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| | CONFERENCE NEWS & INFORMATION | |
New look for Upper New York website
The Upper New York website has a fresh new look. Designed to create a smoother, more user-friendly experience, the redesigned site makes it easier to find resources, stay connected, and access important information—all while keeping the same familiar web address. To access the website, it's still unyumc.org. Watch our new video tour for a quick walkthrough of the site’s updated features, navigation, and helpful tools.
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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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Bishop Héctor invites churches to support Miracle Sunday
On Sunday, May 17, United Methodist congregations around the world will join together for Miracle Sunday, a shared offering supporting theological education across our global connection.
In this video message, Bishop Héctor A Burgos-Núñez shares why this effort matters so deeply.
While most clergy in the United States have access to formal theological training, many faithful leaders around the world do not. Miracle Sunday helps equip pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines through scholarships that strengthen ministry for generations to come.
Watch' Bishop Héctor's message and learn how your congregation can participate.
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Miracle Sunday resource: Disciples Transform the World – Miracle Sunday Offering
As Miracle Sunday approaches, congregations are invited to reflect on Week 6 of the worship and small-group series, Disciples Transform the World. This final week centers on how faithful discipleship leads to global impact through worship, mission, and generosity.
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One final Pre-Conference Briefing planned for May 16
As Annual Conference approaches, one final Pre-Conference Briefing remains for clergy, laity, and anyone involved in local church financial decision-making. Even if you’ve attended a briefing in the past, you are strongly encouraged to take part in this final session.
The final briefing is this Saturday, May 16 at Endwell UMC beginning at 2 p.m.
This important gathering will offer final preparation for the key conversations and votes ahead, including updates on the conference’s future direction and recommendations that could directly impact your church’s finances.
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2026 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook and addendums available
As you prepare for the 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference, be sure to review the 2026 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook and any published addendums ahead of the session. These materials contain important information, updates, and recommendations that will help you engage fully in the conversations and decisions during conference.
Addendums submitted prior to the publication deadline are now available on the conference website.
The full workbook may be viewed, downloaded, or purchased. Access a digital copy through Issuu or the UNY UMC app, or order a printed version through Amazon or Lulu.
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Download UNY UMC app in time for AC
Stay connected to everything happening at the 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC) by downloading the award-winning UNY UMC app. The app provides year-round access to conference news and videos, messages from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, and other important resources.
It’s your one-stop destination for all things Annual Conference, including the 2026 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook, parking guide, venue maps, speaker bios, livestream access, and more.
Be sure to enable push notifications so you never miss important updates, announcements, and resources throughout Annual Conference.
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How to watch Annual Conference livestream
Annual Conference is just around the corner, and once again this year, sessions will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Viewers can tune in through our newly redesigned website and find the livestream on our homepage or watch on the UNY UMC app.
Please help spread the word within your congregation so more people can join in this meaningful time of holy conferencing, worship, celebration, and connection across Upper New York.
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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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Celebration of Ministry at Casowasco
Save the date. Join the Conference Camp & Retreats Ministry Team on Sunday, June 14, for a Celebration of Ministry at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Spend the afternoon and evening connecting and celebrating the ministry of Casowasco. The site opens at 3 p.m., with the service beginning at 4 p.m. Afterward, enjoy time to walk the grounds and gather around a campfire until 8 p.m. More details to follow.
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Animal Expedition & Jrs: Horse or Fishing Edition
July 26-31 | Ages 13-17
August 2-7 | Ages 8-12 (Animal Expedition Junior)
What could make any camp better? Animals! In Animal Adventure at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center, a camper can choose either horse or fish camp. Horse camp will travel to Stillmeadows Ranch to learn how to tend to animals and ride a horse (teens attend five days and juniors attend for four days). Fish camp will learn about fishing and grow as a fisher on Aldersgate’s peaceful waters: Pleasant Lake and Brantingham Lake. In addition to these special animal programs, campers will participate in camp classics like playing sports and games, swimming at the waterfront, tie-dye and crafts, and field games.
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Day Apart: Turn Down the Noise
September 19
In the midst of life’s demands, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A Day Apart retreat at Asbury Retreat Center offers you a sacred space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the One who loves you most. This is a chance to step away from the busyness of everyday life and find rest, renewal, and peace in God’s presence. Come spend a day with God and some friends as we look at the noise in our lives that can get in the way of seeing, hearing and just being with God.
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Special Needs Camp In A Day
June 16
August 13
Book a cozy campground site at
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center and experience a full day at camp this year. Enough a fun-filled day designed especially for individuals with special needs, whether you're a first-time camper, returning friend, or coming with a group. Crafts, swimming and boating, lawn games, campfire sing-along, cookout, S’mores, and more.
Please note: Each camper must be accompanied by a caregiver or staff member who can provide supervision and personal care throughout the day. You provide the support and we provide the camp fun!
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Syracuse United Methodist Ministries provides community meals
The Syracuse United Methodist Ministries recently came together to distribute 200 bagged lunches while kids were out of school. The shared effort helped provide meals and support for the local community.
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Community generosity supports Buffalo: First UMC's food pantry
First United Methodist Church of Buffalo recently received an outpouring of support for its food pantry through donations collected by West Side of Buffalo postal workers and local households. The contributions will help support neighbors facing food insecurity across Buffalo’s West Side.
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Endwell UMC joins global hunger relief effort
A team of 21 youth and adults from Endwell United Methodist Church participated in a Rise Against Hunger event, helping prepare 20,000 meal kits for communities facing food insecurity around the world. The effort supported Rise Against Hunger’s mission of improving nutrition, education, and resilience through global volunteer partnerships.
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We’re taking a break
As the 2026 Annual Conference approaches (May 28-30), we will be taking a brief hiatus from our Weekly Digest May 27 through June 3. Whether you’re joining us in person at The Oncenter in Syracuse or virtually, you can stay informed through the UNY UMC app and the conference website. You can access the livestream, daily notes from each service, reports, petition and resolution results, and the full 2026 Pre-Conference Workbook—including any updates and addendums. Be sure to download the app and subscribe to Annual Conference notifications to receive real-time announcements and schedule changes.
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Don’t forget to register for Come to the Water: Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation
Don’t miss your opportunity to give yourself the gift of deep spiritual renewal at the Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation from August 9–14 at Asbury Retreat Center. Sponsored by the Upper New York Annual Conference, this Five-Day Academy invites you to explore Living a Contemplative Life in a World That Isn’t through inspiring teaching, rich community, and a daily rhythm grounded in worship, silence, and reflection.
Join faculty leaders Amy Oden and Shalom Agtarap for a transformative week of learning, solitude, and soul-tending, all in a peaceful setting with comfortable accommodations and meals included. Come be renewed. Registration closes on Wednesday, July 15.
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Stewardship Coaching Academy
The Stewardship Coaching Academy offers clergy, laity, and anyone passionate about stewardship an opportunity to explore what stewardship is, why it matters, and how it can be lived out in practical ways. Through guided readings, discussion, and interactive learning experiences, participants will deepen their understanding of stewardship and its many dimensions. The four-session Zoom training will take place this summer on Saturdays from 10–3 p.m. on July 11, July 25, August 8, and August 22.
Registration closes Wednesday, July 1.
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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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Inclusion Matters series, Part 5: Encourage the Participation and Integration of Deaf People
In the fifth installment of ResourceUMC's Inclusion Matters series, churches are encouraged to move beyond accessibility and toward full participation of deaf and hard-pf-hearing individuals in congregational life. Building on earlier parts of the series, this resource explores ways to foster belonging by recognizing the gifts, leadership, and lived experiences of deaf people within the church community. Through intentional inclusion in worship, ministry, and fellowship, congregations can create spaces where all people are valued, connected, and able to fully participate.
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Venue contract tips for churches and ministries: What to know before you sign or share your space
The General Council on Finance and Administration is offering guidance for churches and ministries navigating venue contracts and facility use agreements. Whether booking an off-site event or opening church space for community use, this resource highlights important details ministries should consider, including costs, deadlines, and contract clauses that are often overlooked. Learn how to approach venue agreements with greater confidence and what to think through before welcoming visiting groups.
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Church becomes beacon in community
Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama is making a lasting impact in its community through ministries that extend far beyond the walls of the church. What began as a small food pantry serving a handful of people each month has grown into a wide-reaching ministry offering food assistance, health services, prison re-entry support, mental health counseling, and more.
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Phone: (315) 898-2000
Fax: (315) 898-2198
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