members pull together reports for their local church. 2017 Annual Conference June 1 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 100KB 2017 Annual Conference June 2 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 128KB 2017 Annual Conference June 3 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 131KB Worship Booklet 2017 Annual Conference Opening Worship Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 478KB 2017 Annual Conference Memorial Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 815KB 2017 Annual Conference Blessing and Anointing Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 387KB Resources 2018 UNY Budget Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 31.28MB

2025 Annual Conference The 2025 Annual Conference for United Methodists of Upper New York was held May 22-24, 2025 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. Read More About The Decided Dates About the theme and logo The theme for the 2025 Annual Conference session is "Believe... and see the Glory of God." The theme is based on John 11:1-45 (the death and resurrection of Lazarus) with companion verses of Luke 1:47 (my spirit rejoices in God my savior) and Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me). Our faith in Jesus Christ opens our spiritual vision, allowing us to perceive God at work in our lives and the world. Faith allows us to trust in God’s purpose and timing, even when circumstances seem difficult or unclear. Our faith is not simply an intellectual assent but an active, trusting relationship with God through Christ that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, leads to transformative experiences of God’s glory. As we continue moving toward God’s future, we are invited to seek the kind of faith that, when put into action, manifests God’s unlimited power to bring new life to our communities and congregations through the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ. Workbook 2025 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook and Updates Worship Booklets Opening Worship 2025 Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 1.27MB Memorial Service 2025 Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 1.99MB Ordination 2025 Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 1.41MB Closing Worship 2025 Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 795KB Daily Notes 2025 Annual Conference May 22 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 130KB 2025 Annual Conference May 23 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 97KB 2025 Annual Conference May 24 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 88KB Agenda 2025 Annual Conference Schedule and Menu .pdf Download PDF • 418KB Articles and Videos Thursday Download Bishop Héctor's opening message transcript: Bishop Opening Worship .pdf Download PDF • 100KB Friday Read the Episcopal Address Article. Read about the learning session with Rev. Kris Sledge and Rev. Rachel Gilmore. Read the Ordination Service article. Pre-Conference Video To help participants prepare for the 2025 UNY Annual Conference, lay member Beth Jordan from the Upper New York Conference and Rev. CJ Rolle, pastor at Buffalo: Lincoln Memorial UMC, guided viewers through a pre-recorded video. The video offered an overview of what to expect at Annual Conference, including Constitutional Amendments, the Episcopal Address, featured speakers, key recommendations, parking information, and steps that helped attendees get ready for this time of holy conferencing. Meet The Speakers Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. of the Horizon Texas Conference delivered an inspiring message during the ordination service. The Rev. Kris Sledge and the Rev. Rachel Gilmore, co-authors of the highly anticipated book Followers Under 40 , led a teaching moment. Their new book offers practical strategies and wisdom for engaging Millennials, Gen Z, and Alphas in ministry. Rev. Sledge is a United Methodist Church planter and founding/lead pastor of The Journey Church, an urban, multi-ethnic United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Rev. Gilmore is Director of New & Vital Faith at the Desert Southwest Annual Conference. The Rev. Mike Weeden, District Superintendent of the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts, delivered the message during the memorial service as United Methodists of Upper New York remember clergy and clergy spouses who died in the last year. Offerings The Engage Fund offering was collected during Opening Worship and helped nurture young people, serve them, and serve alongside them—including the Buffalo 10 Scholarship, Mission of Peace, and other national and international experiences. The Clergy Care Fund offering was collected during the Clergy Session and was used to assist clergy in need of financial support. The Helping Hands Fund offering was collected during the Laity Session and was used by the Cabinet to assist congregants in need of financial support. Don’t wait to be part of the impact—give today through the UNY UMC app and support vital efforts that care for youth, clergy, and congregations in need.

2023 Special Session Two virtual special sessions of the Upper New York Annual Conference were held in 2023 to address disaffiliation requests. See information below about each session. View the Full Recap of Dissafiliations in Upper New York October 14, 2023 Read the Transcript View the Draft Agenda View the Organizational Motion Disaffiliation Resolutions (REVISED as of Oct. 13, 2023) Disaffiliation Request: Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Alton United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Amboy Center United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Amsterdam United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Avoca United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Barton United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Bishopville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Boonville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Campbell United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Caughdenoy United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Cedar Lake United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Central Bridge United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Choconut Center United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Clarence United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Clymer: Edwards Chapel United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Cold Brook United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Cuba United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Cuyler United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: DeKalb United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: East Schuyler United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Floyd United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Fortsville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Fredonia: First United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Halsey Valley United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Hamlin United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Harris Hill United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Hornell United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Jenksville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Kendall United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Kirkville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Lake George: First United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Laona: Emmanuel United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Lee United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Limestone United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Malta Ridge United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Mitchellsville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Mountain Community United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Napoli United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: North Ontario United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: North River United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Olcott United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Saint Johnsville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Salisbury Center United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Scott United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: South Glens Falls United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Stittville United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Tonawanda United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Treadwell United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Truxton United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Warrensburg: First United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Wells United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: West Barre United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Westford United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Wilson: Exley United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Barneveld-Centerpoint United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Foothills Worship Center United Methodist Church March 25, 2023 View the Draft Agenda View the Equalization Member List View the Organizational Motion Disaffiliation Resolutions (as of March 20, 2023) Disaffiliation Request: AuSable Forks United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Bemus Point United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Candor McKendree United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Charlotte Center United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Colton United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Dewittville-Hartfield United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Findley Lake United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Germany Hill United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Gerry United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Indian Falls United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: New Hope: Midlakes United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Presho United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Schenevus United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Sinclairville: Park United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Sparta Center United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: Waverly United Methodist Church Disaffiliation Request: West Davenport United Methodist Church

2021 Annual Conference Daily Notes 2021 Annual Conference June 17 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 257KB 2021 Annual Conference June 18 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 219KB 2021 Annual Conference June 19 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 231KB Overview Report 2021 UNY Annual Conference Communications Report .pdf Download PDF • 99KB Annual Conference Video Playlist Watch the videos from the 2021 Upper New York Annual Conference

2016 Annual Conference The Seventh Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference was held June 2-4, 2016 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY. Daily Notes This year, rather than producing the Daily Advocate , the Conference published the Daily Notes for those attending Annual Conference session. These notes covered the highlights of the previous day in a bullet point-format and serve as a much more valuable tool in helping Conference members pull together reports for their local church. 2016 Annual Conference June 2 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 98KB 2016 Annual Conference June 3 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 110KB 2016 Annual Conference June 4 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 130KB Resources 2016 Annual Conference Opening Worship Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 594KB 2016 Annual Conference Memorial Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 461KB 2016 Annual Conference Menu .pdf Download PDF • 84KB 2016 Housing Reimbursement Request .pdf Download PDF • 116KB

2019 Annual Conference Daily Notes 2019 Annual Conference June 5 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 541KB 2019 Annual Conference June 6 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 652KB 2019 Annual Conference June 7 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 673KB 2019 Annual Conference June 8 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 100KB Daily Wrap Videos Annual Conference Video Playlist View the 2019 UNY Annual Conference Video Channel

2018 Annual Conference Daily Notes 2018 Annual Conference May 31 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 128KB 2018 Annual Conference June 1 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 128KB 2018 Annual Conference June 2 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 134KB Daily Wrap Videos Daily Wrap from May 30 and May 31, 2018 Daily Wrap from June 1, 2018 Daily Wrap from June 2, 2018 Annual Conference 2018 Watch a recap of the 2018 Upper New York Annual Conference Demographic Statistics Below are two graphs showing the demographic statistics of the 2018 Annual Conference. Information was collected by the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR). Learn More About CCORR And Its Members