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| | CONFERENCE NEWS & INFORMATION | |
An invitation to pray and give together
In a letter sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on April 14, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez invited pastoral leaders to deepen their shared commitment to weekly online prayer gatherings, emphasizing prayer as central to ministry, while also encouraging generous participation in the Miracle Sunday offering to support global theological education and strengthen future church leadership.
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Miracle Sunday resource: Disciples formed by Jesus Christ
From April 12 to May 17, United Methodist congregations worldwide are joining a six-week worship and small-group journey leading to Miracle Sunday, supporting theological education across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Grounded in the vision to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously, this series connects discipleship with global impact. In Week 2, Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the focus centers on how the Spirit fills, renews, and strengthens believers to live with joy, courage, and purpose, rooting them in Christ and sending them into the world. Each week offers Scripture, reflection, prayer, and discussion to deepen faith and equip communities for faithful witness. As the Church is empowered, it also invests in raising up Spirit-formed leaders to serve communities around the world.
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Bishop Burgos announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York Cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2026.
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Celebrating Rev. Dr. Georgia Harkness
From the hymnals we sing to the history we inherit, the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Georgia Harkness runs deeper than many realize. Discover how this pioneering theologian, author, and advocate for women’s ordination, whose influence reached leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., was shaped by her Upper New York roots. This inspiring story invites you to explore her remarkable impact and join in celebrating her enduring legacy on April 19 at Harkness UMC, when the church will be named a United Methodist Historic Site.
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Six awards, one mission: Sharing the story of Upper New York
The Upper New York Conference Communications Ministry Team is honored to share that we received six awards from the United Methodist Association of Communicators, a national network of communicators representing United Methodist agencies, conferences, and local churches.
This recognition celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and dedication poured into sharing the story of ministry across Upper New York. We’re proud to be recognized among such inspiring peers and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this work.
Here’s a look at the awards we received:
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Don’t miss it: AC registration closes tonight
Don’t forget that today is the last day to register for the 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC) session, scheduled for May 28–30 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. After today, registration will only be available onsite at the Oncenter for an additional $50 fee, and meals are not guaranteed for late registrants.
Clergy looking to be excused should click here.
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2026 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook available
Prepare for Annual Conference with this year’s workbook, now ready to view, download, or purchase. Access a digital copy on Issuu or through the UNY UMC app, or order a printed version from Amazon or Lulu.
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Prepare for AC by attending a Pre-Conference Briefing
Everyone who registers for Annual Conference is strongly encouraged to attend a Pre-Conference Briefing, even if you've attended in the past.
Multiple sessions are scheduled to take place in-person across the conference this spring. The briefings are essential preparation for the key conversations and votes ahead, including updates on the conference’s future direction and recommendations that carry financial implications for local churches.
Make plans to attend the session most convenient for you.
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CAMP & RETREAT MINISTRIES | | Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries serves a diverse population, including rural, urban, and suburban, while offering opportunities to connect with God's creation, with a loving Christian community, and with friends, new and old. |
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Hangout Trek
July 5–10 | Ages 13-17
Choose your own adventure! Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center has so many wonderful ways to spend your whole day. In Hangout Trek, it is up to you and your cabinmates to decide how you spend your time at camp. Whether you want to hang out around the campfire, spend more time at the lake, or play even more sports and games. Together, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your favorite camp activities and assemble a schedule packed with awesome, adventurous fun!
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Together Time
July 24-26 | All ages
Create family memories that will last a lifetime at Asbury Retreat Center. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are invited to join kids of all ages for a weekend full of fun and connection at Asbury Retreat Center. Enjoy tubing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, campfires, crafts, frisbee golf, archery, and fishing, all wrapped in Bible teaching and worship. Come make family traditions at Asbury!
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Special Needs I & II
Special Needs I: July 6-10 | Ages 18-60
Special Needs II: July 13-17 | Ages 18-60
A classic camp experience at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center for persons with mild-to-moderate developmental disabilities needing minimal-to-no assistance with daily living skills. Average staff to camper ratio of 1:4 makes it possible for campers to enjoy outdoor life through such things as waterfront, worship, crafts, cookouts, and more. We are unable to accommodate campers needing one-on-one care or constant direct-line-of-sight supervision. Independent toileting and mobility skills are required.
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Little Ones
August 9-11 | Ages 3-7 with a guardian
Come get a first taste of camp with your little one at Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center. Children and their adults get to experience all the fun of camp together, including swimming and boating, hiking, songs & games, arts & crafts, and more. Each child must be accompanied by a guardian, max two children per guardian.
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Celebrating Native American Ministries in Upper New York
On April 7, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez visited two Native American congregations in Upper New York—Onondaga Nation United Methodist Church and Hogansburg UMC—where he encountered powerful expressions of faith, culture, and community. He described the experience as both “a humbling honor and a deep joy,” lifting up the congregations’ spirit of hospitality, gratitude, and resilience. Highlighting the meaningful ways Christian faith and Native identity are lived out, Bishop Burgos expressed deep appreciation for their witness and a commitment to continue learning from their wisdom while strengthening connections across the conference.
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An afternoon outdoors with purpose
Inspired by Psalm 24—“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it”—youth from Calvary UMC in Latham spent an afternoon living out their faith through a park cleanup in Watervliet. Their efforts reflected a shared commitment to stewardship, compassion, and caring for God’s creation while making a meaningful impact in their local community.
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Shine bright at Upper New York’s Confirmation Rally
Get ready for an inspiring and joy-filled day at Upper New York’s Glow & Grow Confirmation Rally. Confirmands and leaders from across the conference are invited to gather on May 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Conference Center in Liverpool for a day of worship, music, and meaningful connection. Centered on this year’s theme, “Claiming a Faith of Our Own,” youth will explore how God’s light shines in and through each of us as we continue to grow in faith.
This free event promises a meaningful time of learning, celebration, and community—we look forward to welcoming everyone for this special day
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Binghamton-Oneonta District Day: A time to learn and renew
Pastoral leaders across the Binghamton-Oneonta Districts are invited to gather for a District Day with District Superintendent Bob Kolvik-Campbell on Tuesday, April 21 at Sidney United Methodist Church. This special time of connection, worship, and learning will feature “Best Stewardship Practices” with the Rev. Susan Ranous, along with fellowship, Holy Communion, and lunch. All pastoral leaders, CLMs, Licensed Local Pastors, Deacons, and Elders are welcome. Lunch is provided. Please RSVP to Rosemary Dilorio at rosemarydiiorio@unyumc.org with your attendance and any dietary restrictions.
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Northeastern Seminary's McCown Symposium
The United Methodists of Upper New York is a denominational sponsor of Northeastern Seminary’s McCown Symposium featuring Dr. Leonard Sweet, centered on Discipleship in a Polarized Culture. The event will take place on Sunday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at the Golisano Community Engagement Center on the campus of Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, with a virtual option available.
All clergy and lay leaders are invited to attend at no cost by using the coupon code PARTNER. Advance registration is required. For parking details, view the campus map.
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Untangle tax day with Church Chat
Feeling “intaxicated?” It’s tax day—and if you’re not quite ready, Church Chat is here to help. Explore short, easy-to-follow videos designed to guide you through your tax filing. Whether you’re sorting out the difference between a W-2 and a 1099 or tackling more complex questions, the Upper New York Human Resources and Benefits teams offer clear, practical answers for clergy.
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Followers Under 40
A new course is now available on Portico, inviting you to explore the changing landscape of the church and why many congregations struggle to connect with those under 40.
Inspired by the book, Followers Under 40 by the Rev. Kris Sledge and the Rev. Rachel Gilmore, who also shared their insights as study leaders at last year’s Annual Conference, this course moves beyond naming challenges to fostering meaningful conversation and practical next steps.
Through guided sessions featuring video clips, reflection questions, and discussion prompts, participants will gain deeper understanding and identify actionable ways to build more authentic, inclusive connections.
Whether you engage individually or as part of a group, this course creates space for thoughtful, faith-centered dialogue rooted in relationship and shared purpose.
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Fund helps Philander Smith train health leaders
Support from The United Methodist Church has helped Philander Smith University bring aspirations to life. Maurice Gipson, the university’s president, highlights the completion of the Nursing and Health Professions Building as a key example. The denomination’s Black College Fund provides annual support to 11 historically Black colleges and universities affiliated with The United Methodist Church.
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Phone: (315) 898-2000
Fax: (315) 898-2198
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