Learn about the United Methodist Church in Upper New York, its mission, connectional structure, and how the Annual Conference supports local ministries. ABOUT US The Upper New York Conference is part of the Susquehanna & Upper New York Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. You can visit the Susquehanna Conference website here . ▼ Mission, Vision, Purpose ▼ UNY by the Numbers ▼ Our Bishop ▼ Join our Newsletter ▼ Subscribe to Email Notes MISSION We make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. VISION Form disciples, who empowered by the Holy Spirit: love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously, so that lives, communities, and the world are transformed by the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ. PURPOSE Equip and resource leaders and congregations for impactful ministry and provide a connection for mission beyond the local church. OVER 100K LAITY MEMBERS OVER 900 CLERGY MEMBERS OVER 620 LOCAL CHURCHES OUR BISHOP Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez has been serving as resident bishop for United Methodists of Upper New York since January 1, 2023. He is the first Hispanic-Latino bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the first Puerto Rican bishop in The United Methodist Church. Read More JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER The Weekly Digest is sent electronically every Wednesday and contains a round-up of conference news, information, and resources. It features articles and/or videos highlighting different churches and ministries, announcements, including any new appointments, resources, and information from around the connection. Subscribe Here SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL NOTES UNY Notes are simple text-based emails that immediately alert you to important news and events of the Upper New York Conference. UNY Notes are targeted email blasts. You can receive emails from all categories or just those that interest you. Subscribe to Notes

OUR BISHOP Bishops in The United Methodist Church provide spiritual leadership, oversight, and vision for the Church’s mission. Bishop guide clergy and laity, appoint pastors, uphold the Church’s teachings and discipline, and help the Church fulfill its call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. ▼ About Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez ▼ Letters & Statements ▼ Contact BISHOP HÉCTOR A. BURGOS-NÚÑEZ The Rev. Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez was elected Bishop on November 4, 2022, at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church held in College Park, Maryland. He is the first Hispanic-Latino bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the first Puerto Rican bishop in The United Methodist Church. Bishop Burgos was assigned to serve as the Episcopal leader of the Upper New York Area effective January 1, 2023. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez holds a M.Div. from the School of Theology at Drew University in Madison, NJ, a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in Management and Strategic Marketing from the University of Puerto Rico, and a graduate certificate in Information Systems Technology. At the time of his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Burgos was serving as District Superintendent of the Central District of the Greater New Jersey Conference. Bishop Burgos served pastorates at West Creek United Methodist Church 2004-2005; First United Methodist Church, Iglesia Casa de Esperanza 2005-2009; and Oasis United Methodist Church 2009-2014. He also served as Director of Worship and Urban Ministries 2014, Executive Director of NextGen Ministries of GNJ 2016-2018, and Director of Connectional Ministries 2015-2019 for the Greater New Jersey Conference. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos, a Community Leadership Fellow from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, a certified ICA coach, and an Outward Mindset facilitator, also served as Director of Communications for MARCHA, the National Hispanic/Latino caucus within the United Methodist Church, 2010-2022. Bishop Burgos envisions The United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Conference being a Holy Spirit-led global movement that is: • Thriving and united in the mission of transforming the world by nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ who share God’s love, compassion, and justice every day and everywhere. • Spiritually alive, and counter-culturally relevant. • Committed to personal and social holiness, celebrating its rich diversity as a gift from God. • A multi-generational network of faith communities that embrace all people as beloved children of God and allow them to live to their full God-given potential. • A mission-driven organization that is agile, creative, and resilient, and while global in nature and impact, it is local and contextual in its ministry so that it can reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus Christ. Bishop Burgos’ interests include racial and organizational equity, leadership development, contextual evangelism and worship, and strategic communications in a digital era. He finds joy in cooking for his family and friends and is known for his famous meat marinades and BBQ ribs. Bishop Burgos also enjoys blogging. His blog, Mensajes de Esperanza has more than 150,000 followers throughout Latin America. He shares life with his wife, Jazelis Adorno, and their children, Fabián, Joel, Marcos, and Valeria. BISHOP'S PASTORAL LETTERS & STATEMENTS 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 Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding Assistant to the Bishop (315) 898-2020 Contact Mary Bradley Episcopal Office Manager (315) 898-2020

The Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church equips churches, supports ministries, and connects communities across Upper New York State. 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Miss something from Annual Conference held on May 28-30 at The Oncenter in downtown Syracuse? Read daily recaps, watch videos, and more. Learn More UPDATES & LATEST NEWS Answering the Call: A sacred night of Ordination and Commissioning 6 days ago 3 min read Ken Willard challenges UNY churches to become “beacons of hope” 7 days ago 4 min read Bishop Héctor calls UNY to “rise up” with hope and courage May 29 3 min read Visioning Task Force shares path forward during annual conference May 28 4 min read 1 2 3 4 5 UPCOMING EVENTS Discover upcoming conference-wide events, training opportunities, and gatherings that invite you to grow, learn, and stay connected to the life of The United Methodist Church in Upper New York. View More Multiple Dates Stewardship Academy Jul 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM The Stewardship Academy offers a meaningful opportunity to explore stewardship in depth—what it is, why it matters, and how it can be lived out in practical ways. RSVP Salt of the Earth Missions Jul 30, 2026, 12:00 AM – Aug 02, 2026, 11:50 PM RSVP Salt of the Earth Youth Mission Jul 30, 2026, 7:00 PM – Aug 02, 2026, 11:00 PM Location: Kenmore UMC Contact: saltofearthmissions@gmail.com   More Information and Registration: Coming Soon Cost: $100/youth and $75/adult leader RSVP Come to the Water: Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation Aug 09, 2026, 8:00 AM – Aug 14, 2026, 5:00 PM The Five-Day Academy is an opportunity to be formed by learning, community, and a daily rhythm anchored in worship, with group time balanced by times of solitude and silence. Learn more Load More FEATURED VIDEOS Explore key resources to assist leaders and congregations thrive in ministry. Watch featured videos from the Upper New York Annual Conference that share stories of ministry, mission, and connection throughout our churches and communities. Watch More RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT Discover timely resources to help you prepare over the next six months. View More STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY SUMMER MISSION TOOLKIT SPIRITUAL FORMATION ACADEMY RESOURCES FEATURED Explore key resources to assist leaders and congregations thrive in ministry. View More PORTICO LEARNING PLATFORM MISSION INSITE AMPLIFY MEDIA

View clergy appointments for the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, connecting pastors and congregations across the region. APPOINTMENTS In The United Methodist Church, pastoral appointments are part of our connectional system. Each year, bishops prayerfully match the gifts of clergy with the needs of congregations, seeking to strengthen the shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 2026 APPOINTMENTS 2026 OPEN CHURCHES 2026 RETIREMENTS APPOINTMENT TRANSITION RESOURCES APPOINTMENT-MAKING VALUES AND PRACTICES

2026 Appointments After the prayerful discernment of the cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2026. Click here for the full list of 2026 clergy appointments as of May 30, 2026. May 20, 2026 Appointment Announcement Jack Keating from Camillus: Immanuel UMC to Trumansburg UMC, Finger Lakes District. Beth O. Benham from retirement to Alexandria Bay UMC, Northern Flow District. May 13, 2026 Appointment Announcement David Haase from Niverville-Chatham Center and Berlin to the Nassau: Grace UMC and Niverville-Chatham Center and Berlin, Albany District. Linda Glantz from Williamson and Pultneyville UMCs to Elmgrove, Brockport, and Holley: Disciples UMCs, Genesee Valley District. May 6, 2026 Appointment Announcement Elizabeth Quick from Attend School to Transitional Leave. Jennifer Streeter from Transitional Leave to Extension Ministry as Hospice and Bereavement Chaplain for Affinity Care Hospice in New Jersey effective March 23, 2026. Ann Marie Brown from Elmgrove UMC and Brockport UMC to Clarence Center UMC, Niagara Frontier District. Pamela Cosgrove from not appointed to Tyrone UMC. Zondra Coffin from Newport UMC to Newport UMC and adding on Westmoreland UMC, Mohawk District. Paul Sweet from Troy: Christ UMC and Troy: Pawling Avenue UMCs to Binghamton: Tabernacle & Kirkwood UMCs, Binghamton District. Pamela Anderson from not appointed to Extension Ministry at Attorney for the child program, Cornerstone District. April 29, 2026 Appointment Announcement After further discernment, Bishop Burgos has reconsidered the appointment of Rev. Sung Ah Choi to Clinton UMC. A new appointment, if one becomes available, will be announced later. Craig Buelow from Northern KonXions UMC and Crossings @ South Dayton NFC to Brocton: Tri Church and Crossings @ South Dayton NFC, Cornerstone District. Nicole Matosan from Associate at Pine City: Pennsylvania Avenue UMC to United Church of Painted Post, Mountain View District. Lee Capodagli from Tyrone UMC to Perry First UMC, Genesee Valley District. Daniel Bradley from Faith Journey UMC to Cortland: First UMC, Cortland: Homer Avenue UMC, and Harmony UMCs, Finger Lakes District. Kimberly Townsend from Chestertown Community UMC to Chestertown Community UMC and adding on West Fort Ann. April 22, 2026 Appointment Announcement April 15, 2026 appointment announcement Deanna Finch from Buffalo: Seneca Street UMC to Rochester: Asbury First UMC as Associate Pastor, Genesee Valley District. Barbara Lamoree from Kirkwood UMC to Sidney/Unadilla/Mount Upton UMC’s, Oneonta District. Yohan Moon from Clarence Center UMC to Baltimore Washington Conference 346.1 to Rockville: Francis Asbury National Korean UMC. April 1, 2026 Appointment Announcement Robert Dean from Trumansburg UMC to Homer: First UMC, Finger Lakes District. March 25, 2026 Appointment Announcement Amber Gregory from Cherry Valley & Van Hornesville UMCs to Elmira: New Beginnings UMC, Mountain View District. Joel Holcomb Nassau: Grace and from Troy: Center Brunswick UMCs to Bath: Centenary UMC, Mountain View District. March 11, 2026 Appointment Announcement Leanne Zeck from Bath: Centenary UMC to Jonesville UMC, Albany District. February 25, 2026 Appointment Announcement Brandilynne Craver from Sidney UMC to Binghamton: Fairview UMC, Binghamton District. February 18, 2026 Appointment Announcement Debbie Earthrowl from Superintendent of Albany and Adirondack Districts to East Greenbush UMC, Albany District. Douglas “BB” Watson from Cortland: First, Freeville, and Harmony UMCs to Cobleskill UMC, Oneonta District. Sung Jun Park from Homer: First to Troy: Hope UMC, Albany District. February 4, 2026 Appointment Announcement Lida Merrill from SY @ Carlton & Hemlock UMCs to part-time local pastor at Carlton & Hemlock UMCs, Genesee Valley District (1/21/2026). Patricia Johnson from SY @ Apple Valley to part-time local pastor at Apple Valley, Crossroads District (1/21/2026). Darryl Barrow from personal leave of absence to paragraph 345 less than full time to Kenmore UCC church, Niagara Frontier District (1/1/2026). Youngjae Jee from Jonesville UMC to Rochester: Covenant UMC, Genesee Valley District. January 18, 2026 Appointment Announcement Click here to read about the appointment of the Rev. Anna Blinn Cole as the new District Superintendent of the Adirondack and Albany Districts, effective July 1, 2026.

Each spring, clergy and lay members of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church gather for worship, prayer, and holy conferencing. The Annual Conference includes ordination, commissioning, ministry celebrations, retirements, and remembrance of clergy and spouses. ANNUAL CONFERENCE Every spring, United Methodist clergy and lay members from Upper New York gather for worship, prayer, and holy conferencing. Along with tending to the business of the annual conference, clergy are ordained and commissioned, ministries are celebrated, retiring clergy are honored, and the lives of deceased clergy and their spouses are remembered. View Conference Journals 2026 2025 2024 2023 SPECIAL SESSION 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016

2026 Annual Conference The 2026 Annual Conference for United Methodists of Upper New York was held May 28-30, 2026 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. About the theme and logo Workbook and Addendums Worship Booklets Daily Notes Videos Articles Pre-Conference Briefings Registration Hotel Information Agenda Lunchtime Workshops Meals Meet The Speakers Offerings About the theme and logo RISE UP! Love Boldly | Transform the World Matthew 22:36–40 The 2026 Annual Conference session marks the beginning of a three‑year journey into embodied discipleship—a season of renewal that calls us not only to deepen what we believe, but to more fully live out what we proclaim. Guided by Love Boldly , the first movement of the newly adopted Vision Statement of the United Methodist Church, this year’s theme invites us to rise with passion, clarity, and courage. It is a call to step forward—together—into a faith that is visible, practiced, and transformative. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36–40, we are inviting our disciples, leaders, and congregations to Rise Up and Love Boldly: to grow in deeper love for Christ, and to stretch into wider love for our neighbors. The 2026 logo visually embodies this invitation. Its rising arc and upward movement symbolize growth, momentum, and hope. The warm rays suggest awakening and possibility, while the strong foundation grounds us in the central call to love—love God and love our neighbor. This is more than a theme. It is a summons to spiritual renewal and a renewed sense of mission in this new era of United Methodism. Together, we will begin to articulate our shared how for ministry across the region: how we live, how we serve, and how we lead in ways that reflect the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ. As we rise in deeper love for Christ and reach into wider love for neighbor, we move toward nothing less than a revolution of love—one capable of transforming hearts, communities, the Church, and the world. RISE UP. Love Boldly. Transform the World. Workbook The 2026 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook is available here . To view updates to the workbook after publication, click here . Click here for addendums Worship Booklets Opening Worship Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 579KB Memorial Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 1.16MB Ordination Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 899KB Closing Worship Service Booklet .pdf Download PDF • 443KB Daily Notes 2026 Annual Conference May 28 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 133KB 2026 Annual Conference May 29 Daily Notes .pdf Download PDF • 147KB 2026 Annual Conference Daily Notes May 30 .pdf Download PDF • 105KB Videos Thursday Opening Worship The First Aid Closet: A ministry born from one cane Friday Episcopal Address: Memorial Service: Learning Session with Ken Willard Biking for a reason: Faith, friendship, and mobility Celebration of Ministry and Commissioning & Ordination Service service Saturday Mission Movers: Community service rooted in faith The 30th Anniversary of the Order of Deacon UMC 70th Anniversary Women's Ordination Articles Thursday Opening Worship: Bishop Burgos' Sermon Transcript: Rise Up-Love Boldly Opening Worship Sermon .pdf Download PDF • 209KB Laity Session Laity tell their stories at Annual Conference 2026 Visioning Task Force Report Visioning Task Force shares path forward during annual conference Friday Episcopal Address Bishop Héctor calls UNY to “rise up” with hope and courage Episcopal Address Bishop Burgos' Sermon Transcript & Discussion Questions for Congregational Leadership Teams: Episcopal Address 2026 Transcript with Discussion Questions .pdf Download PDF • 262KB Learning Session Ken Willard challenges UNY churches to become “beacons of hope” Celebration of Ministry, Commissioning, and Ordination Service Answering the Call: A sacred night of Ordination and Commissioning Pre-Conference Briefings To equip you for bold, informed engagement at Annual Conference, we offered eight 90-minute briefing sessions across Upper New York. These gatherings prepared clergy and lay members for critical conversations and decisions at our May 28-30 conference at the Oncenter in Syracuse. For those unable to attend the in-person briefings, a video recording of the May 3 session held at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY is now available to help participants stay informed ahead of Annual Conference. Click the following links for supporting materials, include the PowerPoint presentation shared and the Visioning Task Force and Strategic Missional Path Forward script. 2026 Pre-Conference Briefing PowerPoint Slides .pptx Download PPTX • 3.73MB Visioning Task Force and Strategic Missional Path Forward script Watch the Pre-Conference Briefing video recording Click here to watch or download the video. Registration Registration is now closed. The next opportunity to register is onsite at the Oncenter for an additional $50 fee. Meals are not guaranteed for late registrants. Any clergy member looking to be excused from annual conference should click here and complete the form. The registration costs are as follows: Clergy $250 Retired clergy $120 Lay person on the Board of Ordained Ministry $120 Lay Member $250 Equalization Member $120 Equalization Member Youth $20 Equalization by Virtue of Office Member $120 Visitor $250 Non-Conference Vendor $250 Hotel Information All hotels listed below, except for Staybridge, offer complimentary parking and shuttle service to and from the Oncenter. Those marked with an asterisk (**) offer a complimentary breakfast during your stay. **Parkview Hotel ($139/night) 713 East Genesee Street, Syracuse Reserve by calling (315) 701-2600 SOLD OUT: Aloft ($119/night) 310 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse **Best Western ($119/night) 416 S Clinton Street, Syracuse Reserve by clicking here Super 8 ($87/night) 421 7th North Street, Liverpool Reserve by clicking here  Collegian ($129/night) 1060 E Genesee St, Syracuse Reserve by clicking here **Staybridge ($149/night)- 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite 439 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool Reserve by clicking here Agenda Thursday, May 28, 2026 8:30 AM Check-in/Registration Opens 10:00 AM Opening Worship 11:00 AM Organizing Plenary 11:30 AM Lunch 11:30 AM Extension Ministry luncheon (Invitation Only) 11:30 AM Check-in & Registration closes 12:30 PM Check-in & Registration re-opens 1:00 PM Clergy & Laity Sessions  2:00 PM Break 2:30 PM Business/Plenary: Recommendations and Resolutions from Conferences Teams 4:30 PM Apology to Victims and Survivors of Sexual Misconduct in the Church 5:00 PM Dinner   5:00 PM Retiree/Ordinands Dinner (Invitation Only) 5:30 PM Check-in/Registration closes for the day. 7:00 PM Business/Plenary: Visioning Task Force Report 9:00 PM Rehearsal for Commissioning/Ordination Service   Friday, May 29, 2026  7:30 AM Check-in/Registration opens  8:30 AM Praise and Worship  9:00 AM Episcopal Address   10:00 AM Break  10:30 AM Memorial Service 11:30 AM Check-in & Registration closes 11:30 AM Lunch   11:30 AM Memorial Service Family Luncheon (Invitation Only) 12:30 PM Check-in & Registration re-opens 1:00 PM Learning Session led by Ken Willard 1:50 PM Break 2:00 PM Registration closed 2:00 PM Business/Plenary: Continue Recommendations and Resolutions from Conferences Teams & Recommendations and Resolutions from Individuals and Groups 5:00 PM Dinner   5:00 PM Check-in closes 7:00 PM Celebration of Ministry, Commissioning & Ordination Service    Saturday, May 30, 2026  8:30 AM Praise and Worship  9:00 AM Business/Plenary continued 12:00 PM Closing Worship – Service of Passage & Reading of Appointments  1:00 PM Adjourn  Lunchtime Workshops Thursday Sessions Rest and Play Oasis: Meeting Room 9 & 10  - Step away from it all and surrender to your body's needs. Welcome to Oasis, a time and space to recharge your batteries through rest and play. Here you will experience a calm, sensory-friendly environment, with opportunities for creative expression, table games, conversation, and much more. Won't you join us at Oasis? Hosted by Rev. Rebekah Solar of UNY's Preachers: Rest. Work. Play. Initiative.  How to Connect to your Community: Meeting Room 1  - How to Connect with your Community brings together best practices from new faith communities and missional ministry to help a local church connect with their community. Featuring Rev. Abigail Browka of New Faith Communities and Kristina Clark of Resilient Communities in UNY.  CRM being a Camping Advocate: Meeting Room 7 & 8  - If you love advocating for our camp and retreat centers, this is the perfect learning session for you—even if you’re not the officially designated Camp and Retreat Advocate (formerly known as an agent or representative) from your congregation. Together, we’ll explore ways to share the impactful stories that arise out of time at your camp and retreat centers, along with effective ways to connect and recruit members of your church and community to make use of the disciple-growing connection shared with these sites. Hosted by CRM staff.  Stewardship Coaching Academy: Meeting Room 3 - Do you have a strong desire to serve others and an empathetic heart toward those in need, and are you a person who has demonstrated a heart of generosity, the practice of good stewardship and understanding of financial management practices? If so, you may be someone who should consider attending the UNY Stewardship Coaching Academy. This academy will give you a good learning base, as well as resources that will enable you to provide support for reviewing and developing health systems of stewardship, financial management and other administrative services to our churches around the Conference. Come to this learning session to learn more about this, to hear about the topics that will be covered, the dates the academy will be offered, and to have conversations around how coaching will work. Rev. Susan Ranous, Director of Christian Stewardship will lead this learning session and facilitate the academy.   Walking Alongside Our Immigrant Neighbors: A Wesleyan Call to Justice and Welcome: Meeting Room 2  - Join members of the Immigration Justice Cohort as we share stories from our immersion experience at the U.S.–Mexico border and explore what it means to offer Christ-like hospitality in the midst of our current immigration landscape. This session will introduce practical tools to help congregations deepen their understanding, strengthen advocacy efforts, and build relationships with immigrants in their own communities. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for worship, discipleship, mission engagement, and community partnerships rooted in Wesleyan compassion and justice.     Friday Sessions  Come Away: Making Retreats a part of your plan for Discipleship: Meeting Room 1 - Retreats offer a powerful opportunity to nurture spiritual growth and deepen discipleship within your congregation. They provide a dedicated space for people to step away from the distractions of daily life and focus on connecting with God, with themselves, and with one another. This session explores the transformative potential of retreats and offers practical advice for planning and executing a successful experience. Learn about the resources that are available to you for incorporating retreats into the life of your congregation. Hosted by CRM staff.   Conference Council on Youth Ministry: Meeting Room 9 & 10 - The Conference Council on Youth Ministry lunchtime learning session explores the impact of youth on local, conference, and global levels. During the learning session, individuals will engage in conversations surrounding intergenerational cooperation and collaboration. Participants will be allowed to ask the youth questions and see the vital role the youth play in making disciples of Jesus Christ. CCYM encourages all ages to attend this collaborative workshop experience.  Fresh Expressions of Church: Meeting Room 2 - Meet people in your community where they are. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, learn how to cultivate a blended ecology in your local church, where traditional worship and new forms of church grow side-by-side. Led by Rev. Abigail Browka of New Faith Communities and Innovation in UNY.  Introduction to Nonviolence: Meeting Room 3 - Drawing on the materials of the NAACP, the King Center, and other groups, participants will have an introduction to practicing nonviolence in a manner that is safe for the persons involved. This workshop will set the stage for deeper understanding and practice of nonviolence in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. This workshop is presented by the UNY Social Holiness Team.   Starting and Enhancing Green Teams: Meeting Room 7 & 8 - Does your congregation have a “green team?” These environmental ministry groups may inform their congregations about the theology and practical steps for caring for God’s creation, promote environmental responsibility regarding UM properties, lead environmental projects for the benefit of the communities around churches, and apprise their congregations of environmental policies. This workshop will introduce you to the basics of building a green team at your church.  Hospitality & First-Time Guests - Ken Willard: East Ballroom - Based on the book, Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People, this webinar session focuses on practical ways for you and your church to connect with first-time guests and grow your overall hospitality. It is not enough for us to reach new people, we must also ensure we are prepared for them to engage with our church and our congregation. Hospitality in churches today is not just for a few people on a team, but for all of us who are involved in ministry. This workshop will cover areas such as: Biblical principles of welcoming strangers, breaking down barriers, radical hospitality, seven key areas to prepare for first-time guests, dangerous assumptions, and more.  Meals After last year's post annual conference survey, many members expressed the desire for more flexibility and freedom to move around the Oncenter during meal time. Instead of plated meals, all meals will be served buffet style. The menu is as follows: Thursday Lunch – served from buffet tables: Boxed Lunch (served with bag of potato chips, cookie, bottled water): Roast Beef Sandwich (Nut Free) – Caramelized Horseradish Onions, Smoked Chedder, Lettuce & Tomato with Whole Grain Mustard on Wheatberry Bread Turkey Bacon & Swiss Sandwich (Nut Free) – Roasted Turkey Topped with Swiss Cheese, Peppered Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato on Sourdough Bread with Roasted Garlic Aioli Spinach Berry Salad – Baby Spinach, Strawberries, Blueberries, Feta, Sweet Bell Peppers & Almonds with Raspberry Vinaigrette Thursday Dinner – served from buffet tables: Mac N Cheese bar with separate toppings of broccoli, bacon, and parmesan Tossed salad with two different dressings Pre-carved Roasted Rosemary Turkey Dessert: Cookies and Brownies Friday Lunch – served from buffet tables: Boxed Lunch (served with bag of potato chips, cookie, bottled water): The Italian Sandwich (Nut Free) – Prosciutto, Mortadella, Salami, Provolone Cheese, Arugula, Oven Dried Tomato, Oil & Vinegar on an Italian Hard Roll Fresh Garden Wrap (Vegetarian) – Grilled Portabello, Baby Spinach, Summer Squash, Roasted Red Peppers, Dilled Havarti Cheese Wrapped in a Spinach Tortilla with Pesto Lemon Chicken Salad (Gluten Free) – Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken, Arugula, Cranberries, Smoked Cheddar, Pistachios, Raspberry Dressing Friday Dinner – served from buffet tables: Salt City Buffet – includes BBQ Chopped Salad, Creamy Crisp Slaw, Smashed Salt City Potato Salad, Hickory Smoked Brisket, BBQ Pork, Baked Mac & Cheese, New England Style Baked Beans, Cornbread Muffins w/Butter, Bourbon Apple Crisp Tossed Salad with two dressings Meet The Speakers Bishop Delores J. Williamston is the Ordination speaker. In her episcopal role, she provides spiritual leadership to the Louisiana Conference and serves the wider church, including as President of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women and liaison to the Disabilities Ministries Committee. She is also on the board of Strengthen the Black Church for the 21st Century . Before her episcopal ministry, she served churches in Kansas and held leadership roles including district superintendent and Director of Clergy Excellence/Assistant to the Bishop in the Great Plains Conference. She is a 22-year veteran of the Kansas Army National Guard and a breast cancer survivor. Ken Willard is the 2026 UNY Annual Conference study leader. Ken is a professional Christian leadership coach, author, and church consultant whose mission is to equip God’s people to expand God’s Kingdom. He has over a decade of experience coaching pastors and church leaders and consulting with churches, districts, and annual conferences nationwide. In 2018, he joined the West Virginia Conference as Director of Faith Communities ReNEWal. Ken has authored multiple books for church leaders, including Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People, and emphasizes Christ-centered strategic thinking, leadership development, continuous learning, and encouragement in his work. The Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Superintendent of the Adirondack and Albany Districts, is the 2026 UNY Annual Conference Memorial Service speaker. Prior to serving in this role, she served several Upper New York churches, including Salem UMC, West Hebron UMC, and Cambridge UMC. Rev. Earthrowl considers it a privilege to walk alongside congregations and communities as they seek to welcome all, grow in faith and discipleship, and bear witness to God’s abundant grace and mercy. She values the deep sense of belonging that faith communities foster and is grateful for the ways God continues to call and equip people for ministry in particular places, drawing on the unique gifts each person brings to God’s mission. Offerings The Engage Fund offering is 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 is collected during the Clergy Session and is used to assist clergy in need of financial support. The Helping Hands Fund offering is collected during the Laity Session and is 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.

2026 Open Churches During the regular appointment season (January to May), the cabinet will post a list of open churches under consideration on Wednesdays on the Conference website. Clergy interested in being considered for one of these churches are to inform the episcopal office exclusively via email at bishopsoffice@unyumc.org by Thursday at 3 p.m. and share why you believe you would serve the congregation well. The appointive cabinet will prayerfully consider these requests during their discernment process. Clergy communicating their interest in a church actively being considered by the cabinet, Must understand that requesting to be considered for an appointment is strictly advisory and does not guarantee you will be considered or appointed to the open church. Cannot, in any way, communicate with the members or the pastor of the open church to advocate on their behalf. Can be assured that their request to the cabinet will remain confidential, will not affect their current appointment, and will not be shared with your current church’s Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). Clergy from other conferences must notify their resident bishop and district superintendent before inquiring or expressing interest in an open church. The UNY Appointive Cabinet is currently considering full-time appointments for the following churches: Adirondack District: None at this time. Albany District: None at this time Binghamton District: None at this time. Cornerstone District: None at this time Crossroads District: None at this time. Finger Lakes District: None at this time. Genesee Valley District: None at this time. Mohawk District: None at this time. Mountain View District: None at this time. Niagara Frontier District: None at this time. Northern Flow District: None at this time. Oneonta District: None at this time. The UNY Appointive Cabinet is currently considering part-time appointments for the following open churches: Adirondack West Hebron UMC, West Hebron, NY White Creek: Jermain UMC, White Creek, NY Albany Stephentown Federated Church, Stephentown, NY West Sand Lake: Salem UMC Binghamton District None at this time. Cornerstone District Falconer UMC, Falconer, NY Lakewood UMC, Lakewood, NY Watts Flats UMC, Watts Flatts, NY Crossroads District Camillus: First UMC, Camillus, NY Minetto UMC, Minetto, NY Minoa UMC, Minoa, NY Nelson UMC, Nelson, NY Phoenix UMC, Phoenix, NY Warners UMC, Warners, NY Faith Journey UMC, Clay, NY Finger Lakes District Varna UMC, Varna, NY Forest Home Chapel UMC, Ithaca, NY Ledyard UMC, Ledyard, NY Jacksonville UMC, Jacksonville, NY Freeville UMC, Freeville, NY Genesee Valley District Allens Hill UMC, Bloomfield, NY Canadice UMC, Springwater, NY Macedon Center UMC, Macedon Center, NY/South Perinton UMCs, Macedon, NY Rochester: Korean UMC, Rochester, NY Rochester: Lake UMC, Rochester, NY Wayland UMC, Wayland, NY Mohawk District Bernhards Bay UMC, Bernhards Bay, NY Florence UMC, Florence, NY Hawkinsville UMC, Boonville, NY New London UMC, Rome, NY Sauquoit Valley UMC, Sauquoit, NY Trenton UMC, Barneveld, NY Whitesboro: Trinity UMC, Whitesboro, NY Mountain View District Addison UMC, Addison, NY Burdett UMC, Burdett, NY Chemung UMC, Chemung, NY Litchfield UMC, Litchfield, NY North Cohocton UMC, North Cohocton, NY Risingville UMC, Risingville, NY Rathbone UMC, Addison, NY Wilawana UMC, Sayre PA Wheeler UMC, Wheeler, NY Webb Mills UMC, Pine City, NY Niagara Frontier District Orchard Park UMC, Orchard Park, NY Buffalo: Seneca Street UMC, Buffalo, NY Northern Flow District Sandy Creek UMC, Sandy Creek, NY Chateaugay UMC, Chateaugay, NY Brainardsville UMC, Brainardsville, NY Madrid UMC, Madrid, NY Norwood UMC, Norwood, NY West Stockholm UMC, West Stockholm, NY Norfolk UMC, Norfolk, NY Raymondville UMC, Raymondville, NY Martinsburg UMC, Martinsburg, NY Black River UMC, Black River, NY Russell UMC, Canton, NY Hermon UMC, Hermon, NY Degrasse UMC, Russell, NY Harrisville: First UMC, Harrisville, NY Great Bend: Woolworth Memorial UMC, Great Bend, NY Malone: Centenary UMC, Malone, NY Edwards UMC, Edwards, NY South Edwards UMC, Edwards, NY Oneonta District Bainbridge UMC, Bainbridge, NY Edmeston UMC, Edmeston, NY Huntersland UMC, Berne, NY North Norwich UMC, North Norwich, NY Preston UMC, Oxford, NY Sand Hill UMC, Unadilla, NY Unadilla Center UMC, Unadilla, NY West Winfield Federated Church, West Winfield, NY

Trustees Toolbox The Board of Trustees is responsible for managing and safeguarding the property and legal interests of the Upper New York Conference. The board ensures that facilities, assets, and legal matters are handled faithfully, responsibly, and in support of the mission of The United Methodist Church. View Trustees Toolbox

Ministry Shares What are Ministry Shares? In The United Methodist Church, Ministry Shares refer to a system where local churches financially contribute to the larger denomination's mission and ministry. These shares are used to fund various programs, ministries, and initiatives at the annual conference, general conference, and global levels, including clergy training, development of new churches, and international missions. Learn More Ministry Shares Brochure 2025 .pdf Download PDF • 1.21MB Conference How Staff Engage in Ministry .pdf Download PDF • 292KB 2026 Ministry Shares Calculator .xlsx Download XLSX • 29KB Budget Categories The categories that the Upper New York Annual Conference budget is currently segregated into are General Connectional Ministry and Conference Connectional Ministry. What is General Connectional Ministry? This section of the budget contains the General and Jurisdictional Church apportionments for our Annual Conference which are: World Service Ministerial Education Black College Africa University Episcopal General Administration Interdenominational Cooperation Northeastern Jurisdiction What is Conference Connectional Ministry? The funding/budgets for all of the activities under the leadership of the Annual Conference are captured in this section of the budget. Conference Benevolences The programmatic activities, mission teams and committees focused on carrying out the specifics of our Vision and Purpose are funded under this section. Ministerial Support The United Methodist Church’s structure, guided by the Book of Discipline, establishes funds and organizations that: Support local churches and pastors through District offices, the Cabinet, and Equitable Compensation funds. Support current, retired, and aspiring clergy through the Board of Ordained Ministry, Sustentation, and Moving Expense funds. Support the episcopal office of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Fund travel for Annual Conference delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. Conference Administration Ministry The Upper New York Conference supports vital operational ministries—Communications, IT, Benefits & Personnel, Finance, and Office Operations—that form the foundation for successful missions and ministries across the Conference. Conference budgets assume that not all churches will meet 100% of their ministry share commitments. If giving falls short, all areas are proportionately affected. However, through faith, discernment, and shared vision, the Conference believes that reaching full ministry share participation is achievable.

Financial Audit An Audit of the accompanying combined financial statements of the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church was performed as of December 31, 2020. Final Audit Report 2020 With Adjusted Notes .pdf Download PDF • 313KB

Year End Statistical Report ACStats is the one-stop location for United Methodist data that tracks membership, expenses, and income. It's designed to help churches submit year-end statistics to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference digitally in a way that's cost-effective. Important Dates Statistical Year Open is January 2. The submission deadline is February 15, 2026. The user guide for local churches can help familiarize yourself with the new ACStats platform. English Report .pdf Download PDF • 992KB Spanish Translated report .pdf Download PDF • 93KB Korean Translated Report .pdf Download PDF • 436KB Having Trouble Submitting your Statistical Report? Check out our helpful tips and a step-by-step guide. Conference Treasurer, Bob Flask and Autumn Wells help walk through the process of completing statistics in the following videos. ACStats Walkthrough ACStats ACStats User Guide More Resources 2025 Stats Walkthrough .pdf Download PDF • 2.80MB Explanation for Lines 24-55 .pdf Download PDF • 116KB New Username Options For 2025 ACStats .pdf Download PDF • 266KB Local Church User Guide .pdf Download PDF • 2.32MB Notes On Church People .pdf Download PDF • 438KB Description of Lines .pdf Download PDF • 107KB United Methodist Church Online Directory and Statistics GCFA has created a website that contains the general statistical information for all conferences. This is a great way to see how your church and our conference is thriving compared to others. Visit GCFA UMData The IT and Data Services Departments of GCFA created this program to replace The General Minutes. The site provides up-to-date information on local churches, leadership, and statistics that are beneficial throughout the connection. The data on the site comes from the annual conference staffs who submit this information through their Business of the Annual Conference (BAC) and local church statistical reporting forms. The information that's available provides: Local church statistics as users of the site can look up individual church information on pastors, membership data, and statistical history. A much quicker way to locate pastors and includes historical information on appointments. Quick Facts that give users the ability to select an annual conference and find membership by district, conference or jurisdiction as reported on the local church statistical reporting forms. Charts and graphs that provide for quick comparisons among jurisdictions, conferences, and churches. HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Superintendency Administrative Assistant (315) 898-2000 SuperintendencyAssistants@unyumc.org Contact Autumn Wells Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist (315) 898-2004 autumnwells@unyumc.org