2025 UNY Pre-Conference Workbook by Upper New York Conference

“Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Dear partners in the ministry, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you.

On May 22-24, 2025, United Methodists of Upper New York will gather for the 2025 Annual Conference at the Oncenter in Syracuse.

The Annual Conference session is a holy time when we gather for Christian Conferencing to:

• Worship the Risen Christ and learn.

• Celebrate the lives of those who have served the church faithfully.

• Welcome a new class of spiritual leaders.

• Reflect on our shared ministry’s realities, challenges, and opportunities.

• Discern and decide on various important resolutions, and

• Organize our mission together for 2025-26.

This year, we will gather under the theme of “BELIEVE – and see the glory of God!”. Our faith in Jesus Christ opens our spiritual vision, allowing us to perceive God at work in our lives and the world. Faith enables us to trust God’s purpose and timing, even when circumstances seem complex or unclear. 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.

In preparation for the Annual Conference, I invite you to:

• Pray – for God to bless our time together and guide our work.

• Prepare – carefully read all the materials in the Pre-Conference journal, participate in the information sessions and share it with your congregation.

• Participate – come ready to be fully present and share the best of Christ in you with others during the Annual Conference.

I look forward to our time of Christian conferencing in Syracuse!

Together in Christ’s mission,

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez Resident Bishop

Letter from Upper New York Conference Lay Leader

Hello to all my siblings in Christ and fellow United Methodists of the Upper New York,

I am excited for this year’s Annual Conference with the theme: “Believe and See the Glory of God.”

As believers, we are called to trust in God and witness how God’s glory shapes our lives. Our journey of faith is not just about believing—it’s about opening our eyes to see God actively working in us and around us.

Jesus reminds us in John 11:4, during the story of Lazarus: “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

And again in verses 41–42, Jesus looked up and said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

These words remind us that there is nothing God cannot do. Strengthened by God’s grace and glory, we—God’s people— can move mountains. But it starts with belief. It begins when we open our hearts and eyes to see His presence, God’s power, and God’s purpose in every part of our lives.

As the laity of the United Methodists of the Upper New York Conference, I encourage you: Take time to see God’s glory. Have the faith and heart that Lazarus, Mary, and Martha had. Make space to dwell in the presence of Christ and grow in relationship with Him. And let us move boldly forward in the calling that God has placed on each and every one of us.

I look forward to seeing you all May 22-24, 2025.

In Christ,

Jessica White

Conference Lay Leader

Upper New York Area

The United Methodist Church

Holy Conferencing: What God Expects of Us

As God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another, and if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive each other—just as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to this in one body. Be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:12–16a, 17).

Guidelines for Respectful and Thoughtful Dialogue

• Acknowledge everyone as a child of God: Always speak respectfully to everyone. Disagreement does not require hostility.

• Be open to God’s transformative power: Patiently observe the behavior of others and trust that God can work in the hearts of all involved.

• Listen before responding: Listen to learn. Take time to understand others’ perspectives before formulating your reply.

• Seek to understand experiences: Try to grasp the journey that shaped others’ views.

• Exercise caution when expressing offense: Avoid reacting in ways that might hinder dialogue or understanding.

• Reflect others’ views accurately: Especially when disagreeing, ensure you convey their position truthfully and fairly.

• Steer clear of inflammatory language: Refrain from using derogatory names, angry tones, or generalizations. Support your points with specific evidence and examples.

• Utilize mediators if necessary: Facilitators can help keep conversations constructive.

• See beyond flaws: Remember that everyone’s worth comes from their relationship with God—not the imperfections we perceive in their actions or opinions.

Christians can approach important issues without succumbing to divisive, combative debates often seen in secular settings. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we aim for decision-making that avoids creating winners and losers. Through respectful and honest conversation, we can address matters that are passionate to us—ultimately working together to change the world.

Name Badges and Voting Rights

Badge Color Affiliation Voting Rights

Yellow 602.4

602.6

Red 602.1

Elected Lay Member, Equalization member, At Large Member Youth-Young Adult elected Equalization Member, Diaconal Minister, Deaconess, Home Missioner under UNY appointment, UNY Lay Leader District Lay Leader, UNY Director of Lay servant Ministries, UNY UWF President, UNY UMM President

Full Connection (Elder and Deacons), Retired Elder, and Retired Deacons

Blue 602.1c Associate Members (Associate Members that are elected members of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Committee on Investigations can vote on all matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy), Retired Associate Members

Blue 602.1b

Blue 602.1d

Green 602.1b

602.1c 346.2

Provisional Members (under appointment to a pastoral charge who have completed educational requirements towards ordination)

Full Time/Part Time Local Pastors (under appointment to a pastoral charge who have completed Course of Study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment before election)

Provisional Members (under appointment to a pastoral charge who have NOT completed educational requirements towards ordination)

and Affiliated Members Elders or Ordained Clergy from Other Denominations (OF) (ROF).

Green 602.1d

White

Orange 602.9

Full Time/Part Time Local Pastors (under appointment to a pastoral charge who have NOT completed Course of Study or an M.Div. degree).

Retired Local Pastors not under appt. OE, OR (Full Elders or Retied Elders of other UMC Annual Conference)

Visitors, Student Pastors (from other conferences), Lay missionaries, Interim Supply Pastors, UNY Staff Members (that are not EQ by virtue of office), Official Guests, Episcopal Staff, Vendors/ Display table.

All lay members of the Annual Conference and lay equalization members have voting privileges on all matters, except on the granting or validation of license, ordination, reception into full conference membership, or any question concerning the character and official conduct of ordained ministers.

Lay members who are elected members of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Committee on Investigations can vote on all matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.

May vote on all matters in the Annual Conference except in the election of lay delegates to the General or Jurisdictional Conferences.

May vote on all matters except constitutional amendments and matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.

May vote on all matters except constitutional amendments and matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy. (Licensed Local Pastors that are elected members of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Committee on Investigations can vote on all matters of ordination, character and conference relations of clergy).

May vote on all matters except constitutional amendments, election of clergy delegates to the General/Jurisdictional/Central Conferences and matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.

May attend with voice, but not vote.

No vote and no voice unless granted on the floor.

Monitoring Statement

The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women advocates for full participation of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church (UMC). The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) seeks to build justice, equity, and inclusion in the church and the world by dismantling social structures and behaviors that perpetuate racism. Together, we’re helping the Church recognize every person – clergy and lay, women and men, adults and children - as full, equal, and beloved parts of God’s human family. We believe that a fully engaged and empowered membership is vital to The United Methodist Church’s mission to introduce people to a relationship with Jesus, so that the Holy Spirit’s presence can make itself known and touch the hearts of all who seek. With the many sudden changes in policy in our society via government, there is great concern over equity and justice for all persons as participants in creating the kin-dom of God right now, within and outside of the walls of the Church. We will continue to strive for God’s grace and love through prayer, community, institutions, and actions that reflect the grace of the full participation of women in the total life of the UMC.

It is an irrefutable fact that throughout history, including within the Church, certain groups have been systematically excluded from full participation, including being silenced or ignored, while others have been prioritized - especially based on race and gender. As disciples of Jesus, we trust that you have heard the call of Jesus to pray and labor for Earth to look a little more like heaven. The Conference Commission on Religion and Race and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) seek to help our annual conference session move meaningfully toward the vision of Christ by capturing what groups are speaking from the platform and floor. By recording race, gender, and other demographics of those who have spoken during our sessions, we can accurately determine whether we are doing a good job of including the diversity of voices in our gathering.

The Commissions ask everyone who comes to the microphone to share certain information. First, please tell us your name and your gender. We do have non-binary as an option. Then, tell us your race. Racial identity is not the same as national origin (German, Mexican, or Irish, for example) or ethnicity. Everyone should be proud of their heritage, but naming these during these times detracts from our purpose of tracking whether we are overcoming inherited systemic inequities. Finally, tell us whether you’re clergy or laity, and the district and the local church you represent.

Naming these realities may sometimes feel tedious, and some of us believe that we perpetuate our problems by doing so. However, the opposite is true. Recognizing our racial and gender diversity is not the same as creating hierarchies of power based upon those differences. Observing whether the legacies of those power inequities cause some among us to believe their voices or concerns are not welcome is critical to creating the environment and being the disciples of Christ we aspire to be. Let us strive together to build and model the Kingdom Jesus taught as we engage in holy conferencing.

Organizational Motion

1. This is the sixteenth session of the Upper New York Annual Conference held on May 22-24, 2025 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY.

2. Holy Conferencing affirms our covenant with God and one another. At any time during the proceedings, the bishop may call for a moment of discernment and prayer before a vote.

MEMBERSHIP

3. The roll call of voting members shall be taken during on-site registration. Upon registration, voting members shall receive a name badge which states their name and shows voting rights.

4. Lay members are those specified by the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline, ¶33, Article I, and ¶602.4. The election of lay equalization members, as required in ¶33, Article I, and ¶602.4 (i.e., “the annual conference shall, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay and clergy membership of the annual conference”) was determined according to the Rules for Determining and Selecting Lay Members to the Annual Conference, approved by the Annual Conference on May 31, 2012. The list of potential nominees to serve as Equalization Lay Members as published and distributed with other pre-conference materials, shall be duly nominated, and elected as a first order of business of the Annual Conference.

BUSINESS PROCEDURES

5. The session shall be governed by the rules of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (2020/2024) and the Conference Rules of the Upper New York Annual Conference (2024). Roberts Rules of Order, 12th edition, shall govern all procedural questions where the rules of the General Conference cannot be applied.

6. Clergy entitled to vote are those specified by the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline, ¶602, subject to the limitations contained in the same paragraph.

7. The voting area of the Conference (“bar of the Conference”) is limited to the numbered tables and the stage. Guests and non-members may be seated in the designated visitor seating area. Persons standing or sitting outside the bar of the Conference shall have no voice or vote on legislative matters. To be included in hand-count or standing votes, members must be seated at a table inside the bar at the time the vote is called.

8. Securing the Floor: Clergy and Lay members wishing to speak to the Conference shall raise their colored placard at their seat and wait to be recognized by the bishop. When recognized, they shall move to the nearest microphone, state their name, race, gender, clergy or laity status, church (laity) or appointment (clergy), and district before addressing the body.

9. To ensure accuracy of the minutes and faithfulness to the intention of the mover, motions and amendments from the floor must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Conference, on the form provided for this purpose or to unysecretary@unyumc.org. Forms are available through Tellers and the Assistant Secretary. The author will retain one copy and provide the remaining copies of the written motion or amendment to the Secretary upon or before moving any amendment, through Conference staff or volunteers. If submitting through email, a form indicating so will be submitted to the Secretary. No motion or amendment will be voted on unless provided in writing.

10. No person shall speak more than once on the same question and each speaker shall be limited to not more than three minutes, except the maker of the resolution or the chairperson of the agency submitting the resolution, who shall have up to five minutes to open and three minutes to close debate.

11. Voting shall be by voice vote, show of hands, standing count (in such a count those who cannot stand may vote by raising hands), ballot, or by electronic device at the discretion of the bishop as Presiding Officer, unless otherwise ordered by the Conference. It shall be in order for any member to call for a vote by count on any question before the Conference, and if the call is sustained by one-third (1/3) of the members present and voting, a vote shall be taken as called for.

CONFERENCE DOCUMENTATION & COMMUNICATION

12. The published agenda on the Conference website shall be the official agenda for the Annual Conference. Questions about the agenda may be directed to the Assistant to the Bishop.

13. All reports without recommendations shall be placed on the Consent Calendar. The Bishop’s Address to the Conference, the Report of the Conference Lay Leader, and the Superintendents’ Report are exempt from this rule. Upon proper motion from the floor, any report may be lifted from the consent calendar and placed on the agenda by a one-third (1/3) vote of the Conference body. Such reports shall be read into the record without discussion or debate, if time permits.

14. The Director of Communications shall report to the general periodicals of The United Methodist Church and secular news media. All references for printing by the Conference’s official publication shall be subject to editing and condensing by the editor.

15. No material may be distributed within the bar of the annual conference sessions without prior review of the Agenda Committee. All materials for the consideration of the Agenda Committee shall be submitted to the Assistant to the Bishop.

16. The Journal editor shall have sole authority to edit, condense, organize, and print the Upper New York Conference Journal/Yearbook. All material from this session must be submitted in writing no later than September 8, 2025.

17. The Daily Proceedings from this 16th Session of Annual Conference will appear in the Upper New York Conference Journal/Yearbook.

2025 Equalization Member list to Annual Conference

38 Karyn McCloskey Albany Equalization by Virtue of Office Conference Leadership Team

Teddi Urriola Genesee Valley Equalization by Virtue of Office Conference Leadership Team 40 Roger Cullen Genesee Valley Equalization by Virtue of Office Conference Leadership Team

Kathy Perry Northern Flow Equalization by Virtue of Office CF & A

Lyle Tague Genesee Valley Equalization by Virtue of Office CF & A 43 Garrett Cole Oneonta Equalization by Virtue of Office CF & A 44 Jayne Smith Adirondack Equalization by Virtue of Office Equitable Compensation 45 Cory Tylenda Genesee Valley Equalization by Virtue of Office Equitable Compensation 46 Cathie Werley Northern Flow Equalization by Virtue of Office Equitable Compensation 47 Eileen Sperry Albany Equalization by Virtue of Office Equitable Compensation

48 Lida Merrill Genesee Valley Equalization by Virtue of Office Assessibilities

49 Georgia Whitney Niagara Frontier Equalization by Virtue of Office Commission on Religion and Race

50 Kae Wilbert Genesee Valley Equalization by Virtue of Office Committee on Native American Ministries

51 Grace Stierheim Niagara Frontier Equalization by Virtue of Office Council on Youth Ministries

52 TBA Equalization by Virtue of Office College Ministries

53 Heather Smith Albany Equalization by Virtue of Office Peace with Justice Coordinator 54 Susan Silhan

58 Kevin Nelson

by Virtue of Office Home Missioner

62 Dusty Dickinson Adirondack Equalization at Large - young adult

63 Susan Ethington Adirondack Equalization at Large 64 Rebecca Hansen Adirondack Equalization at Large 65 Glenn Harrison Adirondack Equalization at Large

66 Mary Hilliard Adirondack Equalization at Large

67 Michael Miller Adirondack Equalization at Large - Youth

68 April Snow Adirondack Equalization at Large

69 Natalie Tyce Adirondack

70 Ken Bevan

71 Kevin Clark

at Large - young adult

Equalization at Large - young adult

72 Peyton Degenhart Albany Equalization at Large - Youth

73 Young Do Albany Equalization at Large

74 Darienne Gagne Albany Equalization at Large

75 Denise Gottung Albany Equalization at Large

76 Syerrah Mowry Albany Equalization at Large - Youth

77 Robyn Vernon Albany Equalization at Large - young adult

120

Georgia Baker

Paige Bulmer

Penny Harrington

Grace Holmes Oneonta

Chris Johnson Oneonta

165 Sebastian Maricle

166 Kylee O’Connell

John

How to Understand Parliamentary Procedures

To Do This... You Say This...

SECONDARY

Adjourn

MOTIONS IN ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

“I move to adjourn” No Yes No

Recess “I move we recess until...” No Yes

Suspend debate without calling for a vote “I move that we table”

End Debate “I move the previous question”

Debate “I move debate be limited to...”

Postpone to specific time “I move to postpone this matter until...”

Have matter studied further

Amend a motion or substitute

“I move we refer this matter to...” No

“I move to amend by...” or “I move to substitute...” No Yes

Postpone Indefinitely “I move to postpone indefinitely”

INCIDENTAL MOTIONS GROW OUT OF THE BUSINESS THE CONFERENCE IS CONSIDERING

Correct error in parliamentary procedure “Point of Order” Yes No No

Obtain advice on parliamentary procedure “I raise a parliamentary inquiry” Yes No No No

Request information “Point of information” Yes No No No None

MAIN MOTIONS AS TOOLS TO INTRODUCE NEW BUSINESS

Introduce Business “ I move that...” No

Take up matter previously tabled “I move we take from the table...” No

Reconsider matter previously voted “I move we reconsider” No Yes

2025 Consent Calendar

Reports from Conference Teams

Accessibilities Concerns Team

Communications

Compelling Preaching Initiative

Creation Justice Team (CJT)

Episcopacy, Committee on the Finance and Administration, Conference Council on (CFA)

Global Ministries Team

Laity, Conference Board of Lay Servant Ministries, Conference Committee on Leadership Team, Conference (CLT)

Missional Excellence: Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural (CCRC) Ministry and Campus Ministry

Missional Excellence: Missional Engagement

Missional Excellence: Resources and Training

Native American Ministries, Committee on (CONAM)

New Faith Communities

Nominations and Leadership Development

Ordained Ministry, Board of (BOM)

Peace with Justice

Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, Task Force on Religion and Race, Conference Committee on (CCORR)

Status and Role of Women, Committee on the (COSROW) Trustees, Board of United Women in Faith Youth Ministry, Conference Council on (CCYM)

Reports from Connected Organizations

Africa University

Candler School of Theology

Gammon Theological Seminary

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

New York State Council of Churches

Saint Paul School of Theology

2025 Upper New York DRAFT Agenda

THEME: Believe! …and see the glory of God! | John 11:1-45

Thursday, May 22, 2025

8:30 AM Check-in/Registration opens

10:00 AM Opening Worship

11:30 AM Lunch

11:30 AM Extension Ministry luncheon (Invitation Only)

1:00 PM Clergy & Laity Sessions

2:30 PM Break

3:00 PM Business/ Plenary

5:00 PM Dinner

5:00 PM Retiree/Ordinands Dinner (Invitation Only)

6:00 PM Check-in/Registration closes for the day.

7:00 PM Business/ Plenary

9:00 PM Rehearsal for Commissioning/ Ordination Service

Friday, May 23, 2025

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 Lunch

11:30 AM Memorial Service Family Luncheon (Invitation Only)

1:00 PM Learning Session

2:00 PM Business/ Plenary

3:00 PM Break

3:30 PM Business/ Plenary

5:00 PM Dinner

5:00 PM Check-in/Registration closes for the day.

7:00 PM Celebration of Ministry, Commissioning & Ordination Service

Saturday, May 24, 2025

8:30 AM Praise and Worship

9:00 AM Leadership Address

9:45 AM Break

10:00 AM Business/ Plenary

12:00 PM Closing Worship – Service of Passage & Reading of Appointments

1:00 PM Adjourn

Oncenter Parking Map

Equitable Towers Garage $25 for 10 hours Reserve Online at LAZ Parking or pay upon arrival

Onondaga County Lot No online reservation Pay per hour

550 Harrison Center Parking Lot No online reservation Pay per hour

Oncenter Open Lot & Garage Discounted to $5 per entry (no in and out privileges) First come first serve

Ratification of Constitutional Amendments Nominations and Leadership Development Board of Pension and Health Benefits (BoPHB) Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC) Conference Ministry Share Budget (Draft) 2026

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Approved by the 2020/2024 General Conference

To be canvassed for ratification by the Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church

[The following proposed amendments to the Constitution of The United Methodist Church were approved by the 2020/2024 General Conference and must now be voted upon by the members of the annual conferences. It is required that each one must pass with an aggregate 2/3 approval from all voting members as canvassed by th e Council of Bishops. The proposed changes are indicated by strikethrough for deletions and underscore for additions.

This document is a DRAFT to be utilized as an initial informational and educational resource. The final document is subject to editing and verification.]

Calendar Item 22

Approved 586-164 April 25, 2024

Committee Item ST29 Approved 29-0 April 22, 2024 Petition 21039

[Editorial Note: Numbering of paragraphs will be subject to the final editing of The Book of Discipline 2020/2024. The proposed changes in this calendar item are included for internal reference. Due to the length and complexity of this calendar item, the text and formatting from the Daily Christian Advocate is being used for context.]

AMEND ¶¶ 9, (which shall be renumbered ¶ 10), 10 (which shall be renumbered ¶ 9), 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 46, 49, 50, 52, 56, 61 and add new 13 as follows: ¶ 10 9. Article III Article II. - There shall be central regional conferences for the work of the worldwide Church outside the United States of America and, if necessary, provisional central regional conferences, all with such powers, duties, and privileges as are hereinafter set forth, provided that in The United Methodist Church there shall be no regional or jurisdictional conference based on any ground other than geographical division.

¶ 9 10. Article II Article III. - There shall may be jurisdictional conferences for the work of the Church in the United States of America, with such powers, duties, and privileges as are

hereinafter set forth, provided that in The United Methodist Church there shall be no jurisdictional or central conference based on any ground other than geographical and regional division.

(NEW - Renumber subsequent paragraphs) ¶ 13. Article VI.– The General Conference, regional conferences, jurisdictional conferences, and annual conferences shall have autonomy of action within the limits fixed by the Constitution, provided that any legislation enacted within the respective powers of a conference but overlapping with the powers of another shall not be rendered invalid, unless its purpose and substance are beyond the authority of the enacting body.

¶ 15. Article III. – The General Conference shall fix the ratio of representation in the General, jurisdictional, and central regional conferences from the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and the provisional annual conferences, computed on a two-factor basis: (1) the number of clergy members of the annual conference and the missionary conference, and (2) the number of professing members in the annual conference and the missionary conference, provided that each annual conference, missionary conference, or provisional annual conference shall be entitled to at least one clergy and one lay delegate in the General Conference and also in the

regional conference.

In a regional conference with jurisdictions, the regional conference shall fix the ratio of representation in its jurisdictional conferences from the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and the provisional annual conferences, computed on a two-factor basis: (1) the number of clergy members of the annual conference and the missionary conference, and (2) the number of professing members in the annual conference and the missionary conference, provided that each annual conference, missionary conference, or provisional annual conference shall

and one

and

further provided that all general and regional conference delegates will be members of their respective jurisdictional conferences.

¶ 16. Article IV.- The General Conference shall have full legislative power over all matters distinctively connectional, subject to the limits fixed by the Constitution, and in the exercise thereof shall have authority as follows:

16.3. To define and fix the powers and duties of regional conferences, jurisdictional conferences, annual conferences, provisional annual conferences, missionary conferences and missions, and of central conferences, district conferences, charge conferences, and congregational meetings.

16.4. To provide for the organization, promotion, and administration of the work of the worldwide Church outside the United States of America.

16.10. To fix a uniform basis upon which bishops shall be elected by the jurisdictional conferences and to determine the number of bishops that may be elected by central regional conferences without jurisdictions.

16.12. To change the number and the boundaries of regional conferences and to change the number and the boundaries of jurisdictional conferences upon the consent of a majority of the annual conferences in each jurisdictional conference involved. . . .

16.17. To legislate what is non-adaptable for regional conferences by a 60% majority vote, while respecting the powers given to regional conferences according to ¶31.5.

¶ 23. Article I.-The jurisdictional conferences shall be composed of as many representatives from the annual conferences and missionary conferences as shall be determined by a uniform basis established by the General Conference regional conference where jurisdictions exist, provided that no jurisdictional conference shall have fewer than 100 delegates. The missionary conferences shall be considered as annual conferences for the purpose of this article.

¶ 24. Article II. - All jurisdictional conferences shall have the same status and the same privileges of action within the limits fixed by the Constitution. The ratio of representation of the annual conferences and missionary conferences in the General Conference and the regional conference where jurisdictions exist shall be the same for all jurisdictional conferences.

¶ 25. Article III - The General Conferences regional conference where jurisdictions exist shall fix the basis of representation in the jurisdictional conferences, provided that the jurisdictional conferences shall be composed of an equal number of clergy and lay delegates to be elected by the annual conferences, the missionary conferences and the provisional annual conferences.

¶ 26. Article IV - Each jurisdictional conference shall meet at the time determined by the Council College of Bishops of the regional conference where jurisdictions exist or its delegated committee, each jurisdictional conference convening on the same date as the others and at a place selected by the jurisdictional committee on entertainment, appointed by its respective College of Bishops unless such a committee has been appointed by the preceding jurisdictional conference.

¶ 27. Article V. - The jurisdictional conferences shall have the following powers and duties and such others as may be conferred by the General Conferences:

4. To determine the boundaries of their annual conferences, provided that there shall be no annual conference with a membership of fewer than fifty clergy in full connection, except by the consent of the General Conference regional conference where jurisdictions exist

5. To make rules and regulations for the administration of the work of the Church within the jurisdiction, subject to such powers as have been or shall be vested in the General Conference and in the regional conferences.

6. To appoint a committee on appeals to hear and determine the appeal of a traveling preacher clergy or lay member of that jurisdiction from the decision of a trial committee.

Section V. Central Regional Conferences

¶ 28. Article I.– There shall be central regional conferences for the work of the worldwide Church outside the United States of America with such powers, duties, powers, and privileges as are hereinafter set forth, to be exercised equitably across the regional conferences, subject to limits fixed by the Constitution.

The number and boundaries of the central conferences shall be determined by the Uniting Conference. Subsequently the General Conference shall have authority to change the number and boundaries of central conferences. The central conferences shall have the duties, powers, and privileges hereinafter set forth.

1. Initially, the number and boundaries of the regional conferences shall be as follows:

a) There shall be a regional conference for the work of the Church in the United States of America that includes all of the areas that comprise the jurisdictional conferences identified in Division Two, Section VII, ¶ 37.

b) The central conferences or provisional central conferences which existed prior to the postponed 2020 General Conference shall become regional or provisional regional conferences.

2. The General Conference shall have the authority to change the number and boundaries of regional conferences and provisional regional conferences

¶ 29. Article II.– The central regional conferences shall be composed of as many delegates as shall be determined by a basis established by the General Conference. The delegates shall be clergy and lay in equal numbers.

¶ 30. Article III.– The central regional conferences shall meet within the year succeeding the meeting of the General Conference at such times and places as shall have been determined by the preceding respective central regional conferences or by commissions appointed by them or by the General Conference. The date and place of the first meeting succeeding the Uniting Conference shall be fixed by the bishops of the respective central conferences, or in such manner as shall be determined by the General Conference.

¶ 31. Article IV. – The central regional conferences shall have the following powers and duties as the special conditions and the mission of the Church in the area require, subject to the limits

by the Constitution, and such others as may be conferred by the General Conference:

1. To promote the evangelistic, educational, missionary, social-concern, and benevolent interests and institutions of the Church within their own boundaries.

2 . In regional conferences without jurisdictions, Tto elect the bishops for the respective central regional conferences in number as may be determined from time to time, upon a basis fixed by the General Conference; to fix the tenure of their bishops, the episcopal areas and residences, and to assign the bishops who are to reside in the respective regional conference to

their areas; and to cooperate in carrying out such plans for the support of their bishops as may be determined by the General Conference.

3. To establish and constitute such central regional conference boards as may be required and to elect their administrative officers.

4. To determine the number, names, and boundaries of the annual conferences in accordance with ¶ 40 within their respective areas.

5. To make such legislate and make rules and regulations for the administration of the work within their boundaries including such changes and adaptations of the Ggeneral Discipline as follows, as the conditions in the respective areas may require, subject to the powers that have been or shall be vested in the General Conference while upholding the Constitution and the decisions of General Conference in accordance with ¶ 16.17:

a) To establish and publish a regional Discipline with legislation and provisions pertaining to the regional, annual, district, and charge conferences within its boundaries, including qualifications and educational requirements of clergy and specialized lay ministries, and forms of organization according to the laws of the country or countries.

b) To set standards of character and other qualifications for admission of lay members.

c) To acknowledge annual conferences as the basic bodies of the church (¶ 33) voting on all matters relating to the character and conference relations of its clergy members, and therefore considering the requirements set forth in a regional Discipline regarding specialized lay ministry and license, ordination, or conference membership, as minimum requirements.

d) To establish and publish a regional hymnal and ritual of the Church, including ecclesial acts of marriage and burial, subject to the limitations of the first and second

Restrictive Rules, but authorizing to interpret Article XXIII of the Articles of Religion so as to recognize the governments of the country or countries.

e) To allow the annual conferences to adopt structures adequate to their mission while upholding mandated structures.

When adapting the investigative and trial process, each Regional Book of Discipline shall guarantee confidentiality, protections of the accused, protection of the accusers along with the ability to adapt the process based on the legal system of each country.

6. To appoint a judicial court to determine legal questions arising from the rules, regulations, and such revised, adapted, or new sections of the central regional conference Discipline enacted by the central regional conference.

7. To adopt rules of procedure governing the investigation and trial of its clergy, including bishops, and lay members of the Church and to provide the necessary means and methods of implementing the said rules; provided, however, that the ordained ministers shall not be deprived of the right of trial by a clergy committee, and lay members of the Church of the right of trial by a duly constituted committee of lay members; and to make changes in the chargeable offenses and their penalties.

To A regional conference or a jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, shall appoint a committee on appeals to hear and determine the appeal of a traveling preacher clergy or lay member of that central the respective conference from the decision of a committee on trial.

consist of professing lay members elected by each charge, the diaconal ministers, the active deaconesses, and home missioners under episcopal appointment within the bounds of the annual conference, the conference president of United Methodist Women, the conference president of United Methodist Men, the conference lay leader, district lay leaders, the conference director of Lay Servant Ministries, conference secretary of Global Ministries (if lay), the president or equivalent officer of the conference young adult organization, the president of the conference youth organization, the chair of the annual conference college student organization, and one young person between the ages of twelve (12) and seventeen (17) and one young person between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) from each district to be selected in such a manner as may be determined by the annual conference. In the annual conferences of the central regional conferences outside the USA, the four-year participation and the two-year membership requirements may be waived by the annual conference for young persons under thirty (30) years of age. Such persons must be professing members of The United Methodist Church and active participants at the time of election. Each charge served by more than one clergy shall be entitled to as many lay members as there are clergy members. The lay members shall have been for the two years next preceding their election members of The United Methodist Church and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election.

If the lay membership should number less than the clergy members of the annual conference, the annual conference shall, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay and clergy membership of the annual conference.

¶ 33. Article II.-The annual conference is the basic body in the Church and as such shall have reserved to it the right to vote on all constitutional amendments, on the election of clergy

and lay delegates to the General Conference and their respective regional jurisdictional or central conferences, as well as jurisdictional conference if its regional conference has jurisdictions, on all matters relating to the character and conference relations of its clergy members, and on the ordination of clergy and such other rights as have not been delegated to the General Conference under the Constitution, with the exception that the lay members may not vote on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy except that the lay members of the conference board of ordained ministry and the committee on investigation may vote on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy, with the further exception that lay members of the district committee on ordained ministry be full participating members of the district committee on ordained ministry with vote. It shall discharge such duties and exercise such powers as the General Conference under the Constitution may determine.

¶ 34. Article III.-The annual conference shall elect clergy and lay delegates to the General Conference and to its jurisdictional or central respective regional conference as well as jurisdictional conference, if its regional conference has jurisdictions, in the manner provided in this section, Articles IV and V. Such elections shall include open nominations from the floor by the annual conference, and delegates shall be elected by a minimum of a simple majority of the ballots cast. The persons first elected up to the number determined by the ratio for representation in the General Conference shall be representatives in that body. Additional delegates shall be elected to complete the number determined by the ratio for representation in the jurisdictional or central regional conference, who, together with those first elected as above, shall be delegates in the jurisdictional or central regional conference. The additional delegates to the jurisdictional or central regional conference shall in the order of their election be the reserve delegates to the General Conference. The annual conference shall also elect reserve clergy and lay delegates to

the jurisdictional or central regional conference as it may deem desirable. These reserve clergy and lay delegates to the jurisdictional or central regional conferences may act as reserve delegates to the General Conference when it is evident that not enough reserve delegates are in attendance at the General Conference.

In regional conferences with jurisdictions, all general and regional conference delegates shall be delegates to the jurisdictional conference. Whenever possible, reserve delegates to the regional conference shall also serve in order of election as delegates to the jurisdictional conference, with any reserve delegates who cannot be seated as jurisdictional delegates becoming reserve delegates to the jurisdictional conference. As needed, additional delegates shall be elected to complete the number determined by the ratio for representation in the jurisdictional conference. The annual conference may also elect additional reserve clergy and lay delegates to the jurisdictional conference as it may deem desirable.

¶ 35. Article IV.-The clergy delegates to the General Conference and to their respective regional and jurisdictional or central conference as well as jurisdictional conference, if its regional conference has jurisdictions, shall be elected from the clergy members in full connection and shall be elected by the clergy members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference who are deacons and elders in full connection, associate members, and those provisional members who have completed all of their educational requirements and local pastors who have completed course of study or an M. Div. degree or its equivalent in regional conferences outside of the USA and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding the election.

¶ 36. Article V.-The lay delegates to the General Conference and to their respective regional conference, and jurisdictional or central conferences as well as jurisdictional conference if its

regional conference has jurisdictions, shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference without regard to age, provided such delegates shall have been professing members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election, and are members thereof within the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General Conference and jurisdictional or central regional conferences as well as the jurisdictional conferences, if its regional conference has jurisdictions.

[DELETE ¶ 38 and ¶ 39 and renumber all of the articles within its section and renumber all subsequent paragraphs of the Constitution.]

¶ 38. Article II.- The work of the Church outside the United States of America may be formed into central regional conferences, the number and boundaries of which shall be determined by the Uniting Conference, the General Conference having authority subsequently to make changes in the number and boundaries.

¶ 39. Article III.– Changes in the number, names, and boundaries of the jurisdictional conferences may be effected by the General Conference upon the consent of a majority of the annual conferences of each of the jurisdictional conferences involved.

¶ 40 Article IVII – The number, names, and boundaries of the annual conferences and episcopal areas shall be determined by the respective regional conferences or by the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions. jurisdictional conferences in the United States of America and by the central conferences outside the United States of America according to the provisions under the respective powers and pursuant to the respective structures of the jurisdictional and the central conferences. The authority of regional and jurisdictional and central

conferences provided herein is not circumscribed or limited by the authority provided to the College of Bishops to arrange a plan of episcopal supervision.

¶ 46. Article II.-The bishops shall be elected by the respective regional conferences or by the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, jurisdictional and central conferences and consecrated in the historic manner at such time and place as may be fixed by the General Conference for those elected by the jurisdictions and by each central regional conference for those elected by such central conference, provided that episcopal elections in central regional conferences without jurisdictions shall be held at a regular, not an extra, session of the central such regional conference, except in the case where an unexpected vacancy must be filled.

¶ 48. Article IV. -The bishops of each jurisdictional and central conference regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, shall constitute a College of Bishops, and such College of Bishops shall arrange the plan of episcopal supervision of the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and missions within their respective territories.

¶ 49. Article V.-The bishops shall have residential and presidential supervision in the jurisdictional or central conferences their respective regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, in which they are elected or to which they are transferred.

Bishops may be transferred from one jurisdiction to another jurisdiction for presidential and residential supervision under the following conditions: (1) The transfer of bishops may be on either of two bases: (a) a jurisdiction that receives a bishop by transfer from another jurisdiction may transfer to that jurisdiction or to a third jurisdiction one of its own bishops eligible for transfer, so that the number transferred in by each jurisdiction shall be balanced by the number transferred out; or (b) a jurisdiction may receive a bishop from another jurisdiction and not transfer out a member of its own College of Bishops. (2) No bishop shall be transferred unless

that bishop shall have specifically consented. (3) No bishop shall be eligible for transfer unless the bishop shall have served one quadrennium in the jurisdiction that elected the bishop to the episcopacy. (4) All such transfers shall require the approval by a majority vote of the members present and voting of the jurisdictional committees on episcopacy of the jurisdictions that are involved. After the above procedures have been followed, the transferring bishop shall become a member of the receiving College of Bishops and shall be subject to residential assignment by that jurisdictional conference.

A bishop may be assigned by the Council of Bishops for presidential service or other temporary service in another jurisdiction than that which elected the bishop, provided that the request is made by a majority of the bishops in the jurisdiction of the proposed service.

In the case of an emergency in any jurisdiction or central regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, through the death or disability of a bishop or other cause, the Council of Bishops may assign a bishop from another jurisdiction or central regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, to the work of the said jurisdiction or central regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, with the consent of a majority of the bishops of that jurisdiction or central regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions.

¶ 50. Article VI. - The bishops, both active and retired, of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and of The Methodist Church at the time union is consummated shall be bishops of The United Methodist Church.

The bishops of The Methodist Church elected by the jurisdictions, the active bishops of The Evangelical United Brethren Church at the time of union, and bBishops elected by the jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church shall have life tenure. Each bBishops elected by a

central regional conference without jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church shall have such tenure as the central regional conference electing him them shall have determined.

The regional conference or the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, jurisdictional conference shall elect a standing committee on episcopacy to consist of one clergy and one lay delegate from each annual conference, on nomination of the annual conference delegation. The committee shall review the work of the bishops, pass on their character and official administration, and report to the its respective regional conference or jurisdiction,al conference if a region has jurisdictions, its findings for such action as the conference may deem appropriate within its constitutional warrant of power. The committee shall recommend the assignments of the bishops to their respective residences for final action by the jurisdictional respective regional conference or the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions

These provisions shall not preclude the adoption by the General Conference of provisions for the Council of Bishops to hold its individual members accountable for their work, both as general superintendents and as presidents and residents in episcopal areas.

¶ 52. Article VIII. - The bishops of the several regional jurisdictional and central conferences shall preside in the sessions of their respective conferences. If a regional conference has jurisdictions, the bishops shall also preside in the session of their respective jurisdictional conference.

¶ 56. Article II. - The Judicial Council shall have authority:

1. To determine the constitutionality of any act of the General Conference upon an appeal of a majority of the Council of Bishops or one-fifth of the members of the General Conference and to determine the constitutionality of any act of a regional or jurisdictional or central conference upon an appeal of a majority of the bishops of that regional or jurisdictional or central

conference or upon the appeal of one-fifth of the members of that regional or jurisdictional or central conference.

4. To hear and determine the legality of any action taken therein by any General Conference board, or regional, or jurisdictional or central conference board or body, upon appeal by one-third of the members thereof, or upon request of the Council of Bishops or a majority of the bishops of a regional or jurisdictional or a central conference. . . .

¶ 61. Article III. - A regional or jurisdictional or central conference may by a majority vote propose changes in the Constitution of the Church, and such proposed changes shall be submitted to the next General Conference. If the General Conference adopts the measure by a two-thirds vote, it shall be submitted to the annual conferences according to the provision for amendments.

The ratification process by the annual conferences for the constitutional amendments in this petition shall begin no later than 30 days after the adjournment of the postponed 2020 General Conference.

[If ratified, the paragraphs would read as follows:]

¶ 9. Article II. - There shall be regional conferences for the work of the worldwide Church and, if necessary, provisional regional conferences, all with such powers, duties, and privileges as are hereinafter set forth, provided that in The United Methodist Church there shall be no regional or jurisdictional conference based on any ground other than geographical division.

¶ 10. Article III. - There may be jurisdictional conferences for the work of the Church, with such powers, duties, and privileges as are hereinafter set forth, provided that in The United Methodist Church there shall be no jurisdictional conference based on any ground other than geographical and regional division.

¶ 13. Article VI.– The General Conference, regional conferences, jurisdictional conferences, and annual conferences shall have autonomy of action within the limits fixed by the Constitution, provided that any legislation enacted within the respective powers of a conference but overlapping with the powers of another shall not be rendered invalid, unless its purpose and substance are beyond the authority of the enacting body.

¶ 15. Article III. – The General Conference shall fix the ratio of representation in the General and regional conferences from the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and the provisional annual conferences, computed on a two-factor basis: (1) the number of clergy members of the annual conference and the missionary conference, and (2) the number of professing members in the annual conference and the missionary conference, provided that each annual conference, missionary conference, or provisional annual conference shall be entitled to at least one clergy and one lay delegate in the General Conference and also in the regional conference.

shall be entitled to at least one clergy and one lay delegate in the jurisdictional conference and further provided that all general and regional conference delegates will be members of their respective jurisdictional conferences.

16.3. To define and fix the powers and duties of regional conferences, jurisdictional conferences, annual conferences, provisional annual conferences, missionary conferences and missions, district conferences, charge conferences, and congregational meetings.

16.4. To provide for the organization, promotion, and administration of the work of the worldwide Church.

16.10. To fix a uniform basis upon which bishops shall be elected by the jurisdictional conferences and to determine the number of bishops that may be elected by regional conferences without jurisdictions.

16.12. To change the number and the boundaries of regional conferences, and to change the number and the boundaries of jurisdictional conferences upon the consent of a majority of the annual conferences in each jurisdictional conference involved.

16.17. To legislate what is non-adaptable for regional conferences by a 60% majority vote, while respecting the powers given to regional conferences according to ¶31.5.

¶ 23. Article I.-The jurisdictional conferences shall be composed of as many representatives from the annual conferences and missionary conferences as shall be determined by a uniform basis established by the regional conference where jurisdictions exist, provided that no jurisdictional conference shall have fewer than 100 delegates. The missionary conferences shall be considered as annual conferences for the purpose of this article.

¶ 24. Article II - All jurisdictional conferences shall have the same status and the same privileges of action within the limits fixed by the Constitution. The ratio of representation of the annual conferences and missionary conferences in the General Conference and the regional conference where jurisdictions exist shall be the same for all jurisdictional conferences.

¶ 25. Article III - The regional conference where jurisdictions exist shall fix the basis of representation in the jurisdictional conferences, provided that the jurisdictional conferences shall be composed of an equal number of clergy and lay delegates to be elected by the annual conferences, the missionary conferences and the provisional annual conferences.

¶ 26. Article IV. - Each jurisdictional conference shall meet at the time determined by the College of Bishops of the regional conference where jurisdictions exist or its delegated committee, each jurisdictional conference convening on the same date as the others and at a place selected by the jurisdictional committee on entertainment, appointed by its respective College of Bishops unless such a committee has been appointed by the preceding jurisdictional conference.

¶ 27. Article V. - The jurisdictional conferences shall have the following powers and duties and such others as may be conferred by the General Conferences:

6. To appoint a committee on appeals to hear and determine the appeal of a clergy or lay member of that jurisdiction from the decision of a trial committee.

Section V. Regional Conferences

¶ 28. Article I.– There shall be regional conferences for the work of the worldwide Church with such powers, duties, and privileges as are hereinafter set forth, to be exercised equitably across the regional conferences, subject to limits fixed by the Constitution.

1. Initially, the number and boundaries of the regional conferences shall be as follows:

b) The central conferences or provisional central conferences which existed prior to the postponed 2020 General Conference shall become regional or provisional regional conferences.

2. The General Conference shall have the authority to change the number and boundaries of regional conferences and provisional regional conferences.

¶ 29. Article II.– The regional conferences shall be composed of as many delegates as shall be determined by a basis established by the General Conference. The delegates shall be clergy and lay in equal numbers.

¶ 30. Article III.– The regional conferences shall meet within the year succeeding the meeting of the General Conference at such times and places as shall have been determined by the preceding respective regional conferences or by commissions appointed by them or by the General Conference.

¶ 31. Article IV. – The regional conferences shall have the following powers and duties as the special conditions and the mission of the Church in the area require, subject to the limits fixed by the Constitution, and such others as may be conferred by the General Conference:

1. To promote the evangelistic, educational, missionary, social-concern, and benevolent interests and institutions of the Church within their own boundaries.

2 . In regional conferences without jurisdictions, to elect the bishops for the respective regional conferences in number as may be determined from time to time, upon a basis fixed by the General Conference; to fix the tenure of their bishops, the episcopal areas and residences, and to assign the bishops who are to reside in the respective regional conference to their areas; and to cooperate in carrying out such plans for the support of their bishops as may be determined by the General Conference.

3. To establish and constitute such regional conference boards as may be required and to elect their administrative officers.

4. To determine the number, names, and boundaries of the annual conferences in accordance with ¶ 40 .

5. To legislate rules and regulations for the administration of the work within their boundaries including changes and adaptations of the general Discipline as follows, while upholding the Constitution and the decisions of General Conference in accordance with ¶ 16.17:

b) To set standards of character and other qualifications for admission of lay members.

d) To establish and publish a regional hymnal and ritual of the Church, including ecclesial acts of marriage and burial, subject to the limitations of the first and second Restrictive Rules, but authorizing to interpret Article XXIII of the Articles of Religion so as to recognize the governments of the country or countries.

e) To allow the annual conferences to adopt structures adequate to their mission while upholding mandated structures.

6. To appoint a judicial court to determine legal questions arising from the rules, regulations, and such revised, adapted, or new sections of the regional Discipline enacted by the regional conference.

A regional conference or a jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, shall appoint a committee on appeals to hear and determine the appeal of a clergy or lay member of the respective conference from the decision of a committee on trial.

¶ 32. Article I. – The annual conference shall be composed of clergy and lay members. The clergy membership shall consist of deacons and elders in full connection, provisional members, associate members, and local pastors under appointment. The lay membership shall consist of professing lay members elected by each charge, the diaconal ministers, the active deaconesses, and home missioners under episcopal appointment within the bounds of the annual conference, the conference president of United Methodist Women, the conference president of United Methodist Men, the conference lay leader, district lay leaders, the conference director of Lay Servant Ministries, conference secretary of Global Ministries (if lay), the president or equivalent officer of the conference young adult organization, the president of the conference youth organization, the chair of the annual conference college student organization, and one

young person between the ages of twelve (12) and seventeen (17) and one young person between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) from each district to be selected in such a manner as may be determined by the annual conference. In the annual conferences of the regional conferences outside the USA, the four-year participation and the two-year membership requirements may be waived by the annual conference for young persons under thirty (30) years of age. Such persons must be professing members of The United Methodist Church and active participants at the time of election. Each charge served by more than one clergy shall be entitled to as many lay members as there are clergy members. The lay members shall have been for the two years next preceding their election members of The United Methodist Church and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election.

¶ 33. Article II.-The annual conference is the basic body in the Church and as such shall have reserved to it the right to vote on all constitutional amendments, on the election of clergy and lay delegates to the General Conference and their respective regional conferences, as well as jurisdictional conference if its regional conference has jurisdictions, on all matters relating to the character and conference relations of its clergy members, and on the ordination of clergy and such other rights as have not been delegated to the General Conference under the Constitution, with the exception that the lay members may not vote on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy except that the lay members of the conference board of ordained ministry and the committee on investigation may vote on matters of ordination, character, and

conference relations of clergy, with the further exception that lay members of the district committee on ordained ministry be full participating members of the district committee on ordained ministry with vote. It shall discharge such duties and exercise such powers as the General Conference under the Constitution may determine.

¶ 34. Article III.-The annual conference shall elect clergy and lay delegates to the General Conference and to its respective regional conference as well as jurisdictional conference, if its regional conference has jurisdictions, in the manner provided in this section, Articles IV and V. Such elections shall include open nominations from the floor by the annual conference, and delegates shall be elected by a minimum of a simple majority of the ballots cast. The persons first elected up to the number determined by the ratio for representation in the General Conference shall be representatives in that body. Additional delegates shall be elected to complete the number determined by the ratio for representation in the regional conference, who, together with those first elected as above, shall be delegates in the regional conference. The additional delegates to the regional conference shall in the order of their election be the reserve delegates to the General Conference. The annual conference shall also elect reserve clergy and lay delegates to the regional conference as it may deem desirable. These reserve clergy and lay delegates to the regional conferences may act as reserve delegates to the General Conference when it is evident that not enough reserve delegates are in attendance at the General Conference.

be elected to complete the number determined by the ratio for representation in the jurisdictional conference. The annual conference may also elect additional reserve clergy and lay delegates to the jurisdictional conference as it may deem desirable.

¶ 35. Article IV.-The clergy delegates to the General Conference and to their respective regional conference as well as jurisdictional conference, if its regional conference has jurisdictions, shall be elected from the clergy members in full connection and shall be elected by the clergy members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference who are deacons and elders in full connection, associate members, and those provisional members who have completed all of their educational requirements and local pastors who have completed course of study or an M. Div. degree or its equivalent in regional conferences outside of the USA and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding the election.

¶ 36. Article V.-The lay delegates to the General Conference and to their respective regional conference, as well as jurisdictional conference if its regional conference has jurisdictions, shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference without regard to age, provided such delegates shall have been professing members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election, and are members thereof within the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General Conference and regional conferences as well as the jurisdictional conferences, if its regional conference has jurisdictions.

¶ 40 Article II. – The number, names, and boundaries of the annual conferences and episcopal areas shall be determined by the respective regional conferences or by the jurisdiction,

if a regional conference has jurisdictions. The authority of regional and jurisdictional conferences provided herein is not circumscribed or limited by the authority provided to the College of Bishops to arrange a plan of episcopal supervision.

¶ 46. Article II.-The bishops shall be elected by the respective regional conferences or by the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, and consecrated in the historic manner at such time and place as may be fixed by each regional conference, provided that episcopal elections in regional conferences without jurisdictions shall be held at a regular, not an extra, session of such regional conference, except in the case where an unexpected vacancy must be filled.

¶ 48. Article IV. -The bishops of each regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, shall constitute a College of Bishops, and such College of Bishops shall arrange the plan of episcopal supervision of the annual conferences, missionary conferences, and missions within their respective territories.

¶ 49. Article V.-The bishops shall have residential and presidential supervision in their respective regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, in which they are elected or to which they are transferred. Bishops may be transferred from one jurisdiction to another jurisdiction for presidential and residential supervision under the following conditions: (1) The transfer of bishops may be on either of two bases: (a) a jurisdiction that receives a bishop by transfer from another jurisdiction may transfer to that jurisdiction or to a third jurisdiction one of its own bishops eligible for transfer, so that the number transferred in by each jurisdiction shall be balanced by the number transferred out; or (b) a jurisdiction may receive a bishop from another jurisdiction and not transfer out a member of its own College of Bishops. (2) No bishop shall be transferred unless that bishop shall have specifically consented.

(3) No bishop shall be eligible for transfer unless the bishop shall have served one quadrennium in the jurisdiction that elected the bishop to the episcopacy. (4) All such transfers shall require the approval by a majority vote of the members present and voting of the jurisdictional committees on episcopacy of the jurisdictions that are involved. After the above procedures have been followed, the transferring bishop shall become a member of the receiving College of Bishops and shall be subject to residential assignment by that jurisdictional conference.

In the case of an emergency in any regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, through the death or disability of a bishop or other cause, the Council of Bishops may assign a bishop from another regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, to the work of the said regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, with the consent of a majority of the bishops of that regional conference or jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions.

¶ 50. Article VI. - Bishops elected by the jurisdictions shall have life tenure. Bishops elected by a regional conference without jurisdictions shall have such tenure as the regional conference electing them shall have determined.

The regional conference or the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions, shall elect a standing committee on episcopacy to consist of one clergy and one lay delegate from each annual conference, on nomination of the annual conference delegation. The committee shall review the work of the bishops, pass on their character and official administration, and report to its respective regional conference or jurisdiction, if a region has jurisdictions, its findings for

such action as the conference may deem appropriate within its constitutional warrant of power.

The committee shall recommend the assignments of the bishops to their respective residences for final action by the respective regional conference or the jurisdiction, if a regional conference has jurisdictions.

¶ 52. Article VIII. - The bishops of the several regional conferences shall preside in the sessions of their respective conferences. If a regional conference has jurisdictions, the bishops shall also preside in the session of their respective jurisdictional conference.

¶ 56. Article II. - The Judicial Council shall have authority:

1. To determine the constitutionality of any act of the General Conference upon an appeal of a majority of the Council of Bishops or one-fifth of the members of the General Conference and to determine the constitutionality of any act of a regional or jurisdictional conference upon an appeal of a majority of the bishops of that regional or jurisdictional conference or upon the appeal of one-fifth of the members of that regional or jurisdictional conference.

4. To hear and determine the legality of any action taken therein by any General Conference board, regional, or jurisdictional conference board or body, upon appeal by one-third of the members thereof, or upon request of the Council of Bishops or a majority of the bishops of a regional or jurisdictional conference.

¶ 61. Article III. - A regional or jurisdictional conference may by a majority vote propose changes in the Constitution of the Church, and such proposed changes shall be submitted to the next General Conference. If the General Conference adopts the measure by a two-thirds vote, it shall be submitted to the annual conferences according to the provision for amendments.

The ratification process by the annual conferences for the constitutional amendments in this petition shall begin no later than 30 days after the adjournment of the postponed 2020 General Conference.

Calendar Item 240 Approved 607-67

May 3, 2024

Committee Item GA11 Approved 48-2 April 26, 2024

Petition 20240

¶ 4. Article IV. Inclusiveness of the Church-The United Methodist Church is a part of the church universal, which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons without regard to race, gender, ability, color, national origin, status,4 or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection. 5 In The United Methodist Church no conference or other organizational unit of the Church shall be structured so as to exclude any member or any constituent body of the Church because of race, color, national origin, status or economic condition.6

4. Amended 1992.

5. Amended 2000.

6. See Judicial Council Decisions 242, 246, 340, 351, 362, 377, 398, 594, 601, and Decisions 4 and 5, Interim Judicial Council.

[If ratified, the paragraph would read as follows: ]

4. Amended 1992.

September 6, 2024

5. Amended 2000.

6. See Judicial Council Decisions 242, 246, 340, 351, 362, 377, 398, 594, 601, and Decisions 4 and 5, Interim Judicial Council.

Calendar Item 550 Approved 621-59 May 3, 2024

Committee Item IC50 Approved 25-1 April 27, 2024

Petition 20332

¶ 5. Article V. Racial Justice-The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person that from God’s goodness and love, God created all persons as a God’s unique and beloved children. child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons. The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to el iminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places. Racism opposes God’s law, goodness, and love and diminishes the image of God in each person. Fueled by white privilege, white supremacy, and colonialism, the sin of racism has been a destructive scourge on global society and throughout the history of The United Methodist Church. It continues to destroy o ur communities, harm persons, obstruct unity, and undermine God’s work in this world. Racism must be eradicated. Therefore, The United Methodist Church commits to confronting and eliminating all forms of racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy, in every facet of its life and in society at large. 7

7. Amended 2000

[If ratified, the paragraph would read as follows: ]

¶ 5. Article V. Racial Justice-The United Methodist Church proclaims that from God’s goodness and love, God created all persons as God’s unique and beloved children. Racism opposes God’s law, goodness, and love and diminishes the image of God in each person. Fueled by white privilege, white supremacy, and colonialism, the sin of racism has been a destructive scourge on global society and throughout the history of The United Methodist Church. It continues to destroy our communities, harm persons, obstruct unity, and undermine God’s work in this world. Racism must be eradicated. Therefore, The United Methodist Church commits to confronting and eliminating all forms of racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy, in every facet of its life and in society at large. 7

7. Amended 2000

Calendar Item 555

Approved 547-99 May 2, 2024

Committee Item OM153 Approved 39-4 April 27, 2024

Petition 20070

version: September 6, 2024

educational requirements and local pastors who have completed course of study or a n M. Div. Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate-approved theological school or its equivalent as recognized in a central conference and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding the election. 75

74. Amended 1996

75. See Judicial Council Decision 1181. Amended 2008.

[If ratified, the paragraph would read as follows: ]

¶ 35. Article IV. The clergy delegates to the General Conference and to the jurisdictional or central conference shall be elected from 74 the clergy members in full connection and shall be elected by the clergy members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference who are deacons and elders in full connection, associate members, and those provisional members who have completed a ll of their educational requirements and local pastors who have completed course of study or a Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate-approved theological school or its equivalent as recognized in a central conference and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding the election. 75

74. Amended 1996

75. See Judicial Council Decision 1181. Amended 2008.

[Editorial note: The proposed change of language in this paragraph related to central conferences would be changed to reflect the necessary updates should the Proposed Constitutional Amendment related to Regionalization be ratified.]

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https://unyumc.org/images/uploads/Proposed_Constitutional_Amendments-FRENCH.pdf

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https://unyumc.org/images/uploads/Proposed_Constitutional_Amendments-swahili.pdf

Nominations and Leadership Development

The United Methodists of Upper New York Nominations and Leadership Development team identifies and recruits leaders to serve Annual Conference boards, teams, and agencies. Our work is conducted throughout the year through liaising with our various annual conference boards, teams, and agencies to identify their needs for leaders in the coming year. This year, our team nominated a number of individuals to fill existing leadership vacancies and worked diligently to fill as many of the new slots that were opening up due to expired terms as we could. We are proud to present this completed report for inclusion in the pre-annual conference workbook.

Nominations and Leadership Development takes special care to pay attention to matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion when filling leadership roles in our annual conference. Our annual conference rules allow for conference boards and teams that seek to uplift historically under-represented populations in the life of our United Methodist Church to send a member of their team to join in our work with full voice and vote. This year, we are grateful to the Commission on Religion and Race, the Commission on the Status and Role of Women, the Hispanic Ministries Team, and the Young Adult Council for sending us liaisons to aid our members in this important work.

Readers of this report will note that we are presenting a report with vacancies in emerging classes and existing classes. If you look at this report and see any vacancies that could be filled by you or another United Methodist in your network, we invite you to fill out our nomination form as soon as possible, and it will be considered by our team prior to annual conference convening in May. You may fill out this form by visiting the Annual Conference website at unyumc.org and selecting “opportunities to serve” under “resources” or by scanning this QR code.

On behalf of the entire Nominations and Leadership Development Team, I submit this report with gratitude to each and every one of the servant leaders who go above and beyond in service to our annual conference. Our work of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being God’s love with our neighbors in all places would not be possible without their tireless volunteer service. And, to claim a moment of personal privilege, I also express my deepest gratitude to each and every member, past and present, of the Nominations and Leadership Development team with whom I have served during these past eight years. Our annual conference’s greatest asset is now, and forever will be, its people, and I’ve been incredibly blessed to serve alongside wonderful people who care very deeply about ensuring that the right leaders are deployed to the right places.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ian Carlos Urriola Chair, Nominations and Leadership Development

Council on Finance and Administration ¶ 612

Voted at Annual Conference; Fouryear Terms, beginning at end of General Conference; Recommended one more lay person than clergy

Sue Russell C ex-officio w/vote, CCOSROW Liaison

Natalie Bowerman C ex-officio w/vote, CCORR Liaison

TBD ex-officio w/vote, CONAM Liaison

Cesar Galarza

ex-officio w/vote, Hispanic Ministries Team Liaison

TBD ex-officio w/vote, CCOAM Liaison

TBD ex-officio w/out vote, Rules Liaison

Aaron Bouwens

Gracie Lyn Evergreen

Ellen Mall-John

Susan Hardy

Robert Mueller

Darlene Dennis

Shafeegh Habeeb

Adsit

Ann Welch-Wood

Hap Skellen

Brenda Shelmidine

Rick Fisher

ex-officio w/out vote, Director of Missional Excel-

ex-officio, AD Lay Leader

ex-officio, AL Lay Leader

ex-officio, CS Lay Leader

ex-officio, CR Co-Lay Leader

ex-officio, FL Co-Lay Leader

ex-officio, GV Lay Leader

MO Lay-Leader

MV Lay-Leader

ex-officio, NI Lay Leader

ex-officio, NF Lay-Leader

ex-officio, ON Lay-leader

Susan Ranous

Burgos-Nuñez

w/out vote, Resident Bishop Sherri Rood

w/out vote, Cabinet Rep William Gottschalk-Fielding

w/out

Episcopacy Residency Committee ¶ 638.2

Team appointed by Bishop

Conference Leadership Team ¶ 610

Team appointed by Bishop

Ruth Rosa Warner L 1 2028 Member, appointed by Bishop

Jessica White L ex-officio, Conference Lay Leader

Carmen Vianese L ex-officio, NEJ Committee on Episcopacy, Chair Bill Mudge C ex-officio, NEJ Committee on Episcopacy

Carmen Vianese L ex-officio, Member of Episcopacy Committee, Chair

Jack Keating C ex-officio, Member of Trustees

ex-officio, Member of CF&A

Member

Autumn Wells L ex-officio, Conference Staff

Raquel Alston C 2026 At Large

Susan Wissick C 2026 At Large

2026 At Large

Ann Kemper C 2026 At Large-Chair Board of Ordained Ministry

Roger Cullen L 2026 At Large-Chair Conf. Finance and Administration

Karen McCloskey L 2026 At-Large-Chair Conf. Board of Pension and Health Ben.

Teddi Urriola L 2026 At Large-Chair Equitable Compensation

Pam Klotzbach C 2026 At Large-President Board of Trustees

Jessica White L 2026 ex-officio, Conference Lay Leader

Robert Flask

Shelby Winchell

ex-officio, Conference Treasurer

2026 ex-officio, Director of Communications Scott Johnson

Sherri Rood

Hector Burgos-Nuñez

William Gottschalk-Fielding

2026 ex-officio, CCORR member

2026 ex-officio, Cabinet Rep

ex-officio w/out vote, Assistant to Bishop

Staff Resource, Director of Missional Excellence

Carolyn Stow

Nancy Dibelius

Sharon Schmit

Jennifer Piatt

Teller

Resolutions & Petitions member

Appointed by the Bishop; Up to five at-large members may be nominated by Nominations Committee; Serve four-year terms

Lida Merrill

2026 UMW President

2026 Accessibiity Concerns Committee

Betsy O’Flynn L 2026 Logistics Assistant - Youth Housing

Mary Bradley C 2026 Episcopal Office Manager

Sherri Rood C 2026 Host DS

Shelby Winchell L 2026 Conference Media Coordinator

Betsy O’Flynn L 2026 Registration Coordinator

Julie Valeski L 2026 Registration/Meals Coordinator

Scavo

One in class of 2029

Voted at Annual Conference; Term is four years; up to five members can be nominated by Nominations Committee; Chair appointed by Bishop

Schmidt

1 2028 Member, Chair Carmen Vianese

ex-officio, General Conference Delegation Bill Mudge

ex-officio, General Conference Delegation

Vacancies: Jessica White L ex-officio, Conference Lay Leader

Three in class of 2028 Bill

four years on quadrennial basis; Ministry Action team for Global Ministries (related to ¶ 633)

Gabriella Wilson

Director of Missional Engagement

Jack

Sylvester Doyer

John Conklin

Two in class of 2026; Three in class of 2027; Three

in class of 2028; Three in class of 2029

Crawson-Brizzolara

White Wolf Fassett

Mackey

Kingsbury

Alice Nyhan

Rosalie Schotanus

Bouwens

in class of 2026; Three in class of 2027; One in

in class of 2029

Krause C

David Smith C

Joyce Royal L

Chair

Sara Baron C 2027 Member

Bruce France L 2027 Member

Ellen Mall-John L

District Lay Leader

Jim Knapp C 2026 Member

Harold Vance L

Kay Washbourne L

2026 Member

Committee

Mary Kelly

District Superintendent

Clara Wilder C 2028 Committee Chair/Secretary

Geraldine Rapino C 2027 Member

Tom Schmidt L 2027 Member

Gabrielle Wilson L 2027 Member

Susan Hardy L 2026 District Lay Leader

Mary Kelly

District Superintendent

Stephen Crowell C 2027 Committee Chair

Rachel Stuart C 2027 Committee Registrar

Thomas Lebeau C 2026 Committee Secretary

Susan Hardy L 2026 BOM Rep

Andrew Giles L 2027 Member

Margaret Mills L 2027 Member Committee

2027 Member

Andrea Mansfield L 2028 Member Kathy Piper L 2028 Member

Clara Wilder C 2025 Committee Chair/Secretary

Neal Green L 2026 Member

Darlene Dennis L

Robert Mueller L

Tammy Nipper C

Diane DiLuzio C

Susan Ranous C

Mary Johnson C

Member

BOM Representative

Member

Darlene Dennis L 2026 Member

William Mudge C 2026 Member

Robert Anderson L

Member

Michael Jordan L

Diane DiLuzio C

Judy Lieber Butler L

Clair Mosher C

Pat Toukatly L

Member Jeff Hodge C

James Sokolowski L

Member

Brian Fellows

Katherine Benton C

Steph Brown C

Member

BOM Representative

David Herrmann C 2026 Member

Sharon Coleman L

Member

2027 Member

Member

Sherri

Selover

Carol Oswald L

Lucy Schram L

Berson L

Grace Pugh L

Jeannine Biehls C

Deb Clyde L 2027 Member

Gary Kubitz C 2027 Member

Lynn Shipe L 2027 Member

Hoyt Brown

2027 Member

Jacque

Haines Lockhart L 2025 Member

Rachel Patchen C 2026 Member

Harold Milward L 2026 Member

Anne Justus L 2026 Member

Gary Prok L 2027 Member

Tony Hipes C 2027 Member

Harold “Hap” Skellen

Wilma Tailor

Cheryl Brown

Angela Stewart

Ruth Vazquez

Anna Marie Kingdollar

Paul Madsen

Mary Kelly

Raquel Alston

Tim Gleason

Nick Perry

Anne Cole

Heather Stierheim

Bonnie LeValley

William Barber

Angela Stewart

Judy Johnson-Paonessa

Doug Young

Daven Oskvig

Darryl Barrow

2024 CLM/District Lay Leader

2024 Member

2025 At-Large Member/Chair

2025 Member

2026 Member

2027 Committee Co-Chair

2027 Committee Registrar

2024 Secretary

2024 BOM Representative

2024 Member

2028 Member

2024 Member

2027 Member

John Loeser

Frank White

Vergie Oettinger

Matt Brooks

Rebecca Allis

2024 Committee Chair

2024 Member

2025 Member

2026 Member

Yohang

Barbara

Glenda Schuessler

Donna Fitchette

Michael Terrell

Yohang Chun

Pension and Health Benefits, Conference Board of (CBoPHB)

The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (CBoPHB) works to care for those who serve and for those who have served, while also considering to the needs of the churches they have served and are serving. We attend to multiple retirement plans, healthcare for active and retired clergy and lay employees. We spend time with financial reports, actuarial reports, funding projections, requests for special grants, requests for exceptions, and concerns about the capacities of churches to fund ministry. CBoPHB covers the costs of staff time related to pensions and health benefits administration, thus removing these costs from the Annual Conference Ministry Shares Budget and reflecting that these costs are intrinsic to the costs of the benefits we offer. In all that we do, we seek to address the needs of our participants with sustainability and fairness. It requires paying attention to a lot of details.

While we continue to engage in the long term, sustaining the kind of work that looks fairly similar from year to year, the work of improving what we have is always happening as well. The most notable new work this year is preparing to sunset enrollment in the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), a defined benefit (pension) retirement program and implementation of Compass, an account-based defined contribution retirement plan. Per legislation passed at the 2020/2024 UMC General Conference session, this change will take place January 1, 2026. The board plans to recommend that clergy appointed at 75% time or higher will be enrolled in Compass. Further, the board will recommend that clergy appointed between 50 and 74% time will continue under current terms in the United Methodist Personal Investment Church Plan (UMPIP). The board is still working with conference staff to develop related policies and procedures and plans to submit an addendum to this report in supplemental volumes of the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference Journal

After this change, CRSP will join the other two legacy plans, Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) and the Pre-82 Plan, as funds the board will oversee for as long as vested participants and their survivors live. Unlike the others, the board is also charged with determining yearly increases, if any to the Pre-82 Past Service Rate (PSR). Our proposal for this year is a 2% increase to the PSR for those with Pre-1982 years of service thus increasing the amount from $712 to $726.

As has been true for many years now, we have continued to be in conversation about Retiree Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and how to make them as fair and just as possible. We are aware of several aspects of our current arrangement that do not feel optimal but are continuing to be cautious in finding our way forward. The board is committed to working through the related challenges over the next year, with a self-imposed deadline for developing a revised policy to present at Annual Conference sessions in 2026. As a show of good faith, particularly given the lengthy period since the last increase and escalating costs of healthcare, every principal member enrolled in Via Benefits as of 01/01/2026, will receive a one-time supplement of $300. Principal members are typically either a clergy person or their surviving spouse. Additionally, our 2026 Health Flex costs will increase by 6.5%. In the coming months, the board will be reviewing the blended rate and anticipates sharing cost impact to churches and to participants by the time of Annual Conference session.

We have long sought to create a policy for the use of the income from our reserve funds and that work had been put on hold during the long and heartbreaking Child Victim’s Act lawsuits. In 2024, the Annual Conference voted to allocate $7.8 million of victim settlement and legal costs to CBoPHB funds. I am pleased to announce that given exceptional investment return for 2023/2024, those funds have recovered and are back to levels approximate to what they were prior to that diversion. God willing, the board plans to move towards establishing a budget-based plan for using available investment income. This, coupled with other ongoing responsible budgeting and remittance of direct billed costs by congregations, will increase our capacity to help stabilize and fund the increasing costs of our retirement and health benefit plans as well as respond to emergency needs within our annual conference.

Below is up-to-date information about the programs we offer and the policies we have in place as well as two of the items the board will ask the annual conference to act on. As of this writing, I anticipate two others to be published in supplemental volumes of the Conference Journal: 1) the Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan, as required by The Book of Discipline and 2) the board’s recommendations related to the Compass and UMPIP Church retirement plans.

I am humbled by the depth and breadth of the ministry engaged in by this board. Like ripples in a pond, what we do has an impact across nearly every area of the annual conference, both current and future. I am thankful to the entire board and its officers for their steadfast commitment to following the Spirit’s call as we seek to do what we can to maximize fairness and justice while caring for those who are vulnerable. I am equally grateful for the staff of both Upper New York

and Wespath who inform us, support us, and implement our decisions with patience, grace, and wisdom. Members of Annual Conference, I covet your prayers as we continue walking this journey together doing all the good we can, wherever we can, for as long as we can.

Brightest Blessings,

Karyn Langguth McCloskey Chairperson, UNY Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits

Health Benefit Program Policies

The guidelines by which our health benefits program is administered are presented here for the sake of clarity and understanding by all. Further information can be found on the conference website: https://www.unyumc.org/about/ health-and-wellness-benefits

Health Benefits for Full-Time Active (under age 65) Clergy: We offer the Healthflex Exchange for eligible active clergy, which combines a blended rate for churches with multiple healthcare options for participants. Since our health benefit plan covers all full-time clergy, our connectional responsibility requires that every church served by a full-time pastor pay the blended rate. The blended rate is NOT an insurance premium for the individual currently serving as the church’s pastor. It is each full-time church’s connectional share of the total conference premium that makes it possible for the conference to offer affordable health benefits to active clergy and their families throughout our diverse conference.

The blended rate in 2025 remained steady at $15,120, with the approximately 6% increase in cost able to be covered utilizing funds managed by the board. Participants receive a premium credit and decide what plans work best for them. Participants are encouraged to elect a pre-tax flexible spending account (Health Savings Account (HSA) and/or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)) to be deducted from their salary. The HSA and FSA are administered through Health Equity. The purpose of the pre-tax benefit is to help participants pay for deductibles and other eligible medical, dental, and/or vision expenses.

Retiree/Over age 65 Active Health Coverage through Via Benefits: The conference will continue our agreement with Via Benefits to provide a choice of Medicare Supplement, Part D prescription, dental, vision, and/or Medicare Advantage health insurance plans for the conference’s current and future eligible clergy and/or spouses over-65 who are already enrolled or will be enrolled in Medicare. These plans will continue to be combined with an individual Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for each eligible clergy person and spouse, as applicable.

Clergy and/or spouses, age 65 or above, must be enrolled with the Social Security Administration for coverage under Medicare Part A and Part B before they can be enrolled in the Via Benefits network.

A retired participant is eligible for the Via Benefits program if they were an active participant in the conference’s Healthflex Benefit Plan for at least five consecutive years immediately preceding their retirement effective date. The retiree and/or spouse must have primary coverage at retirement through Medicare Part A and Part B.

The formula for retiree HRA funding is based on 3.33% of “fully funded HRA amount” per full-time equivalent years of service up to 30 years of service and the five-year vesting rule. CBoPHB reviews the fully funded HRA amount annually.

Clergy Who Retire Before Age 65: Clergy who retire before the age of 65 may continue their and their dependent(s) coverage in HealthFlex until their 65th birthday, with a cost share. The Benefits Office will provide you with a calculation of your premium amount once they are notified of your official intent to retire. If such early retired clergy

choose not to continue in the conference’s HealthFlex program until they become eligible for Via Benefits at age 65 (i.e., they drop HealthFlex to go onto a spouse’s healthcare program), they will forfeit their eligibility for Via Benefits and the retiree HRA. This decision is irrevocable.

Pensions and RetiRement Planning

Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP): CRSP pension benefits are for active clergy serving 75%-time appointments and above through12/31/2025. CRSP has two parts: defined contribution portion and the defined benefit portion. The defined contribution portion creates an account balance at Wespath that will be accessible to a participant after retirement. The defined benefit portion is distributed as a monthly benefit based on Denominational Average Compensation and their eligible enrolled years of service. Clergy who voluntarily contribute at least 1% of their total compensation to their United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) account will receive a matching 1% CRSP contribution through the program to their defined contribution CRSP account, as prescribed in the plan agreement, insofar as their congregation pays their benefit obligation.

To fund this plan, all congregations that have 75%-time-and-above appointments are billed a percentage based on their pension-based compensation (salary plus housing). There will be no change to the 13.8% billing to churches through the end of December 2025, when CRSP plan enrollment stops.

The board received the pension actuarial report from Wespath dated October 30, 2024, outlining the components of UNYAC’s CRSP-DB, MPP Annuities as well as our conference specific Pre-82 report. For end of year 2024, the UNYAC owed a CRSP-DB contribution in the amount of $1,332,631 which was due by December 31, 2024. UNYAC’s CRSP is currently fully funded. This amount reflects current benefit accruals under CRSP-DB. Given passage of the Compass Plan at General Conference, and at the recommendation of actuaries, this amount was paid out of Pre-82 Surplus.

According to the report, for year-end 2025, the UNY CBOPHB is estimated to owe $1,310,846 Wespath for the CRSP-DB. Given that contributions to CRSP-DB will end on 12/31/2025, for year-end 2026 and forward, the UNY CBOPHB will continue to monitor and manage this plan but does not anticipate contributing any additional funds.

For additional information, please refer to our website: https://www.unyumc.org/about/pension-and-financial-planning

Financial Planning: Wespath has partnered with EY (formerly Ernst and Young) to offer free financial planning services to active participants, surviving spouses, and terminated and retired participants with a pension account balance of at least $10,000. EY’s financial planners provide confidential, objective guidance on making investment decisions, saving for retirement, managing debt, understanding tax issues and evaluating insurance needs. This service has been significantly under-utilized. Retirement planning can be a confusing and stressful activity. The professionals at EY can assist you at no cost. We strongly encourage you to use this amazing service. You can get started by calling EY directly at 1-800-360-2539 or visiting their website: https://www.wespath.org/retirement-investments/retirement-investment-resources/ey-financial-planning-services

Wellness Incentives and Special Circumstance Policies

Wellness Incentives: The UNY CBoPHB continues to support wellness incentives through the Personify Health Program (formerly Virgin Pulse Health Miles Program). Participants can earn monetary rewards each year for walking, exercising, and participating in wellness activities and coaching. https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/Well_Being_FAQs_Brochure-_Personify_Health.pdf

Special Grants: UNY CBoPHB has been providing assistance via special monthly grants, as established in previous years and as provided for in The Book of Discipline.

The Board of Pension & Health Benefits will annually review previous and future pension grants to retirees, disabled clergy, and widows/widowers but will not publish names, to protect their privacy and dignity.

The 2024-2025 special grants include two retired clergy and two surviving spouses equaling a cumulative annual payout of $14,534.76. These grants follow the appointment year.

Paid Family Leave: The board pays for the Upper New York Annual Conference to have insurance that provides Paid Family Leave Benefits for all clergy and lay employees of the annual conference and all its churches. These benefits are required by state law for lay employees, but not for clergy. Nevertheless, the coverage is provided for both laity and clergy. In New York State in 2025 the benefits are: 12 weeks of leave at 67% pay, with a cap of $1,177.32 a week. By our policy, clergy at 25% time appointments or higher are eligible for this policy. By New York State law, lay employees of 20 hours a week or more OR after they have worked 175 days are eligible for this benefit. By our policy, clergy should receive their full salaries and have their benefits paid while on leave, the reimbursement of the insurance is sent to the church and meant to cover the cost of pulpit supply coverage pay. This insurance policy is provided without cost to local churches, and no payroll deductions should be taken. Insurance forms must be filled out for the benefit to be provided. Further information and claim forms can be found on our website or in conversation with Benefits staff. https://www. unyumc.org/about/pfl

Short Term Disability: The board pays for the Upper New York Annual Conference to have insurance to provide short term disability coverage for all clergy and lay employees of the annual conference and all its churches. These benefits are required by state law for lay employees, but not for clergy. Nevertheless, the coverage is provided for both laity and clergy. In New York State in 2025 the benefits are: payments may be made for up to 26 weeks after a one week waiting period; maximum reimbursement to the church/employer is 50% of wages up to $170 in benefit per week. By our policy, clergy should receive their full salary and benefits while on leave. Because of this, the carrier sends reimbursement to the church to help cover the cost of pulpit supply. If a pastor is serving in retired status and becomes disabled, salary and benefit costs will be negotiated by the district superintendent. Insurance forms must be filled out within 30 days for the benefit to be provided. Further information and claim forms can be found on our website or in conversation with Benefits staff. https://www.unyumc.org/about/unemployment-workers-compensation-and-short-term-disability-insurance

Long Term Disability: Clergy serving at 75% or more are covered for long term-disability coverage through the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). CPP will continue to be billed 3% of the clergy’s pension-based compensation (salary plus housing). CPP offers death, long term disability, and survivor benefits to clergy and their families. CPP, for the purposes of long-term disability, is an appointment. Thus, one may not be appointed to a church and receive CPP long-term disability at the same time, and a request for an appointment to medical leave must pre-date an application for long-term disability.

Effective January 1, 2026

Compass: Retirement Plan for U.S. Clergy

Who is Eligible?

Compass retains the same eligibility rules of the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), so bishops and fulltime clergy who are eligible for CRSP today will be eligible for Compass in 2026.

• Part-time clergy: Eligibility is based on the annual conference’s choice (same rule as under CRSP).

• Deacons are treated like any other clergy for purposes of eligibility in Compass. If they are appointed to less than full-time, they will be eligible for Compass if their annual conference chooses to cover clergy at their appointment percentage.

Compass is Designed to:

• Increase plan sustainability, ensuring reliable retirement benefits for future generations of clergy

• Balance affordability with income adequacy Strives to provide sufficient retirement income for clergy, at a predictable cost that is affordable to local churches and annual conferences

• Promote equity across different compensation levels with features to help lower-paid clergy

• Provide flexibility that: Allows benefits portability for clergy Permits leaving account balance to beneficiaries

• 3% of clergy’s pensionable pay*

Contributions—Building Retirement Savings

Compass is an account-based plan. Both the Church and clergy make contributions.

• The Church (‘employer’) makes three types of contributions:

amount match

the clergy’s contributions

• Clergy are encouraged to contribute at least 4% of

to receive the full matching contribution from the Church.

Compass account balance remaining after death goes to beneficiaries

Compass saving phase (during clergy’s active ministry): Church and clergy contributions

Compass spending phase (after retirement): Clergy receives monthly LifeStage Retirement Income payments

Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBoPHB) Recommendations

Action Item #1

The Upper New York Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits recommends the adoption of the Housing/Rental Exclusion Resolution.

Resolutions

Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired, Disabled or Former Clergypersons of the Upper New York Annual Conference

The Upper New York Annual Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for retired, terminated or disabled clergypersons of the Conference:

HOUSING/RENTAL ALLOWANCE RESOLUTION 2025

The Upper New York Conference adopted the Housing/Rental Exclusion Resolution which designates 100% of United Methodist pension, severance or disability income as housing exclusion in accordance with IRS Code section 107 is approved for the year January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 as follows:

Whereas the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (THE “Church”), of which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through Ministers of the Gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“Clergypersons”); and,

Whereas the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation; and,

Whereas pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled Clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and,

Whereas the Internal Revenue Service has recognized that the Conference (or its predecessors) as an appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for Clergypersons who are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation.

Therefore be it resolved:

1. That an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance, or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments from Wespath Benefits and Investments (“Wespath”) during the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, by each active, retired, terminated, or disabled Clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference, or its predecessors, be and is hereby designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and

2. That the pension, severance, or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance designation applies shall be any pension, severance, or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from Wespath and from a commercial annuity company contracted by the Wespath to provide an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a Wespath plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other employer that employed the Clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such an active,

a retired, a terminated, or a disabled Clergyperson’s pension, severance, or disability plan benefit as part of his or her gross compensation.

NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal (and, in most cases, state) income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2), and regulations thereunder, to the lesser of: 1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the Clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as this Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; 2) the amount actually expended by the Clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or, 3) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. Each Clergyperson or former Clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be claimed as a housing allowance exclusion.

Action Item #2

The Upper New York Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits recommends the following increase to the Past Service Rate.

Pre-82 Past Service Rate (PSR)

The Upper New York Board of Pensions and Health Benefits has worked very diligently to ensure that our Pre-82 remains in a fully funded status. We are pleased to recommend an increase in the Past Service Rate (PSR) this year. It is the board’s recommendation that the PSR in the Pre-1982 Plan be increased by 2% for 2026 from $712 to $726. Only retirees with years of service prior to 1982, whose Pre-82 monthly benefit amount is less than $726, are impacted by the change.

The History of our Past Service Rate (PSR):

2015: $600

2016: $612 (2% increase from 2015)

2017: $625 (2% increase from 2016)

2018: $638 (2% increase from 2017)

2019: $645 (1% increase from 2018)

2020: $645 (0% increase from 2019)

2021: $645 (0% increase from 2020)

2022: $651 (1% increase from 2021)

2023: $658 (1% increase from 2022)

2024: $691 (5% increase from 2023)

2025: $712 (3% increase from 2023)

Recommendation from Equitable Compensation, Commission on (CEC)

The purpose of the Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC) is to support full-time clergy serving as pastors in the charges of the annual conference. (P624.2)

The Commission on Equitable Compensation does this by setting minimum compensation standards for clergy and administering Equitable Compensation Grants which assure all clergy are receiving minimum compensation.

In the last year, the CEC has accomplished the following:

• The Equitable Compensation Grant application on the conference website was simplified. These grants provide support for clergy and churches to assure that all pastors receive minimum compensation. The grant runs in six month cycles each year. Churches seeking assistance need to apply each year for each grant cycle.

• Equitable Compensation Grants for three churches totaling $12,500 were provided in the first six months of 2024. In the second six months of 2024, Equitable Compensation Grants for two churches totaling $9,000 were provided. This was an annual total of $21,500 for Equitable Compensation Grants in 2024.

• The Upper New York Annual Conference Council on Finance and Administration was petitioned to increase the budget for Equitable Compensation grants by $50,000 for 2025 to accommodate the anticipated increase in need for Equitable Compensation Grants due to the minimum base compensation increase enacted in 2024 at annual conference. This will ensure that all pastors are at minimum base compensation.

• The Commission on Equitable Compensation also administers the funds for Missional, Sustentation, and Appointment Grants which are considered cabinet level grants. In 2024, there were four Appointment Grants awarded to churches totaling $17,106. There were four Sustentation Grants awarded to churches totaling $11,353.

• The CEC has discussed the new retirement plan (COMPASS) and its ramifications for clergy and churches in 2026.

• Additionally, we have discussed base minimum compensation, inflation, and church finances and have developed recommendations for the annual conference.

• Commission Member, Pastor Joel Holcomb, attended the General Conference Finance and Administration Quadrennial Training in Houston where he was elected to the Northeastern Jurisdiction National Executive Commission on Equitable Compensation as a clergy representative.

CEC has set the following goals for the upcoming year:

• Update the minimum base compensation scale for 2027.

• Review data to be sure all clergy are meeting minimum compensation levels.

• Set our budget for 2027 with CF&A to assure that all clergy will be supported and receive minimum compensation.

• Review and recommend updates for housing allowances and parsonage policies for clergy.

Recommendations:

1. We recommend that the minimum base compensation for 2026 remain unchanged from what was approved by the 2024 Annual Conference and went into effect January 1, 2025. We are allowing churches to adjust their budgets to the increase established at 2024 Annual Conference. UNCHANGED (see Chart 1)

1. We recommend that the annual increment for 2026 remain unchanged from what was approved by Annual Conference 2024. The annual increment will be 1.5% of the minimum base compensation for 2026. This went into effect January 1, 2025. These increments are based on full-time employment for service up to 25 years. UNCHANGED (see Chart 2)

2. We recommend that the Accountable Reimbursement Plan (ARP) for full-time clergy be increased by $750 to a total of $5,000 for a pastor with one church and that an additional $1,000 continue to be added to the ARP for pastors with more than one church. CHANGE

3. We recommend that clergy with multiple church charges continue to receive an additional $500 for each additional church. UNCHANGED

4. We recommend that no pastor’s salary can be decreased as a result of this policy as long as they retain their current appointment. UNCHANGED

5. All churches are strongly encouraged to offer a salary increase of no less than 4% to their pastors in 2026. Inflation as measured by the Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (SS COLA) was 2.5% for 2025. In 2026,

Chart

clergy will also have the additional expense of contributing 4% of their total compensation into their retirement plan (COMPASS).

Respectfully submitted by the Commission on Equitable Compensation

The members of the Commission on Equitable Compensation for 2024-2025 are:

Teddi Urriola, Lay Rep/Chairperson

Rev. Rich Weihing, Clergy/Vice Chairperson

Pastor John Buddle, Clergy/Secretary

Cory Tylenda, Lay Rep.

Pastor Joel Holcomb, Clergy

Rev. Jefferson Niles, Clergy

Rachel Giso, Lay Rep.

Dorothy Jayne Smith, Lay Rep.

Eileen Sperry, Lay Rep.

Rev. Joyce Allen, Clergy

Cathie Werley, Lay Rep.

Rev. Dr. Sheri Rood, D.S.

Bob Flask, Conference Treasurer

Tracey Rickett, Human Resources Manager

102 2 * The Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) is presenting the 2026 budget for approval. This budget represents an overall reduction of $300,000 from the 2025 approved budget and a $1,800,000 reduction compared to the 2023 budget. This reduction was done to account for closed and disaffiliated churches and the revenue lost from those churches. CF&A has also work diligently to find alternative funding sources to help sustain the budget. CF&A has accounted for fund income use in ministry areas along with general fund interest ($400,00) to also help cover some of the costs related to the 2026 budget.

103 17 * The reduction in overall General apportionments reflects the revised allocation based on the current budget passed at General Conference this year. These are final numbers received from GCFA for our 2026 apportionment payments

104 22 * The increase cost in Connectional ministry is a direct result of salary increases along with increased cost in health insurance.

105 33 * The reduction in cost related to Congregational revitalization is a direct result of the Lily Grant received. New staff and some costs are being covered by this grant for 2026.

106 53 * The large increase in missional engagement is related to the work in our Mission HUB. This work was covered by a prior endowment that has been exhausted. This increase relates to the salary and benefits of the staff member to continue this much needed ministry.

107 57 * The reduction in Camp and Retreat is based on the continued 5 year plan to get our camps more self sufficient.

108 60 * The increase cost to the Board of Ordained Ministry budget is related to a new part time staff position needed.

109 62 * The increase request to Equitable Compensation is directly related to the large minimum salary increase passed in 2024. This new minimum salary level created hardships for more churches in need of salary support.

110 64 * The increase cost in the Episcopal Office is a direct result of getting half the support from GCFA. This grant is now split with the Susquehanna Conference due to the new Episcopal area and sharing of the Bishop.

111 71 * The increase in the district operations is related to salary and insurance increases along with the increased use of District Associates to support the District Superintendents.

112 76 * The increase in Administrative Services relates to salary increases along with increased cost of health insurance.

113 78 * Operations of Treasurer increase is a result of salary increases along with increased cost in health care coverage.

114 79 * The decrease in Computer service is a result in reduced costs of contract relationship based on less special projects along with a reduced cost of coper leases resulting from closing District offices.

115 80 * The increase in Communications is related to salary adjustments, increased health care coverage and additional computer equipment and software.

Closed Churches

Albion: First United Methodist Church

Arkport United Methodist Church

Benton United Methodist Church

Caton United Methodist Church

Conewango Valley United Methodist Church

Fairfield United Methodist Church

Flemingville United Methodist Church

Royalton United Methodist Church

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Albion: First United Methodist Church was organized in 1830, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 194 years;

WHEREAS, on November 18, 2024, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Albion: First United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Albion: First United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Albion: First United Methodist Church from November 9, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Albion: First United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of November 18, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Albion: First United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Albion: First United Methodist Church be transferred to the Holley: Disciples United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Arkport United Methodist Church was organized in 1883, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 141 years;

WHEREAS, on August 31, 2024, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Arkport United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Arkport United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Arkport United Methodist Church from August 31, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Arkport United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of September 12, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Arkport United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Arkport United Methodist Church be transferred to the Garwoods United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Benton United Methodist Church was organized in 1830, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 194 years;

WHEREAS, on December 13, 2024, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Benton United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Benton United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Benton United Methodist Church from December 31, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Benton United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of December 13, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Benton United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Benton United Methodist Church be transferred to the Penn Yan United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Caton United Methodist Church was organized in 1833, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 191 years;

WHEREAS, on January 9, 2025, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Caton United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Caton United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Caton United Methodist Church from December 31, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Caton United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of January 9, 2025, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Caton United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Caton United Methodist Church be transferred to the South Corning United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Conewango Valley United Methodist Church was organized in 1956, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 68 years;

WHEREAS, on November 26, 2024, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Conewango Valley United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Conewango Valley United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Conewango Valley United Methodist Church from November 16, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Conewango Valley United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of November 26, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Conewango Valley United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Conewango Valley United Methodist Church be transferred to the Ellington United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Fairfield United Methodist Church was organized in 1900, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 124 years;

WHEREAS, on November 11, 2024, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Fairfield United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Fairfield United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Fairfield United Methodist Church from October 27, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Fairfield United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of November 11, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Fairfield United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Fairfield United Methodist Church be transferred to the Flemingville United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Flemingville United Methodist Church was organized in 1834, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 190 years;

WHEREAS, on January 30, 2025, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Flemingville United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Flemingville United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Flemingville United Methodist Church from January 31, 2025, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Flemingville United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of January 30, 2025, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Flemingville United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Flemingville United Methodist Church be transferred to the Owego United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

WHEREAS, Royalton United Methodist Church was organized in 1818, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 206 years;

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2024, Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared Royalton United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church’s property for the benefit of the denomination; and

WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet’s declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Royalton United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference’s Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Royalton United Methodist Church from November 3, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Royalton United Methodist Church is closed, pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further

RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet’s declaration of November 06, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Royalton United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees, be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and polices of the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees with respect to closed churches; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the Royalton United Methodist Church be transferred to the Middleport United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

Resolutions

Conference Advanced Specials

CRM Special Sunday

Strategic Visioning and Planning Process

UNYAC2025.1: Making the Stranger Feel Welcome

UNYAC2025.2 Designation of a “Historic Site” to Harkness UMC

UNYA2025.4: Identifying and Opposing Apartheid in the Holy Land

Upper New York Annual Conference 2026 Conference

Advance Specials

Book of Discipline ¶: 656

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Global Ministries

Financial Implications: None

This is required to be done annually by The Book of Discipline.

Whereas The 2020/2024 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church in paragraph 656 authorizes annual conferences to approve certain programs/ministries for the purpose of fundraising from the churches of the conference by the status of Conference Advance Specials,

Therefore be it resolved that the following ministries be approved as Conference Advance Specials for 2026.

Africa University Endowed Scholarships

Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse Buffalo 10 Scholarship

Campership Fund

Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc.

The Children’s Center for the Common Good Creation Care

Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel)

Haiti Partnership

Migrant/Refugee Ministries

Mission Central UNY HUB

Native

Native American Outreach/Transportation

The Neighborhood Center, Inc.

New Places for New People

Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE)

Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo

Southern Sudan Health Project

UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars

Volunteers In Mission Scholarship Fund

Submitted by: Rev. Jeffrey B. Childs

Email: revchilds@hotmail.com

Phoe: (315) 729-4464

UNY local church/charge

UNY Camp and Retreat Ministries Sunday

Book of Discipline ¶: N/A

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Camp & Retreat Ministries

Financial Implications: None to Conference Budget

Whereas Camp & Retreat Ministries are a vital part of the mission and ministry of the Upper New York Conference. Unfortunately, they are often a hidden partner for the ministry of the local church. While some are aware of the opportunities of both summer camp and retreat possibilities, many are no longer connected to this good work. Creating a Camp & Retreat Ministries Sunday will provide an opportunity to highlight the ministry of our Camp & Retreat Centers as well as raise funds for this ongoing work.

Whereas Camp & Retreat Ministry has the capacity to enhance the ministry of local congregations as a partner in the journey of transforming the world as we nurture passionate disciples of Jesus Christ who share faith, mercy, and justice in their everyday lives.

Whereas our Camp & Retreat Ministries have been faithfully working to offer impactful opportunities through retreats and summer camp programs that benefit the people of our local churches and communities.

Whereas the operations of the Camp & Retreat Ministries sites has grown as they experience the impact of inflation and other economic facts that have caused significant increase in cost of food and other essential materials.

Whereas there is an opportunity to provide an way for local congregations to become aware of the ways in which they can help young persons attend camp that are unable due to financial circumstances.

Therefore be it resolved that the First Sunday of May shall be Camp & Retreat Sunday in Upper New York for the purpose of increased awareness of the ministry and the collection of an offering in UNY local churches to be used to offer scholarships for participation in CRM programming.

Be it further resolved the years when Native American Sunday takes place on the first Sunday of May, Camp & Retreat Sunday will be on the last Sunday of April.

Submitted on behalf of the Conference Leadership Team Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Co-convener

Conference

Henry Clay Blvd.

Strategic Visioning and Planning Process for the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church

Whereas the vision of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church (UNY) has guided our work in serving our leaders, congregation, and communities since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whereas UNY faces dynamic changes in denominational, structural, societal, cultural, and financial landscapes that require thoughtful adaptation and proactive leadership; and

Whereas it is vital to ensure that UNY remains aligned with its mission and purpose while meeting the evolving needs in our context of ministry; and

Whereas in this new season of ministry as United Methodists, God is calling us to embrace a faith that unleashes God’s boundless creative and transforming power, made known through Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Be resolved this annual conference session empowers the UNY Conference Leadership Team (CLT) to initiate and oversee a Strategic Visioning and Planning Process, that builds on the missional clarity gained over the past 2 ½ years as outlined in the UNY Missional Playbook, to discern and articulate a clear, forward-looking roadmap for the Upper New York Conference; and

Be further resolved that the Strategic Visioning and Planning Process will:

1. Secure input from clergy, laity, elected conference leaders, staff, ministry partners, community members, and other key stakeholders.

2. Assess the current strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and desired results (SOAR) for the Upper New York Conference.

3. Explore and identify opportunities for collaboration that enable amplified impact and good stewardship with our missional partner, the Susquehanna Conference.

4. Recommend the 2026 Annual Conference session with a Ministry Action Plan that includes, but is not limited to, the following elements:

a) Vision statement

b) Core values

c) Cultural shifts needed

d) Structural adaptations needed

e) Missional strategic direction with appropriate goals, objectives, and actionable strategies for the next 3-5 years.

5. Ensure alignment with the mission, vision, doctrine, and polity of The United Methodist Church.

Be further resolved that the resident bishop, in consultation with the CLT, will designate a task force to guide the Strategic Visioning and Planning Process, facilitate regular updates to the conference, and ensure the process is inclusive, transparent, and participatory. This task force will be amenable to the CLT.

Be further resolved that the UNY Annual Conference commits to engage in a season of prayer over the summer to open our hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we discern how God wants us to go forward.

Respectfully submitted by:

Dr. Scott Johnson and Ms. Jessica White on behalf of the UNY Conference Leadership Team

*FOR INFORMATION ONLY - United Methodists of Upper New York Missional Playbook as of 4/15/2025*

The missional playbook is the guiding document that it is currently used by the UNY Conference Leadership Team and staff teams to inform guide their work.

Mission

Transform the world as we nurture passionate disciples of Jesus Christ who embody and share faith, mercy, and justice in their everyday lives.

Vision

Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places.

Our Purpose

Equip and resource leaders and congregations for impactful ministry and provide a connection for mission beyond the local church.

Our Primary Task

Increase the leadership capacity of clergy and congregational leaders for impactful ministry.

Our Core Values

UNY’s ministry is at its best when we live together,

1. Faithfully – responding with love to God’s grace in Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3:1-2, Matthew 6:33)

2. Collaboratively – honoring the diversity, perspectives, gifts, and skills present among us as a connectional body. (1 Corinthians 12)

3. Prophetically – compassionately and courageously seeking mercy, justice, equity, and peace for all of God’s children (Luke 4:18)

Our Missional Essential Functions

1. Provide spiritual leadership so that disciples and leaders continually grow in their knowledge, experiences, and outward expressions of the love of Christ.

2. Discover, develop, and deploy leaders (clergy and laity).

3. Resource clergy and congregational leaders with tools and best practices for impactful ministry.

4. Nurture a culture to plant sustainable new faith communities and other collaborative ministries.

5. Align and maximize resources to support the mission and ministry of UNY and the UMC.

6. Promote unity that honors our diversity as a gift from God.

7. Communicate our shared mission and impact as United Methodists in Upper New York.

Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities

1. Continued church attendance/engagement decline.

2. Growing generational gap in our congregations and leadership.

3. Growing number of older, oversized church buildings that are costly to maintain.

4. Amount and speed of change inside and outside the church.

5. Lack of trust in the conference and among clergy.

6. Call to be a theologically diverse denomination related to ministry with and by LGBTQ persons.

7. Paring with the Susquehanna Conference.

Cultural Shifts

We prioritize relationships over everything else, and we lead the way in the shift from:

1. Silos to Connections

2. Competition to Collaboration

3. Programs to Resourcing

4. Equality to Equity

5. Church Growth to Missional Impact

6. Clergy-centered ministry to CLAITY

7. Scarcity mindset to Sufficient provision

Our Missional Organization

Superintendency

• Vision Casting

• Strategic Planning and Missional Oversight

• Clergy Appointment and Supervision

• Congregational Oversight

• Clergy Recruitment

• Ecumenical Relationships

• Legal Matters

• Resourcing to administrative agencies, teams, and leaders

Missional Excellence

• Plan and oversee missional excellence strategy

• Leadership Development

• Congregational Development

• Missional Impact

• Young People

• Camping & Retreat

• Connectional Ministries

• Resourcing to programmatic agencies and teams.

Finance and Administration

• Plan and oversee financial/ administrative strategy

• Budgeting

• Management of cash and assets

• Financial statistics and reporting

• Resourcing administrative agencies

• Risk Management

• Compliance

• Human Resources

Communications

• Plan and oversee communication strategy

• Create content to inform, inspire, and equip.

• Articulate and translate our mission/vision story for multiple audiences

• Develop public and media relationships.

UNYAC2025.1: Making the Stranger Feel Welcome

Book of Discipline ¶: Social Principles: The Political Community; Government Responsibilities; G. Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees - The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2020/2024

Book of Resolutions ¶: “Welcoming the Migrant to the U.S.” section (4271)

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Social Holiness, Commission of Race & Religion, and the Immigration Task Force

Financial Implications: none for the Annual Conference

Brief Rationale: Demonizing people based on the country of origin and status in the United States is a sin. United Methodists stand with those affected by “globalization, dislocation, economic scarcity, persecution, climate change, and other reasons” (The United Methodist Book of Resolutions 2020/2024, 4271). But we do more than stand with these individuals, we serve them and advocate for them as each are beloved children of God.

Whereas on January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded a policy that protected “safe spaces”— churches, school, and hospitals—from immigration enforcement, replacing it with an unreleased directive that gives Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents unbridled power to take enforcement actions in any of these spaces.

Whereas protecting sensitive locations from immigration enforcement is essential to ensuring all our community members can access basic services and support without fear—the policy’s rescission constitutes an attack on immigrant communities’ wellbeing and undermines safety for all.

Whereas scripture clearly admonishes us to welcome the stranger:

Exodus 23:9: Don’t mistreat foreigners. (CEV)

Leviticus 19:34: Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself… (CEB)

Deuteronomy 27:19: Cursed is anyone who obstructs the legal rights of immigrants, orphans, or widows. (CEB) Hebrews 13:2: Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it. (CEV)

Whereas Jesus says in Matthew 25:43 and 45 (CEB) that welcoming strangers is the same as welcoming Christ himself:

43 I was a stranger and you didn’t welcome me. I was naked and you didn’t give me clothes to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

45 Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’

Therefore be it resolved that the Upper New York Annual Conference call upon all its congregations to study the issues, learn their rights in dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and make a concerted effort to support immigrants in their communities.1 Be it further resolved that the website and electronic communications of the Upper New York Annual Conference clearly state our support of the lawsuits brought against Homeland Security and the Trump Administration2 by multiple faith traditions to reverse these abhorrent policies that are designed to frighten and shame immigrants.

[1] https://www.nilc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-02.25-Protected-Areas-Fact-Sheet-English_.pdf

[2] https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/606325685793ca310e8dc017/67acc1352f9e40e02ba2b434_DRAFT%20Sensi-

tive%20Locations%20Complaint%20Circulated%202.10.25%20ATTORNEY%20CLIENT%20PRIVILEGED.pdf?nvep=&hmac=&emci=b494edea-52e9-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=

Submitted on Behalf of the UNY Social Holiness Team by Heather Smith, UNY Peace with Justice Coordinator

First UMC Delmar

UNYAC2025.2: Designation of a “Historic Site” from the GCAH to the Harkness UMC to honor Dr. Georgia Harkness Recommendation

Book of Discipline ¶: 1712.a

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: UNY Commission on Archives and History

Financial Implications: $75 for the marker for Harkness UMC

Brief Rationale:

The Upper New York Commission of Archives and History would like to honor Dr. Georgia Harkness’s “home Church” in Harkness, New York with the designation as a United Methodist “Historic Site.”

Whereas Georgia Elma Harkness was born April 21, 1891 in Harkness, NY in the hamlet named for her grandfather. Her parents were J. Warren and Lillie (Merrill) Harkness.

Whereas Georgia was educated in Harkness, NY and attended church there as well. She passed all her Regents exams at age 14 and stayed in school two more years to mature. That same year she joined in membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She always considered the Harkness UMC to be her “home church,” no matter where she lived. She returned nearly every summer to worship in “her church” and gave sermons there as well in her later years. At General Conferences, she even sat with the former Troy Conference delegates, despite her living out of state.

Whereas “her church” was the center of her and her family’s world in her early days. The building itself was originally built in West Peru, NY in 1852. In 1907, this church was dismantled and moved to its present location.

Whereas she won a scholarship to Cornell University in 1908 and earned a teaching degree in 1912. She went on to teach high school Latin, German, and French at the Schuylerville and Scotia, New York schools.

Whereas in 1917, Boston University opened a School of Religious Education and Social Service where she earned her Ph.D. Her dissertation is what launched her onto the academic stage where she worked as both a scholar and an intellectual for the Church. She taught at Elmira College for the next 15 years, which was devoted to women’s education. As a noted intellectual of the Church, she started traveling the world.

Whereas in1924, she wrote an article entitled “The Ministry as a Vocation for Women.” It was in 1926 that Georgia was ordained as a Local Deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church and 12 years later she became a Local Elder. She argued that the Church needed the skills and talents of educated women. She remained a strong advocate for women’s ordination, and she pressed the issue at worldwide ecumenical venues. It wasn’t until 1956 that a resolution granting Full Clergy Rights for Women of the Methodist Episcopal denomination was passed by the General Conference. She lobbied and strategized vigorously for this to happen. She served as a delegate to the General Conference six times.

Whereas in July 1937, she participated in conversations at the Oxford Conference, which laid the groundwork for the World Council of Churches in which she was very active. She was one of the first women to attend such a conference. This is where she represented the Methodist Episcopal Church in the world arena. She was the Methodist Delegate to the Faith and Order Conference of the World Council of Churches. She visited many people and places of the world. At one point she traveled to India where she met with Mahatma Gandhi. Only a few months before World War II started in 1939, she attended the Geneva Convention where church leaders gathered to discuss how to prevent the Second World War.

Whereas in 1939, Georgia joined the faculty of Mt. Holyoke College and taught there for ten years. She then moved on to Garrett Biblical Institute. It was here that she became the first female FULL Professor of Theology at a Protestant seminary in the United States. She also taught at the International Christian University of Japan and Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines.

Whereas in 1950 she joined the faculty of Pacific School of Religion and taught there until 1961. She became the first female member of the American Theological Society. She gave inspiration to many famous religious leaders of her time, including the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. She was a champion of social justice and Women’s Rights.

Whereas in 1954, she penned the award-winning hymn, “Hope of the World.”

Whereas today the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards a scholarship for women in Georgia’s name. This is designated for women choosing to prepare for ordained ministry as a second career.

Whereas she became a denouncer of racism and unbridled capitalism, a defender of Women’s Rights, as well as a promoter of women’s ordination. Her witness of faith has left its mark on Methodism and the world. She wrote 38 books professing faith and dedicated her life to teaching. She wrote hundreds of articles, poems and prayers as well as nine hymns. She also received numerous academic awards.

Whereas on August 21, 1974, Georgia Elma Harness died, in Claremont, California.

Whereas on August 14, 2010, the Troy Conference/UNY Commission on Archives and History held a service and placed a Clergy Grave marker on the grave of Dr. Georgia Harkness in the Harkness Cemetery.

Whereas the Anderson Falls Heritage Society erected a Pomeroy Foundation roadside historical marker in front of the church in her honor in 2018.

Therefore be it resolved with all the accomplishments and legacy Georgia Harkness has provided throughout The United Methodist Church, it is with great honor that the UNY Commission on Archives and History recommend that her “home church,” Harkness UMC, be given the designation of “Historic Site” by the General Commission on Archives and History.

Be it further resolved the Upper New York Annual Conference will approve the request to make the Harkness UMC a designated “Historic Site” of The United Methodist Church.

Be it further resolved the application for the designation as a “Historic Site” will then be forwarded to the General Commission on Archives and History for their approval.

Be it further resolved a plaque with this designation will be placed on the outside of the church and a service of dedication of the plaque will follow.

Submitted by:

Karen Staulters Allison Arnold knstaulters@gmail.com alpal1023@yahoo.com (518) 882-2058 (518) 578-7185 Ballston Spa UMC Harkness UMC

Samuel Smith Tim Rock Chairman Chair, Leadership Team Archives & History t911rock@aol.com ssmaith@drew.edu (518) 643-8978 (518) 605-8453 Harkness UMC

UNYAC2025.4 Identifying and Opposing Apartheid in the Holy Land

Book of Discipline ¶: None

Book of Resolutions ¶: None

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Annual Conference Secretary and the UNY Task Force on Peace With Justice in Palestine/Israel

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

It is critical to understand what apartheid is and know what we as Christians and UMs have declared about it and then test that against the actions of the Israeli government and then take action to do something about it.

Whereas in most of the region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is the sole governing power, and, in the remainder, Israel maintains primary control over Palestinians’ lives, and

Whereas Israeli authorities have demonstrated a clear intent to maintain domination over Palestinians by enacting a system of laws and policies that grant full self-determination exclusively to Jewish Israelis and enforce systematic oppression of Palestinians, which is the essence of an apartheid system, and

Whereas “apartheid” is not defined by the conditions that existed in South Africa, but by the United Nations Convention on Apartheid of 1973 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1993, (1) and

Whereas apartheid is named as a “crime against humanity” under international law (2) and the primary features of apartheid include:

• codifying into law a preferred group of people and giving that group preferential access to resources, benefits and services,

• segregating the population into geographic areas based on identity, and establishing laws and policies designed to suppress opposition to the regime and enforcing domination through arbitrary imprisonment, torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, and other violations of human rights, and

Whereas within Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) that is the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza, the Israeli government has established its control over the lives of Palestinians with discriminatory laws and policies specifying where they can live, whom they can marry, where and when they can travel short distances, which roads they can drive on, how much water they can use, when they can access their own farms, what land they can purchase, which justice system they are subject to, whether they will receive due process, and the kinds of punishment they will receive, and

Whereas Israel has seized more than three-quarters of the land of its Palestinian citizens and continues their dispossession today, and Palestinians in the OPT have lived under Israeli military law for generations without any protected civil rights, and

Whereas Israel has blatantly codified a racist governing principle in the Nation State Basic Law of 2018, which grants self-determination exclusively to the Jewish citizens of Israel, and

Whereas many authoritative scholars and organizations have conducted in-depth investigations and issued reports re-

garding Israeli apartheid, including:

• In 2009, a thoroughly documented, 302-page report on the OPT by an international group of legal scholars, commissioned by the South African government,

• In 2017, the 74-page report commissioned by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA): “Israeli Practices towards the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid,”

• In 2020, a 58-page report published by the Israeli human rights organization Yesh Din: “The Occupation of the West Bank and the Crime of Apartheid;”

• In January 2021, a strong indictment of the Israeli government from Israel’s most eminent human rights center, B’Tselem: “A regime of Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: This Is Apartheid,”

• In April 2021, another extensively documented report, this from the world-renowned Human Rights Watch: “A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution,” and

• In February 2022, the powerful and comprehensive report from the global leader in human rights advocacy, Amnesty International: “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians,“( 3) and

Whereas these commissions, legal scholars, and human rights organizations have all come to the same unavoidable conclusion: that the Israeli government is committing the crime against humanity known as apartheid, and

Whereas, if apartheid is to be opposed and abolished, it is essential for the international community to recognize and name apartheid where it exists, and

Whereas Kairos Palestine, the Palestinian Christian movement endorsed by all the major Christian denominations in Palestine, in their “Cry for Hope” of 2020 has called upon the Church around the world to nonviolently oppose both “apartheid and occupation” in the Holy Land and to “uphold a vision of inclusivity and equality for all peoples of the land,” (4) and

Whereas the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church state that United Methodists “commend and encourage the self-awareness of all racial and ethnic groups and oppressed people that leads them to demand their just and equal rights as members of society,” and furthermore “call the Church to challenge any hierarchy of cultures or identities,”(5) and

Whereas The United Methodist Church has forcefully declared its opposition to the crime of apartheid, calling it a “heresy” and “a sin” that must be “condemned unequivocally – within Southern Africa and neighboring countries and throughout the world.” (6)

Therefore be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church affirms that apartheid is antithetical to the Gospel message and that we recognize and oppose Israeli apartheid as we strive to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves, and

Be it further resolved that the conference calls on the U.S. government to condition U.S. funding to Israel upon Israel’s willingness to dismantle its apartheid system and implement all the rights due to Palestinians under international law, and

Be it further resolved that the conference urges all United Methodist clergy and laity to listen to the voices of Palestinians regarding their situation, by meeting with them in their homeland, by seeking opportunities to hear from them at online events, and through the study of the Palestinian Christians’ landmark 2020 document entitled “Cry for Hope: A Call for Decisive Action.”

Be it further resolved that the Conference Secretary send a letter to the President of the United States and the Secretary of State asking them to condition U.S. Funding to the State of Israel upon Israel’s willingness to dismantle its apartheid system, and

Addresses:

The President of the United States

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington DC 20500

Secretary of State

U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520

SUBMITTED BY:

Merle Showers

EMAIL: revshowers@gmail.com

PHONE: (716) 862-4235

Buffalo University UMC

UNY Task Force on Peace With Justice in Palestine/Israel and Social Holiness Team

OTHER SIGNEES:

Rev. Gary Doupe

Linda Bergh

Rev Gary Kubitz

Dianne Roe

Christine Root

Arlene Lundquest

Beth Woolever

Tom Carlisle

Rev. Alan Kinney

Footnotes:

The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, United Nations –https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/cspca/cspca.html

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court –https://www.icc-cpi.int/resource-library/documents/rs-eng.pdf

Schwöbel-Patel, Christine (2020). “The Core Crimes of International Criminal Law” The Oxford Handbook of International Criminal Law. Oxford University Press. p. 768. ISBN 9780198825203

Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa report –“Occupation, colonialism, apartheid? A re-assessment of Israel’s practices in the occupied Palestinian territories under international law”

https://repository.hsrc.ac.za/handle/20.500.11910/4619

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) report – “Israeli Practices towards the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid,”

https://www.kairosresponse.org/it_is_apartheid.html

Yesh Din Report –

“The Occupation of the West Bank and the Crime of Apartheid” https://www.yesh-din.org/en/the-occupation-of-the-west-bank-and-the-crime-of-apartheid-legal-opinion/

B’Tselem Report –

“A Regime of Jewish Supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: It is Apartheid ” https://www.btselem.org/publications/fulltext/202101_this_is_apartheid

Human Rights Watch report –

“A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution ”

https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/19/israeli-apartheid-threshold-crossed#

Amnesty International report –

“Israel’s Apartheid against Palestinians: A Look into Decades of Oppression and Domination”

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2022/02/israels-system-of-apartheid/

Kairos Palestine Statement –

“Cry for Hope: A Call for Decisive Action”

http://www.cryforhope.org

Social Principles: The Social Community

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 https://www.umc.org/en/content/social-principles-the-social-community

“Southern Africa,” United Methodist Book of Resolutions, adopted 1988; “Web of Apartheid. South Africa and the destabilization of its neighbors,” United Methodist Book of Resolutions, adopted 1992

Petitions

UNYA2025.3: Sound level at AC

UNYA2025.5: Embracing the Fullness of Lay Ministry

UNYA2025.6 Encouraging United Methodist Institutions with Endowment to Utilize Wespath Institutional Investing

UNYA2025.7 Inviting All to Experience the Love of Christ

UNYA2025.8 Endorse NYS Poor People’s Campaign and Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS Statement

UNYAC2025.3 Sound Level at Annual Conference

Book of Discipline ¶: 162

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Conference Sessions

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

In recent years, the sound level at Annual Conference has been painfully loud. Sounds at or below 80 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are unlikely to cause hearing damage if listened to for up to 40 hours per week. Sounds at 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss of listened to for more than eight hours at a time. Exposure to loud sounds for a very short period of time can damage hearing. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) “when sound levels exceed 85 dBA, employers must take steps to protect workers’ hearing, including providing hearing protection and monitoring noise levels.”

Hearing loss due to loud sounds is insidious as the loss is cumulative over time. People don’t realize that it is happening at the time of exposure.

Whereas we are committed to the health and welfare of all persons we will protect the hearing of attendees and Conference employees at Annual Conference.

Therefore be it resolved sound technicians at Annual Conference shall have an accurate sound level meter and shall maintain sound levels at 80 dBA with brief excursions at a maximum of 85 dBA.

SUBMITTED BY:

Lee Mount

EMAIL: leemount@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 806 0629

UNYAC2025.5 Embracing the Fullness of Lay Ministry

Book of Discipline ¶: 33, 602.4

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Rules Committee

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

Retired deaconesses and home missioners, who are informed, educated, committed laypeople who have dedicated their life to the church, should be added as lay equalization members by virtue of office to our conference rules to help the conference equalize its lay and clergy membership while also strengthening its commitment to lay ministry and outreach outside church walls.

Whereas the Book of Discipline also states that “if the lay membership should number less than the clergy members of the annual conference, the annual conference shall, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay and clergy membership of the annual conference (¶¶33, 602.4), and

Whereas both active and retired clergy are members of the annual conference, and local charges can elect laity only in numbers matching active clergy, thus annual conferences must create a way to ensure as many lay members as there are retired clergy, and

Whereas the number of retired clergy in the Upper New York Conference is 595, (1) and the average number of lay equalization members approved by the last three annual conferences is only 221, (2) our lay equalization (3) efforts are falling short, and

Whereas Deaconesses and home missioners, (4) laypeople who are called by God, consecrated by the church, and commissioned by bishops to be in a lifetime relationship with The United Methodist Church in full-time vocation in ministries of love, justice, and service, provide crucial perspectives on how conference decisions affect ministry beyond local church settings, and

Whereas active deaconesses and home missioners are granted annual conference membership by the Book of Discipline (¶33), but retired deaconesses and home missioners are not, and Whereas deaconesses and home missioners are one of three orders in the church, the other two orders being deacon and elder, who are granted voting membership into retirement, and

Whereas clergy and lay leadership working together strengthens our witness, and particularly through the specialized ministries of deaconesses and home missioners in settings such as hospitals, schools, and community organizations, and

Whereas deaconesses and home missioners serve as vital bridges between church and society, bringing unique understanding of how our ministry impacts communities beyond church walls, and

Whereas including retired deaconesses and home missioners as lay voting members of our conference will help meet our lay equalization goals and strengthen our commitment to lay voices and ministry,

Therefore be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference recommends that the Rules Committee include retired deaconesses and retired home missioners as prioritized lay equalization members (which would appear under Appendix II, section V, on p. 184 of the Conference Rules as published in the 2023 Journal).

References:

1. United Methodists of Upper New York, “Retired Clergy Directory,” accessed February 24, 2025, https://www.unyumc.

org/resources/retired-clergy-directory

2. See the 2022, 2023, and 2024 lists at https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/Equalization_Member_list_2022_ AC_-_final.pdf

https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/EQ_Member_list_for_June_2023_AC_Session_for_approval.pdf https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/Addendum_page_EQ_Member_list.pdf

3. See United Methodist Judicial Council Decision 1212 confirming that equalization is based on membership of the annual conference, not on attendance to the annual meeting: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/1212-request-from-the-general-conference-for-a-declaratory-decision-as-to-the-constitutionality

4. United Women in Faith, “Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner,” https://uwfaith.org/what-we-do/deaconess-and-home-missioner.

SUBMITTED BY:

Tara Barnes

EMAIL: tarambarnes@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 743-2309

Tabernacle United Methodist Church

UNYAC2025.6 Encouraging United Methodist Institutions with Endowment to Utilize Wespath Institutional Investing

Book of Discipline ¶: N/A

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Finance and Administration, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, Conference Secretary

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

When United Methodists pool their resources together, our witness and capacity for mission is stronger than it would be when we are disconnected. This resolution encourages United Methodists in Upper New York to explore hiring Wespath Institutional Investing to manage any of their institutional investment assets (endowments, memorials, reserves, etc).

Whereas Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath), an agency of The United Methodist Church (UMC), provides investments services through its subsidiaries including Wespath Institutional Investments (WII); and

Whereas Wespath has served the UMC and its predecessor denominations since 1908 through the administration of benefit plans for clergy and lay employees and by more recently investing non-benefit funds for a broad range of UMC entities, including church endowments, UM Foundations and Annual Conferences; and

Whereas all of Wespath’s investment funds seek to align all investments on behalf of clergy and lay employees, church endowments, UM Foundations, and Annual Conferences, with the values of the UMC’s Social Principles with guidance found in The Book of Discipline and The Book of Resolutions; and

Whereas WII seeks to provide investors with additional values-aligned investment options through its Social Values Choice (SVC) funds that adhere to heightened environmental and social investment criteria and additional values-based exclusions, including the exclusion of fossil fuel companies; and

Whereas WII’s disciplined investment approach has delivered long-term, competitive returns relative to its peers; and

Whereas, the ten-year return for WII’s Multiple Asset Composite, a balanced strategy comprising both equity and fixed income funds, was 7.11% compared to the BNY Mellon Master Trust Universe median return of 7.05% as of December 31, 2024; and

Whereas, the one-year return for WII’s Social Values Choice Bond Composite was 2.67% and the one-year return for WII’s Social Values Choice Equity Composite was 17.86% as of December 31, 2024; and

Whereas WII, as a nonprofit organization, seeks to provide investment services to its fellow faith-based, nonprofit institutions at a competitive cost; and

Whereas WII’s expense ratio (fee) for its balanced fund (Multiple Asset Fund – I Series) was 16 basis points lower than the median annual operating expense for the institutional share class of a group of mutual funds that have a similar investment strategy and similar benchmarks as provided by Lipper as of December 31, 2023 ; and

Whereas WII’s 2024 estimated expense ratio is 38-40 basis points for the Social Values Choice Bond Fund – I Series and 23.5-25.5 basis points for the Social Values Choice Equity Fund – I Series; and

Whereas Wespath, including WII, seeks to be a unifying body within the UMC; and

Whereas United Methodist churches and institutions that invest funds through WII communicate a commitment to both the mission of the United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and the mission of Wespath to care for those who serve; and

Whereas the decision to hire WII to manage invested assets is a faithful and prudent decision that will serve the mission of the congregations and United Methodist organizations for generations to come; and

Whereas the United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of a vibrant network of 677 local churches and active new faith communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state; and

Therefore be it resolved United Methodists of Upper New York do hereby encourage all its local congregations with endowment or investment assets to consider hiring Wespath Institutional Investments to manage all or a portion of their investments; and

Be it further resolved its Cabinet to promote Wespath Institutional Investing to the local churches with endowment or investment assets that they supervise; and

Be it further resolved the United Methodists of Upper New York do hereby direct its Council on Finance and Administration and Board of Trustees to study the question of hiring Wespath Institutional Investments to manage any investment or reserve assets held by the Annual Conference and report back to the 2026 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference their findings and any recommendations for any actions requiring Annual Conference approval.

SUBMITTED BY:

Cory Tylenda - Lead Signer/Annual Conference Presenter EMAIL: corytylenda@gmail.com

PHONE: (585) 259-1325

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Pastor Ian Carlos Urriola EMAIL: iurriola@burnthillsumc.org

PHONE: (585) 705-9334

Burnt Hills United Methodist Church

UNYAC2025.7 Inviting All to Experience the Love of Christ

Book of Discipline ¶: N/A

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Bishop’s office

Financial Implications: Cost of meetings

Brief Rationale:

The United Methodist Church no longer mandates discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. At the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference, the bishop proposed creating a team to help Upper New York churches be more inclusive and welcoming. This petition affirms the bishop’s plan, encourages a diverse and representative team, and recommends the use of resources from the Reconciling Ministries Network.

Whereas the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church removed the denomination’s policies mandating discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community, and

Whereas Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez stated in his 2024 episcopal address that “with the changes made by the General Conference regarding ministry with and by LGBTQ+ persons, and mindful that United Methodists in Upper New York are not of one voice on this matter, we have some important work ahead of us,” stating that “we need to collaborate and covenant to love each other and our neighbors in healthier ways,” and

Whereas Bishop Burgos Núñez shared intent “to convene a small theologically diverse team of clergy and laity to create a resource and process to guide congregations that want to engage in deep and courageous conversations” and to “produce a resource to assist congregations that want to create a contextual covenant about ministry with and by LGBTQ persons,” [1] and

Whereas the Reconciling Ministries Network has been working to reconcile The United Methodist Church with the LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years, and

Whereas the Reconciling Ministries Network continues to be committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church, and

Whereas the Reconciling Ministries Network has a library of resources to help accomplish the goals stated by the bishop, [2]

Therefore be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference affirms Bishop Burgos Núñez’ intent to bring together a team to offer resources for congregations seeking to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ persons and calls on Bishop Burgos Núñez to formally create this team within 90 days of the close of the 2025 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, and

Therefore be it further resolved that the Upper New York Conference encourages the team to prioritize resources created and curated by the Reconciling Ministries Network, and

Therefore be it further resolved that the team include LGBTQ+ United Methodists and members/pastors of reconciling churches in the conference while valuing a membership diverse in age, race, ethnicity, gender, and lay and clergy status.

References

[1] https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/EPISCOPAL_ADDRESS_SCRIPT_2024.pdf

[2] https://rmnetwork.org/resources

SUBMITTED BY:

Michele A. Cole

EMAIL: micheleacole@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 366 6345 First UMC Schenectady

OTHER SIGNEES:

Pastor Ian Carlos Urriola

EMAIL: iurriola@burnthillsumc.org

PHONE: (585) 705 9334 Burnt Hills UMC

Rev. Sara E. Baron

EMAIL: s.baron@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 435 2201 First UMC Schenectady

Home Missioner Kevin M. Nelson

EMAIL: kmichael07@gmail.com

PHONE: (212) 729 4059 First UMC Schenectady

Pastor Rebekah L. Solar

EMAIL: rebekah.solar@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 408 9452

Associate Director of Missional Excellence, United Methodists of Upper New York

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Quick

EMAIL: bethquick@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 729 7099

Appointed to Attend School

Pastor Dion Marquit

EMAIL: dionmarquit@aol.com

PHONE: (518) 915-3393 Valley Falls UMC, Living Hope UMC in Waterford

Rev. Vivian Ruth Waltz

EMAIL: rev.vivianruth@gmail.com

PHONE: (716) 982 6501 Lincoln Memorial UMC

Rev. Douglas Mackey

EMAIL: Pastdm@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 925-4790 Scotia UMC/Faith UMC Schenectady

Heather Smith

EMAIL: h.smith1026@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 368 2209 First UMC of Delmar

Rev. Beckie Sweet

EMAIL: revbeckiesweet@gmail.com

PHONE: (570) 647 8267

Ithaca: St. Paul’s UMC

Rev. Steven M. Smith

EMAIL: boston.redsoxfan@hotmail.com

PHONE: (518) 322-7746 Delmar First United Methodist

Colin Weichenthal

EMAIL: Colinweichenthal@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 743-1191 Penn Yan UMC

Sarah Murray

EMAIL: sarai82070@aol.com

PHONE: (607) 342-2652

St Paul’s United Methodist

Zach Stahlsmith

EMAIL: Zachstahlsmith1@gmail.com

PHONE: (716) 581-3280 Hurlbut UMC

Rev. Teressa M. Sivers

EMAIL: pastorT@centralumcendicott.org

PHONE: (607) 434-9888 Central UMC Endicott

Mike Mullin

EMAIL: mmullin@asburyfirst.org

PHONE: (585) 271-1050 Asbury First

Debra J. Robinson

EMAIL: ggmadj@yahoo.com

PHONE: (315) 690-1630 University United Methodist Church, Syracuse, NY

Tara Barnes

EMAIL: tarambarnes@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 743-2309

Tabernacle United Methodist Church

Timothy Barnes

EMAIL: tbarnes29@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 760-6450

Tabernacle United Methodist Church

Asbury First United Methodist Church

EMAIL: info@asburyfirst.org

PHONE: (585) 271-1050

Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost EMAIL: mboguetrost@asburyfirst.org

PHONE: (585) 271-1050 x125

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Footnotes:

[1] https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/EPISCOPAL_ADDRESS_SCRIPT_2024.pdf

[2] https://rmnetwork.org/resources

UNYAC2025.8 Endorse

Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS Statement, “Keep New York’s Commitment to Cut Child Poverty”

Book of Discipline ¶: 161.2 “The Economic Community”

Book of Resolutions ¶: N/A

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Conference Secretary

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

United Methodists of Upper New York should encourage New York State to act to decrease child poverty in our state.

Whereas New York State continues to have the worst income inequality and some of the highest child poverty rates in the nation yet we also have the resources to solve these problems. In 2021, New York State committed to cutting child poverty in half by 2032. This year, Gov. Hochul and the legislature can make good on that promise by passing a transformative package of policies that would slash child poverty and pay for it by fairly taxing the richest corporations and individuals.

Whereas numerous faith organizations, including the NYS Council of Churches, have joined with the NYS Poor People’s Campaign, the Labor Religion Coalition of NYS, and the Kairos Center to issue a joint statement to Gov. Kathy Hochul calling on her to fulfill NYS’ promises to its low-income residents.

Therefore be it resolved the Upper New York Annual Conference adds its name to call on Gov. Hochul to include this anti-poverty agenda in her Executive Budget proposal, and we direct the conference secretary to add UNYAC to the organizational sign on at https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/keep-new-yorks-commitment-to-cut-child-poverty-organizational-sign-on/

The statement at issue reads as follows:

To: Gov. Kathy Hochul

From: [Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church]

We write to you as concerned organizations, congregations and individuals from across New York State to urge you to include measures in your Executive Budget to cut child poverty in half, and to pay for these policies through progressive taxes targeting our state’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. Especially as the Trump administration signals its intention to cut funding for safety net programs and cut taxes for the rich, New York must take bold, proactive steps to protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers and rein in the flow of wealth from the bottom to the top.

As your administration has recognized, child poverty in New York is at unacceptable levels. Our child poverty rate is higher than 40 other states, with 1 in 5 kids living in poverty. In the Bronx, more than a third of children are in poverty, and in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse the rate is more than 40 percent. As common sense and countless studies show, poverty has devastating consequences on children’s well-being and their future development. New York has a moral obligation to confront this crisis.

We applaud the commitment New York made in 2021 through the Child Poverty Reduction Act to cut child poverty in half over the following decade. While we believe New York can and must aim to abolish child poverty altogether, this is an important first target. Thanks to the work of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, we now have a package of

policies that would achieve this goal. They include:

• Increasing the Empire Child Credit from $330 per child to $1,500 per child annually, expanding eligibility to include the lowest income families, and indexing the credit amount to inflation.

• Creating a state rental assistance program to serve income-eligible renting households. The program would cover the difference between the rent and 30% of household income, would be available to households regardless of immigration status, and would be an entitlement so that all income-eligible renting households would be able to access support.

• Doubling the Cash Assistance program benefit amount and indexing it to inflation.

• Creating a state Food Assistance Program that would cover the nearly 65,000 households with children that are currently excluded from participating in SNAP due to their family’s immigration status.

We call on you to include this full policy package in your 2026 Executive Budget. The Urban Institute estimates these policies would reduce child poverty by 50% if they are fully implemented and reach every eligible household. Although full implementation will take time, child poverty is continuing to rise, and federal policies on the horizon may move us in the wrong direction. Now is the time for decisive action for New Yorkers in need. Including the full package of policies in your budget would demonstrate that New York is serious about meeting the 50% child poverty reduction goal by 2032.

New York has the resources to make this transformative investment in our children and families. Our state is home to 139 billionaires, as well as some of the wealthiest, most profitable corporations in the world. In the first half of 2024, for example, Wall Street posted profits of $23.2 billion, nearly 80% higher than the previous year.

We call on you to fund these child poverty reduction policies through progressive taxes that target the ultra-wealthy. The Urban Institute estimates the cost of this policy package to be just under $9 billion.There are proposals currently in the NYS legislature that would raise more than five times that amount by modestly increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations. These include implementing a capital gains tax, raising corporate taxes on the most profitable companies, making our income taxes more progressive, taxing billionaire wealth, and creating an heirs’ tax.

SUBMITTED BY:

Rev. Sara E. Baron

EMAIL: s.baron@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 435 2201

First UMC Schenectady

OTHER SIGNEES:

Rev. Kim Krause

EMAIL: revkmkrs08@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 331 1390

Grace UMC - Ravena

Pastor Rebekah L. Solar

EMAIL: rebekah.solar@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 408 9452

Associate Director of Missional Excellence, United Methodists of Upper New York

Pastor Jennifer Stamm

jendstamm@gmail.com

1346 Richard Dr. Watertown, NY13601

PHONE: (716) 603 4470

First UMC Watertown

Dorothy Jayne Smith

EMAIL: jsmit114@plattsburgh.edu

PHONE: (518) 334 0142

Plattsburgh United Methodist Church

Pastor Ian Carlos Urriola

EMAIL: iurriola@burnthillsumc.org

PHONE: (585) 705 9334 Burnt Hills UMC

E. Brooke Conklin

EMAIL: bjconklin@aol.com

PHONE: (518) 424-4801 Saratoga Springs UMC

Rev. Teressa M. Sivers

EMAIL: pastorT@centralumcendicott.org

PHONE: (607) 434 9888 Central UMC Endicott

Dean Dyer

EMAIL: umli13@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 681 8553

Adams UMC

Janet Huston

EMAIL: hustonjp24@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 399 0919

First UMC, Schenectady

Irene W. Morrissey

EMAIL: imorrissey1936@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 432 7932

Oneonta First UMC

Rev. Dr. John W. McNeill

EMAIL: johnwmcn@gmail.com

PHONE: (585) 329 6193 Fairport UMC

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Quick

EMAIL: bethquick@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 729 7099

Appointed to Attend School

Rev. Christine Mitchell

EMAIL: revchrismitch13@gmail.com

PHONE: (585) 704 5587

Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs

Rev. Philip Richards

EMAIL: pastorphils@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 791 1123

Plattsburgh Three Steeples Saranac Moore

Rev. Becky Guthrie

EMAIL: blg41@hotmail.com

PHONE: (315) 796 5010

Waterville UMC/Super. Associate

Susan Demick

EMAIL:sedemick@gmail.com

PHONE: (528) 306 4739

Saratoga Springs UMC

Rev. Bryant Clark

EMAIL: bryantchristopherclark@gmail.com

PHONE: (570) 362 3662

Marcellus UMC

Tara Barnes

EMAIL: tarambarnes@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 743 2309

Tabernacle UMC

Karyn Langguth McCloskey

EMAIL: karynmccloskey@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 429 7289

First UMC Schenectady

Home Missioner Kevin M. Nelson

EMAIL: kmichael07@gmail.com

PHONE: (212) 729 4059 First UMC Schenectady

Michele A. Cole

EMAIL: micheleacole@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 366 6345

First UMC Schenectady

Rev Amy B. Gregory

EMAIL: revgregorybhumc@gmail.com

PHONE: (607) 226 6377

Burnt Hills United Methodist Church

Pastor Joel Holcomb

EMAIL: joelholcomb@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 428 0546

Center Brunswick UMC/Grace Nassau

Rev. Vivian Ruth Waltz

EMAIL: rev.vivianruth@gmail.com

PHONE: (716) 982 6501

Lincoln Memorial UMC

Elizabeth Hilliard

EMAIL: elizabeth.n.hilliard@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 345 6186

Jordan UMC

Heather Smith

EMAIL: h.smith1026@gmail.com

PHONE: (518) 368 2209

First UMC of Delmar

Rev. Beckie Sweet

EMAIL: revbeckiesweet@gmail.com

PHONE: (570) 647 8267

Ithaca: St. Paul’s UMC

Asbury First United Methodist Church

EMAIL: info@asburyfirst.org

PHONE: (585) 271 1050

Rev. Steven M. Smith

EMAIL: boston.redsoxfan@hotmail.com

PHONE: (518) 322 7746

Delmar First United Methodist

Sarah Murray

EMAIL: sarai82070@aol.com

PHONE: (607) 342 2652

St. Pauls United Methodist

Zach Stahlsmith

EMAIL: zachstahlsmith1@gmail.com

PHONE: (716) 581 3280

Hurlbut UMC

Nelson Price

EMAIL: nprice@twcny.rr.com

PHONE: (315) 446 7656

United Methodist Church, Syracuse

Jayne Humbert

EMAIL: daffodil.joy.100@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 345 6809

University United Methodist Church, Syracuse

Mike Mullin

EMAIL: mmullin@asburyfirst.org

PHONE: (585) 271 1050

Asbury First UMC

Debra Robinson

EMAIL: ggmadj@yahooo.com

PHONE: (315 )690 1630

Accessibilities Concerns Team

The Accessibility Concerns Team has a goal of being visible and effective in supporting local congregations as they include and welcome people who learn and live differently due to a disability.

Our ongoing goals include:

1. Team members are available for consulting with congregations who seek to be welcoming to people who learn or live differently due to a disability. This includes people of all ages, needs, and gifts.

2. Our team administers a small grant for conference churches to access who desire to make a physical change to their building to accommodate the needs of people. We support the concept of Universal Design that allows all people to benefit from the building change, for example- a wheelchair ramp benefits people who need a ramp for access to the building, and it benefits parents using a baby stroller and delivery people. The grants are available to all churches who have hosted a Disability Awareness Sunday and received an offering for the Disability Access Team within the past year. The offering is designated for the grant funds.

3. The Disability Access team is advocates for the needs of people with disabilities and their families as they seek support.

4. Our conference’s Disability Access Team is available to assist congregations who are planning a Disability Awareness Sunday. We are great sounding boards!

We have strong connections to the UMC National Accessibilities Concerns group. They have reached out to us for support of their projects and for 1:1 conversations about an issue of concern.

Our team has been making some adjustments this year. Our new members are welcome as we continue to seek ways we can support individuals with disabilities and congregations who seek to welcome all people.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 12, 2025

Lida Merrill

EMAIL: lida.merrill@gmail.com

PHONE: (585) 470-8675

Communications

The purpose of the Upper New York Conference Communications Ministry is to preach the good news to everyone as stated in Mark 16:15, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

The Communications Ministry Team remains dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of United Methodists of Upper New York.

• Last summer, we launched the UNY UMC app, providing real-time updates on events and news. During the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference, we’ll utilize push notifications to deliver key information leading up to and during the session, ensuring participants stay informed.

• In December 2024, we collaborated with Missional Excellence to release the four-part Season of Rest video series, led by the Rev. Abigail Browka as part of the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Designed for local churches, the series highlights the spiritual practice of rest and renewal. View the collection here: https://www.unyumc.org/resources/uny-sermon-bank.

• In January 2025, we partnered with the Appointive Cabinet to develop leadership training videos for SPRC Chairs, Trustees, Finance and Stewardship Chairs, Church Council Chairs, and Lay Leaders. These resources include printable handouts, ministry timelines, and links to additional materials. You can view it here: https://www.unyumc.org/resources/leadership-training-videos

• The 2024 Upper New York Journal has been completely redesigned, featuring an integrated church directory. To protect privacy, personal contact details has been removed. This streamlined format enhances accessibility while safeguarding clergy information.

We are in the process of redesigning unyumc.org and will launch a fresh, updated look in Fall 2025. The new website will be more visually engaging, easier to navigate, and fully mobile-friendly. Working closely with a focus group of UNY clergy and church and ministry leaders, we are creating a pastor-focused platform designed to better support ministry needs.

The Communications Ministry will continue sharing the impactful work of United Methodists in Upper New York through articles, videos, and social media—amplifying stories that inspire and equip churches, pastors, and laity alike.

Shelby

Winchell,

Director of Communications

EMAIL: shelbywinchell@unyumc.org

PHONE: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2015

Compelling Preaching Initiative

The Compelling Preaching Initiative of United Methodists of Upper New York is dedicated to embracing a powerful vision to revitalize preaching and nourish the spirits of pastors through helping preachers practice a healthy rhythm of rest, work, and play.

Supported by a generous $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., our vision is simple yet profound: to help preachers embody a rhythm of rest, work, and play. Through immersive experiences, curated workshops, and intentional spaces for reflection, we aim to renew, restore, and inspire pastors, equipping them to continue their ministry of preaching.

In 2024 and through the Preachers: Rest. Work. Play., we accomplished the following:

• Led Preachers: Rest. Work. Play. kicked off its inaugural cohort with a renewal trip to Belize in January 2025. Over ten months, participants engaged in monthly gatherings, took part in a renewal trip, a storytelling immersion trip, and had access to curated congregational resources—all designed to renew, restore, and inspire preachers in UNY.

• Launched www.preachersrestworkplay.com to help UNY Preachers connect to cohorts and build healthy rhythms of rest, work, and play.

• Wrote and published God’s People: Rest. Work. Play. journal via Amazon.com and distributed 800 free copies at the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference.

• Wrote Rest for the Lenten Soul, a free six-week small group study to help God’s people discover the sacred rhythm of rest and renewal.

• Co-wrote Season of Rest, a free four-week sermon series kit with GNJ&EPA’s https://breakthroughseries.org/series/season-of-rest, which explores the profound importance of rest in our lives and recorded four UNY sermon videos for this series.

• Developed new UNY Sermon Bank to support congregations and preachers when their pastor is on vacation, sabbatical, on circuit, sick, or on leave.

• Hosted Preachers: Rest. Work. Play. Retreat at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center in the Fall 2024.

In 2025 and beyond, the Compelling Preaching Initiative has the following planned:

1. Monday, August 11: Supporting Preachers Families - 1 Day Retreat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Family refers to single-individual, couples of all kinds, multi-person families.

2. Cohort 2’s Opening Renewal Trip in Savannah, GA is planned for April 22-29, 2025.

3. Cohort 2’s Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip to NYC is planned for January 2026.

4. Cohort 1’s Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip to Lancaster, PA is planned for November 6-9, 2025.

5. Cohort 3’s Opening Renewal Trip to Puerto Rico is planned for January 29 - February 4, 2026.

6. Cohort 3’s Oct/Nov 2026 Closing Storytelling Immersion Trip is to be determined.

7. Planning is underway for Cohort 4 & 5’s May 2026 Opening Renewal Trips and Cohort 4 & 5’s April 2027 Closing Storytelling Immersion Trips.

To join a Preacher’s Cohort, go to https://www.preachersrestworkplay.com/cohorts or scan the QR code.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 24, 2025

Pastor Rebekah Solar, Preachers Cohort Manager

EMAIL: rebekahsolar@unyumc.org

PHONE: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2037

Additional contributors or committee members:

Rev. Abigail Browka, Preachers Program Director

EMAIL: abigailbrowka@unyumc.org

PHONE: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2031

Creation Justice Team (CJT)

The UMUNY Creation Justice Team (CJT) aims to catalyze the responsible care and use of God’s creation across Upper New York, leading the conference and its congregations in living into the Upper New York United Methodist Church in answering Genesis 1:26 and Ezekiel 34: 25-31:

• Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish, the birds, and every living thing in God’s image and God’s likeness. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.

• What does ruling in God’s image and likeness look like? According to Ezekiel 34, it is ruling with tender loving kindness. The team works towards these ends through:

• Legislative Advocacy

• Responsible stewardship of church lands

• Earth-friendly personal lifestyle choices

• Reduction of energy uses

• Wise disposal of waste

The Creation Care Team (renamed “Creation Justice Team”) introduced ourselves last year at the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference, not just at the mealtime meetups, but also with a display table where we distributed materials such as flyers and yard signs, establishing links with interested clergy and laypeople across the conference. You might have noticed us via our pre-conference video, in which we encouraged everyone to exercise environmental stewardship, both at meetings and in our daily lives. Then, too, during meals, we staffed the composting stations, assuring diners sorted their recyclable items correctly.

At our display table activity for the 2024 Annual Conference:

• We proudly hung our banner for the first time.

• We handed out 68 lawn signs. Even Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez stopped by the table to pick up a sign!

• We handed out over 50 Kids for Saving the Earth curriculum booklets.

• We handed out over 400 packets of milkweed seed to Save Our Monarchs. (Maybe next year we will work to save the bees!)

• We handed out over 200 information sheets on possible green ideas for local churches.

• We secured 32 contacts.

• We were the only table that offered homemade vegan cookies!

Originally part of the Social Holiness Team, we are now under the guidance of Global Ministries. We meet the first Tuesday morning of each month.

Other achievements during 2024 included:

• Various team members published information and action alerts in the conference’s Weekly Digest newsletter.

• Designed a logo and printed a banner to be used for future displays and/or events.

• Assembled a PowerPoint presentation about the focus of our committee which was presented at Mission U last summer at Asbury Retreat Center.

• Created a website with links to relevant articles at https://unycreationjustice.org.

The Creation Justice Team received a Peace with Justice Grant to support:

• Creating “Green Kits” for distribution at the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference in May.

• Facilitating attendance at Earth Keepers Training via zoom this spring, and in-person in the fall (date and locations TBA)

• Delivering presentations to congregations and districts across the AC, supporting the starting and enhancing of “Green Teams.”

Additional funding for the Creation Justice Team has been provided via donations through the Advanced Specials.

*Please note that the following resolution (in part) was passed at the 2020/2024 General Conference:

Be it resolved: That every local church, charge, cluster or district is urged to create a ’green team’ or strengthen an existing one for action in four areas each year: Worship, Education, Practice, and Advocacy, providing children, youth and adults of all ages with inspiration, knowledge, encouragement, and practical means for caring for creation and justice.

Look for us at the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference where we plan to once again have manned composting stations. If you have questions or you would like to join our team, look for the Creation Justice Sticker on our name tags.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 21, 2025

Ellen Klock

EMAIL: olmstedlms@gmail.com

PHONE: (716) 208-6802

Additional contributors or committee members: Andrew Hartley

EMAIL: khahstats@yahoo.com

Episcopacy, Committee on the

The role of the Committee on the Episcopacy is to support the bishop as his Pastor Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) team, oversee episcopal housing, support evaluation reports from the Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy (NEJ COE), and care for any episcopal needs in Upper New York.

In the last year, the Committee on the Episcopacy has accomplished the following:

• Meet with Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez as needed, ensuring his housing remains up to standard in care, repair, and safety.

• Work with the NEJ COE.

• Provide cards/gifts for holidays and annual conference.

Our goals for the upcoming year include:

• Continuing to meet with the bishop as appropriate/needed.

• Meet with and begin to work with Susquehanna Conference COE chairs.

• Continue to ensure that the safety of the bishop and his family is cared for, and that his emotional, physical, and spiritual health are cared for. The committee will remain accessible to him as needed.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 2/11/2025

Carmen FS Vianese

EMAIL: cfsv.umc@gmail.com

PHONE: (585) 519-6980

Finance and Administration, Conference Council on (CFA)

The Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) continues to implement cost-cutting measures, including the rightsizing of finance staff. Additionally, the council is actively involved in developing the budget and other mandated tasks.

We have continued to address the impact of church closures, disaffiliations, and the associated costs related to the Child Victims Act. We express our sincere gratitude to all churches that have remitted their ministry shares in full for the year 2024. Furthermore, we commend those churches that have exceeded their apportioned share by paying additional funds. Notably, 451 churches have fully paid their shared ministries, while several others have demonstrated increased generosity during this challenging year. CFA celebrates and acknowledges these accomplishments. We urge churches that have not fully remitted their Ministry Shares to fully participate in shared ministry responsibilities.

Our overall collection rate for 2024 was 81.5%, which aligns with our 2024 budgetary assumptions. We express our gratitude to the district superintendents for their encouragement of churches to complete their ministry share payments. The conference anticipates that continued collaboration with the cabinet will facilitate a sustained increase in the paid ministry share percentage for 2025 and subsequent years. It is noteworthy that the higher-than-normal collection rate for 2024 is supported by churches that disaffiliated. These churches were required to remit a twelve-month pro rata share of their ministry expenses. These payments helped to ensure that the conference collected from these churches through the end of 2024. There will be no more ministry shares allocated from disaffiliated churches.

The conference concluded the year with an unaudited operating surplus of $1,020,409. Several factors contributed to this surplus. Firstly, a sweep account with guaranteed interest rates from our bank generated interest income of approximately $630,000 on our operating account balances. Secondly, we experienced strong investment returns of around $320,000 in 2024. These two amounts of interest account for the majority of our current projected surplus. The 2026 budget anticipates an investment interest usage of $400,000 for operations.

The conference has retained the services of Dermody, Burke & Brown (DB&B) to conduct the 2024 audit. DB&B completed our 2023 audit in 2024, and we anticipate a continued partnership that will allow access to up-to-date audited financial information into the future. The conference is closely monitoring staff salaries and wages in relation to prevailing market rates. To optimize the utilization of ministry share funds, the conference has implemented organizational restructuring and reduced staff levels.

In preparing the 2026 Ministry Shares Budget, we have diligently implemented cost-saving measures to minimize expenses associated with Ministry Shares. In response to the decline in church membership due to closures and disaffiliations, the conference is actively seeking cost-saving measures within its budget. We are continually exploring alternative funding sources to support the missions and ministries of the Upper New York Conference.

The Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) commenced the budget formulation process by analyzing the previous year’s ministry area expenses and adjusting for anticipated salary and benefit increases, as well as any known changes within each ministry area. Additionally, we considered alternative funding options for each ministry area.

Legacy funds will be repurposed judiciously and within the bounds of legality. They will be operated as endowment funds supporting current ministries. The amount allocated for general church apportionments is based on the current budget developed by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) related to the 2025-2028 quadrennium budget passed at last year’s General Conference session.

Budget lines with a * indicate ministry areas that have experienced a change of more than $5,000 from the 2025 budget. The overall 2026 budget presents a reduction of $300,000 compared to the 2025 approved budget and a total reduction of $1,800,000 compared to the 2023 approved budget. CFA anticipates that these budgetary adjustments will offset the ministry share losses incurred by closed and disaffiliated churches as of the end of 2024.

CFA acknowledges that the full impact of these losses may not be fully realized until later this year, when all churches have completed their statistical reports. The conference staff will then process the required reports to assess the impact

of operating revenue on churches that remain after the completion of the full disaffiliation process. Due to this time constraint, CFA has committed to not increasing the ministry share factor rate for 2026. Once we compile the ACStats data, if the formula results in a lower reduction to the ministry share factor, that reduced factor will be used to calculate ministry shares for 2026. We will continue to review necessary reductions and additional funding opportunities for our 2027 budget next year. CFA will continue collaborating with the cabinet to explore additional ways to assist churches in continuing ministry share payments. We anticipate that this approach will enable us to find ways to implement actual ministry share reductions across the board for our local churches in future years. Please review the proposed 2026 budget, which is available on pages 87-90 of this workbook.

We owe thanks to the members of CFA for their service and ministry: the Rev. Naomi Annandale, Garrett Cole, Pastor Cesar Galarza, Pastor Noel John, Kathy Perry, Lyle Tague, Bob Flask, the Rev. Susan Ranous, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, and the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding. In addition, CFA would like to thank the entire finance staff along with the Board of Trustees, Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, the Conference Leadership Team, Executive Staff, and Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez for their continued support.

Submitted by: Roger Cullen, Chair

Global Ministries Team

The role and purpose of Global Ministries Team is to promote mission awareness, action, and support.

In the past year, the Global Ministries Team has:

• Moved the approval of the list of Conference Advance Specials for the coming year and promote them on the conference website at https://www.unyumc.org/mission/conference-advance-specials.

• Maintained a list of our 14 UM Missionaries on the conference website for individuals and congregations to pray for and financially support. We assisted two of them, Emmanuel and Florence Mefor as they itinerated through the conference in 2024 and will assist Charles Mulemena as he attends annual conference with us and itinerates to churches across the conference this spring.

• Trained people to be Volunteers in Mission (VIMs) and Early Response Team (ERT) members and encouraged and deployed people to go and serve our neighbors in need.

• Sent a team of 32 people to Africa University in February 2025 to meet the 11 students supported with scholarships from our endowed scholarships.

Our top three goals for the coming year:

• Find a district mission coordinator for each district.

• Invite more people to be trained and involved in volunteer mission opportunities.

• Invite more congregations to support one or more of our conference missionaries.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: January 30, 2025

Rev. Jeff Childs

EMAIL: revchilds@hotmail.com

PHONE: (315) 729-4464

Laity, Conference Board of

The role of the Conference Board of Laity is to promote the laity’s role in the church and in the community.

In the past year, the Board of Laity did the following:

• The last annual conference featured a Laity session that provided an opportunity for participants to reconnect and build relationships through table discussions. These discussions were centered around questions about the hopes, dreams, and challenges facing local churches. The responses were collected and tabulated by a team and shared with the conference. The session also focused on sharing updates and lifting up the ministries of other districts, fostering collaboration, and idea-sharing.

• Planning of district days to equip and empower laity throughout the conference.

• In partnership with the Conference Lay Servant Ministries, a significant achievement was the successful advocacy for a pay increase for laity providing pulpit support.

• Additionally, efforts to improve communication between local churches and district lay leaders were emphasized, aiming to rebuild teams and create more training opportunities.

• Planned for the Laity session also included a focus on intercultural competency, further supporting the development of laity in ministerial settings.

Goals for the upcoming year include:

1. Collaborating with the Susquehanna Conference on ways to best live out our mission.

2. Plan for Laity Session 2026.

3. Promote district days with a focus on equipping and empowering laity for their roles in the local church.

4. Continue to develop connections between districts and local churches.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 25, 2025

Jessica White

EMAIL: jdgirl25@yahoo.com

PHONE: (716) 225-1887

Additional contributors or committee members:

Gracie Lyn Evergreen

Ellen Mall-John

Susan Hardy

Robert Mueller

Darlene Dennis

Mark Adsit

Ann Welch-Wood

Hap Skellen

Brenda Shelmidine

Rick Fisher

Tara Barnes

Donna Tarsia

Linda Barczykowski

Deborah Clyde

Blenda Smith

Lori Lorraine

Lay Servant Ministries

Lay Servant Ministries is the premier lay leadership development program available within the United Methodist connection. Lay Servants grow as disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples through their leadership and witness.

Lay Servants serve within their local church and beyond in ways that inspire other laity to deepen their commitment to Christ and yield more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of Scripture, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church. They lead, assist, and support the programs of the church; assume leadership roles; lead prayer meetings; facilitate small groups and Bible studies; teach Sunday School; conduct congregational and community life; and foster caregiving ministries. They are leaders who serve through leading, caring, and communicating ministries in their local church and beyond.

Our team of 15 faithful disciples continues the work of encouraging, equipping, and empowering the ministry of our laity within the local churches. We continue to help laity discern their call to ministry. During 2024, we continued to offer multiple courses for our laity both in-person and by Zoom. We affirmed nine new Certified Lay Ministers and four new Certified Lay Speakers.

Our goals for the next year are:

• Help both clergy and laity better understand Lay Servant Ministries and how it enhances the life of the church.

• Encourage more laity to take the step to becoming Certified Lay Servants.

• Continue offering courses to help our laity be successful in ministry.

• Find faithful servants to serve as District Directors of Lay Servant Ministries within districts that currently do not have a director.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 7, 2025

Linda Barczykowski

EMAIL: lindab125@outlook.com

PHONE: (716) 946-0124

2024 Conference Lay Servant Ministries Team

Leadership Team, Conference

Team Purpose and Membership

Since our last Annual Conference gathering, the Conference Leadership Team (CLT) has been diligently working on your behalf. The year began with focused relationship building as our team underwent significant restructuring. In addition to at-large members, we now include chairs from the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Council of Finance and Administration, the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, the Commission on Equitable Compensation, and the Board of Trustees. These members collaborate with representatives from the Commission on Race and Religion, the Dean of the Cabinet, Director of Communications, Conference Treasurer, Assistant to the Bishop, Director of Missional Excellence, and the Resident Bishop. For a complete roster of those serving, please consult the Nominations report. These strategic changes enhance our ability to provide clear missional direction and serve effectively as the Executive Body between Annual Conference sessions.

Accomplishments for the Year:

Leadership Summit

One of our first initiatives was hosting the Leadership Summit in September 2024 in Liverpool. We invited the chair and one member from each conference team, committee, and commission to this day-long gathering. The summit began with worship and conversation, centering us on our primary commitment to loving God and each other. General Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo of the General Commission on Religion & Race then led a learning session focused on developing cultural competence to foster a community of belonging. The day concluded with small group discussions around guided questions, exploring how annual conference leaders can collectively guide the church into our emerging future.

Camp & Retreat Ministries

As relationship building continued, the CLT engaged with Camp & Retreat Ministries to envision next faithful steps for the ministry and its various sites. A significant portion of this work involved transitioning Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center into “Sabbath mode.” Throughout Fall 2024, a stakeholder team conducted a discernment process for Casowasco, resulting in the Camp & Retreat Ministries Board, in collaboration with our Leadership Team, deciding to pause programming and hosting to enable deeper exploration of future directions.

Legacy Conference Net Assets

Our team has also addressed the Net Assets carried over from the legacy conferences. Since the Upper New York Conference’s inception, our guiding vision has been “to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places.” This North Star has guided our ministry and decision-making across nearly every aspect of conference life. The monumental task of uniting portions of four annual conferences into one required attending to countless details—developing missional structure, managing financial accounts, navigating multiple operating procedures, and numerous other functions—work that continues to the present day.

One area that has progressed more slowly is the management of numerous asset funds inherited from all legacy annual conferences. These funds, held by predecessor conferences, were designated either internally or by donors. All compiled funds from former conferences have been properly maintained with clear records of the funds and accrued interest since 2010. These identified funds undergo regular audit processes, including the completed 2023 audit, which provided our finance office with the most current totals.

Several complicating factors—the complexities of establishing a new conference, staffing changes, managing Child Victims’ Act cases, addressing disaffiliation, and navigating a global pandemic—have delayed focused attention on applying these funds.

In early 2023, we assembled a specialized staff team to determine appropriate applications for these invested funds. We are excited about how, through donor faithfulness, the annual conference will accelerate and deepen resources for leaders and local congregations.

This work is guided by the following core values:

• Discovering and honoring donor intent when possible;

• Maintaining legal and Book of Discipline boundaries;

• Strengthening the conference’s ability to embody our mission and vision;

• Fostering collaboration by identifying teams and individuals for future conversations;

• Shifting from holding funds to releasing funds for conference strategic work;

• Maximizing missional impact through fund disbursement for equipping, resourcing, and ministry.

A key challenge is balancing respect for original donor intent or former conference internal designations with current needs of United Methodists of Upper New York. When clear alignment no longer exists, careful consideration with internal partners may necessitate resource realignment. This would involve presenting to the State of New York a case explaining why the designated intent no longer serves present-day ministry needs and proposing a new purpose for the fund. This comprehensive work will continue through 2025 and into 2026, with a full report presented to the annual conference body during the 2026 Annual Conference Session.

The Year Ahead

Moving into the remainder of 2025 and 2026, the Conference Leadership Team will continue to walk with Camp & Retreat Ministries in the work that is underway, as well as the Net Assets project. The intention is to host another Leadership Summit and to continue to help provide missional direction through the Missional Playbook found at the following link or by scanning the QR code: https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/UNYAC_-_Playbook_08_01_2024.pdf.

Additionally, the team will be engaging in a strategic planning process to assess, affirm, and update our missional commitments. From this process two to five goals for our shared ministry as United Methodists of Upper New York will be established. Watch for updates throughout the year.

Executive Actions

In our executive capacity between conference sessions, we approved updates from the Nominations and Lay Leadership Team and established Camp & Retreat Sunday for United Methodists of Upper New York.

Missional Excellence – Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural (CCRC) Ministry and Campus Ministry

The role of Missional Excellence Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural (CCRC) Ministry and Campus Ministry is to equip clergy and congregations of Upper New York through resourcing.

In the past year, the Campus Ministry has:

• Developed a Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural (CCRC) Conversation Group and began a CRCC Coaching Initiative.

• Reconstructed the Christian Protestant/United Methodist Chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel in Syracuse University.

The top goals for CRCC Ministry in the coming year includes:

1. Launch coaching safely;

2. Plan for an in-person celebration gathering;

3. In collaboration with the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), build a train-the-trainer team;

4. Continue CRCC monthly conversations.

The top goals for Campus Ministry in the coming year includes:

1. Successfully launch a student leadership;

2. Continue weekly Bible study and monthly dinner;

3. Continue to collaborate with Christian chaplaincies;

4. Emphasize UM Student Day.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 14, 2025

Rev. Jee Hae Song

EMAIL: jeehaesong@unyumc.org

PHONE: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2028

Missional Excellence – Missional Engagement

The role of Missional Engagement is to provide resources and opportunities for disciples to live out their faith by serving and impacting communities near or far.

In the past year, Missional Engagement has done the following:

Equipping Leaders:

We provided five training opportunities in key areas: Asset-Based Community Development, Disaster Preparedness, Early Response Team Training, Early Response Team Recertification, and Volunteers in Mission Team Leader Training. These sessions equipped a total of 71 Mission Leaders.

Disaster Response:

Sadly, the summer and fall seasons brought multiple disasters across the state, prompting action from our Early Response Teams and other volunteers. Upper New York deployed Early Response Teams four times. Thanks to generous support from UMCOR Solidarity Grants ($20,000) and donations from local churches ($38,000), we were able to assist eight communities with financial aid and/or UMCOR Relief Kits: Lowville, Rome, Canastota, Eden, Norwood, Steuben County, and Westfield (PA).

In December, a team of six ERT members deployed to Augusta, Georgia, to help with the cleanup following Hurricane Helene.

Volunteers in Mission:

In partnership with the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM), we launched a youth mission weekend called Salt of the Earth Missions This inaugural event brought 28 youth from four churches to serve at five locations in Syracuse. The event will return this summer, taking place from July 31 to August 3 in Watertown, NY. Additionally, at the close of the year, we introduced the “Love and Serve 2025” resource to assist churches in preparing for mission experiences. It can be accessed here: https://www.unyumc.org/mission/vim

Mission Central HUB:

To strengthen our conference’s disaster response capacity, we introduced our first two Neighborhood Hubs at Central UMC in Endicott and Kenmore UMC. These hubs, in collaboration with area churches, serve as collection points where churches can drop off or receive UMCOR Relief Supplies as needed.

We’re already seeing positive outcomes from these hubs. The Central UMC Hub sent supplies to Western North Carolina and Pennsylvania following flooding events and also distributed supplies locally to partner agencies. The Kenmore UMC Hub sent over 400 buckets south after Hurricane Helene. We’re excited to continue expanding our Neighborhood Hubs, which are integral to bringing healing and support to communities after disasters.

The Mission Central HUB in Liverpool continues to operate as our main hub, but we encourage churches to bring their kits to the hub that is closest to them.

Goals for the upcoming year:

1. Update the Conference Disaster Response Plan with resources for local churches to create their own plan.

2. Double the number of youth engaged at the Salt of the Earth Youth Mission Weekend.

3. Plant two new neighborhood hubs.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 24,2025

Kristina Clark

EMAIL: kristinaclark@unyumc.org

PHONE: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2066

Missional Excellence – Resource and Training

The purpose of Missional Excellence – Resource and Training is to resource local churches, congregations and clergy with information and training that will assist them in fulfilling their mission in the world.

In the past year, Missional Excellence has done the following:

• Facilitated two Saving Grace Workshops for clergy. This involved working through the Clergy Workbook, videos provided by Wespath, and working through worksheets and forms to assist clergy in assessing their financial health, debt levels, income and expenses, and ultimately working on setting up their own personal spending plans.

• Attending monthly Council on Finance & Administration (CFA) meetings via Zoom to work on the budget, spending plan, planning, reviewing the treasurer’s reports.

• Provided a free Clergy Tax Workshop via Zoom for any clergy that wished to learn and understanding the specifics of clergy taxes, and planning housing exclusions and other clergy-specific tax issues.

• Prepared and led a training for DCOM mentors at the Conference Center, which included discussing the needs of a mentee, and going through the paperwork, manuals and forms that the mentor needs to assist the mentee in completing and providing.

• Provide information and discussion to district superintendents, clergy, and treasurers about statistical reports, clergy payroll, financial requirements, rental of parsonages and stewardship questions.

• Produce a regular blog on Stewardship with Susan Ranous, discussing financial, stewardship, and discipleship issues. This blog is shared by some of the district newsletters and is available to anyone that wishes to read the posts here: https://www.susanranousstewardship.com/

• Recorded two leadership videos, one on finance and one on stewardship, that have been shared with leaders in the local churches.

• Attended and participated in the Upper New York leadership summit.

• Facilitated two workshops at the Adirondack/Albany district day on stewardship and financial issues.

• Met with the treasurer and members of CFA regarding revising the information and lines on the annual ACStats reports.

• Provided training for the Genesee Valley District Committee on Ministry.

In the upcoming year, the goal is to:

• Offer additional saving grace workshops to assist clergy with their financial issues and to enable them to lead similar workshops in their own local churches.

• Provide the Stewardship Academy curriculum that I have created to train persons who will be coaches in the conference, in addition to the help that I can provide.

• Pull together books and other resources in the areas of finance, stewardship, and discipleship for the use of all.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 24, 2025

Rev. Susan Ranous

EMAIL: susanranous@unyumc.org

(315) 898-2000

Native American Ministries, Committee on (CONAM)

The Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) plays a vital role in the conference, serving as a liaison between the conference and its Native American churches. It maintains connections with national NAUMC groups, learning from their leadership and events, while also fostering communication with conference churches to promote ongoing education and engagement.

In the past year, CONAM has done the following:

• Oversee the Native American Sunday funds at the conference center, ensuring they are used to benefit the Native American (NA) community within the conference.

• Maintain regular contact with the three Native American UMCs in Upper New York.

• Provide financial support to the three NAUMC when appropriate.

• Offer grants for projects that support Native American communities or educate the broader public on Native American issues, including:

o Funding a grief support group that meets twice a month.

o Supporting performances by Native American composers and choreographers at Ganondagan State Historic Site for Indigenous Peoples Day.

The top three goals for the coming year:

1. Continue to monitor the NA funds available through the conference.

2. See these funds reach the three NA churches for appropriate projects approved by CONAM.

3. Continue to provide grants for appropriate projects that benefit NA people within the conference.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: January 14, 2025

Kae Wilbert

EMAIL: kw917@rochester.rr.com

PHONE: (585) 944-2552

New Faith Communities & Innovation Initiative

New Faith Communities (NFC) has been a primary initiative of United Methodists of Upper New York for over ten years, and more than 100 New Faith Communities (NFCs) have been planted since 2011.

The purpose of NFCs is to “Intentionally reach new people in contextual ways to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

The New Faith Communities & Innovation Initiative fosters and guides innovative approaches to ministry, particularly through creating opportunities for experimentation, co-learning, and by distributing resources. By supporting new and existing ministries, the New Faith Communities & Innovation Initiative aims to intentionally reach new people in contextual ways.

New Faith Communities are:

• A newly established ministry initiative

• Explicitly built to reach new people outside of the existing church

• Relational

• Help new people explore, embrace, and grow in their faith in the Wesleyan way.

In the last year, New Faith Communities have accomplished the following:

• New Faith Communities & Innovation Initiative

• 100 people gathered for UNY Greenhouse Days in September 2024 at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool and at Penn Ave UMC in Pine City to explore new ways of reaching people and reimagining ministry for today’s world.

• “Greenhouse Day was an inspiring experience that encouraged us to think outside the box for kingdom building. Through innovative activities and collaborative discussions, we learned to approach challenges with creativity and open-mindedness. This day reminded us that by embracing unconventional ideas and solutions, we can contribute more effectively to our community and its growth. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient kingdom,” said the Rev. CJ Rolle, pastor at Lincoln Memorial UMC in Buffalo.

Key takeaways from UNY Greenhouse Days

• Start small and be present:

“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14 MSG) Ministry begins by being present in your community. Small, mustard-seed communities can grow into spaces where people are known, loved, and find belonging. New ministries often start with listening to others, loving and serving, and building relationships.

• Embrace play and creativity:

Friedman’s advice: “Play when you are stuck.” If your church feels stuck, introduce play, creativity, and flexibility into your ministry to stir things up. Sometimes it’s in moments of play that breakthroughs happen.

• Join in what God is already doing:

One of the most powerful insights from the weekend was that “Beloved people, of sacred worth and great value, may never know the gift of communal life in Jesus in our current modes of being church.” We’re called to join in what God is already doing in our communities, rather than relying solely on traditional modes of ministry.

• Listen and be Open:

Do you know, what non-Christians are looking for when having faith conversations with followers of Christ? Barna reports: What do people of no faith hope these spiritual conversations look like? In our survey, the responses are clear. The top thing people look for in a conversation with a Christian is that they “listen without judgment.” People of no faith are also hoping for honesty about questions and doubts, and they don’t want forced conclusions. The best learning environment, they express, is one marked by care and consideration.

There are a few key questions for us all to consider as we move forward:

• How can you embrace innovation in your ministry?

• What’s one small step your church could take this month to connect with new people?

• How can we be more curious, flexible, and open to the needs of young people?

Following UNY Greenhouse Days, 20 people representing eight UNY ministries joined our monthly one-year Innovation Cohort with Michael Beck for group coaching to deepen their innovation and cultivate fresh expressions of Christian communities through their churches.

On April 21, 2024, NFC’s KonXions and Northern KonXions officially chartered as two United Methodist Churches of the Upper New York Conference!

Released How to Vision video with Rev. Abigail Browka at https://vimeo.com/961323827

New Faith Communities in their first five years of ministry: Beloved, hosted at Liverpool UMC Church in the Wild Crossings @ South Dayton Empowerment Ministry

Encounter at Falconer UMC Manoah (Korean)

Mizo (Burmese)

Nourished, through Middleburgh UMC

Open Doors: A United Methodist Community in Franklin, NY Watertown First Supper Church Worship at the Well; Penn Yan

Engage New People Grant recipients: Countryside UMC

Phoenix UMC

New Horizon Faith Center UMC

Engage New People Grant application found at: https://www.unyumc.org/ministries/engage-new-people-grant

Our top goals for the upcoming year include:

1. Encourage space for experiments, innovation, and pioneering ministry in both our existing and established churches and in those NFCs yet to come

2. Host co-learning experiences to encourage experiments, innovation, and pioneering ministry

3. Distribute resources to newly established ministry initiatives explicitly built to reach new people outside of the existing church that help new people explore, embrace, and grow in their faith in the Wesleyan way

In 2025:

• We will continue resourcing ministries to encourage innovation and outreach, including:

• Engage New People Grants (up to $2,500), available year-round, and New Beginnings Fund Grants, reviewed bi-annually on November 1 and May 1.

• Ongoing coaching and support for Planters and Innovators, focusing on cultivating sustainable and contextual ministry practices.

• Fall 2025 Innovation Event(s)

• Developing additional resources such as videos, guides, and toolkits on reaching new people.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 11, 2025

Rev. Abigail Browka

EMAIL: abigailbrowka@unyumc.org

(315) 898-2000

Ordained Ministry, Board of (BOM)

The Upper New York Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) is responsible for supporting persons who respond to God’s call to professional ministry as an elder, deacon, licensed local pastor, or other ministry options.

Together with the District Committees on Ordained Ministry (DCoM), BOM reviews the educational and personal qualifications of candidates, including personal interviews, through each step of the candidacy process, from certified candidacy to ordination or licensing as a local pastor. BOM then makes a recommendation on the person’s status to the Clergy Session at Annual Conference. BOM also reviews and recommends changes in Conference Relationship, whether voluntary or involuntary.

BOM shepherds ministerial students enrolled in theological schools and local pastors who participate in Course of Study.

The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) began the 2024 – 2028 Quadrennium with a third of its members new to the board. Much of our work began with intentional team building of trust and passion for the work of BOM.

BOM consists of six divisions: Standards & Qualifications, DCoM, Provisional, Recruitment & Enlistment, Status, and Effectiveness. This year we added a new division: Vocational Discernment. This new division is working to organize an effective mentor-training program to equip those who assist candidates for ministry. Each division works between sessions of BOM to do the work of the board. They are highly committed and passionate about their assignments and work well together.

At the May 2024 meeting, BOM adopted a new organizational structure aimed at preventing institutional memory loss and working toward consistency and living into a strategic succession plan for leadership. The goal is to have a fully trained backup plan anytime there are transitions in leadership.

Priorities for 2024-2025 are to continue building trust and a committed sense of collegiality among BOM members; focus efforts on recruiting candidates for ministry; and being good stewards of conference resources.

The DCoM division is working to standardize procedures in all district committees to help when clergy transition from one district to another; and to have consistent expectations of all clergy candidates.

In October, BOM met with Bishop Burgos and the cabinet in a time of learning and brainstorming on how to work collaboratively with one another.

BOM greatly appreciates the administrative support of Cindy Muder.

The Board interviewed 14 candidates for ministry in March 2025.

In the coming year, BOM will continue to build trust and a sense of collegiality, not only on the board itself, but with the entire UNY Conference. BOM is developing a strategic financial plan to distribute grants, scholarships, and a potential loan forgiveness program.

BOM will focus on the recruitment and enlistment of potential clergy. BOM will emphasize the need for trained mentors to walk with candidates as they maneuver through the professional ministry process and to train clergy to seek out and nurture those who sense a call to ministry.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 12, 2025

Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper

EMAIL: bomchair@unyumc.org

PHONE: (585) 233-6149

Peace with Justice

Together we were able to fund six Peace with Justice grants in 2024. Unfortunately, we received eight grant applications. Sadly, the participation in the Peace with Justice Sunday collection has not been as robust as the need for funding new justice ministries. We will not be giving any grants for the usual April round of applications. Please consider not only taking the Peace with Justice Sunday offering but making it a priority for your congregation. This Special Sunday is scheduled for the Sunday after Pentecost (June 15, 2025) but can be taken at any time. Half of all funds collected stay in the conference to fund new ministry projects like those we supported this year:

• The Community Outreach Center at Asbury First to offer spiritual care, foster Christian community, and equip and empower people impacted by injustice to be leaders in the gospel movement to end it.

• The Schoharie United Methodist Cooperative Ministries’ Operation Home Repair to provide critical home repairs to economically challenged homeowners in Schoharie County.

• The Mechanicville Unted Methodist Church Community Garden to help address food insecurity and build relationships.

• The UNY Creation Care Team to create and supply Green Kits for Congregational Green Teams.

• The Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS for their End Child Poverty in New York Rally and Petition Delivery.

• CPR, AED and First Aid Training for the Niagara Frontier District for Jim Mets to provide training in CPR/AED/First Aid to individual Methodist Churches in the Niagara Frontier District, including the urban churches of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, at an inexpensive cost.

By Discipline, a Peace with Justice Coordinator is assigned by every conference and is to act as primary coordinator of Peace with Justice resources, interpretation and advocacy. The coordinator links the local churches in the annual conference with the General Board of Church and Society Peace with Justice Ministries Program. I encourage you to reach out if there is any way in which I can connect you with resources.

This year, I encourage you and your congregation to look into supporting:

• Child Abuse Reporting Expansion (CARE) Act (S. 05711/A.06662) which adds clergy members to the list of mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and maltreatment.

• New York for All Act (S. 987/A. 5686) which broadly prohibits state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws, funneling people into ICE custody, and sharing sensitive information with ICE. It prohibits ICE from entering non-public areas of state and local property without a judicial warrant.

As always, I encourage you and your congregation to use the Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities three-session study on gun violence offered by the General Board of Church and Society found here: https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/kingdom-dreams-violent-realities-bible-study-412.

Heather Smith

UNY Peace with Justice Coordinator peacewithjustice@unyumc.org

Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel - Equal Justice 4

Palestine/Israel (EJPI), Task Force on

The role of the Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel - Equal Justice 4 Palestine/Israel (EJPI) is to engage United Methodists, as Christians, as well as friends, in concern for fellow Palestinian Christians and ALL Palestinians, that they may have equal Justice with their Israeli neighbors—to educate, advocate, and take action as Christian disciples to remedy injustice and help bring peace.

In the past year, the Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel - Equal Justice 4 Palestine/Israel (EJPI) has done the following:

At Annual Conference 2024:

• Passage of a resolution to end U.S. funding for Israel’s military occupation of Palestine (West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza);

• Mealtime meetup with12 to 18 participants discussing “What can we do?” including rep from New York State Council of Churches;

• Display table with info on the Gary Bergh Scholarship Advance Special, New York State Council of Churches trip in May 2025, Palestinian crafts, and books sold as fundraisers.

Development of curriculum outline for use by local churches, plus offer by Rev. Dr. Gary Doupe and Rev. Gary Kubitz, previous G.B. Scholarship trip participants to speak at local church venues. Rev. Kubitz will be speaking at a United Women in Faith (UWF) gathering in Spring 2025 and Rev. Dr. Doupe spoke at a local church in February.

Ongoing contacts have been made by e-mail or phone calls by Task Force members calling for our government to support a “permanent ceasefire” in Gaza and return of hostages to Israel.

Serious consideration of how to reach “people in the pew” and how to involve inspired young people has led to everything from contacting United Women in Faith (UWF) leadership, UM “Mission School” curriculum, UM Young Adults and leadership, and inter-facing with other teams under the Social Holiness umbrella.

Also, the idea of informally naming ourselves as Equal Justice 4 Palestine/ Israel (EJPI) was seen as a way to access our team more easily.

With the formation of an interfaith committee on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel by the New York State Council of Churches, members of our UM Task Force provided our Conference connection.

Finally, after a hiatus partly due to COVID, a Gary Bergh Scholarship was awarded to MaryAnne Grady-Flores of Ithaca in Fall 2024 and to Rev. Dr. Gary Doupe and Rev. Dr. Robin Blair of the Binghamton and Rochester areas, respectively, for the May “Living Stones” delegation promoted by the New York State Council of Churches. Each of these recipients has agreed to be available to speak or present at UM gatherings.

A new resolution is being offered at Annual Conference dealing with “apartheid” in the Palestinian/Israeli context.

New retirees are especially encouraged to join in the Task Force’s peace w/ justice efforts.

The top goals in the coming year include:

1. First & foremost—to invite, encourage, be available to new participants, possible new leadership, and new, young energy for educating and advocating for peace with justice for Palestinians & Israelis. We see this ministry as an essential Christian witness once one has received an understanding of the situation.

2. Actively promote the Gary Bergh Scholarship as a way to have people “go and see” their Palestinian brothers and sisters, worship with them, spend time with them and with their allies, Israeli Jews who join them in non-violent demonstrations and advocacy.

3. Finding new ways to fund-raise, not only for our UM Advance Special schools and clinics in the West Bank and Jerusalem areas, as in the past with our annual Palestinian Dinners at Annual Conference, but also for needs in Gaza or for the GB Scholarship Fund. Limited table space also makes it difficult to sell Palestinian crafts and olive

oil—so new ideas are needed, and persons who would find such efforts rewarding.

4. Promote a list of ways “you can DO something” for local churches!

5. More widely promote info via our updated website: UM-palestine-israel-tf.org

6. Or our national connection, United Methodists for Kairos Response: kairosresponse.org

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 26, 2025

Linda Bergh

EMAIL: lindagarybergh@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 640-9890

FOOTNOTES

1. The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, United Nations –https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/cspca/cspca.html

2. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court – https://www.icc-cpi.int/resource-library/documents/rs-eng.pdf Schwöbel-Patel, Christine (2020). “The Core Crimes of International Criminal Law”. The Oxford Handbook of International Criminal Law. Oxford University Press. p. 768. ISBN 9780198825203.

3. Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa report – “Occupation, colonialism, apartheid? A re-assessment of Israel’s practices in the occupied Palestinian territories under international law” https://repository.hsrc.ac.za/handle/20.500.11910/4619 United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) report – “Israeli Practices towards the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid,” https://www.kairosresponse.org/it_is_apartheid.html

Yesh Din Report – “The Occupation of the West Bank and the Crime of Apartheid” https://www.yesh-din.org/en/the-occupation-of-the-west-bank-and-the-crime-of-apartheid-legal-opinion/ B’Tselem Report – “A Regime of Jewish Supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: It is Apartheid” https://www.btselem.org/publications/fulltext/202101_this_is_apartheid

Human Rights Watch report – “A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution” https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/19/israeli-apartheid-threshold-crossed#

Amnesty International report – “Israel’s Apartheid against Palestinians: A Look into Decades of Oppression and Domination” https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2022/02/israels-system-of-apartheid/

4. Kairos Palestine Statement – “Cry for Hope: A Call for Decisive Action” http://www.cryforhope.org

5. Social Principles: The Social Community - The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 https://www.umc.org/en/content/social-principles-the-social-community

6. “Southern Africa,” United Methodist Book of Resolutions, adopted 1988; “Web of Apartheid. South Africa and the destabilization of its neighbors,” United Methodist Book of Resolutions, adopted 1992

Religion and Race, Conference Committee on (CCORR)

The role of the Conference Committee on Religion and Race (CCORR) is to challenge, lead, and equip the people of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church to become inter-culturally competent, to ensure institutional equity, and to facilitate vital conversations about religion, race, and culture (para. 2002). CCORR continues to invest time and resources in training, programs, tools, initiatives, and monitoring for diversity at Annual Conference which enables the Upper New York Conference to live more deeply into this reality.

In the last year, CCORR has accomplished:

1. New Curriculum

While Imagine No Racism (INR) does a great job of imparting important understanding and information about racism, it doesn’t give people enough space or time to get solidify an action plan. We have begun to create a new specialized curriculum that will inspire people to action—action that moves people past charity work to justice work, empowering participants to own their own anti-racism call and ministry. Instead of a six-week timetable, this curriculum will run for one day. It will begin with worship, and will cover four primary topics: differential ethics, elimination of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in industry and government, changes in immigration policies, and elimination of poverty assistance programs. The day will end with covenant building between facilitators and participants. All components will be strongly connected to scripture.

2. Monitoring at Annual Conference

Two team members worked with members of COSROW to provide online demographic monitoring at Annual Conference 2024. We scripted and presented an explanation of the process and its importance and reported statistics daily to the body. We co-wrote a final report to the conference body, as well.

3. Curriculum for Youth/Young Adults

Two CCORR team members presented a shortened version of the INR curriculum to the Camp & Retreat Ministry (CRM) summer staff. The presentation was very well received.

4. CR/CC pastors/congregations

To support these pastors and their congregations, two team members began their work by creating a comprehensive list of clergy who are in Cross-Racial Cross-Cultural (CR/CC) appointments. We’re working with the Rev. Jee Hae Song as she creates resources for the congregations, clergy, and eventually for the cabinet. Team members attend her monthly Zoom meeting for CR/CC pastors to share their thoughts and concerns. If you would like to join the conversation, email Rev. Song at jeehaesong@unyumc.org.

One team member attends the Hispanic pastors covenant group, which meets weekly. This team member also sends information about grant and scholarship opportunities to CR/CC pastors and all pastors of color and supports their application work.

5. INR Charge Conference Reports

One team member edited the INR Charge Conference Report and uploaded it onto the conference website. This year’s response was 73.6%, the highest rate ever, and 17.6% higher than last year’s response rate.

Districts’ response rates were as follows:

Of those responses, 295 churches, or 45%, say they are doing some form of specific anti-racism work. Last year, only 27% of churches said they were doing specific anti-racism work. The district responses break down as follows:

In the past year, has your church engaged in specific ministry/work to combat racism?

The specific ministries most mentioned were sermons with specific anti-racism themes (approximately 50%), Bible studies, and books. Each report received a personal email response, and, if useful, included a short list of anti-racism resources for the church’s use.

6. New members and new leadership

In inviting new members to join our team, we always need to be thinking “who is not at the table?” The Rev. Sung Jun Park, the Rev. Tom LeBeau, the Rev. Carmen Perry, the Rev. Danyal Mohammadzadeh, and the Rev. Sean Chanthasone have joined our team. As of July 1, 2025, Pastor Holly Strickland will chair CCORR.

7. DEIA Rollback Communications

Our first step was to create an article for the Weekly Digest which included what DEIA policy and initiatives are and are not, why DEIA is important scripturally and from a Wesleyan perspective, and how The United Methodist Church Models DEIA. One team member is writing a communications plan to be implemented next year.

8. Weekly meditations for people engage in anti-racism work.

Because the work of confronting racism can be bruising for the soul, our team began offering inspiration, a listening ear, and the opportunity to come together in prayer on a regular basis. We opened a 15-minute Zoom meeting on Tuesdays, which offers a short, prepared meditation, and time to listen to the challenges our siblings face as they wrestle with how Jesus is calling them to bring the gospel of God’s love to bear on the sin of racism. We end with prayer and looking for the ways the spirit is partnering with us in moving the mountains that have

to move. You can join the meeting by clicking the following link or scanning the QR code: https://unyumc.zoom. us/j/86284488562?pwd=fJoaLjRMZudK2i2exIda9yghjKauOR.1#success

Share your top three to five goals for the upcoming year:

1. DEIA/anti-racism Communications

These communications will have five primary goals:

• To produce messaging that creates a thorough understanding of DEIA initiatives and policies and highlights their importance within the conference’s communities.

• To inspire and engender hope among UMUNY pastors, leaders, and churches in confronting and eliminating all forms of racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy in every facet of its life and in society at large.

• To create, use, and promote stories from within the church that showcase how embracing DEIA supports the mission and vision of the church

• To aggregate, produce, and share resources that equip conference leaders and pastors with the tools they need to help guide their congregations through this challenging time.

• To ensure that the messaging and storytelling are available, accessible, and relevant to the members of the entire conference, regardless of demographics.

After defining primary and secondary audiences, we will craft key messages, we will begin to disseminate messages through key communication channels: the Weekly Digest, emails to clergy and laity, especially INR facilitators; text messages; blogs; videos, and social media. Note that some of these are continuations of tactics that are already being implemented in 2024.

2. Finalize specialized INR curriculum. You’ll see our timeline below:

• May 15 - First drafts of sections to group

• May 21 - In-person workday at Bath Centenary

• June 13 - Second drafts due and in-person workday

• Aug 1 - Final drafts and in-person workday

• Sep 13 - First session

3. Work with cross racial/cross cultural (CR/CC) pastors and their congregations.

• In collaboration with the Office of Missional Excellence, we will continue to create resources and training opportunities that will enhance awareness of racism, immigration challenges, intercultural competence, and implicit bias as it affects CR/CC pastors and their congregations.

Status and Role of Women, Committee on the (COSROW)

The role and purpose of Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) as described in The Book of Discipline - Para 644: The responsibility of this commission shall be in harmony with the responsibility of the general commission (see ¶ 2103), with the following objectives established as guidelines for adaptation to the needs of the respective annual conferences:

A. To be informed about the status and role of all women in the total life of the conference. Data shall be gathered that relate to all structural levels of the conference, including the local church. Such information will be regularly updated and disseminated.

B. To initiate cooperation with United Methodist Women at the annual conference level and other levels as appropriate in order to achieve full participation of women in the decision-making structures.

C. To develop ways to inform and sensitize the leadership within the conference at all levels on issues that affect women, which shall be projected into and through all districts within the conference by the commission.

D. To focus on major priorities of issues related to women, which may include sexual harassment policies and procedures, and to enlist the support of the bishop, cabinet, and conference staff in policies, plans, and practices related to those priorities.

E. To advise the general commission about the progress and effectiveness of efforts to achieve full participation of women in the life of the Church.

F. To participate in connectional programs and plans initiated or recommended by the general commission, and to utilize the resources available from the general commission as needed.

In the past year, COSROW was blessed by a virtual gathering. In January 2024 the Catch Your Breath retreat offered companionship and grace with some fun online. There was a change in leadership and new members joined the team. We also held our regular person-speaking count and accountability for Annual Conference (AC) reporting who had a voice at AC.

Our top three goals for the coming year:

1. A virtual gathering to address the “wilderness experiences women feel in ministry as often marginalized” with keynote speak Bishop Peggy Johnson speaking about her journey with her spouse, the Rev. Mary Johnson.

2. A virtual gathering to offer CEU credits to women and men about the history of women in The UMC, or another relevant topic - by Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary Archives and History.

3. A face to face gathering for women during Annual Conference with food and companionship, to discuss the differences in salaries between women and men appointed in our system, and what potential action steps can be taken to right the course, as appropriate and needed.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: January 29, 2025

Rev. Robin Blair

EMAIL: revrobinblair@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 729-4485

Trustees, Board of

In 2024-25, the Board of Trustees continued to be active in the sale and maintenance of conference properties. Our trustees also manage the master insurance program for the conference. They continue to rely on the Book of Discipline (the 2016 and the newly-printed 2020/2024) as our resource for our actions.

Properties

The Upper New York Board of Trustees is charged with maintaining conference-owned properties, including closed churches and other locations.

In 2024, this list of properties included: 32 closed church locations, seven cemeteries and other properties, the United Methodist Conference Center, our episcopal residence, eight district parsonages, five camp & retreat locations, and two buildings being used by New Faith Communities. Each of these properties has two trustees assigned. The board provides annual inspections of all these properties and addresses routine and emergency maintenance needs at each location.

When possible, trustees work with district boards of church location and buildings in maintaining properties. Trustees work closely with the Conference Chancellor, Peter Abdella of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP and his staff in the sale of these properties. Trustees continue to work with municipalities over tax exempt issues, private entities such as cemetery associations and tenants, real estate brokers and other experts to resolve issues in regard to these properties.

Property management and sales require thoughtful stewardship and careful planning. The foard faces a range of challenges, from properties tucked away in rural areas to dealing with remote locations, construction hurdles, pushback from former church members, and the added complexity of properties with cemeteries.

When churches close, the assigned trustees work to safeguard the property and then determine next steps for each location, which might include the property being used for a New Faith Community or other conference usage. Should the conference not have a need for these building locations, we move to market them through local realtors to sell the properties. In 2024, the board sold 14 closed church locations and received $1,046,582 in compensation. These funds were distributed with 80% ($837,265) being directed to new church starts and 20% ($209,316) retained to fund some of the work of the Board of Trustees. Just for comparison, in 2023 we sold 15 closed church locations.

Insurance

We continued our relationship with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company in 2024. Brotherhood’s local agent, The Lightwell Group, serves the needs of our churches and conference-owned properties. In 2024, risk management work was done at several of our camp locations as well as our local churches.

As we know, 2024 was a difficult year in the insurance industry and we have seen several changes to our conference-wide program as a result. We have been forced to move to higher deductible levels in order to maintain premium cost stability for our churches. In a market where many churches and annual conferences found themselves without insurance coverage, our program remains secure to protect our conference’s ministries and programs.

The board encourages our churches to be in contact with representatives from Lightwell Agency who continue to provide the service we need. Lightwell’s contact information can be found on our conference website at https://www.unyumc. org/resources/board-of-trustees

Below is the trustees income statement and balance sheet for 2024. Please note that the 2023 numbers represent audited amounts while 2024 numbers are unaudited.

Income Statement:

Expenditures

The main increase in 2024 surplus is a positive investment return of over $600,000 along with closed church surplus of about $250,000.

You will notice the increase in net assets is equal to the net surplus of $860,284. Most of this shows up in the designated without restrictions which is a combination of the 20-percent of closed church sales and investment gains.

Child Victims’ Act

Since 2020, we have been reporting to you on the civil litigation cases that have been filed against the Upper New York Conference and our local churches under the Child Victims’ Act. The Child Victims’ Act was signed into law in August 2019 and it opened a window for the retroactive filing of civil cases by victims of childhood sexual abuse against entities and organizations like schools, churches, and annual conferences. This law expired in August 2021. The grand total of cases filed against the Upper New York Conference and its local churches totaled sixty three (63), forty-six (46) of which named the conference and/or one of its local churches as a defendant due to its association with a church-chartered Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) troop. Since the Annual Conference in June 2024, we have resolved five (5) more cases, four (4) of which were cases that were settled because of mediation and/or settlement conferences. The fifth case was resolved by a voluntary dismissal from the plaintiff. As we have consistently stated, we are pleased that we were able to resolve these cases fairly and compassionately. In total, we have resolved thirteen (13) of our Child Victims’ Act cases, leaving three (3) more cases pending.

We have described previously to you that the forty-six (46) cases that are BSA related have been stayed as a result of the BSA bankruptcy plan. Upper New York paid its share of the settlement that was negotiated by The United Methodist Church in the amount of $1.25 million which will effectively resolve all of our outstanding forty-six (46) BSA-related cases. Upper New York made its settlement payment in late 2023.

The United States Supreme Court still needed to issue its ruling concerning the viability of third-party releases that are included in a bankruptcy plan. In the BSA plan, there are a number of releases that were included for settling parties, including The United Methodist Church, annual conferences, and local churches. In late June 2024, the United States Supreme Court did issue its ruling which voided the third-party releases in a drug company bankruptcy plan, but expressly stated that its decision did not impact bankruptcy plans that included third-party releases that had been approved and were already being implemented prior to the ccurt’s decision. Thus, we feel that the BSA bankruptcy plan is safe for now and our settlement of the BSA-related lawsuits is still on track.

Through February 28, 2025, the conference has expended $8,476,702 on legal fees and settlement payments for Child Victims’ Act and BSA-related cases. This amount included the $1.25 million that was paid by the conference for the BSA settlement last year. Our outside legal counsel has provided us with a range of the total costs that might be incurred by the conference based on the three pending cases. This estimate has been made for planning purposes only. We have not created a public budget because doing so could significantly disadvantage our interest in preserving funds sufficient to reconcile with all victims of credible claims, not just those who presented their claims first.

Disaffiliations

Under Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline, the disaffiliation legislation had a sunset date of December 31, 2023. All churches were to have submitted all of their necessary paperwork and required documents and payments to the conference by that date. In total, one hundred and eighteen (118) churches requested and were approved to proceed with disaffiliation by our conference.

As of February 28, 2025, there are three (3) of the one hundred and eighteen (118) churches that have not completed their disaffiliation. Two of the three churches are very close to completion of the process (East Schuyler and Centerpoint). The third church (Salisbury) is a very complicated disaffiliation which has taken some time to complete. We are hopeful that this disaffiliation will be completed very soon.

One additional separation

Also, Foundation United Methodist Church, a New Faith Community church, completed a separation from the Upper New York Conference earlier this year. As a New Faith Community church (and not a chartered United Methodist Church), Foundation was not subject to the disaffiliation provisions under Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline.

In getting Foundation started as a New Faith Community, the church had received the real property of two closed Upper New York churches in 2019 and in 2020. The Board of Trustees negotiated with Foundation for an acceptable payment for the release of the trust clause for these two properties to allow Foundation to separate from the conference.

With respect,

Rev. Pamela Klotzbach, Trustee President

Patrick O’Connor, Vice President

Beth Jordan, Treasurer

Pastor Jack Keating III, Secretary

Other members: Sharen Holcomb, Joyce Miller, Rev. Andy Anderson, Eric Coons, Robert Dietrich II

United Women in Faith (UWF)

United Women in Faith is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries for the church.

This past year, United Women in Faith

• Met the needs of our neighbors across the UNY Conference through our UNY UWF Conference Projects. Grants were extended to a variety of outreach ministries.

• Held a successful Mission U at Asbury Retreat Center last July. The topics for education were stimulating and the fellowship was an added benefit for all.

• Each district team has provided spiritual growth opportunities. There has been a conference wide book club and online education programs.

Our goals for the coming year include:

1. Continue UNY UWF Conference Projects Grants. Please reach out to Tammy Nist at unyumw.conference.projects@gmail.com for an application.

2. Working with and encouring children in our conference to read. This will be done in a variety of ways: building book libraries outside our churches, giving books away at community events, visit schools and libraries and volunteer to read to children.

3. Monitoring our environment as we continue to be concerned. Our annual meeting in the fall will emphasize ways individuals can make a difference.

4. UNY UWF book club will continue. Each month, books are chosen from the UWF Reading Program. We encourage women to read and discuss the books that are recommended by our national organization.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 17, 2025

EMAIL:

Youth Ministry, Conference Council on (CCYM)

The vision and mission of the Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) is to collaborate with youth to experience and share God’s unconditional love. The purpose of CCYM is to grow relationships with God by following Jesus’ principles. With Christ’s guidance, we empower and encourage youth within ministry. We develop and encourage youth leadership built on the vision of Jesus’ love. Through love and youth engagement, we are able to build relationships locally, conference-wide, and globally.

In the past year, CCYM has grown from a group of 12 (adults and youth) to over 20 total (includes adults and youth). The group consists of youth from many districts across Upper New York (UNY). The committee elected Grace Stierheim as the CCYM Youth Chair and Shema Befiet as the Committee Secretary to serve from 2024-2025. The group met multiple times in the past year, both in-person and via Zoom, to plan the year’s activities.

On the conference level, CCYM returned to the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference and engaged in fellowship with many members during table meet-up time. The committee sold vintage t-shirts, YSF sweatshirts, and various merchandise. Many CCYM youth participated in worship, spoke during conference, and engaged in meaningful conversations.

In addition to conference engagement, two youth were sent as youth representatives to the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in Pittsburgh in July 2024. Valeria Burgos Adorno and Grace Stierheim represented the UNY Conference youth and participated in various jurisdictional activities, including meeting other conferences’ youth, speaking during the conference, and conversing with UNY’s conference delegates.

In addition to jurisdictional participation, the committee planned a conference-wide mission trip to the Syracuse-area from August 8-11, 2024. The Salt of the Earth Mission Trip: Spreading Hope Across Syracuse included over 35 attendees with four churches represented. The groups gleaned (picked beans and crops for local food pantries) at the Matthew 25 Farm, participated in ministry at University UMC and Brown Memorial UMC, and helped the local Ronald McDonald House. All participants joined for some youth led worship, devotion, and late-night games.

In continuation with youth participation, CCYM sent three youth on Mission of Peace 2025 to Hawaii in February. Valeria Burgos Adorno, Joe Fabian, and Mattie Stamm represented UNY on their journey.

To learn more about the Conference Council on Youth Ministry, speak to one of the many youth representatives at Annual Conference or contact a CCYM adult. More information can be found here https://www.unyumc.org/ministries/ccym

While the committee has accomplished many tasks over the past year, CCYM wishes to:

1. Grow our committee to include youth representation from all districts. CCYM members experience personal growth, gain new friendships, and learn leadership skills required throughout life. Join a group that loves Jesus, supports the youth voice, and has fun! We encourage confirmed youth grades 7-12 to fill out an application by scanning the QR code or see a CCYM representative at Annual Conference.

2. Widen our adult leadership as well as to include an adult from each district. With passionate adults who want to work with youth, we can continue to grow the conference level youth ministry.

3. Continue a conference-wide mission trip. This year CCYM planned another mission trip to the Watertown-area based on the theme Walk on Water (Matthew 14:29) for July 31-August 3, 2025. Youth will be encouraged to expand their comfort zones, take risks for God, and trust in the power of Christ as they serve. See a CCYM adult or contact the conference

DATE OF SUBMISSION: February 24, 2025

Grace Stierheim

EMAIL: gracestierheim@gmail.com

PHONE: (315) 643-2061

Africa University

Greetings and thanks to you, the members of the Upper New York Annual Conference, for your love of Africa University! Your love, lived out in the local church, and across every level of The United Methodist Church worldwide, is a source of hope and of dreams realized.

Africa University’s students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni are deeply appreciative of the gracious investment of 86.25 percent of their Africa University Fund apportionment commitment for 2024 by the local churches of the Upper New York Annual Conference. Thank you for investing in equipping change leaders who share the gospel of Jesus Christ, reduce hunger, improve public health, instill hope, and build prosperous and peaceful communities.

The Africa University community is grateful for the privilege of celebrating the missional impact of the Upper New York Conference with thirty-one (31) lay and clergy members during their recent pilgrimage to its main campus at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe. The group, led by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and comprised of many persons who were integral to the conference’s Africa360 campaign, met with current endowed scholarship beneficiaries and experienced the trailblazing ministry of Africa University first-hand.

As the 2025-2028 quadrennium unfolds, Africa University is urging the members of the Upper New York Annual Conference to:

• Encourage their congregations to maintain their support for the Africa University Fund at the 2016 budget level and strive for 100% investment of the asking each year.

• Help identify at least two (2) more churches (keystone congregations) in the conference to provide second mile gifts of $7,000 each (or $14,000 in total each year) for annual scholarships for two undergraduate students.

At Africa University, The United Methodist Church is nurturing servant leaders with ethics, empathy, and an audacious, can-do mindset. Having experienced God’s grace through your love in action, students and graduates of Africa University are focused, energized and stepping forward to help churches and communities to thrive.

Africa University is excited to share that its Doctor of Ministry program, a first for the continent of Africa, was accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. D.Min. candidates now have options for specialization in Mission and Evangelism, Liturgical Theology, Church Administration, Church and Society, and Chaplaincy Ministry. A pioneer group of ten (10) senior officers in the military, prisons and policing from Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have completed the program, thanks to a collaboration between Africa University and Wesley Theological Seminary. Their doctoral research projects generated new knowledge that addresses deployment trauma, reducing drug abuse among officers, and the use of psalms of lament for facilitating healing in families of inmates.

This is the transformation story that Upper New York United Methodists, in their faithfulness, are writing with Africa University. Thank you for staying the course and showing up, always, as the means through which promise, dreams, and a just future are being realized. The leadership and generous contributions of the Upper New York Conference are as pivotal today as they were at Africa University’s inception, 33 years ago. Thank you for journeying alongside Africa University in ministry.

James H. Salley, President/CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. and Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University.

Candler School of Theology

Since 1914, Candler School of Theology at Emory University has educated faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries throughout the world. An official seminary of The United Methodist Church, Candler holds true to the Wesleyan value of ecumenical openness, welcoming students from more than 40 denominations. Our student body reflects the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful, with an enrollment of 416 from 13 countries, 41 states, 32 annual conferences, and 43% persons of color. We see this diversity as a blessing, enriching our life together and providing the perfect context for training for relevant ministry in the 21st century—ministry that cultivates community across difference, welcomes all to contribute and belong, and embodies Christ’s love in and among us.

Candler offers six degrees (Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Religion and Leadership, Master of Religion and Public Life, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry), most of which are available in hybrid or online formats. Response to our hybrid-format Master of Divinity, blending online classes and in-person intensives, continues to be strong: 63% of 2024’s MDiv entering class chose the hybrid model. Nearly a quarter of MDiv students participate in Candler’s Teaching Parish program, earning contextual education credit by serving as student pastors in local churches. And our proven DMin program—with a near 90% completion rate—is 90% online. These flexible options along with Candler’s recognized academic excellence and hands-on learning opportunities are opening possibilities for more people to follow God’s call to ministry.

Generous financial aid is a top priority for Candler. In 2024-2025, we are on track to award nearly $6.5 million in scholarship support across all degree programs. All MDiv students receive scholarship support, and those who are certified candidates for ordained ministry in the UMC receive full-tuition scholarships. Plus, a remarkable gift this year of $20 million from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation promises to have a transformative impact on the school and future students alike, fueling a considerable expansion of our scholarship program and reducing financial barriers to high-quality theological education.

Several programs beyond our formal degrees make Candler a hub of Christian learning for an expanding audience. Those who are not seeking a graduate degree can engage in learning through The Candler Foundry, which offers in-person and online short courses, events, and certificate programs; the United Methodist Course of Study for educating licensed local pastors; the Candler Center for Christian Leadership for refining business skills of United Methodist leaders; and La Mesa Academy, offering a graduate certificate in theological studies via a two-year hybrid program with courses in Spanish, English, and Korean.

Candler continued to strengthen the already robust United Methodist presence among our faculty with four key appointments this year: Geordan Hammond, associate professor of Methodist and Wesleyan studies; Soren Hessler, assistant professor in the practice of leadership and administration; Jennifer Quigley, assistant professor of New Testament; and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, who joined us as bishop-in-residence following the retirement of Bishop Larry Goodpaster.

Jonathan Strom became dean of Candler in August 2024, when former dean Jan Love returned to the faculty. Strom has served on Candler’s faculty since 1997 as professor of church history, with nearly a decade as senior associate dean of faculty and academic affairs, and a number of years as director of international initiatives. He is committed to nurturing the school’s deep connection with The United Methodist Church.

Candler is strengthened by your prayers, partnership, and support. Thank you for the countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of the church. We invite you to visit us online at candler.emory.edu and follow us on social media to stay informed of all we offer throughout the year.

—Office of Communications

Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Gammon Theological Seminary

GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY is the only Historically Black Theological Institution (HBTI) of The United Methodist Church. Gammon’s Mission is to help prepare for the practice of Christian ministry and public leadership individuals who understand their vocation as working in partnership with God in forming a just and generative world for all. GTS is currently an “extended unit” of the Interdenominational Theological Center. As a constituent member of the ITC who is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), GTS has conferred degrees in partnership with the ITC for Gammon Theological Seminary graduates since 1959. Gammon Theological Seminary seeks separate accreditation through SACSCOC and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

We are excited to share Academic and Operational updates for 2024.

● In June 2024, we hired a world-renowned theologian and scholar, Dr. Renita J. Weems, as our Chief Academic Officer.

● This Fall 2024, we launched state-of-the-art renovations to the Gammon building. The renovations transformed the facility into a place for four in-person class sessions, upgrading all meeting spaces with state-of-the-art technology and furnishings.

● In September 2024, the Board of Trustees of Gammon Theological Seminary approved the submission of our application to begin the SACSCOC Accreditation process. This historic decision included Gammon launching our Independent MDIV degree program in September 2024.

Here are a few of this year’s ministry and fund development highlights.

● In Spring 2024, Gammon hosted our 2nd Annual Student Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Tournament, which received $70,000 in donations toward the scholarship fund.

● The Rev. Walter H. McKelvey Endowed Scholarship The fund, which was launched by Dr. Loretta F. McKelvey (wife of the late Rev. McKelvey) and Dr. Walter Kimbrough, continues to grow with matching gifts in partnership with the South Carolina United Methodist Foundation.

● In June 2024, the Florida Conference’s Rev. Geraldine McClellan Endowed Scholarship Fund, which is now fully endowed at the Florida United Methodist Foundation, continued to grow with donations for 2024. Now, the fund balance exceeds $130,000.00, and Dr. Geraldine McClellan was honored at our 2024 Founder’s Day/Pastors and Leaders Conference Gala banquet with our Icon of Excellence Award.

● Gammon hosted the Ebony Exploration Event for 75 young adults under the age of 35. The students explored their sense of call and vocational discernment.

● In December 2024, Gammon celebrated our 141st Founder’s Day and Pastors and Leaders Conference. We hosted over three hundred people attending workshops (in person and virtual) and our Scholarship Gala Dinner at IMPACT Church in Atlanta, GA.

● Gammon received two $10,000 donations for two new endowed funds from Dr. James H. Salley, in honor of his parents in the South Carolina Conference, and from Rev. Dr. Michael McQueen, District Superintendent for the North Georgia Central North District.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Candace M. Lewis President - CEO

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary continues to live into its mission of Forming courageous leaders in the way of Jesus to cultivate communities of justice, compassion, and hope…for the thriving of the Church and the healing of the world. We do this work in partnership with the annual conferences of the United Methodist Church and other partners who share our values. Now in our 172nd year of ministry to the church, the academy, and the world, Garrett is a strong, growing, thriving community of faith and learning that represents the fullness of the global church’s witness.

During this past academic year, Garrett welcomed it largest entering class in over a decade for a fifth straight year, with 135 new students, and a current enrollment of 324 students representing 38 states and 24 nations from across the globe. We continue to see growth in our student body from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, adding to an already richly diverse student body. While our denominational diversity also continues to grow, we also proudly welcomed growth in our United Methodist students who constitute more than half of our student body. Or faculty also reflect this regional and global diversity, with fully half originating from nations outside the United States.

Our growth in recent years continues to reflect patterns seen across theological education, mainly in distance and online learners. For the first time in our history, distance learners in the entering class outnumbered residential students. This has allowed for truly global learning spaces that have enriched our conversations and our overall learning environment. We’re blessed to have the world represented in our classrooms, which also impacts how our faculty teach, what they research, and for whom.

Over the last year Garrett has also been blessed by multiple major grants to fund faculty research and institutional priorities. A major grant is funding the work of our Center for Ecological Regeneration, allowing the seminary to partner with local congregations in the Midwest to equip them to respond to climate change in their communities and the disproportionate impact it tends to have on the poor and local economies. Another major grant is funding work in our Centro Raices Latinas to strengthen Hispanic-Latiné pastoral leaders and congregations, helping clergy and communities build institutional capacity and expand their ministries. Yet another grant is helping to expand the reach and impact of our Garrett Collective, our lifelong learning and resource platform that seeks to make theological education accessible and affordable to a significantly broader audience.

Garrett’s world-class faculty continue developing curricular innovations that are responsive to the church’s growing needs, while also contributing a significant body of scholarly work to their respective fields. They are also partnering with annual conferences and local churches in delivering much needed programming for leadership development and faith formation, an expanding focus of our Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships division. Garrett is proud to be a United Methodist institution, and proud to continue to deepen its partnership and programming with annual conferences around the globe.

Annual Report

The New York State Council of Churches, founded in 1893, represents 7,500 congregations across the State of New York. We are comprised of nine partner denominations including American Baptist Churches USA, Empire Baptist Missionary Convention (National Baptist Convention), The Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church USA, The Reformed Church in America, The Religious Society of Friends, United Church of Christ, and The United Methodist Church.

Here is a brief look at the past year in review:

Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Days – In March, advocates from across New York State met in Albany to worship, learn, and met with their representatives at the Capitol to advocate for policies to help their communities. This is an annual event, please consider joining us in 2026 – watch our website for more information www.nyscoc.org.

Staffing Changes – At the end of March 2024, our long-time office manager and chaplaincy coordinator, Karen Lapierre, retired. The Council was blessed to find two new staff members to fill her shoes.

Rev. Jim Ketcham is our new Chaplaincy Certification Coordinator and brings his passion to criminal justice reform along with him. He is helping to smooth out the process for chaplain candidates as well as the committees involved with this program. To learn more about chaplaincy, contact jketcham@nyscoc.org. Heather Smith has come on board as our Office and Communications Manager and has agreed to add “Community Solar Program Administrator” to her list of duties. Contact her to learn more about how your congregation can benefit from the Community Solar Program at hsmith@nyscoc.org.

Chaplains Conference – In October, about 30 Protestant Chaplains gathered in Latham, NY for this annual training and networking event. The program theme was “Coming Home” and focused on longing for home within ourselves, yearning for home among the institutionalized, and strategies for faith communities to welcome people home.

Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative – The Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative (IAHC) provides technical assistance and pre-development funding to faith-based institutions that wish to develop affordable housing throughout New York State. In 2024-25 IAHC organized or attended over 100 outreach and community events, including organizing a statewide housing conversation with faith leaders in September, four seminars for NYC faith leaders on the City of Yes and holding discernment consultations with over 50 congregations. IAHC will host the “Rebuilding the Sacred Hearts of Our Communities” Housing Summit on June 18, 2025 at The Riverside Church in New York City. Register here or scan the QR code.

To learn more contact Rashida Tyler, Project Manager, rtyler@nyscoc.org.

The Religious Nationalisms Project – This project was started to help congregations, and the public identify the way in which governments can adopt and twist any religion to deny freedom and democracy to religious minorities and people of the same faith who disagree with the government’s interpretation. Our fall tour focused on Christian Nationalism before and after the Presidential election.

To learn more, contact The Reverend Peter Cook, pcook@nyscoc.org or The Reverend Neal Christie, nealchristieumc@gmail.org

9th Annual Awards & Fundraising Gala – Held in November, in Albany, we honored several people this year. We also renamed our Chaplain Award after Rev. Edwin Muller. Find our informative program booklet here or by scanning the QR code:

1st Annual Gathering of Faith Leaders with the NYS Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services – In December, more than 50 NYSCOC Executive Committee members, work group members, and judicatory heads met in Albany to address general and specific concerns with members of Governor Hochul’s Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services.

Year End Legislative Review – We have kept a close watch on many pieces of legislation and have gathered a legislative wrap-up here (or scan the QR code) to read about:

• Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council Releases Recommendations

• Governor Hochul Vetoes Two Key Child Care Bills

• Citing Budget Concerns

• New York City Passes Historic “City of Yes” and “City for All” Legislation

• Hochul Vetoes the TREES Act

A very important part of our work is to certify protestant chaplains for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Children and Family Services. Over this past year, we have certified nine new chaplains and have 4 more in process.

We always have actions and opportunities to share through our website (www.nyscoc.org), newsletters (sign up at www.nyscoc.org/contact), and on our social media (Facebook:@NYSCofChurches; Instagram: @nyscoc; and YouTube: @nyscouncilofchurches). Please follow us, share our information, and join us in advocacy and action!

We look forward to connecting with you,

The Reverend Peter Cook Executive Director, NYSCOC and Principal, The Religious Nationalisms Project pcook@nyscoc.org

Rashida Tyler

Deputy Executive Director, NYSCOC and Project Manager, Interfaith Affordable Housing Collaborative rtyler@nyscoc.org

The Reverend Jim Ketcham Chaplaincy Certification Coordinator jketcham@nyscoc.org

Heather Smith

Office & Communications Manager and Community Solar Program Administrator hsmith@nyscoc.org

Saint Paul School of Theology

Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary serving a diverse community dedicated to forming leaders for innovative, creative ministry. Our integrated theological education, enriched by faith and social justice, combines real-world experience with academic rigor. Through our FLEX schedule offering on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, our Master’s and Doctorate programs provide customized education guided by dedicated faculty, experienced pastors, and community leaders. Our graduates emerge equipped with the tools and firsthand experience to pursue diverse paths in ministry, service, and leadership locally and globally.

Saint Paul recently launched an innovative Doctor of Ministry program: Spirituality, Innovation, and Adaptive Leadership. This program focuses on developing contemplative spirituality practices that empower students to become change agents in church and society. Grounded in divine listening, students engage with innovative ministry practices while learning to manage and sustain them through adaptive principles, emotional intelligence, and intercultural competence. The program prepares leaders to forge renewed paths for faithful leadership in a challenging world. Discover more about the Saint Paul DMin at spst.edu/doctor-of-ministry/

In July 2024, the Pause/Play Center for Preachers welcomed its first cohort of 12 preachers from five denominations nationwide. These leaders sought to revitalize their preaching through Spiritual Direction, coaching, retreats, and specialized resources. The Center’s inaugural public gathering drew 50 pastors nationwide for a two-day event featuring keynote speaker and Saint Paul alumna Dr. Marcia McFee. The Center accepts applications for the next pastor cohort open in March, with registration for the July 30-August 2, 2025 Kansas City gathering beginning in January.

Saint Paul School of Theology earned the distinction of hosting the Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” through a national competition by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and American Library Association (ALA). Scientists and experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit our Kansas Campus in Leawood to lead community events, including clergy programs, educator workshops, and community conversations. The exhibit, running February through May 2025, features interactive panels, kiosks, handson displays, and videos that explore humanity’s evolutionary journey. This free public exhibition encourages meaningful dialogue about human origins while embracing diverse perspectives from both scientific and theological viewpoints.

Our hybrid format continues to unite our community, enabling participants to join chapel services and events either in-person or online. Weekly chapel services throughout the academic year showcase the talents of students, alums, faculty, and local leaders. At the same time, Spiritual Formation sessions engage participants in varied spiritual practices, from outdoor experiences to community leadership connections.

The Saint Paul faculty consistently upholds high scholarship, research, publication, and engagement standards. Notable recent faculty achievements include:

• Dr. Israel Kamudzandu, Lindsey P. Pherigo Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and Biblical Interpretation, contributed the chapter “Biblical Interpretation and Criticism in Neocolonial Africa: Challenges, Conceptualizations, and Needs in the Twenty-First Century” to The FUTURE of the Biblical PAST

• Dr. Jacob Randolph, Assistant Professor of History of Christianity and Academic Director of the Oklahoma Campus, published “What About the Palestinians? Southern Baptists vs. Southern Baptist Missionaries”

• Dr. Casey Sigmon, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship and Director of Contextual Education and Pause/Play Center for Preachers, authored “Designing Worship from a Process Perspective” in Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God and launched the Pause/Play Center for Preachers podcast

• Dr. Richard Liantonio, Adjunct Professor of Hebrew Bible, reviewed The Bible: A Very Short Introduction, 2nd ed. in the Journal of Jewish Studies

The 2024-2025 academic year brought significant leadership changes to Saint Paul. The Board of Trustees appointed Mrs. Dana Aldridge as Board Chair and welcomed Tom Cochran as Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations. Cochran’s extensive experience strengthens our donor relationships and alums network. We are actively reconnecting with alums across the Midwest and beyond through regional events, fostering collaboration and sharing recent achievements.

The Course of Study (COS) School served 233 students in 2024-2025, including 66 new enrollees, offering 45 classes with approximately 550 total registrations. The program serves 34 Conferences and 92 Districts, supporting 107 full-time and 121 part-time Licensed Local Pastors. Twenty-two students completed the 20-course program this year. With GBHEM approval, we offer both asynchronous and synchronous online formats. COS School students receive full seminary benefits, including library access, chapel participation, and engagement in campus events.

Saint Paul maintains strong financial health with a balanced budget, no debt, and an endowment nine to ten times our annual expenses. Seven years of focused sustainability efforts have positioned us for strategic growth. As always, we continue to be grateful for the community donations supporting technology advancement, scholarships, and program development. Our enhanced hybrid learning model provides flexible options for students while maintaining educational excellence. The Board’s newly approved strategic plan charts an ambitious course for our future.

Our partnership with Zoom and Neat has yielded significant technological improvements. The new Neat Center technology enhances remote classroom participation, while upgraded Classroom Neat Boards offer improved functionality and flexibility. These advancements, combined with AI enhancements in Microsoft 365, our Student Information System, and our Learning Management System, create a more dynamic learning environment. In addition, the Fall 2024 chapel renovation has transformed the space into a more sacred and technologically enhanced environment.

Saint Paul School of Theology is blessed to be your partner in ministry and help those seeking to discover more and answer the call. Your advocacy for the seminary and generous financial support have been vital in realizing our accomplishments. Many thanks for the innumerable ways you have helped Saint Paul. Your prayers and actions on behalf of the seminary are a blessing to all of us.

Jay K. Simmons, President

For updates and addendums to the 2025 Upper New York Pre-Conference Workbook, scan the QR code below from your phone or tablet to view them online.