2024 UNY Pre-Conference Workbook

Table of Contents

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” Philippians 3:13b

Dear partners in ministry,

Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you.

On May 30 -June 1, 2024, United Methodists of Upper New York will gather for the 2024 Annual Conference at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College 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 2024-25.

This year, we will gather immediately after the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church to be held April 23-May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, NC — a historic gathering in shaping the future of United Methodism worldwide.

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 as we gather for Christian conferencing and, together, move forward toward God’s future with joy and hope.

In Christ,

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,

May we be surrounded by the grace and peace that comes from God and through the love of Jesus Christ as we prepare and gather for the fifteenth session of the Upper New York Annual Conference.

I am excited for Annual Conference this year with the theme of “Claiming God’s Future with Hope and Joy.” That is what we are called to do as believers in Christ to look forward with hope and joy with Jesus by our side. How awesome and awe-inspiring is that. Like the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12 and 14, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

We as the claity, clergy and laity, of this Conference are called to remember to press on towards the perfection found in Christ, to reach for the prize that God is calling us to. May we continue to strive for this every day of our lives. May we be filled with the hope and joy found only through our savior, Jesus Christ. May we all move forward in our calling that God has placed on us.

I look forward to seeing you all in May 2024.

In Christ,

Jessica White Conference Lay Leader

Upper New York Area

The United Methodist Church

Guidelines for Holy Conferencing: What God Expects of Us

from https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/guidelines-for-holy-conferencing-what-god-expects-of-us

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … And whatever you do, 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).

• Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable.

• As you patiently listen and observe the behavior of others, be open to the possibility that God can change the views of any or all parties in the discussion.

• Listen patiently before formulating responses.

• Strive to understand the experience out of which others have arrived at their views.

• Be careful in how you express personal offense at differing opinions. Otherwise, dialogue may be inhibited.

• Accurately reflect the views of others when speaking. This is especially important when you disagree with a position.

• Avoid using inflammatory words, derogatory names, or an excited and angry voice.

• Avoid generalizing about individuals and groups. Make your point with specific evidence and examples.

• Make use of facilitators and mediators.

• Remember that people are defined, ultimately, by their relationship with God — not by the flaws we discover, or think we discover, in their views and actions.

We believe Christians can discuss important issues without the acrimonious debate and parliamentary maneuvering that can divide a group into contending factions. We see too many examples of that in secular society. We believe the Holy Spirit leads in all things, especially as we make decisions. We want to avoid making decisions in a fashion that leaves some feeling like winners and others like losers.

We can change the world through honest conversation on matters about which we are passionate.

We offer our thanks to the participants at The Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly, sponsored by the Division on Ministries with Young People, through the Discipleship Ministries, held in Jan. 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa, for inspiring the framework of these guidelines. They adopted similar guidelines for Christian Conferencing at the convocation. This work is based on guidelines for “Holy Conferencing” that emerged from the United Methodist “Dialogue on Theological Diversity” in Feb. 1998.

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Organizational Motion

1. This is the fifteenth session of the Upper New York Annual Conference held on May 30-June 1, 2024 at Onondaga Community College SRC Arena, 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 voting rights.

4. Lay members are those specified by the 2016 Book of Discipline, ¶32, Article I, and ¶602.4. The election of lay equalization members, as required in ¶32, 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 is 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 (2019) and the Conference Rules of the Upper New York Annual Conference (2023). Roberts Rules of Order, 11th 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 2016 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 of the arena. 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 the 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 a triplicate form provided for this purpose. The author will provide a copy of the written motion or amendment to the secretary upon moving the amendment. No motion or amendment will be voted on unless provided in writing. Tellers and the Assistant Secretary will provide forms. The documented motion or amendment will be taken to the conference secretary by conference staff or volunteer. The author will retain one of the copies.

10. No person shall speak more than once on the same question and 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 (provided that 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 automatically exempt from this rule. Further, 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.

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 of the UNY Sessions team. 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 July 15, 2024.

17. The Daily Proceedings from this 15th Session of Annual Conference will appear in the Upper New York Conference Journal/Yearbook.

2024 Equalization Member

List to Annual Conference as of March 15, 2024

Any updates after March 15 can be found on the UNYUMC website’s Pre-Conference Workbook updates page found through this QR code.

How to Understand Parliamentary Procedures

Name Badges and Voting Rights

Badge Color Affiliation

Yellow

602.4

602.6

Red

602.1

Blue

602.1c

Elected Lay Member, Equalization member, At Large Member YouthYoung 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

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

Voting Rights

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.

Blue

602.1b

Blue

602.1d

Green

602.1b

602.1c

Green

602.1d

White 320.5

Orange

602.9

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

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

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

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 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 no t vote

No vote and no voice unless granted on the floor.

Consent Calendar

Reports from Conference Teams

Leadership Team, Conference (CLT)

Lay Servant Ministries, Conference Committee on Communications

Deaconesses and Home Missioners

Recommendation from Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC)

Finance and Administration, Conference Council on (CFA)

Global Ministries Team

Laity, Conference Board of 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 Pension and Health Benefits (CBoPHB), Board of Religion and Race, Conference Committee on (CCORR)

Status and Role of Women, Commission on the (COSROW)

Safe Sanctuaries

Social Holiness

Trustees, Board of United Women in Faith (UWF- formally known as UMW)

Reports from Connected Organizations

Africa University

Duke Divinity School

Gammon Theological Seminary

Saint Paul School of Theology

2024 DRAFT Annual Conference Agenda

Thursday, May 30, 2024

8:30 AM Check-in & Registration Opens

10:00 AM Opening Worship – Offering for Engage Fund

11:30 PM Lunch

11:30 AM Extension Ministry luncheon (INVITATION ONLY)

1:00 PM Clergy Session – Offering for Clergy Care Fund

Laity Session – Offering for Helping Hands

2:30 PM Break

2:30 PM Registration Re-Opens

3:00 – 5:00 PM Plenary

5:00 PM Dinner

5:00 PM Retiree/Ordinand Dinner (INVITATION ONLY)

7:30 – 9:00 PM Plenary

9:00 PM Ordination Rehearsal

Friday, May 31, 2024

7:00 AM Registration Opens

7:00 AM Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM Gathering Music

9:00 AM Episcopal Address

9:30 AM Plenary

10:30 AM Memorial Service – Dr. Scott Johnson, preaching

12:00 – 1:30 PM Lunch

12:00 – 1:30 PM Memorial Service Family Luncheon (INVITATION ONLY)

1:30 PM Learning Session: Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary on Archives & History

2:30 PM Plenary

5:30 PM Dinner

7:30 PM Ordination & Commissioning Service, Bishop Tracy Malone, preaching

Saturday, June 1, 2024

7:00 AM Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM Gathering Music

9:00 AM Plenary

10:00 AM Service of Passage and Reading Appointments

11:00 AM Plenary

12:30 PM Closing Worship

1:00 PM Adjourn

2024 Annual Conference Transportation Information

There will be shuttle service between the SRC Arena and the Crowne, Marriott, and Parkview hotels during the following times:

May 30: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM (10:30 PM is the last run)

May 31: 7 AM – 8:30 AM and 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (10:30 PM is the last run).

There will be no shuttle service on Saturday, June 1.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Upper New York United Methodist Conference Ministry Share Budget (Draft) 2025

• Board of Pension and Health Benefits (BoPHB) Recommendations

• Recommendation from Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC)

• Conference Advance Specials 2025 – Recommendation

• CVA Costs Allocation Recommendation

• Report of the CVA Task Force to the Conference Leadership Team

• Board of Pension & Health Balance Sheet as of 12/31/2023 (Unaudited)

Upper New York Annual Conference Ministry Share Budget (proposed) 2025

1. For the 2025 budget CFA chose to create the ministry area budgets based on actual spending usage of 2022 and 2023 making allowances for salary adjustments or any other know adjustments needed in relation to ministry area need for 2025. This process allowed CFA to make required reductions related to disaffiliations. If a ministry area has a need for additional funding related to unforeseen costs, they can make a request to CFA for reserve fund draws.

2. The reduction in overall General apportionments reflects the revised allocation based on the current budget being presented at General Conference in April this year. If General Conference makes any amendments, Conferences will receive revised billing amounts.

3. The increase cost in Connectional ministry is a direct result of salary increases and retirement costs along with increased cost in health insurance

4. Sessions increase in a result of projecting the possible need voting machines along with projecting for inflation costs of the venue.

5. Conference Camp and Retreats reduction is based on continued work on increased fund raising along with increased service at our camp locations. There plan is to continue truncating down support to camps and requiring additional services and fund raising to fill any funding needs.

6. Reduction in Board of Ordained Ministry is a result of last 4 year average spending along with use of restricted funds to help support funding needs.

7. The reduction in Board of Pension and Health cost is directly related to prior year usage.

8. Equitable Compensation reduction is another reduction based on lack of usage in prior years.

9. The increase cost in the Episcopal Office is a direct result of salary increases and retirement costs along with increased cost in health insurance. There was also a small increase in GCFA support to offset some of this increase.

10. The reduction in General and Jurisdictional Conference travel is a result of no General Conference in 2025.

11. The reduction in Cabinet cost is directly related to prior year usage balanced with desires from Cabinet for 2025.

12. The savings in District Operations results from moving to 6 Superintendency Admin Assistants working from home, closing all District Offices along with additional savings realized from the reduction to 6 District Superintendents

13. The decrease in Administrative Services relates to a large anticipated reduction on our Workers Comp costs related to increased discounts for low usage. In addition, we have moved to a part-time facilities position to care for building needs.

14. Operations of Director of Benefits increase is a result of salary increases and pension costs along with accounting for increase in health care coverage.

15. Operations of Treasurer increase is a result of salary increases and pension costs along with accounting for increase in health care coverage.

16. The decrease in Communications is a result in reduced costs of contract relationship based on less special projects along with a reduced cost of copier leases resulting from closing District offices along with planned consolidation of copier renewals planned for late 2024.

17. The increased cost in Council on Finance and Administration is directly related to contracting with a new CPA audit firm requiring higher costs.

Board of Pension and Health Benefits (BoPHB) Recommendations

Action Item #1

The Upper New York 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 Clergy Persons of the Upper New York Annual Conference

The Upper New York Annual Conference (UNY) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for retired, terminated, or disabled clergy persons 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 (“clergy persons”); and,

Whereas, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active clergy persons 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 clergy persons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled clergy persons 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 clergy persons 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 clergy person 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 clergy person; 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 clergy person rendered to this Conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled clergy person 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 clergy person 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 clergy person’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 clergy person’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 clergy person’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 clergy person 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 clergy person or former clergy person 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 Board 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 3% for 2025 from $691 to $712. Only retirees with years of service prior to 1982, whose Pre-82 monthly benefit amount is less than $712, 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)

Equitable Compensation, Commission on (CEC)

The report from the Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC) was not submitted by the given deadline to be included in the publication of the 2024 Pre-Conference Workbook. You can find the CEC report on the Conference website by scanning the QR code and following the link.

Conference Advance Specials

No budgetary implications

Upper New York Annual Conference 2025 Conference Advance Specials

Whereas, the 2016 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church in paragraph 655 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 2025.

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 American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC

Native American Outreach/Transportation Program

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, Global Ministries Team Chair

5164 St. Rt. 89, Romulus, NY 14541 (315) 729-4464

revchilds@hotmail.com

Retired, Penn Yan UMC

CVA Costs Allocation Recommendation

Background

At the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference (UNY) session, a resolution was presented by the UNY Council on Finance and Administration on how to allocate costs from judgments, settlements, and legal fees incurred by UNY related to complaints filed against it and its local churches under the provisions of the Child Victims Act (CVA). That resolution sought to allocate these costs on a pro-rata basis to the unrestricted reserve funds of the UNY Board of Trustees, UNY Council on Finance and Administration, and the UNY Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. During the resolution discussion, an amendment to substitute was presented and approved. The substitute resolution, which called on the UNY Conference Leadership Team (CLT) to comprehensively examine every feasible funding source for payment of the CVA cases and present a recommendation to the 2024 session, was then adopted by the annual conference.

In response to the request from the annual conference session, the CLT created a task force comprised of a diverse group of UNY leaders and key stakeholders led by the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, to study the matter and provide a recommendation to the CLT1

After discussing the recommendation of the CVA Task Force, the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team presents the following recommendation to the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference session.

Resolution

Whereas the Child Victims Act (CVA), signed into law in August 2019, 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. The retroactive filing provisions of the law expired in August of 2021, and the final cases were served against the Upper New York Conference (UNY) and its local churches by the end of the same year. The total of cases filed against UNY and its churches was sixty-three (63), forty-six (46) of which named UNY or one of its churches as a defendant due to its association with a church-chartered Boy Scouts of America troop.

Whereas absent an allocation formula, costs from judgments, settlements, and legal fees incurred by UNY to resolve CVA complaints have been paid out of the conference’s available cash, creating a negative fund balance that must be reconciled.

Whereas because UNY views its response as an act of restorative justice, which involves understanding, acknowledging, and repairing the harm done to survivors wherever possible, UNY seeks to achieve a just resolution while remaining good stewards of all God has entrusted to us.

Whereas the UNY Board of Pensions and Health Benefits has unrestricted reserve funds, and a portion of these unrestricted reserve funds, in excess of pension liability, is available for this allocation. (“In excess of pension liabilities” means net assets minus unfunded pension liabilities.2)

Whereas reallocating the above-mentioned unrestricted reserve funds in excess of pension liability in no way negatively impacts or reduces vested pension funds held by Wespath for current and future UNY retirees.

Therefore, be it resolved that all past and future costs from judgments, settlements, and legal fees incurred to resolve CVA complaints be allocated first from the unrestricted reserve funds of the UNY Board of Pensions and Health Benefits and that the amount of funding from this source be limited to the unrestricted reserves in excess of pension liability as of 12/31/2023.

1 see attached, Report of the CVA Task Force to the Conference Leadership Team.

2 See attached, 2023 Balance Sheet for CBPHB Funds, Unaudited

Be it further resolved if costs exceed the amount made available from the reserve funds identified above, additional funding will be allocated from the unrestricted reserve funds of the Conference Board of Trustees and the operating reserves managed by the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration.

Be it further resolved the CLT, in consultation with The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church and the UNY Social Holiness team, ensures a comprehensive set of resources are developed and deployed to educate UNY leaders and congregations on restorative justice.

Be it further resolved that all UNY congregations review their Safe Sanctuary policy, procedures, and practices and ensure they are being acted on faithfully to promote a secure environment for all, providing physical, emotional, and spiritual safety and fostering trust within the community.

Respectfully submitted by the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team:

• Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez

• Jessica White, Conference Lay Leader

• Pastor Liz Aristy, At-large

• Rev. Sara Baron, Conference Board on Pension and Health Benefits

• Dr. Scott Johnson, Conference Commission on Religion and Race

• Rev. Pam Klotzbach, Board of Trustees

• Lindsay Martin, At-large

• Rev. Carmen Perry, Board of Ordained Ministry

• Holly Roush, Conference on Finance and Administration Chair

• Rev. Drew Sperry, At-large

• Teddi Urriola, Equitable Compensation

• Rev. Mike Weeden, Dean of the Cabinet

• Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence

• Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop

• Bob Flask, UNY Treasurer

• Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications

CVA Cost Taskforce Members

• Peter Abdella, Upper New York Conference Chancellor

•

•

•

•

• Bob Flask, Conference Treasurer

• Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop

• Dr. Scott Johnson, Conference Commission on Religion and Race

• Rev. Pam Klotzbach, Conference Chair of Board of Trustees

• Holly Roush, Conference Chair on Finance and Administration

• Jessica White, Conference Lay Leader

Report of the CVA Task Force to the Conference Leadership Team

The Charge

“That the Conference Leadership Team be tasked with providing a comprehensive examination of every feasible funding source (i.e., sale of conference property, temporary changes in the church sale proceeds formula, etc.) for payment of the CVA cases (settlements and legal fees) to be reported back with recommendations to this body no later than Annual Conference 2024. In the meantime, the sources of any funds spent in the next year on the resolution of CVA cases must be tracked and understood that such funds may be restored by the Annual Conference.”

Values we centered in our work together:

• Confidentiality

• Do what is right.

• Prioritize the overall well-being of the Conference over individual concerns and opinions or competing agendas.

• Pursue the path of the least amount of mid-long-term disruption to the operations and ministry of the Conference.

• Recommendations will be made based on facts, best practices, and the collective wisdom of the task force.

• We will approach our work with mutual respect for one another, assuming the best intentions. Be gentle with one another.

• This is the sacred work of restorative justice.

Report

Through a series of meetings held via Zoom and in-person (10.26.23, 11.16.23, 11.30.23, 12.14.23, and 1.5.23), the task force wrestled with this primary question: How do we complete the weighty work with which this group has been tasked, understanding that these settlement costs represent only a token of recompense for the survivors of abuse. We also knew that the costs to the Upper New York Annual Conference must be considered with great care. We keenly felt the serious nature of this work and the deep emotions surrounding it and developed our core values accordingly. We understood from the outset that there would be no perfect solution, and no solution which would be acceptable to everyone. We prayed for clarity as we began our task of discerning the best way forward for both the survivors of abuse and for the Conference. We sought prayer support from the Conference through an appeal in the weekly news, and many of us were gratified that some people contacted us directly offering that support.

In our discussions, we were willing to put all possible solutions “on the table,” knowing that sacrifices would be inevitable. Resources considered included sales of Conference property, including camps and the Conference Center, NFC funds, pension reserve funds, and general budget reserves, among others.

After much careful deliberation, soul searching, and difficult conversation, the task force reached a unanimous decision to propose that the settlement costs and legal fees for the CVA plaintiffs be addressed in this way: The first source of funding for the settlement costs and legal fees for the CVA plaintiffs would be the reserve funds of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. The amount of funding available for this would be the pension reserves in excess of liability. The next source of funding would be the reserve funds of the Trustees and the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration. These funds would be tapped after the Board of Pension Funds in excess of liabilities were exhausted.

While it sounds very much like the original legislation proposed to UNYAC, it differs in one respect: We propose that the funds taken from the Pension Reserves may only be drawn in an amount that represents the excess beyond projected liability

Given the numbers we were presented with, this might cover what is expected to be the full cost of the settlements.

In reaching this recommendation it was noted that the legislation passed at Annual Conference 2023 that led to the development of this task force was unclear in its proposals and was not fully understood by many in attendance. While we believe the attempt was not harmful in intent, the shock of many hearing “Pension Fund” affected the rest of the conversation about our necessary obligations in the CVA cases.

We propose that the language “pension reserves in excess of liability” as a first option be incorporated into any legislation, petition, information dissemination, and conversation regarding the payment of settlements and legal fees and our obligations, and that the CLT ensure that there is ample explanation and illustration provided both before and during the 2024 Annual Conference session.

After our work was completed, the Conference Board of Pensions and Health voted to approve our proposal with a caveat—they would like to suggest that the money taken from the pension reserve fund be restored via an adjustment to the sale of church properties formula (50% going to this repayment) until it is restored, likely over several years/decades. This would need to be approved by the Conference Trustees for it to become a reality. We leave this decision and the related work in the hands of the CLT and Conference Trustees.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the CVA Task Force,

Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost

Upper New York Annual Conference

Board of Pension & Health Balance Sheet as

LOCAL CHURCH CLOSURES

• Kanona United Methodist Church

• Magnolia United Methodist Church

• Morrisonville United Methodist Church

• Nicholville United Methodist Church

• Portlandville United Methodist Church

• Ransomville United Methodist Church

• South Canisteo United Methodist Church

• Spragueville United Methodist Church

• Tonawanda: Bethany United Methodist Church

• Verona United Methodist Church

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

KANONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Kanona United Methodist Church was organized in 1874, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 149 years;

WHEREAS, on September 14, 2023, 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 Kanona 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 Kanona 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 Kanona United Methodist Church from September 30, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Kanona 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 14, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Kanona 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 Kanona United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

MAGNOLIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Magnolia United Methodist Church was organized in 1858, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 166 years;

WHEREAS, on January 15, 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 Magnolia 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 Magnolia 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 Magnolia United Methodist Church from January 1, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Magnolia 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 15, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Magnolia 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 Magnolia United Methodist Church be transferred to the Ashville United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

MORRISONVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Morrisonville United Methodist Church was organized in 1835, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 188 years;

WHEREAS, on September 14, 2023, 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 Morrisonville 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 Morrisonville 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 Morrisonville United Methodist Church from September 30, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Morrisonville 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 14, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Morrisonville 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 Morrisonville United Methodist Church be transferred to Plattsburgh United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

NICHOLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Nicholville United Methodist Church was organized in 1876, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 147 years;

WHEREAS, on August 3-4, 2023, 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 Nicholville 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 Nicholville 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 Nicholville United Methodist Church from July 23, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Nicholville 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 August 3-4, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Nicholville 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 Nicholville United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

PORTLANDVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Portlandville United Methodist Church was organized in 1855, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 168 years;

WHEREAS, on November 14, 2023, 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 Portlandville 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 Portlandville 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 Portlandville United Methodist Church from November 1, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Portlandville 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 14, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Portlandville 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 Portlandville United Methodist Church be transferred to the Milford United Methodist Church other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

RANSOMVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Ransomville United Methodist Church was organized in 1905, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 118 years;

WHEREAS, on August 7-8, 2023, 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 Ransomville 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 Ransomville 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 Ransomville United Methodist Church from July 30, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Ransomville 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 August 7-8, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Ransomville 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 Ransomville United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

SOUTH CANISTEO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, South Canisteo United Methodist Church was organized in 1894, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 130 years;

WHEREAS, on February 8, 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 South Canisteo 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 South Canisteo 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 South Canisteo United Methodist Church from January 24, 2024, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that South Canisteo 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 February 8, 2024, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the South Canisteo 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 South Canisteo United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

SPRAGUEVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Spragueville United Methodist Church was organized in 1837, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 186 years;

WHEREAS, on August 3-4, 2023, 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 Spragueville 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 Spragueville 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 Spragueville United Methodist Church from July 12, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Spragueville 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 August 3-4, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Spragueville 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 Spragueville United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

TONAWANDA: BETHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Tonawanda: Bethany United Methodist Church was organized in 1960, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 63 years;

WHEREAS, on October 19-20, 2023, 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 Tonawanda: Bethany 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 Tonawanda: Bethany 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 Tonawanda: Bethany United Methodist Church from October 1, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Tonawanda: Bethany 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 October 1920, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Tonawanda: Bethany 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 Tonawanda: Bethany United Methodist Church be transferred to Amherst: Trinity United Methodist Church other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION FOR THE CLOSURE OF A LOCAL CHURCH

VERONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WHEREAS, Verona United Methodist Church was organized in 1833, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 190 years;

WHEREAS, on December 7, 2023, 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 Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona United Methodist Church from December 31, 2023, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby

RESOLVED, that Verona 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 7, 2023, are affirmed; and it is further

RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Verona 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 Verona United Methodist Church be transferred to the Christ United Methodist Church of Sherrill, New York or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

RESOLUTIONS AND PETITIONS

UNYAC2024.1 - Beginning the Work of Reparations

UNYAC2024.2 - Local Congregation Seminary Grants and Scholarships

UNYAC2024.3 - Resolution to Create United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave Policy

UNYAC2024.4 - Clergy Time Off Policy

UNYAC2024.5 - End U.S. Funding for Israel’s Military Occupation of Palestine

UNYAC2024.6 - Upper New York Freedom from Firearms

UNYAC2024.7 - United Methodist Properties and Events are Gun Free Zones

UNYAC2024.1 - Beginning the Work of Reparations

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): 3066

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Task force in consultation with the UNYAC Commission on Religion and Race Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

Given the lingering legacy of slavery on the racial wealth gap, the monetary value we know that was placed on enslaved Blacks, and the fact that Blacks were originally awarded reparations only to have them rescinded provide overwhelming evidence that it is time to begin the work of reparations to the descendants of enslaved Blacks.

Whereas, Resolution 3066 of the 2016 Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church states that the General Conference acknowledges and profoundly regrets the massive human suffering and the tragic plight of millions of men, women, and children caused by slavery and the transatlantic slave trade; and

Whereas, (Resolution 3066 continues) at the conclusion of the Civil War, the plan for the economic redistribution of land and resources on behalf of the former slaves of the Confederacy was never enacted; and

Whereas, (Resolution 3066 continues) the failure to distribute land prevented newly freed Blacks from achieving true autonomy and made their civil and political rights all but meaningless; and

Whereas, (Resolution 3066 continues) conditions comparable to “economic depression” continue for millions of African Americans in communities where unemployment often exceeds 50 percent; and

Whereas, (Resolution 3066 continues) justice requires that African American descendants of the transatlantic slave trade be assured of having access to effective and appropriate protection and remedies, including the right to seek just and adequate reparation or satisfaction for the legacy of damages, consequent structures of racism and racial discrimination suffered as a result of the slave trade; and

Whereas, (Resolution 3066 continues) Isaiah 61:1-3 provides a model for reparations: “He has sent me … to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for the captives, … to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, … to provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, and a mantle of praise in place of discouragement;” and,

Whereas, we hear in Exodus, Deuteronomy, Proverbs, Ezekiel, and Isaiah as well as in the New Testament that those who oppressed, enslaved, or stole from others are commanded to repay or repair what they have taken unjustly, often by a multiple amount; and

Whereas, HR-40 was reintroduced in 2023 by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to the House of Representatives, calling for the establishment of the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans, “acknowledging the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery in the United States from 1619 to the present day,” for the purpose of submitting a report to Congress for further action and consideration with respect to slavery’s effects on African American lives, economics,

Whereas, New York State Bill S.1163-A/A.7691 establishes the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies and acknowledges the fundamental injustice and inhumanity of slavery. The Commission will examine the institution of slavery, subsequent racial, and economic discrimination against people of African descent, and the impact on living people of African descent;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church establish a task force to

explore reparations for African Americans in Black churches in the Annual Conference. This task force will be selected by the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) and be comprised of two (2) members of CCORR, two (2) members of the Conference Board of Trustees, two (2) members of the Cabinet, and two (2) at-large members. It is recommended this task force be comprised of at least 1/3 clergy; 1/3 laity; 1/3 women; and 1/3 men; and

Therefore, be it further resolved that the task force track federal H.R. 40 and New York State S.1163-A/A.7691, and when Commission reports are released, study and disseminate conclusions to local churches; and

Therefore, be it further resolved that the task force, in collaboration with the Conference Board of Trustees, report to the regular 2025 session of Annual Conference the feasibility of directing the Annual Conference to designate a share of the net proceeds from the sale of properties as a result of closure of local churches for the ministries of Black churches in the Annual Conference.

Date of submission: March 15, 2024

Submitted by: Rev. George F. Nicholas

Mailing address: 641 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

Email address: gfnicholas1@gmail.com

Phone number: (716) 364-4476

UNY local church/charge membership: Lincoln Memorial UMC

Other signee:

Name: Rev. Vivian Ruth Waltz, Deacon

Mailing address: 641 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

Email address: rev.vivianruth@gmail.com

Phone number: (716) 982-6501 UNY local

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): None

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Board of Ordained Ministry, District Committees on Ordained Ministry

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

With the ever-increasing cost of higher education and the hindrance it causes to candidates for ministry, having a comprehensive list of scholarships and grants available through local congregations would help to offset the financial hardship of attending seminary.

Whereas, The United Methodist Church is suffering from a lack of trained and qualified clergy and seminary is becoming more and more expensive; and

Whereas, not all seminary students are eligible to receive Board of Ordained Ministry grants due to candidacy status; and

Whereas, United Methodist clergy are supposed to be responsible for their debt load, however many may not be aware of financial opportunities; and

Whereas, many local congregations have scholarship and grant offerings that are unpublished.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Board of Ordained Ministry, in conjunction with the District Committees on Ordained Ministry, collate and publish the available scholarships and grants publicly offered by local congregations which are open to applicants regardless of candidacy status or local church membership;

Therefore, be it further resolved that any specific demographic requirements of scholarships and grants be included in the publication; and

Therefore, be it further resolved that this publication will be made initially publicly available through the Board of Ordained Ministry page on the Conference website by January 1, 2025, and available in hard copy format to all District Committees on Ordained Ministry by the same date.

Therefore, be it further resolved that this publication will be updated every year to reflect any changes and to be kept upto-date and made publicly available through the Board of Ordained Ministry page on the Conference website by January 1 and available in hard copy format to all District Committees on Ordained Ministry by the same date. Date of Submission: February 29, 2024

Name: Benjamin Lalka

Mailing address: 32 Barnes Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642

Email address: pastorbenlalka@gmail.com

Phone number: (518) 779-5991

UNY local church/charge membership: Gouverneur and North Gouverneur UMC

Name: Ian Carlos Urriola

Mailing address: 140 Surrey Club Lane, Stephens City, VA 22655

Email address: i.urriola@yahoo.com

Phone number: (585) 705-9334

UNY local church/charge membership: Rochester: Asbury First

Name: Rev. Natalie Bowerman

Mailing address: 877 Cunningham Court, Niskayuna, NY 12309

Email address: Pastornatalie4@gmail.com

Phone number: (585) 355-7444 UNY local church/charge membership: Eastern Parkway UMC

UNYAC2024.3 - Resolution to Create United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave Policy

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): None

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

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

This resolution would enact a Parental Leave policy for United Methodists of Upper New York that guarantees 13 paid weeks of leave for clergy and church workers whose family are expanding by birth, adoption, or foster placement.

Whereas, Scripture calls us to provide care for each other as members of Christ’s family (“But if someone doesn’t provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied the faith.” 1 Timothy 5:8, CEB); and

Whereas, The World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization advocate for at least 18 weeks of paid maternity leave1; and

Whereas, The 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline states, “Maternity or paternity leave, not to exceed one-fourth of a year, will be available and shall be granted by the bishop and the cabinet, and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry to any local pastor, provisional member, associate member, or clergy member in full connection who so requests it at the birth or arrival of a child into the home for purposes of adoption.”2; and

Whereas, the Parental Leave policy as written in the 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline only guarantees paid leave for eight weeks, has been considered open to interpretation, and has not always applied equitably across the connection, since “one-fourth of year”3 is thirteen weeks; and

Whereas, the East Ohio, Western North Carolina, and Western Pennsylvania Annual Conferences have adopted policies maintaining compensation for thirteen weeks and assisting local congregations in paying for coverage during the leave; and

Whereas, supporting clergy families lives up to our calling to welcome all generations as Christ welcomes children (Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:15. Luke 18:16); and

Whereas, the failure to ensure just and equitable Parental Leave for all our clergy families is a manifestation of the spiritual forces of wickedness we are called to renounce, the evil powers of this world we are called to reject, and the sin of which we are called to repent by virtue of our baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ

Therefore, be it resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York do lament that, in requiring Parental Leave last no longer than 13 weeks, our United Methodist denomination fails to live up to the conventions and recommendations established by the World Health Organization and International Labour Standards, which calls for Parental Leave to not be less than 18 weeks; and

Be it further resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York do hereby publicly repent of and confess our collective sin of failing to ensure equitable Parental Leave policies for clergy families; and

Be it further resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York support work being done by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women to advocate for legislative change in future General Conferences to bring our denominational requirements in line with the conventions and recommendations provided by the World Health Organization; and

1 Maternity Protection, Compliance with International Labor Standards https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/maternity-protection-compliance-with-international-labour-standards

2 The 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline, ¶ 355.

3 The 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline, ¶ 355.

Be it further resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York adopt the Parental Leave Policy and Procedure, included as an appendix to this resolution, effective following the adjournment of the 2024 Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; and

Be it further resolved, the United Methodists of Upper New York direct the Conference communications team to publish this Parental Leave Policy on the Annual Conference website and the clergy support policies document; and

Be it further resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York invite the Cabinet to share this Parental Leave Policy, in its totality, with the chairs of Staff/Parish Relations Committees of local congregations in our Annual Conference no later than July 1, 2024; and

Be it further resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York invite the Cabinet to communicate this change in policy as they preside over Charge Conference sessions in 2024 or ensure that the Presiding Elder communicates this change in policy as they preside over Charge Conference sessions in 2024; and

Be it further resolved, United Methodists of Upper New York support work being done by our Annual Conference boards, teams, and agencies; local churches and extension ministries; and General Church Boards and Agencies to advocate for and establish just universal paid Parental Leave policies in all sectors of our society.

Date of Submission: March 15, 2024

Submitted by: The United Methodists of Upper New York Commission on the Status and Role of Women, by Rev. Bryant Clark, Vice Chair

Mailing address: 4591 Hoyt Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152

Email address: Bryantchristopherclark@gmail.com

Phone number: (570) 362-3662

UNY local church/charge membership: Marcellus United Methodist Church

Additional Signers:

Joseph H Auslander

revphysherman@gmail.com

4 Walnut St

Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (315) 516-3097

Brownville and Dexter UMC

Karen J Barner

kjb1010@hotmail.com

63 Lambeth Loop

Fairport, NY 14450 (585) 313-4393

Asbury First UMC

Pastor Heidi Chamberlain

airheidi@yahoo.com

1114 County Route 25

Malone, NY 12953 (315) 528-4709

Potsdam UMC

Rev. Jane Baker

revspiritdoc@yahoo.com928

Meadow Lane

Niskayuna, NY 12309 (518) 280-3685

Retired

Rev. Sara E. Baron

s.baron@gmail.com

1435 Parkwood Blvd

Schenectady, NY 12308 (607) 435-2201

First UMC - Schenectady

Kathie Collier-Bryant

kathieoz@gmail.com

781 Bay Road

Webster, NY 14580 (585) 503-6713

Asbury First UMC

Kellie Barbato

kellie.barbato@gmail.com17

Pleasant View Drive

North Chili, NY 14514 (585) 760-4758

Asbury First UMC

Rev. Natalie Bowerman

natalie52111@gmail.com

877 Cunningham Court

Niskayuna, NY 12309 (585) 355-7444

Eastern Parkway UMC

Rev. Richelle Goff

rduchano@gmail.com

41 Red Maple Drive

Fairport, NY 14450 (315) 532-5823

Fairport UMC

Rev. Amy B. Gregory revgregorybhumc@gmail.com

327 Kingsley Rd

Burnt Hills, NY 12027 (607) 226-6367

Burnt Hills UMC

Lilith Hart

lilithjhart@gmail.com

404 Barry Road

Rochester, NY 14617 (585) 455-3672

Laity

Andrew Hunt

andrew@adghunt.com

89 Elm Drive

Rochester, NY 14609 (585) 269-9124

Asbury First UMC

Rev. Rebecca L Laird rebecca.laird@gmail.com

1799C Stoney Way

Farmington, NY 14425 (315) 717-8235

Personal Leave - Asbury First UMC

Robert F. Long

Bikealong2@gmail.com

833 Oregon Avenue

Niskayuna, NY, 12309 (518) 372-1083

First UMC - Schenectady

Kevin Nelson, Home Missioner kmichael07@gmail.com

1435 Parkwood Blvd

Schenectady, NY 12308 (212) 729-4059

First UMC - Schenectady

Rev. Carmen L. Perry carmenperry10@yahoo.com

42 E. Evans St.

Mayville, NY 14757 (716) 946-2269

Ripley UMC

Se Gye Shin pastorsegyeshin@gmail.com

61 Elbridge Street

Jordan, NY 13080 (315) 825-5794

Jordan UMC

Lucinda Haag

cindyhaag@live.com

3400 Brockport Spencerport Rd

Spencerport, NY 14559 (585) 352-4893

Adams Basin UMC

Pastor Joel Holcomb

joelholcomb@gmail.com

992 Hoosick Rd

Troy, NY 12180 (518) 428-0546 Center Brunswick

UMC/Grace UMC - Nassau

Rev. Brett Johnson

pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com

43 Court Street

Canton, NY 13617 (607) 684-4599

Canton UMC

Karyn Langguth McCloskey

klmccloskey@verizon.net

1058 Garner Avenue

Schenectady, NY 12309 (518) 429-7289

First UMC - Schenectady

Carolyn L Lowell cllowell@rochester.rr.com

10052 Fair Street

Dalton, NY 14836 (585) 729-9752

Asbury First UMC

Cristy Peck

cpeck8@rochester.rr.com

20 Ryan’s Run

Rochester, NY 14624 (585) 748-8741

Asbury First UMC

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Quick bethquick@gmail.com

5 East Street

Madison, NJ 07940 (315) 729-7099

Appointed to Attend School

Rev. Teressa M. Sivers

siverstm@gmail.com

358 George Road

Freeville, NY 13068 (607) 434-9888

Church in the Wild

Rev. Dr. Colleen Hallagan Preuninger

cpreunin@stanford.edu

6 Pearce Mitchell Pl

Stanford, CA 94305 (315) 527-7383

Extension Ministry- Associate Dean of Religious & Spiritual Life, Stanford University

Pastor Justin Hood pastorjustinhood@gmail.com

76 West Elizabeth Street

Skaneateles, NY 13152 (607) 437-2208

Skaneateles UMC

Rev. Kim Krause revkmkrs08@gmail.com

20 Hillcrest Drive

Ravena, NY 12143 (518) 331-1390

Grace UMC - Ravena

Susan Leader susankleader@gmail.com

1866 Blossom Road

Rochester, NY 14625 (585) 704-9207

Asbury First UMC

Mike Mullin mmullin@asburyfirst.org

1050 East Ave

Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 271-1050

Asbury First UMC

Lori Jeanne Peloquin

peloquin1@me.com

401 Pelham Road

Rochester, NY 14610 (585) 727-0954

Asbury First UMC

Margot Rankins-Burd margotgracerankinsburd@gmail.com

348 North St.

West Winfield, NY 13491 (570) 560-2472

Fly Creek UMC

Samuel E Smith

ssmithuny2020@gmail.com

128 Adams Pl

Delmar, NY 12054 (518) 605-8453

First UMC - Delmar

Rev. Rebekah Solar rebekah.solar@gmail.com

610 Old State Road

Clayton, NY 13624 (315)408-9452

Three Mile Bay & Point Peninsula UMC

Rev. Andrew Sperry pastordrew.calvaryumc@gmail.com

15 Ridge Pl

Latham, NY 12110 (607) 221-5991

Calvary Latham UMC

Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell mswordshorrell@gmail.com

3301 Morrison Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45220 (315) 569-9156

Retired

Ian Carlos Urriola iurriola1992@gmail.com

140 Surrey Club Ln

Stephens City, VA 22655 (585) 705-9334

Asbury First UMC

Carol Williams williamscarolh@gmail.com

2475 Route 174

Marietta, NY 13110 (315) 430-6754

Marcellus UMC

James R. Sprenger jrsprng@gmail.com

928 Meadow Lane

Niskayuna, NY 12309 (518) 354-0989

First UMC - Schenectady

Jee Hae Song

jeehaesong611@gmail.com

61 Elbridge St.

Jordan, NY 13080 (404) 825-8025

Syracuse United Methodist Ministries & Warners UMC

Pastor Jennifer Stamm jendstamm@gmail.com

6905 Bear Ridge Rd

Pendleton, NY 14120 (716) 603-4470

Pendleton Center UMC

Rev. Corey Turnpenny pastorcoreyt@gmail.com

195 North Rd

Windsor, NY 13865 (570) 417-7693

Church in the Wild

Teddi Urriola teddianderson@yahoo.com

636 Kayleigh Dr. Webster, NY 14580 (585) 705-0338

Asbury First UMC

Alicia M. Wood pastoraliciawood@gmail.com

1085 East Genesee St

Syracuse, NY 13210 (315) 450-1632

St. Paul’s UMC - Syracuse

Terrie Nichols

Terrienichols.51@gmail.com

35 Saint Margaret Way

Rochester, NY 14625 (585) 363-1985

Asbury First UMC

Nancy Clark Specht ncspeck@gmail.com

243 Overland Trl

West Henrietta, NY 14586 (585) 739-1804

Asbury First UMC

Rev. Rebekah Sweet revbeckiesweet@gmail.com

208 E Court St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (570) 647-8267

St. Paul’s UMC - Ithaca

Cory Tylenda corytylenda@yahoo.com

69 Boulevard Parkway

Rochester, NY 14612 (585) 465-2674

Asbury First UMC

Jeanne Van Voorst jeannevanvoorst@gmail.com

2273 Edgemere Drive

Rochester, NY 14612 (585) 261-4581

Asbury First UMC

Kay A Cotton kaycotton@aol.com

543 French Road

Rochester, NY 14618 (585) 737-1408

Asbury First UMC

United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave Policy

Statement of Purpose

The United Methodists of Upper New York supports families, and advocates for Parental Leave for all active clergy under episcopal appointment and lay staff persons welcoming a child into their home. We seek to mirror standards set forth in the New York State Paid Family Leave Act. As such, every congregation and ministry setting in our Annual Conference is covered in a group Paid Family Leave insurance policy that provides funding for twelve weeks of paid Parental Leave. Therefore, we encourage all parents who are welcoming a child into their home—whether by birth, adoption, or foster placement—to make full use of Parental Leave policies. The United Methodists of Upper New York have developed this policy in order to assist clergy families and lay church employees, local churches, District Superintendents (DS), and the Annual Conference in caring for family and advocating for Parental Leave in the church and beyond the church.

The World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization advocate for at least 18 weeks of paid maternity leave,4 and The United Methodist Book of Discipline allows for up to 13 weeks of maternity and paternity leave for clergy families.5 The necessity for robust access to paid Parental Leave transcends bodily recovery from a birth. It allows for invaluable time for parents to bond and form integral relationships with the new child. In many cases, a birthing parent will be granted a period of short-term disability by their medical provider after a birth. Parental Leave given through this policy shall not be construed as overlapping with any short-term disability status given to a birthing parent after a birth. Likewise, this policy shall not impact other uses of Paid Family Leave, such as an employee experiencing any qualifying exigency related to a spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent on active military duty.

This policy applies to any local pastor, provisional member, associate member, or clergy member in full connection who is appointed to 25% time or more to a local congregation or annual conference-funded extension ministry, including, but not limited to, campus ministries, Wesley Foundations, camp and retreat ministries, and conference staff, hereinafter referred to as “clergy” or “clergy person.” This policy shall also apply to any lay employee of the Upper New York Annual Conference, its extension ministries, or of a congregation within the Upper New York Annual Conference boundaries who works 20 or more hours a week, or has worked for at least 175 hours, hereinafter referred to as “laity” or “lay employees.” Lamentably, due to realities of our group Paid Family Leave insurance coverage, parents working in the same ministry context may not be granted simultaneous paid Parental Leave.

While the policy uses language of church appointments, this policy also applies to clergy appointed to conference-funded extension ministries, including but not limited to conference and district positions, and camping ministries. Clergy appointed to non-conference-funded extension ministries are encouraged to adapt similar policies for their settings.

Book of Discipline Foundations

¶ 355. Maternity or Paternity Leave Maternity or paternity leave, not to exceed one-fourth of a year, will be available and shall be granted by the bishop and the cabinet, and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry to any local pastor, provisional member, associate member, or clergy member in full connection who so requests it at the birth or arrival of a child into the home for purposes of adoption.

1. Persons desiring maternity or paternity leave should file their request with the committee on pastor-parish relations after consulting with the district superintendent at least ninety days prior to its beginning to allow adequate pastoral care for the churches involved to be developed.

2. During the leave, the clergy member’s annual conference relations will remain unchanged, and the health and welfare benefit plans will remain in force.

3. A maternity or paternity leave of up to one-quarter of a year will be considered as an uninterrupted appointment for pension purposes.

4 Maternity Protection, Compliance with International Labor Standards. https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/maternity-protection-compliance-with-international-labour-standards

5 The 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline, ¶ 355.

4. Compensation will be maintained for no less than the first eight weeks of leave.

5. During the leave time, pastoral responsibility for the church or churches involved will be handled through consultation with the committee on pastor-parish relations of the local church(es) and the district superintendent.

6. Special arrangements shall be made for district superintendents, bishops, and those under special appointment.

Policy for Births, Adoptions, and Foster Placement for Clergy

1. All clergy in the Upper New York Annual Conference who are expecting the birth or adoption of a child are eligible for Parental Leave (maternity or paternity leave in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016, ¶ 355). This policy applies to all clergy, regardless of their part-time or full-time status. Parental Leave is guaranteed to all clergy who request it within the guidelines of this policy.

2. Clergy are encouraged to begin communication with their DS as soon as they are able to publicly share the anticipation of a child’s arrival. Families giving birth are encouraged to begin planning as soon as they are public about their pregnancy. Adoptive parents are encouraged to plan as soon as they are approved for adoption/foster parenting. Parental Leave must be requested at least 90 days before the anticipated start of the leave, according to the 2016 Book of Discipline

3. Parental Leave shall be encouraged and permitted for 13 weeks with full pay and will not affect the clergy person’s pension, health benefits, and appointment status.

4. Churches will maintain their regular compensation for clergy on leave for the duration of the leave.

5. The DS will consult with the clergy person to arrange coverage for the duration of leave.

6. The Annual Conference will provide local churches with partial funding for compensation related to pastoral coverage and pulpit supply, in consultation with the clergyperson(s)’ and the SPPRC. The first twelve weeks of Parental Leave will be covered, up to the amount required by the New York State Paid Family Leave Act, and paid for by the Insurance provider selected and funded by the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. The clergy person and church shall be responsible for completing and submitting the insurance carrier’s paperwork, with assistance from Annual Conference personnel as required. Required insurance forms are in the RESOURCES section of our Annual Conference website and in the “Clergy Support Policies” document.

7. Parental Leave may be taken consecutively or nonconsecutively, full or part time, according to the needs of the family. Clergy may take intermittent Paid Family Leave in full-day increments. The number of Sundays off will correspond at least one-to-one with the number of weeks of paid Parental Leave. All Parental Leave must be taken within 12 months of the placement or birth of the child(ren).

8. Parental Leave is not vacation. The use of Parental Leave does not affect the clergy person’s use of their annual vacation granted in the Annual Conference rules.

9. Churches will make reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding and pumping for parents and for infants. This should include private space, access to an outlet, and time/space to feed according to the infant’s needs.

10. Clergy in the Annual Conference will support and promote Parental Leave, including by providing pastoral care coverage if asked and needed, in accordance with their schedule.

11. The Annual Conference will support clergy on Parental Leave by excusing or making alternate arrangements for their district and conference duties. This includes the Annual Conference session, Charge Conference, District and Conference committees, and residency requirements.

12. Foster care providers and adoptive parents may be able to take some of their Paid Family Leave before the actual placement of a foster child or arrival of the adoptive child if an absence from work is required for the placement or arrival to proceed.

Policy for Births, Adoptions, and Foster Placement for Lay Employees

1. All laity employed by the Upper New York Annual Conference, any of its extension ministries, or any congregations within its boundaries expecting the birth or adoption of a child are eligible for Parental Leave. This policy applies to all lay employees who work 20 or more hours a week, or who have worked for at least 175 hours. Parental Leave is guaranteed to all lay employees who request it within the guidelines of this policy.

2. Lay employees are encouraged to begin communicating with their supervisors as soon as they can publicly share the anticipation of a child’s arrival. Families giving birth are encouraged to begin planning as soon as they are public about their pregnancy. Adoptive parents are encouraged to plan as soon as they are approved for adoption/ foster parenting. Parental Leave must be requested at least 90 days in advance of the anticipated beginning of the

leave, mirroring requirements for clergy in accordance with the 2016 Book of Discipline

3. Parental Leave shall be encouraged and permitted for 13 weeks with full pay and will not affect any benefits granted to the lay employee.

4. Churches will maintain their regular compensation for lay employees on leave for the duration of the leave.

5. The lay employee(s)’ supervisor will consult with the lay employee to arrange any coverage of the lay employee(s)’ responsibilities for the duration of leave.

6. Funding for the first twelve weeks of any compensation-related coverage of the lay employee(s)’ responsibilities during Parental Leave will be provided to the employer in the amount required by the New York State Paid Family Leave Act and paid for by the insurance provider selected and funded by the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. It shall be the lay employee and church’s responsibility to complete and submit paperwork provided by the insurance carrier, with assistance from their supervisor and/or Annual Conference personnel as required. Required insurance forms are located in the RESOURCES section of the Annual Conference website.

7. The lay employee(s)’ supervisor shall seek out funding sources for any compensation-related coverage of the lay employee(s)’ thirteenth week of leave and approved by the respective funding source(s)’ governance policies.

8. Parental Leave may be taken consecutively or nonconsecutively, full or part time, according to the needs of the family. Lay employees may take intermittent Paid Family Leave in full-day increments. If the lay employee(s)’ regular job responsibilities include day-specific obligations on a weekly basis for which coverage must be found, the number of those days off will correspond at least one-to-one with the number of weeks of paid Parental Leave. All Parental Leave must be taken within 12 months of the placement or birth of the child(ren).

9. Parental Leave is not vacation. The use of Parental Leave does not affect the lay employee(s)’ use of any annual vacation given by their employer.

10. Employment settings will make reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding and pumping for parents and infant feeding. This should include private space, access to an outlet, and time/space to feed according to the infant’s needs.

11. Foster care providers may be able to take Paid Family Leave before the actual placement of a foster child if an absence from work is required for the placement to proceed.

12. These standards shall be construed as the minimum standards for Parental Leave for lay employees of the Upper New York Annual Conference, its extension ministries, or congregations within its boundaries. If an employer desires and can provide more opportunities for leave, this policy shall not prevent them from doing so.

Upper New York Annual Conference Parental Leave Procedures

Clergyperson(s)’ Responsibilities & Action Steps:

1. Clergy are encouraged to begin planning for Parental Leave as soon as possible. Think through the logistics and needs of your family, ensuring that you consider what will best serve your family. Parental Leave may be taken for up to 13 weeks for birth or adoption, consecutively or nonconsecutively, full or part time, in full days, and must be taken within 12 months of the birth/arrival of a child.

2. Talk with your District Superintendent before sharing the news with your Local Church.

3. Share your plans for Parental Leave with your SPRC.

4. Submit a formal Parental Leave request at least 90 days in advance of the projected start date of leave to the District Superintendent, Episcopal Office, and the Board of Ministry Conference Relations Registrar.

5. If needed or desired, the District Superintendent will meet with the SPPRC to discuss the Parental Leave Policy, benefits, and needs of the congregation.

6. Complete and submit paperwork provided by the Paid Family Leave insurance carrier that is found on the Annual Conference website.

7. Work with the SPPRC to determine the local church resources and needs during the leave. Request funding by submitting a budget for the expenses of pastoral coverage during leave to the District Superintendent.

8. Arrange pastoral coverage, including pulpit supply, for the duration of your leave. The District Superintendent is available to assist you if desired.

9. Communicate your Parental Leave plans to the SPPRC, District Superintendent, and Local Church/ministry setting.

10. As the child’s arrival date nears, ensure all notes and pastoral coverage plans are in place and have been communicated to all involved.

11. Set appropriate boundaries with Local Church leadership as to your needs during leave. Think about if you wish to be contacted during your leave, and under what circumstances. Communicate your boundaries clearly, and ensure that the Local Church/ministry setting understands your availability during leave. (Think about how or if you will respond when a parishioner calls you. What about if there is a funeral? What will happen to emails that are sent during your leave?) Ensure that communication is kind and clear so that all know what to expect.

12. As the child’s arrival date nears, it may be helpful to have back up pastoral coverage and worship services ready, in case of unanticipated circumstances. Consider developing a lay-led service or two and equipping members to be prepared in the event they need to lead without you.

13. When your child arrives and your leave begins, inform your District Superintendent and SPPRC.

14. Take full advantage of the Parental Leave benefits offered to you, for the benefit of your family.

District Superintendent and Conference Responsibilities & Action Steps:

1. District Superintendents will support clergy and encourage the full use of the Parental Leave Policy.

2. If desired, District Superintendents will meet with the SPPRC to discuss the Parental Leave Policy, Foster Care Placement Policy, benefits, and needs of the congregation, for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.

3. District Superintendents will receive Parental Leave coverage budgets from Local Churches/ministry settings and will ensure that funding is provided in accordance with the Parental Leave policy.

4. District Superintendents will remain in consultation with the clergy as pastoral coverage is arranged. If desired, the District Superintendent will assist the clergyperson in finding appropriate coverage.

5. District Superintendents will encourage good boundaries during Parental Leave. District Superintendents will not require clergy to attend charge conference, district conference, or related duties during their Parental Leave.

6. District Superintendents will help interpret and support the need for space and time for grieving for clergy families experiencing pregnancy or infancy loss or at the end of a foster placement. District Superintendents will be in consultation with clergy and the SPPRC to arrange this time. This time will not affect a clergy person’s annual vacation.

7. The Annual Conference will support and promote Parental Leave and will advocate for paid Parental Leave in all aspects of society.

8. The Board of Ordained Ministry, Cabinet, the Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation, and COSROW will review and update the Parental Leave policy at least quadrennially.

9. During the appointment process, no assumptions should be made about the desires of future parents. The clergyperson(s)’ District Superintendent should be in conversation with them about potential appointment changes. These conversations should affirm the professional dignity and sacred worth of clergy parents/families.

Responsibilities & Action Steps for Lay Employees:

1. Laity are encouraged to begin planning for Parental Leave as soon as possible. Think through the logistics and needs of your family, ensuring that you consider what will best serve your family. Parental Leave may be taken for up to 13 weeks for birth or adoption, consecutively or nonconsecutively, full or part time, in full days, and must be taken within 12 months of the birth/arrival of a child.

2. Talk with your supervisor before sharing the news with others in your ministry setting.

3. Share your plans for Parental Leave with your supervisor.

4. Submit a formal Parental Leave request at least 90 days in advance of the projected start date of leave to your supervisor.

5. Work with your supervisor to determine the resources and needs during your leave.

6. Complete and submit paperwork provided by the Paid Family Leave insurance provider as found on the Annual Conference website.

7. Work with your supervisor to arrange for coverage for the duration of your leave. Request funding by submitting a budget for the expenses of compensation-related coverage during leave to your supervisor.

8. Communicate your Parental Leave plans to your supervisor and those in your ministry context.

9. As the child’s arrival date nears, ensure all coverage plans are in place and have been communicated to all involved.

10. Work with your supervisor to set appropriate boundaries with those in your ministry context as to your needs during leave. Think about if you wish to be contacted during your leave, and under what circumstances. Communicate your boundaries clearly, and ensure that the Local Church/ministry setting understands your

availability during leave. Ensure that communication is kind and clear so that all know what to expect.

11. As the child’s arrival date nears, it may be helpful to have contingencies ready, in case of unanticipated circumstances.

12. When your child arrives and your leave begins, inform your supervisor.

13. Take full advantage of the Parental Leave benefits offered to you, for the benefit of your family.

Responsibilities & Action Steps for Supervisors and Ministry Contexts of Lay Employees:

1. Supervisors will support lay employees and encourage the full use of the Parental Leave Policy.

2. If desired, supervisors will meet with appropriate bodies in the ministry context to discuss the Parental Leave Policy, Foster Care Placement Policy, benefits, and needs of the congregation, for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.

3. Supervisors seek out funding sources, collaborating with others in the ministry context as appropriate, for any unbudgeted expenses related to the lay employee(s)’ thirteenth week of Parental Leave.

4. Supervisors will remain in consultation with the lay employee as coverage is arranged. If desired, the supervisor will assist the lay employees in finding appropriate coverage.

5. Supervisors will model and encourage good boundaries during Parental Leave for the ministry context. Supervisors will not require lay employees to attend ministry-related meetings or events during their leave.

6. Supervisors will help interpret and support the need for space and time for grieving for clergy families experiencing pregnancy or infancy loss or at the end of a foster placement. Supervisors will be in consultation with the lay employee and the employer to arrange this time. This time will not affect a lay employee’s annual vacation.

7. The ministry context will support and promote Parental Leave and will advocate for paid Parental Leave in all aspects of society.

UNYAC2024.4 - Clergy Time Off Policy

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): None

Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: Committee on Equitable Compensation

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

This resolution calls on the Upper New York Annual Conference to support the wellness of all clergy persons who serve churches in the Upper New York Annual Conference by providing a consistent vacation and days off policies for all pastors.

Whereas, Sabbath rest is a gift and commandment from God (Exodus 20);

Whereas, clergy persons who serve the local church do so most visibly by preaching and leading worship every Sunday, and approximately 40% of UNY clergy serve in a part-time capacity;

Whereas, in a time when much of the Upper New York Annual Conference’s focus is on clergy health, consistent time off would be a concrete step to emphasize the health of all clergy;

Whereas, the Upper New York Benefits Summary document, under Time Off Policy, states that, “Clergy are eligible for four weeks of vacation each year with five weeks for those with more than 20 years of service. The number of Sundays off will correspond at least one-to-one with the number of weeks of vacation.”

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Annual Conference Clergy Support Policies, section VII. Paid Time Off Policy subsection B be amended to state, “All clergy under episcopal appointment are entitled to four weeks of vacation each year with five weeks for those with more than 20 years of full-time equivalent service. The number of Sundays off will correspond at least one-to-one with the number of weeks of vacation.”

Therefore, be it further resolved that the Upper New York Annual Conference Clergy Support Policies, section VII. Paid Time Off Policy subsection F be amended to state,

and paid time off for supply pastors and district hires are to be individually negotiated in consultation with the SPRC, pastor, and District Superintendent at the initial appointment and subsequently as needed.”

Date of submission: March 15, 2024

Submitted by: Rev. Kimberly Ferrel

Mailing address: 1795 Baird Road, Penfield, NY 14526

Email address: pastor@pumcny.org

Phone number: (585) 586-0618

UNY local church/charge membership: Penfield UMC

UNYAC2024.5 - End U.S. Funding for Israel’s Military Occupation of Palestine

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): None

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

Financial Implications: None

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has long been opposed to the continued Israeli military occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) (United Methodist Book of Resolutions, #6111)1, and

Whereas, despite the United States’ and the international community’s repeated condemnation of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory as a flagrant violation under international law, the Israeli government continues to support and expand its illegal colonization of Palestinian land2, and

Whereas, the Israeli government receives $3.8 billion per year of U.S. taxpayer funds, which funding supports the Israeli military occupation of the OPT3, and

Whereas, Israel’s military is already the strongest military power and the only nuclear power in the Middle East, widely considered to have one of the most powerful militaries in the world, and also ranked among the strongest economies in the world4, and

Whereas, the state of Israel, in order to maintain and expand its illegal occupation and colonization of Palestinian land in the West Bank--subsidized by U.S. aid--destroys Palestinian homes, farmland, businesses, schools, hospitals, and entire communities; poisons water sources and withholds readily available clean water; uses mass incarceration as a tool of population control; and holds millions of Palestinians as virtual prisoners in their communities by drastically limiting their freedom of movement, restricting access to family members, employment, education, and medical care5, and

Whereas, Israeli military forces systematically abuse Palestinian children, interrogating them without the presence of family or legal counsel, beating and torturing them, prosecuting them on spurious charges and without due process in the notorious Israeli military court system, and incarcerating them in military prisons6, and

Whereas, the Israeli government has created a legal system that privileges Jewish citizens over all other citizens and residents of Israel/Palestine and has established racial discrimination as the law of the land in every aspect of life7, and

Whereas, due to the State of Israel’s continual and well-documented violations of international law and Palestinians’ human rights, the United States, by providing unconditional political, military, and financial support for Israel’s criminal actions, becomes complicit in those violations which many have charged include war crimes and crimes against humanity8, and

1 https://www.umc.org/en/content/book-of-resolutions-opposition-to-israeli-settlements-in-palestinian-land

2 https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/10/commission-inquiry-finds-israeli-occupation-unlawful-under-international-law

3 https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-israel/#:~:text=This%20has%20been%20formalized%20by,cooperative%20programs%20for%20missile%20defense

4 https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-among-10-most-powerful-countries-in-the-world-in-annual-list/

5 https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/israel-must-end-its-occupation-of-palestine-to-stop-fueling-apartheid-and-systematic-human-rights-violations/

6 https://nwttac.dci-palestine.org

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

8 https://ccrjustice.org/home/press-center/press-releases/rights-lawyers-release-legal-analysis-us-complicity-israel-s

Whereas, our Christian brothers and sisters in Israel and Palestine have called out to us, pleading for our help in their struggle to free themselves from a brutal military occupation that has lasted 57 years9, and

Whereas, we are followers of Jesus Christ who came “to bring good news to the poor…to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,” (Luke 4:18), the same Christ who has called us to do for others that which we would want for ourselves (Luke 6:12),

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church calls upon the United States government to:

End U.S. financial support for Israel’s military (the “Israeli Defense Force”) to ensure American aid is not used to support the continuation of Israel’s military occupation and violations of Palestinian human rights.

Redirect the $3.8 billion in military funding that the U.S. is scheduled to give to the Israeli government in both 2024 and 2025 to help repair and rebuild the devastation that has been wrought in Gaza.

Support the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and the establishment of a state in which they will enjoy equal rights with all their fellow citizens and Jewish neighbors.

Be it further resolved that the Conference Secretary will send the full text of this resolution to the President of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of State, and all legislators in the U.S. Congress representing the State of New York.

Date of Submission: March 9, 2024

Submitted by: The Upper New York Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel and Endorsed by the Upper New York Social Holiness Team

Task force members:

UNYAC2024.6 - Upper New York Freedom from Firearms

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): #3428 (revised and adopted 2016) Conference Committee/Agency that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if passed: All local churches and districts and the Conference Social Holiness Committee

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

At the 2016 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, the resolution “Our Call to End Gun Violence” was passed. This became part of the Book of Resolutions and therefore an official church statement. This statement draws on “Micah’s prophetic dream of peace to our violent reality.”1 Micah was a prophet in the 8th century BCE. During his time, Judah was under constant threat by Assyria. Yet, he tells us, “[God] shall judge between many peoples and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.” (Micah 4:3-4, NRSVue) Paul’s letter to the Philippians tells us, “Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5, NRSVue) United Methodists across the Upper New York Conference seek to follow the Spirit of Jesus who cares about the wellbeing of communities, and all of their members. Therefore, we are deeply concerned about the suffering and human loss caused by reliance on violence to solve conflicts, particularly firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns, and assault weapons).2

Whereas, at the 2016 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, the resolution “Our Call to End Gun Violence” was passed, becoming an official church statement and part of the Book of Resolutions. “Our Call to End Gun Violence” draws on Micah 4:1-4 for its biblical inspiration, applying Micah’s prophetic dream of peace to our violent reality.

Whereas, in 2023, over 40,000 people died from gun violence. 3

Whereas, in 2023 there were over 630 mass shootings, up from 273 in 2014. 3

Whereas, since 2020, the number of gun deaths has surpassed the number of motor vehicle accident deaths among children and teenagers. In 2023, of the 6192 shootings of children under the age of 18, more than 1600 died. 4

Whereas, in the United States, 6 out of 100,000 people have died from gun violence. 3

Whereas, people living with handgun owners died by homicide at twice the rate of their neighbors in gun-free homes.5

Whereas, between 1980 and 2020, 17% of mass shootings were motivated by religious hate and there were 11 mass shootings in houses of worship resulting in 87 deaths. 6

Whereas, Jesus challenged all his disciples to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 2:17), we call upon the church to affirm its faith through vigorous efforts to curb and eliminate gun violence (Resolution #3248). We also call upon all churches in the Conference to set an example in this regard.

Whereas, it is the purpose of The UMC to become once again a beacon to all people within our buildings and on our properties--a place that is free from violence and free from fear.

Whereas, Paul’s letter to the Romans tells us, “If your brother or sister is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love…Let us then pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:15 and 14:19, NRSVue).

While individuals are not prohibited from responsibly gambling and consuming alcohol, we recognize these present a challenge for some individuals. Consistent with our goal of being welcoming to all, we prohibit gambling and alcohol consumption on United Methodist Church property to prevent those being a temptation to some in our midst.

Whereas, we believe the principles behind our prohibitions regarding gambling and alcohol consumption should be extended to firearms on UMC property for the same reason.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist church encourage each congregation to adhere to resolution #3428 [or its successors] from The Book of Resolutions which states, “reflecting that the traditional role of The United Methodist Church has been one of safety and sanctuary, every United Methodist Church is officially declared a weapon-free zone,” [no matter what local legislation may provide to the contrary] (see also The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church).]*

Be it further resolved that each church within the conference be encouraged to prohibit firearms** from church property and post signage to that effect.

*unless otherwise specially authorized by law

**excluding bows and arrows used for archery in controlled camp settings.

Date of submission: March 15, 2024

Carol E. Roote dceroote@naz.edu croote7@naz.edu

87 Vendome Drive South; Rochester, NY 14606

(585) 329-6986

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Karen Hibbard

Khcrm1000@rochester.rr.com

70 Mandy Lane

Rochester, NY 14625

585-662-5368

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Chris Burton chrissmithburton@gmail.com

144 New Wickham Dr

Penfield, NY 14526-2727

585-489-7273

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Heather Furlin

herofurlin@comcast.net

16 Wesley Drive

Swedesboro, NJ 08085-2587

609-898-4446

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Bonnie Kay b.kay@frontiernet.net

225 Hollywood Avenue

Rochester, NY 14618

585-478-5611

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Lin Saunders

305 Highland Avenue

Rochester, NY 14620

Rsaunders001@rochester.rr.com

585-281-8550

Asbury First United Methodist Church

John Foster

John.a.foster@ieee.org

27 Charter Oaks Dr

Pittsford, NY 14534-3420

585-261-0148

Asbury First United Methodist Church

Linda Betstadt

lbetstadt@gmail.com

60 Council Rock Ave

Rochester, NY 14610-2503

585-356-1514

Marion Robinson Asbury First, UMC

Teddi Urriola Asbury First, UMC

Lucinda Haag Asbury First, UMC

Susan Guffey Asbury First, UMC

Louis Woolever Asbury First, UMC

Edward Zelazny

Asbury First, UMC

Joanne Zelazny

Asbury First, UMC

Carol Hardy Asbury First, UMC

Elizabeth Woolever Asbury First, UMC

Terrie Nichols Asbury First, UMC

Susan Morris

Cheryl Thompson Asbury First, UMC

Susan Bickel Asbury First, UMC

Sandra Holloway Asbury First, UMC

Marianne Oliveiri Asbury First, UMC

Richard Wallace Asbury First, UMC

Linda Clemow Asbury First, UMC

Alan Ziegler Asbury First, UMC

Chris Linsner-Cartwright Asbury First, UMC

Kay Cotton

Asbury First, UMC

Vickie Stankaitis Asbury First, UMC

Nancy Monachino Asbury First, UMC

John Mcneill New Horizon FC-UMC

Elise Carter Asbury First, UMC

Ed Hinz

Ian Urriola Asbury First, UMC

David Crawford Asbury First, UMC

Ruth Elliott

Alan Ziegler Asbury First, UMC

Jeanne Van Voorst Asbury First, UMC

Avis Hooper Asbury First, UMC

Meredith Pixley Asbury First, UMC

Carol Williams Marcellus UMC

Bryant Clark Marcellus UMC

Rev. Pat Dupont Asbury First, UMC

Diana Carter Asbury First, UMC

Lawrence Gage Asbury First, UMC

David Kennedy Asbury First, UMC

Marie McEneaney Asbury First, UMC

Mike Mullin Asbury First, UMC

David Kay Asbury First, UMC

Laurie Kennedy Asbury First, UMC

Daniel Quackenbush Asbury First, UMC

Nancy Gongloff Asbury First, UMC

Karyl Friedman Asbury First, UMC

Barbara Castle Asbury First, UMC

Carol Kramer Asbury First, UMC

Diane Dudley Asbury First, UMC

Ralph Saunders Asbury First, UMC

Dennis Roote Asbury First, UMC

Lin Vanderstyne Asbury First, UMC

Dawn Riedy Asbury First, UMC

Jen Venuto

Karen Johnson Asbury First, UMC

Joann Middleton Asbury First, UMC

Rev. Susan Shafer Asbury First, UMC

Nancy Specht Asbury First, UMC

Ann Johnson Asbury First, UMC

Paula Kuempel Asbury First, UMC

Rick Kuempel

Asbury First, UMC

Gary Burton Asbury First, UMC

Lori Jeanne Peloquin Asbury First, UMC

Dean Eckberg

Robert Castle Asbury First, UMC

1 Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities: Reflections on Gun Violence from Micah 4:1-4. General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church

https://www.umcjustice.org/documents/37

2 Department of Environmental Conservation

3 Gun Violence Archive

https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/regulations

https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/

4 The Trace: Investigating Gun Violence in America

5 reported in Time Magazine, June 3,2022

https://www.thetrace.org/

https://time.com/6183881/gun-ownership-risks-at-home/

6 Voice of America Special Report House of Worship Shootings

https://projects.voanews.com/mass-shootings/english/locations/worship.html

UNYAC2024.7 - United Methodist Properties and Events are Gun Free Zones

Book of Discipline (¶): None

Book of Resolutions paragraph (¶): None

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

Financial Implications: minimal - just the cost of signage which could be a laminated sheet of paper

Brief Rationale:

In our society, where it seems anyone who wants one has a gun, the church leads to claim that they are a safe space in effort to truly be welcoming to all people. This resolution seeks to live into three General Conference Resolutions: #251, which affirmed that “the traditional role of The United Methodist Church has been one of safety and sanctuary;” #5011 “Church Is a Weapon-Free Zone;” and #3428, “Our Call to End Gun Violence.”

Whereas, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is quoted, saying “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” (Matthew 26:52);

Whereas, Jesus calling upon his followers to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) is tied to intimate relationship with God, and echoes God’s dreams for peace for all of creation as expressed in Micah 4:1–4;

Whereas, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, opposed the use of weapons in a way that could result in the loss of life. He wrote, “No man, therefore, can give the power of the sword, any such power as gives the right to take away life: whatever it is, it must descend from God alone, the sole disposer of life and death.” (John Wesley, Observations on Liberty, 1776);

Whereas, the 2000 session of the General Conference adopted a Resolution entitled “Church Is a Weapon-Free Zone” that was readopted in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Resolution #5011 in the 2012 Book of Resolutions states:

Whereas, in keeping with the spirit of Isaiah 2:4: God will judge between the nations, and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then they will beat their swords into iron plows, and their spears into pruning tools. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war;”

Whereas, reflecting the church’s traditional role as a place of safety and sanctuary, Therefore, every United Methodist Church is officially declared a weapons-free zone.

Whereas, the 2016 session of General Conference adopted Resolution #3428, “Our Call to End Gun Violence,” states “… United Methodist congregations (are asked) to display signs that prohibit carrying guns onto church property” and calls upon church members to prayerfully address gun violence in their local context;

Whereas, the 2000 session of General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted Resolution #251, which affirmed that “the traditional role of The United Methodist Church has been one of safety and sanctuary;”

Whereas, churches have a responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of every person who enters a church for worship, education, and for any other reason;

Whereas, bringing weapons into the church sends a message that is at odds with what the church wants to communicate and violates the religious character of religious property;

Whereas, the work of the church does not involve or require weapons;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church require, as part of the rental agreement, that the meeting areas used for conference events and programs, including the main hall used for

conference sessions, and any other areas, including meeting rooms, and dining and display areas, be posted as gun-free zones;

Therefore, be it resolved that no firearms will be allowed within the sanctuaries, buildings, or any of the programs or events, or any of the lands owned by the Conference;

Therefore, be it resolved that all Conference sites shall post clear and visible signage that firearms are strictly forbidden on conference properties or sites and that all local churches be encouraged to post this signage.

Date of submission: March 15, 2024

Submitted by: Heather Smith; she, her

Email address: peacewithjustice@unyumc.org

Phone number: (518) 368-2209

UNY local church/charge membership: Delmar First UMC

Other signee:

Name: Rev. Alan Kinney

Email address: akinney3@twcny.rr.com

Phone number: (518) 390-0883

REPORTS – (CONFERENCE TEAMS)

• Leadership Team, Conference (CLT)

• Lay Servant Ministries, Conference Committee on

• Communications

• Deaconesses and Home Missioners

• Equitable Compensation, Commission on (CEC)

• Finance and Administration, Conference Council on (CFA)

• Global Ministries Team

• Laity, Conference Board of

• 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

• Pension and Health Benefits (CBoPHB), Board of

• Religion and Race, Conference Committee on (CCORR)

• Status and Role of Women, Commission on the (COSROW)

• Safe Sanctuaries

• Social Holiness

• Trustees, Board of

• United Women in Faith (UWF, formally known as UMW)

Leadership Team, Conference (CLT)

The purpose of the Conference Leadership Team (CLT) is to steward the mission and vision of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference ministry. The resident bishop convenes the team with the director of missional excellence. Its core functions include:

• Provide missional clarity and alignment within the Conference, regions, and districts to achieve the primary task and missional objectives.

• Consider the missional questions that allow UNY to articulate and implement its strategies to increase faithfulness and fruitfulness.

• Create an environment for healthy accountability.

• Serve as the executive body of UNY between conference sessions.

• In consultation with the cabinet, it can also act on behalf of the Upper New York Conference.

The key missional question that informs the work of the CLT is “How are United Methodists of Upper New York faithfully living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being God’s love with our neighbors in all places?” The same question also guides the CLT’s adaptive work as it explores future ministry opportunities.

Missional Clarity

The change in episcopal leadership brought with it the opportunity to revisit and refresh the Conference’s missional priorities and the CLT’s work. In Fall 2023, the CLT engaged in deep conversations about our mission, vision, values, and purpose as an Annual Conference. It also sought to clarify the framework and strategies that will guide our shared mission. The fruit of this work is captured in the Conference’s Missional Playbook for United Methodists of Upper New York, an organic document which serves as our foundational missional guide as we move forward in this new season of ministry. You can view the most recent version of the UNY Missional Playbook by pointing your camera app at QR code and clicking the link.

Structure

In July, the CLT began operating with a revised membership to create greater collaboration and transparency between the administrative, programmatic, and missional teams in the Upper New York Conference, which is critical for missional clarity and alignment. In addition to three at-large members from across the Conference, CLT also includes the Conference lay leader, team leaders from the Council on Finance and Administration (CFA), the Conference Board of Trustees (CBT), the Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC), the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBoPHB), the Appointive Cabinet, and the Executive Staff Team (EST).

Special Projects

In addition to fulfilling its work of stewarding the vision of the Conference and receiving regular updates from the executive staff team around the work of the episcopacy, missional excellence, finance and administration, human resources, legal, and communications, the CLT undertook two significant projects.

1) In response to legislation passed at the 2023 regular Annual Conference session, the CLT created a short-term task force to offer a recommendation to the CLT on allocations of the Child Victim Act (CVA) settlements and legal fees. Based on the task force’s recommendation, the CLT is presenting a recommendation to the 2024 Annual Conference on fund allocations for CVA expenses. The CLT expresses its gratitude for the faithful work of the task force on behalf of the Annual Conference.

2) The CLT did initial exploratory work to clarify the missional relationship of the UNY Camp & Retreats Ministries into the future. No conclusions were reached by the CLT, and a comprehensive plan will be developed in collaboration with the CRM committee to be brought to next year’s annual conference session for consideration. The CLT intends to secure the services of an independent outside consultant to guide this important work of discernment.

In the coming year, the CLT will continue refining and overseeing the implementation of our revised Missional Playbook and new Missional Excellence framework to ensure UNY leaders and congregations are equipped and resourced for impactful ministry. With the help of God, we seek to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us so that our leaders and congregations are able to take significant steps forward, living the gospel, and embodying the love of God in the world.

Lay Servant Ministries, Conference Committee on

The primary role of the Conference Lay Servant Ministries team is equipping and empowering the District Lay Servant teams as they provide the training and leadership necessary to offer certification opportunities for Certified Lay Servants, Certified Lay Speakers, and Certified Lay Ministers in their local churches. Effective lay servant ministries help churches become more vital and fruitful because it equips and empowers the laity for ministry in partnership with the clergy. We “train the trainers” for this vital leadership role. “Lay servant ministries, both within the local church and beyond, is one of the best systems for disciple making that United Methodists have because it is all about nurture, outreach, and witness through its tenets of leading, caring, and communicating.” (Lay Servant Ministries Guide for Conference & District Committees 2017-2020, copyright © 2017 by Discipleship Resources)

Our team of 18 faithful servants oversees the Lay Servant Ministry teams in each district. Our team has approved and welcomed five new Certified Lay Speakers and three new Certified Lay Ministers this year. Each district offered advanced lay servant courses to help equip the lay servants within our Conference for leadership in their local churches and beyond, and to help discern God’s call in their lives. We continued to offer courses for laity both in person and online.

We look forward to continuing to enable and equip the laity in our Conference for leadership. We have been discussing ways to encourage more laity to take the step toward Lay Servant. The need for lay leadership in our churches is crucial to help our churches thrive and remain vital. The team is looking into ways to further educate both clergy and laity on the various categories of Lay Servant Ministries, the role of each lay servant, lay speaker or lay minister and the steps needed to become certified in Lay Servant Ministry.

Linda M. Barczykowski, Conference Lay Servant Director

Date of Submission: 2/16/24

Email: lindab125@outlook.com

Address: 5202 Oakwood Dr, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Cell: (716) 946-0124

District Directors:

Hazard Bruce (Adirondack)

Home: (518) 792-4555 firstglobal@verizon.net

Darlene Suto (Albany)

Cell: (518) 495-2248 Home: (518) 279-3567 darleneanne01@gmail.com

Donna Tarsia (Binghamton) tarsiad@gmail.com

Amber Gregory (Binghamton)

Cora Martin (Cornerstone)

Home: (716) 372-2999

Cell: (716) 353-0877 cmm9668@aol.com

Craig Buelow (Cornerstone)

Dennis Darlene (Crossroads) rdennis31@verizon.net

Robert (Bob) Mueller (Crossroads)

Phone: (315) 345-8675 mueller915@yahoo.com

Finger Lakes

Deborah Clyde (Genesee Valley)

Phone: (585) 889-5200 Cell: (585) 413-6057 dclyde@rochester.rr.com

Ken Guilfoyle (Mohawk)

Phone: (315) 254-6673 kguilf2855@aol.com

Sue Silhan (Mountain View)

Phone: (607) 703-0010 healing.wholenessministry@gmail.com

Tracy Hagler (Niagara Frontier)

Phone: (716) 510-0127 thagler0125@yahoo.com

Donna Fitchett (Northern Flow) missuaprilsue@hotmail.com

Martha Helmer (Northern Flow)

Phone: (315) 379-9640 mrshelmer@yahoo.com

Cathy Honrath (Oneonta)

Phone: (607) 639-1249 Cell: (607) 373-9126 chonrath@gmail.com

Elisabeth (Lisa) Kisselstein (At-Large Member) elisabeth.kisselstein@gmail.com

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.’”

United Methodists of Upper New York are doing wonderful things, and it is our role to share those stories to equip and inspire others. From news articles to video profiles, we have told stories in all 12 districts of the Conference. In addition, we have done the following:

• Collaborated with GNTV for the October 14 Special Session. GNTV provided audio and visual support from Georgia as our team worked at the United Methodist Center for the virtual gathering.

• Expanded our social media posts to include not only Facebook and Instagram but reach a new audience on TikTok.

• Worked with the Rev. Nancy Dibelius on promoting and enhancing her “Spiritual Practices” podcast. To improve Rev. Dibelius visibility, we’ve worked with her to create a YouTube channel to have a broader reach.

• United with the Clergy Wellness Team to launch a Conference-wide clergy wellness initiative in time for the Bishop’s Retreat, held Jan. 16-18 in Corning. The initiative focuses on five principles of well-being as outlined by Wespath: spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, and social.

• Shared monthly resources for the Conference’s year-long prayer pilgrimage, “Together in Prayer.” We work with local clergy to share scripture passages, reflections, prayers, and prayer queues. The material is designed to either be used individually or within congregations.

This year, we are launching a Conference-wide app in hopes of increasing exposure to information and events through push notifications. It will be available as a free download on both iOS and Android operating systems. We will continue to tell the stories of Upper New York through Conference Communications, including the Conference website, award-winning Weekly Digest, The Bridge, and email notifications through UNY Notes.

Submitted by: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications

Date of Submission: March 11, 2024

Email: shelbywinchell@unyumc.org

Phone: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2015

Deaconesses and Home Missioners

The Deaconesses and Home Missioners’ call to ministries of love, justice, and service is defined in Paragraph 1913.1 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which states: Deaconesses and Home Missioners function through diverse forms of service directed toward the world to make Jesus Christ known in the fullness of his ministry and mission, which mandate that his followers:

• Alleviate suffering

• Eradicate causes of injustice and all that robs life of dignity and worth

• Facilitate the development of full human potential

• Share in the building global community through the church universal. Deaconesses and Home Missioners are lay people who are called by God to be in a lifetime relationship in The United Methodist Church for engagement with a full-time vocation in ministries of love, justice, and service. Together, we form a covenant community that is rooted in Scripture, informed by history, driven by mission, ecumenical in scope, and global in outreach.

Discernment Events for Deaconesses and Home Missioners Ministry

During a period of discernment, we listen for the call of God in our lives. The Deaconess/Home Missioner Discernment event is an opportunity to explore God’s call to vocational ministry, hear and share call stories, and learn what it takes to be in relationship as a Deaconess or Home Missioner. There will be an event on August 8 at 8 p.m. You can register here: https://tinyurl.com/DHMAugust2024.

For more information and the latest dates for these events, please e-mail: deaconess@uwfaith.org.

Our order continues to grow. As of May 1, 2024, across the United States, we have: Deaconess Home Missioners: Active – 267, Retired – 119 Home Missionaries: Active – 4, Retired – 44

In the Upper New York Conference, there are currently four Deaconess Home Missioners (DHM). We are pleased to welcome three newly called-to-ministry DHM who will be commissioned at our 2024 Annual Conference:

1. Constance Glover from Penn Yan UMC in the Finger Lakes District – Connie serves as the Lead Coordinator of the Penn Yan Community Café, providing meals and sharing community resources for housing and other needed assistance for individuals.

2. Alicia Mitchell from Buffalo in the Niagara Frontier District is the Pantry Manager at Lincoln Memorial UMC. She is active in her church assisting people to incorporate practices that foster health and wellbeing.

3. And by transfer, Josefina Nicolas-Tacadena in the Niagara Frontier District from First UMC of Ontario. Josefina’s ministry is a Nursing Home Resident Support Assistant.

If you have questions or would like more information about DHM in Upper New York, please contact:

• Susan Silhan, Mountain View District, Healing Ministry Healing.wholenessministry@gmail.com

• Denise Walling, Albany District, Hospital Chaplaincy walling_d@msn.com

• Kevin Nelson, Albany District, Legal Services kmichael07@gmail.com

• Janice Dawn Tabangin, Niagara Frontier District janicedawntabangin@yahoo.com Each individual DHM

Address: 4486 State Rt. 79, Burdett, NY 14818

Committee members:

Susan Silhan: Healing.wholenessministry@gmail.com

Kevin Nelson: kmichael07@gmail.com

Denise Walling: walling_d@msn.com

Janice Dawn Tabangin: janicedawntabangin@yahoo.co

Equitable Compensation, Commission on (CEC)

The report from the Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC) was not submitted by the given deadline to be included in the publication of the 2024 Pre-Conference Workbook. You can find the CEC report on the Conference website by scanning the QR code and following the link.

Finance and Administration, Conference Council on (CFA)

The Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) continues working on the policies and procedures with the finance staff, forming the budget and other discipline mandated tasks of CFA.

This past year was another challenging year as we continued to cope with the effects of church closings, church disaffiliations, and the costs related to the Child Victims Act. We are extremely thankful to all the churches that paid their ministry shares in full for 2023 and to those that go the extra mile and pay even more than apportioned. There were 568 churches that paid 100 percent of their shared ministries. Some churches were even able to increase their giving during a challenging year and CFA celebrates and rejoices in their accomplishment. We continue to work on our policies and practices regarding those churches that are not fully paying their Ministry Shares.

Our overall collection rate for 2023 was 80%. Our 2023 budget was based on an 81% collection rate. This means that the Conference finished 2023 just 1% shy of our targeted budget. We give thanks to the District Superintendents that diligently sent out letters to churches to encourage ministry share payments throughout 2023. CFA is hopeful that this continued work in collaboration with the Cabinet will help the Conference see a continued increase in the paid ministry share percentage for 2024 and future years.

One item to note is that the higher-than-normal collection rate for 2023 is supported by churches that disaffiliated. These churches were required to pay a future twelve months of ministry shares, therefore guaranteeing the Conference collected from those churches through the end of 2023. In addition, CFA received additional funding from disaffiliated churches in 2023 that amounted to just over $247,000 which was related to prior year ministry share shortfalls required to disaffiliate as well.

We ended the year with an unaudited operating surplus of $1,253,586. This surplus was due to a few factors. First, we were able to set up a sweep account and take advantage of high guaranteed interest rates with our bank to produce annual interest of approximately $490,000 on our operating account balances. We also experienced savings in some ministry areas, mostly related to reducing the number of administrative assistants, closing of District Offices, moving district staff to remote work, and the reduction of 2 more District Superintendents as of July 2023. The last significant boost to revenue was the above-mentioned collection of prior year ministries of $247,000 related to disaffiliating churches.

CFA has retained the services of Dermody, Burke & Brown to complete our 2023 audit. This is a new audit firm as our last auditor retired and that CPA firm chose to reduce some of the work they had, and the Conference audit was one of the accounts discontinued. CFA spent many months trying to secure a new audit firm to take over the annual audit. Most firms were overburdened and could not find an available time frame to take on additional work. Dermody, Burke & Brown were gracious to accept our request for proposal by moving directly to the 2023 audit by doing review work to ensure the reconciliation of the 2022 trial balance figures. The benefit this will bring the Conference’s direct access to up-to-date audited information and we are extremely excited about this opportunity.

One project that CFA is currently working on is a review of staff salaries and wages to see where Conference staff salaries fall in relation to current market rates. The Conference contracted the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), who has completed a review of the conference staffing salary rates and has made some recommendations as it relates to salary ranges and market rates in the Upper New York area. CFA is currently reviewing these recommendations to see if there is a way to make adjustments while still staying mindful of not increasing ministry share costs to local churches.

In proposing the 2025 Ministry Share Budget, we have worked diligently to control and reduce the expenses within the Ministry Share operating budget. Faced with a reduction in the number of churches due to church closures and disaffiliations, we strive to reduce the costs incurred within the Conference budget and continually look to other ways of funding the missions and ministries of the Upper New York Conference.

To formulate the budget, CFA started with the amounts that each ministry area used in the past year and adjusted for increases in salaries and benefits, as well as known changes that may be needed in each ministry area. We also looked

at other funding sources for each area. The amount included in the budget for general church apportionments is based on the current budget getting presented at the General Conference in late April. If the General Conference passes any amendments to the current submitted budget, GCFA will provide each Conference with their corrected allocation for 2025. You will also find brief explanations of budget lines with a * below the proposed budget that relates to ministry areas that exceed a $5,000 change from the 2024 budget.

The overall 2025 budget shows a decrease of $600,000 from our 2024 approved budget and a total reduction of $1,400,000 from our 2023 approved budget. CFA is hopeful that these budget reductions will help to offset the ministry share losses for closed and disaffiliated churches in 2023. However, CFA is also aware that the full impact of these losses will not be fully realized until later this year when all churches have completed their stats report and the Conference staff can run the required reports to see the impact of operating revenue as it relates to the churches that remain after completion of the full disaffiliation process.

Due to this time challenge, CFA has committed to not increase the ministry share factor rate for 2025. This means that a church’s ministry shares for 2025 will only go up or down based on the increase/decrease in reported operating income from 2023 compared to 2022 reported numbers. If this process creates a shortfall in ministry share collections to the Conference in 2025, CFA has approved drawing any shortfall from reserves and will revisit needed reductions or funding opportunities for our 2026 budget next year. We are hopeful that this offer will help alleviate any anxiety to our local churches about ministry share factor rates while allowing CFA to continue working with the cabinet to try and find additional ways to assist churches in continuing ministry share payments in the hope that we can find ways to move toward actual ministry share reductions across the board for our local churches in future years.

Please review the proposed 2025 budget found on pages 20-23 of this workbook.

I offer thanks to the members of CFA for their service and ministry: Rev. Naomi Annandale, Roger Cullen, Sue Godshall, Rich Griffin, Pastor Noel John, Rev. Jenni Piatt, Kathy Perry, Rev. Gerald Piper, Lyle Tague, Bob Flask, Susan Latessa, Rev. Susan Ranous, Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, and Rev. William 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: Holly E. Roush, Conference Council on Finance and Administration Chairperson

Global Ministries Team

The purpose and role of the Global Ministries Team is to help the people of Upper New York (UNY) be connected to missionaries and mission work of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) and the Upper New York Conference Advance Specials.

In the past year, we had two booths at the 2023 Annual Conference Session that were well attended. We also celebrated the raising of one million dollars for permanent scholarships at Africa University and approved the names for the final four scholarships. We updated the profile information for all of the missionaries associated with the Upper New York Conference and unfortunately had five of them transition out of missionary service with GBGM for various reasons.

Our goals for this year are to have a delegation from the UNY Conference travel to Africa University, to support the Mission of Peace, the Mission HUB, and revive the Conference Love Offering to support various missions.

Submitted by: Rev. Jeffrey Childs

Date of Submission: March 5, 2024

Email: revchilds@hotmail.com

Address: 5164 Rt. 89, Romulus, NY 14541

Phone: (315) 729-4464

Other members: Robert Long, Kristina Clark, Jeff McDowell, Carmen Vianese, Gracie Lynn Bessie, Grace Stierheim, Donna Cullen, Deborah Byers

Laity, Conference Board of

The Conference Board of Laity serves many roles:

1. Supporting the laity: The Board of Laity supports, equips, and resources the laity.

2. Raising awareness: The Board of Laity raises awareness of the laity’s role in local congregations.

3. Developing programs: The Board of Laity develops programs to help people understand the theological and biblical basis for lay work and life.

4. Developing stewardship: The Board of Laity develops and promotes stewardship of time, talent, and possessions.

5. Empowering the laity: The Board of Laity aims to equip and empower the laity to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

6. Interacting with church life: The Board of Laity interacts with all aspects of church life and work.

Our focus in the past year was “claity” - lay and clergy coming together. The reality of the church today is that laity are needed to do additional roles that clergy may have done in the past. As a committee, we have been working throughout the Conference to encourage lay persons to try new things, to listen to the call God has for them, and to train/guide them better. We have also been celebrating the wonderful ministries that the laity and clergy do well.

The Board’s goals for the upcoming year are as follows:

1. Focus on spiritual and mental wellness of the lay and clergy alike.

2. Take what we learn from the Annual Conference laity session and work to help local churches find solutions or opportunities to overcome obstacles.

3. Continue to support “claity” in all our actions within the church.

4. Support and grow the call of the laity.

5. Work to get more youth and young adult lay voices to be heard.

Submitted by: Jessica White, Conference Lay Leader Date of Submission: March 7, 2024 Email: jdgirl25@yahoo.com

Address: 175 Main St, Apt 3, Attica NY 14011

Phone: (716) 225-1887

Other members: Linda Barczykowski, Gracie Lynn Evergreen, Ellen Mall-John, Donna Tarsia, Susan Hardy, Darlene Dennis, Robert Mueller, Mark Adsit, Ann Welch Wood, Hap Skellen, Brenda Shelmidine, Rick Fisher, Carmen Vianese, Blenda Smith, Deborah Clyde

Native American Ministries, Committee on (CONAM)

The role of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) is to connect with Native people within the Upper New York (UNY) Conference area and to be the voice of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church to Native people.

The Committee on Native American Ministries is made up of Indigenous people from throughout the Upper New York Conference, representatives from the three Native American United Methodist churches on the territories plus committed advocates. The group meets via Zoom four times a year. Our in-person meeting in August 2023 was held at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor. While there visiting the site, we toured the International WamPum Exhibit that featured 300-year-old artifacts on loan from Paris, France. Several of us attended the Native American Family Camp sponsored by the UMC Native American Comprehensive Plan held at Asbury Retreat Center in July 2023. We had opportunities for small group presentations. Bishop Héctor blessed us with a visit.

Our main ministry is to connect with the three UMCs, discuss their important ministries, their relationship with their pastor or lay speaker, and be aware of ongoing needs. CONAM gives each church in December a gift of $3000 to help with fuel needs for the winter or however each church chooses to use the gift.

The Native American Transportation Outreach Program is an important ministry supported by CONAM and one of the Conference Advance Specials. A van is available to provide transportation to Onondaga people on the territory needing transportation. This provides important support for Onondaga people. CONAM encourages all local churches to observe Native American Ministries Sunday every year. It can be observed any Sunday, but this year it is designated for April 14.

CONAM offers a grant for ministries that will benefit Native American (NA) people. This year, grants were awarded to the following:

1. Support the E-Yah-Pah-Hah Concert of Native American Music and Contemporary Dance;

2. Native American Heritage Month programs at the Anderson-Lee Library in Silver Creek. Grant applications are available on the Conference website and have a flexible deadline.

Our goals for the future year continue to be to connect with local churches about the work of CONAM and to provide education about current concerns of Native people both within our Conference and throughout the denomination. We will provide worthy grant funds benefiting Native American people or projects educating the public.

Submitted by: Kae Woodruff Wilbert

Date of Submission: March 8, 2024

Email: kw917@rochester.rr.comA

ddress: 342 South Main Street, Albion, NY 14411

Phone: (585) 944-2552

Other members:

Roselynn Kingsbury

Email: waterfallrose.rk@gmail.com

Address: 105 Kellogg Street, Syracuse, NY 13204

Phone: (315) 478-0676

New Faith Communities

New Faith Communities has been a primary initiative of United Methodists of Upper New York for over ten years, and more than 100 New Faith Communities (NFC) have been planted since 2011. There are currently over 40 New Faith Communities in Upper New York. 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.”

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 past year, New Faith Communities:

• Hosted “Reach New People,” a five-week learning series in Fall 2023 and two Launchpads in Summer 2023

• Welcomed three new New Faith Communities: Restauradores Hispanic Ministry (Restorers) at Endwell

• United Methodist Church, Church ReStart Open Doors: A United Methodist Community in Franklin, NY, and Church ReStart Middleburg UMC: Nourished in Middleburgh, NY

• Distributed five “Engage New People” grants to local United Methodist Churches

• Created up-to-date New Beginnings Fund grant applications found at: www.unyumc.org/ministries/new-beginnings-grants

• Defined New Faith Communities as ministries approved by the Cabinet/Director of New Faith Communities and in their first five years of ministry

• Hosted monthly gathering space for NFC Planters

• Provided one-on-one coaching for all first-year planters

Top three to five goals for upcoming year:

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

Submitted by: Rev. Abigail Browka, Director of New Faith Communities

Date of Submission: March 13, 2024

Email: abigailbrowka@unyumc.org

Phone: (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2031

NFC Team Members: Rev. Anna Blinn Cole, Rev. Gregg Steirhiem, Rev. Corey Turnpenny

Nominations and Leadership Development

For three days, United Methodists of Upper New York gather for a time of prayer, worship, and holy conferencing to conduct the business of our Annual Conference. And yet, the work of our connectional ministry to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places is a 365—or, when it’s a leap year like 2024, 366—day affair. This work is done by a dedicated group of servant leaders who have answered the call Jesus has placed on their hearts to use their gifts and graces for ministry in service of our connectional Church. It is the task of your Nominations and Leadership Development Team to prayerfully discern and identify these servant leaders among our ranks to carry on and execute the ministry of our Annual Conference well after the time our adjourning motion is adopted and our bishop bangs his gavel for the last time.

In the past, our team’s report for the Pre-Conference Workbook has needed to be perfected until right before we give our report to you during the Conference session for a variety of reasons. This year, it is our goal to have that complete report to you by the time pre-conference briefings are held. The completed nominations report will be put on the Annual Conference website as an update to the 2024 Pre-Conference Workbook.

In order to make this goal a reality, we need your help. The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we need each other. Neither any single person on our team, nor our whole team in its entirety, is as wise as all the United Methodists of Upper New York put together. So, rather than trying to hold off on sharing our work with you until it’s perfected, our team invites you into our work.

Included in our report is a list of all of the Annual Conference committees, teams, boards, and agencies for which the Nominations and Leadership Development Team is responsible, a brief description of their work, and their needs. If, after reviewing this, you feel called to serve the United Methodists of Upper New York in a servant leadership capacity on one of these teams, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/CJGVdSWwaACx8ukJ6

If there is a member of your congregation or one of your colleagues in ministry whose leadership you think would be an asset to our Annual Conference, you can also fill out this form. Our team is grateful for every nomination form that we receive, and we will surround each submission in prayer as we nominate people into servant leadership roles. Please note that submitting this does not guarantee that we will nominate the person for the role.

Respectfully submitted,

Ian Carlos Urriola

Chair, Nominations and Leadership Development

2023-2024 Nominations and Leadership Development Members:

Ian Urriola, Chair

Janice McKinney, Vice Chair

Casey Bradley, Secretary

Abigail McCarthy, Member,

Sharon Rankins-Burd, Member

Angela Stewart, Member

Natalie Bowerman, Commission on Religion & Race Liaison

Cesar Galarza-Arzola, Hispanic Ministries Team Liaison

Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence & Cabinet Rep

Grace Lynn Besse, Adirondack District Lay Leader Ellen Mall-John, Albany

Shafeegh Habeeb, Finger Lakes District Lay Leader

Peter Lagueras, Genesee Valley District Lay Leader

Mark Adsit, Mohawk District Lay Leader

Ann Welch Wood, Mountain View District Lay Leader

Hap Skellen, Niagara Frontier District co-Lay Leader

Brenda Shelmidine, Niagara Frontier District co-Lay Leader

Rick Fisher, Oneonta District Lay Leader

An incorporated body that has the fiduciary responsibility for the care of financial and physical assets of the Annual Conference. (¶2512 of the Book of Discipline)

Identify and recruit leaders to serve Annual Conference boards, teams, and agencies. Each class on nominations should have 1 lay man, 1 lay woman, and 1 clergy (¶610 of the Book of Discipline

Develop, maintain, and administer a comprehensive and coordinated plan of fiscal and administrative policies, procedures, and management services for the Annual Conference (¶612 of the Book of Discipline)

Support clergy serving as pastors in the charges of the Annual Conference by recommending conference minimum standards for pastoral support, administering funds to be used in base compensation supplementation, providing counsel and advisory material on pastoral support to the cabinet and SPRC/PPRCs, and submitting an arrearage policy to the Annual Conference (¶625 of the Book of Discipline) 4

Enlist, recruit, and evaluate candidates for ministry in the UMC and support those in ministerial leadership. (¶635 of the Book of Discipline) None, though suggestions may be considered through the form.

Support our Bishop in the oversight of the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Church, be available to the Bishop for counsel, assist in the determination of episcopal needs in our area, and advise the Bishop of conditions within our area that can affect relationships. (¶637 of the Book of Discipline)

Give oversight in all matters related to upkeep, maintenance, improvements, and appropriate insurance coverages for the episcopal residence. (¶638.2 of the Book of Discipline)

8 needed total (2 appointed by bishop)

Advocate for the role of persons with disabilities in ministry, help develop programs within the annual conference that meet the needs of persons with disabilities, develop ways to sensitize persons in leadership on issues that affect persons with disabilities, promote the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church. (¶653 of the Book of Discipline)

None, though suggestions may be considered through the form

ministries

Notes

• Teams that are identified as “quadrennial” are teams that are only filled during General Conference years.

• Unless otherwise noted, a person cannot serve more than two consecutive terms on one team.

• After serving two consecutive terms, a person may continue to serve on that team in an emeritus capacity with voice, but no vote. After completing one year of emeritus service, that person may be eligible to be re-nominated for a new term on that team.

• A class that has an asterisk (*) next to it in the Needs column indicates a vacancy in a term that is already underway. If a vacancy term is less than one half of the length of a stated term, it does not count as a full term for the purposes of term limits.

• It is the preference of the United Methodists of Upper New York that a person does not serve on more than one team, ex-officio membership or membership by virtue of office notwithstanding.

• District teams are filled by their respective District Superintendent and approved by the Annual Conference. The makeup of these teams will be made available to the Conference at the pre-conference briefings.

Ordained Ministry, Board of (BOM)

The primary purpose of the Board of Ordained Ministry is to encourage, equip, and empower our clergy, clergy candidates, seminary students, and persons sensing a call into ministry.

The Board of Ordained Ministry consists of 38 members (both laity and clergy) who work both collaboratively within six divisions: Standards and Qualifications, Provisional Member, Clergy Effectiveness, District Committee of Ordained Ministry, Recruitment and Enlistment, and Clergy Status. As we await General Conference 2024 and any legislation that may impact and change our responsibilities, we have put into place some practices we hope will be helpful for all our clergy for whom we care.

Each of our divisions has been working on tasks throughout the year to help encourage consistent and equitable care for all our clergy members: present and future. Our Standards and Qualifications division piloted a new means of deliberating which allowed for more concrete and helpful evaluation of all our candidates and required our Board of Ordained Ministry to trust each other as we reviewed the candidates’ written work, interviewed, and evaluated the candidates’ readiness for ordained ministry as an elder, deacon, or associate member. Upon completion of our 2024 interviews, the Board of Ordained Ministry recommended four candidates for commissioning as an elder to the clergy session of Upper New York. Our Provisional Member division has been working to re-create a process that will foster wellness and effectiveness for our provisional members. Over the span of two years, the Genesis cohort will meet several times both in-person and via Zoom with one another and with an experienced ordained elder who has been hired to assist with developing the provisional process curriculum and to guide our provisional members as they work towards full membership.

Members of our Clergy Effectiveness division have been examining clergy wellness initiatives across The United Methodist connection to see how we can assist with the physical, social-emotional, and financial wellness of our clergy members. In addition, this division is working to implement our current five-year evaluation tool, the Lewis Pastoral Leadership Inventory (LPLI).

In an effort to create consistency among districts, our District Committee of Ordained Ministry division has been working on updating procedures in the District Committee of Ordained Ministry Handbook and communicating those updates to each district’s committee.

Our Recruitment and Enlistment division has been working with our Conference Communications team to create materials that can be shared with prospective clergy members attending seminary. In addition to managing the scholarships and grants awarded to clergy candidates, the Recruitment and Enlistment division is also working on making in-person seminary visits.

Members of the Status division continue their faithful work in bringing forth requests for changes in clergy status. They also receive the reports from our clergy serving in extension ministry and those on honorable location who continue to serve and/or share their gifts for ministry.

Our top goals for the upcoming year are the following:

• Complete first full year of Genesis Cohort

• Train clergy to serve as mentors

• Create opportunities for study and continuing education

Peace with Justice

The role and purpose of Peace with Justice is to administer the Upper New York Conference’s Peace with Justice Special Sunday offering receipts and for coordinating peace with justice ministries. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶629.2)

Each year, applications for financial support of new and emerging justice ministries are considered by the Social Holiness Team. We take into account the United Methodist Social Principles as guidance for this work. In 2023, we received seven applications. We were able to support each of the following ministries:

• Park UMC in Hamilton received $2000 for Senior Outreach, a project to “strengthen that connection with the sometimes forgotten senior population by creating an environment of sharing gifts and talents.”

• Niagara Frontier City Ministries received $2,000 to Assist Buffalo UMCs in making repairs after the devastating Christmas Blizzard of 2022. This allowed them to help inner-city churches to repair their buildings into viable ministry sights after the once in a lifetime storm.

• Upper New York Annual Conference’s General & Jurisdictional Conference Delegation received $2,000 for an Implicit Bias Retreat to equip the delegation “to act as gents of racial reconciliation at the upcoming General and Jurisdictional Conferences in 2024.”

• Faithful Citizen Inc. received $2,000 to help fund the showing of the documentary, Unhoused: A Tale of Two Cities in various areas around our Conference area.

• Maternal Stress-Free Zone received $2,000 to support the first Black midwife in Erie County to provide access to maternal health care for those in the Black community in the Buffalo-area who do not trust the white health care system.

• Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS received $2,000 to help fund Advocacy Day for a Moral State Budget in order to bring “together a diverse group of religious leaders from across the state to call on lawmakers to raise revenue from the wealthiest New Yorkers rather than cutting public services the New Yorkers – especially the poor, low-income and marginalized communities – rely on.”

• New York State Council of Churches received $2,000 to help defray the costs of Ecumenical & Interfaith Advocacy Days and various other seminars and educational events in an effort to connect and strengthen relationships among faith communities and to promote policies that address their communities’ needs.

The top goals for the upcoming year include:

• Consider applications twice a year, with application deadlines on April 30 and October 30.

• Continue to promote the Peace with Justice Sunday offering - one of the six Special Sunday Offerings listed in ¶824 of the UMBOD

• Promote the work of the General Board of Church and Society.

• Work with the New York State Council of Churches and promote legislative advocacy.

Submitted by: Heather Smith, she/her

Email: peacewithjustice@unyumc.org

Address: 128 Adams Place, Delmar, NY 12054

Phone Number: (518) 368-2209

Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, Task Force on

The purpose of the Task Force is to educate and advocate for a “just peace” for both Palestinians and Israelis in the Holy Land, hoping to engage United Methodists of Upper New York (UNY) in a factual understanding of the situation and a Christian passion for action to help bring about a true peace with justice.

While already working on several Palestinian justice campaigns, the October 7, 2023 horrific attack by Hamas militants and taking of Israeli hostages caused the Task Force to pivot to a concerted effort to “humanize” Palestinians in the minds of United Methodists and to remind them of Palestinians’ need for justice and freedom from Israeli Occupation and siege. There was the need, also, to mourn with Israelis in their fears and sufferings as they grieved their dead and longed for the release of hostages. According to a recent article, not all Israeli Jews who suffered loss on October 7 agree with their government’s violent military response. (Source: Maya, Refuser Solidarity Network, info@refuser.org on February 25, 2024)

In addition, the Task Force has accomplished the following:

• Shared educational efforts/webinars, such as “Advocating for Peace: An Advent Call for Ceasefire,” sponsored by our United Boards of Church & Society and Global Ministries, and by United Methodists for Kairos Response (GBCS, GBGM, & UMKR), called attendees to ask, “Where do we see God’s presence in this situation?” and “What actions are we called to do?”

• Advent passed. Lent is here. Violent attacks and deaths continue. A seminar on Genocide asks, “What is genocide?” Does it include “the wholesale slaughter of an imprisoned population? Or “the intentional denial of food, water, and shelter?” Does it include the 2.3 million Palestinians imprisoned in Gaza by Israel’s 16-year siege?”

The top goals of the task force are to answer, “What can we do?”—the task force in its more than 30-year history through both the North Central New York and Upper New York Annual Conferences, has sought to provide both questions and possible answers, as faithful United Methodists, through presentations, dinner speakers, e-mail articles, and Conference resolutions.

1. Now, the task force’s immediate goal is to inspire United Methodists to make every effort to support a permanent ceasefire, as our General Board of Church & Society has appealed—to allow the killing to stop and serious negotiations to begin. The ask is to sign petitions, to call and write Congresspersons, to advocate for freedom of speech throughout America, and to seek the withholding of funds that additionally fund the Israeli military, already greatly funded through our taxes.

2. Another goal/action, in addition to faithful prayer, would be support for the Task Force’s 2024 Conference Resolution, “End U.S. Funding for Israel’s Military Occupation of Palestine.”

3. Yet another goal/action — recruitment of United Methodist young adults/adults to use scholarships from the Gary Bergh Scholarship Conference Advance Special to travel, perhaps with a friend, on a delegation to learn more about the situation, to meet Palestinians and Israeli Jewish peacemakers, as many have done each year since 2010.

4. All are encouraged to read, such as “Yet in the Dark Streets Shining” - Bishara Awad, “De-Colonizing Palestine”Mitri Raheb, or “We Belong to the Land”- Fr. Elias Chacour - all Christian Palestinian authors.

5. United Methodists of UNY are encouraged to contact the Task Force members at Annual Conference or by e-mail: Merle Showers: revshowers@gmail.com, Linda Bergh: lindagarybergh@gmail.com, Gary Doupe: gdoupe@stny. rr.com, Karen Peterson at (607) 739-3141, UM-palestine-israel-tf.org, and kairosresponse.org.

Submitted by: Linda Bergh on behalf of the Task Force Leadership Team

Email: lindagarybergh@gmail.com

Address: 1 Perry Rd., Apt. 221, Saratoga Springs, NY

Phone: (315)-640-9890

Merle Showers

Email: revshowers@gmail.com

Address: 401 Highgate, Buffalo, NY 14215

Phone: (716) 862-4235

Gary Doupe

Email: gdoupe@stny.rr.com

Address: 243 Mt. Pleasant Road, Bainbridge, NY 13733

Phone: (607) 743-5062

Karen Peterson

Email: dpeterson1@stny.rr.com

Address: 116 Greenridge Drive, Horseheads, NY 14845

Phone: (607) 739-3141

Pension and Health Benefits (CBoPHB), Board of

The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits works to care for those who serve and for those who have served, while also attending to the needs of the churches they have served and are serving. We attend to multiple retirement plans and 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. 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 most of the work of the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits is the long-term, sustaining kind of work that looks similar from year to year, the work of improving what we have is always happening as well. Starting in 2024, the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits is bearing the costs of staff time related to Pensions and Health Benefits. The costs are thus removed from the Annual Conference Ministry Shares budget. This request came from the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration and was affirmed by the Board as a responsible way of reflecting the costs of the benefits we offer.

Our proposal for this year is a 3% increase to the Past Service Rate for those with pre-1982 years of service. This would change the amount from $691 to $712. Our 2025 Health Flex costs will increase by 4% overall, a much lower rate than in recent years. Final information on cost impact of churches and of participants will be available in the fall.

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. Disaffiliation has been yet another moving part in this process. We seek to present our adjustments as soon as they are finalized.

We have long sought to create a policy for the use of the income from our reserve funds, and that work has been put on hold during the long and heartbreaking Child Victim’s Act lawsuits. We hope that work may be able to emerge again, enabling a stronger long-term assessment of what support can be sustainable.

Below is up-to-date information about the programs we offer and the policies we have in place as well as two action items for the Annual Conference to act on.

I love the work of the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits because our work is the work of the whole. We serve the Annual Conference, seeking to do what we can to maximize fairness and justice while caring for those who are vulnerable. I am thankful to the entire board and its officers, and to the staff of both Upper New York and Wespath who inform us, support us, and implement our decisions. In this, my final report to you at the end of an eight-year term on the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, I offer my gratitude to you for your trust in me. I have tried to be worthy of it.

In God’s Peace, Sara Baron

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/pastors-compensation, click on the link “Clergy Support Policies.”

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. The blended rate in 2024 is $15,120. Participants receive a premium credit and decide what plans work best for them. Participants are encouraged to elect a pre-tax flexible spending account (HSA and/or 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. The UNYAC CBoPHB continues to support wellness incentives through the Virgin Pulse Health Miles Program. Participants can earn monetary rewards each year for walking, exercising, and participating in wellness activities and coaching.

Blended Rate (MED): 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.

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 retirees 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 retiree and spouse, as applicable.

Retiree Health Eligibility: Retired clergy, 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 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 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.

UNYAC HealthFlex Arrearage Policy: The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits is working with the UNY Cabinet on a policy for responding to unpaid healthcare costs for active clergy.

Special Grants: UNYAC CBoPHB has been providing assistance via special monthly grants, as established in previous years, and as provided for in The Book of Discipline. The Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits will annually review previous and future pension grants to retirees 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 $14,221.92. These grants follow the appointment year.

Paid Family Leave: The Board pays for the Upper New York Annual Conference (UNYAC) 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 2024 the benefits are: 12 weeks of leave at 67% pay, with a cap of $1,131.08 a week. By our policy, clergy at 25% time appointments are 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 substitute pay. This insurance policy is provided without cost to local churches, and no payroll deductions should be taken. Insurance forms must be filled out in order for the benefit to be provided. Further information and claim forms can be found on our website or in conversation with benefits staff.

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 2024 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.

Long Term Disability: Clergy serving at 75% or more are covered for long term-disability coverage through the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP), more information is below.

Pensions and Retirement Planning

Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP): CRSP pension benefits are for active clergy serving 75%-time appointments and above. 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 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 is no change to the 13.8% billing to churches.

The Board received the pension actuarial report from Wespath dated October 24, 2023, outlining the components of UNYAC’s CRSP-DB, MPP Annuities as well as our Conference specific Pre-82 report. For end of year 2023, the Upper New York Annual Conference owed a CRSP-DB contribution in the amount of $1,275,571 which was due by December 31, 2023. UNYAC’s CRSP is currently fully funded. This amount reflects current benefit accruals under CRSP-DB. The total was slightly lower than had been previously projected because of disaffiliations. In anticipation of the possible 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 the year-end 2024, the UNYAC CBoPHB is estimated to owe $1,322,495 Wespath for the CRSP-DB. For year-end 2025, the UNYAC CBoPHB is estimated to owe $1,310,846 to Wespath for the CRSP-DB.

Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP): Benefits are for active clergy serving 75%-time appointments and above. 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.

Retirement: Julie Valeski, UNYAC’s Benefits Administrator, once again held a very successful retirement seminar for clergy and spouses who are approaching retirement age. We will continue this program in 2024-2025.

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 service. You can get started by calling EY directly at (800) 360-2539.

Investment Update: UNYAC’s Fossil Fuel divestment continues and we have begun making quarterly changes in our investments to remove our financial support of fossil fuels. It will be completed over a five-year period, at the end of 2026.

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.

Since June 2023, CCORR has made progress in challenging, leading, and equipping United Methodists of Upper New York to become inter-culturally competent. We continued working to ensure institutional equity, and facilitate vital conversations about religion, race, and culture. Also, we have invested time and resources in training, programs, tools, initiatives, and have monitored for diversity at Annual Conference. We have:

• Worked to increase the percentage of local churches engaged in antiracism ministries.

• Begun creating a specialized Imagine No Racism (INR) curriculum that will facilitate a deeper dive into an understanding of key anti-racism concepts and moving people towards a more intentional action planning element.

• Taken first steps in involving youth and young adults directly in anti-racism work.

• Revised the INR curriculum and facilitated at least four new classes.

• Worked with the Board of Ordained Ministry to ensure that commissioned ministers and licensed local pastors experience INR.

• Compiled and analyzed data from Charge Conference reports.

• Begun working with cabinet representatives to raise awareness of the challenges in cross-racial/cross cultural (CR/CC) appointments for both churches and pastors and their families.

• Shared key aspects of the INR curriculum with ecumenical groups.

For 2024-2025, we want to continue raising awareness and understanding; however, we are committed to moving people to action in building our beloved community. We expect to build ministry action teams so that our Conference can begin to take down systems that harm people of color as we create a just world for all.

Goals for 2023 – 2024

We worked to increase the percentage of local churches engaged in antiracism ministries by beginning to form ministry action teams. We recognize that each church will engage in this work based on their individual context. Some churches will be involved in direct action, addressing specific racial inequities in their communities, such as disparities in housing or public transportation. Other congregations may further equip themselves by continuing their learning through Bible, movie, and book studies. We began this process by emailing individuals who have completed INR sessions in recent months to join these teams and published an article on the Conference’s website and was promoted in the Weekly Digest.

We are hoping to create teams in three areas:

1. Criminal justice reform which might include work to address qualified immunity, bail reform, or the clean slate bill.

2. Food apartheid which might involve a ministry that focuses on creating food sovereignty through communitydriven solutions and systemic change.

3. Educational concerns such as disciplinary injustice, educational outcomes, and the school to prison pipeline.

We began initial work in devising and creating a specialized INR curriculum that will facilitate a deeper dive into an understanding of some of the concepts explained in INR. We have begun to explore the May 14, 2022 Buffalo mass shooting as a case study of racism on many levels, including residential segregation, disparate violence, and food insecurity. In exploring both the people and the events of this tragedy, we hope to impart a deeper awareness of topics such as implicit bias, privilege, intercultural competency, intersectionality, and differential ethics.

We have taken first steps in involving youth and young adults directly in anti-racism work. Rev. Pam Harris’s CRM staff, as well as the Conference’s young adult leadership, will be resources for us.

Imagine No Racism

We made minor revisions to the INR curriculum. Bishop Héctor created a new video to introduce the curriculum, and it has been very well received. In addition, the Board of Ordained Ministry will now require commissioned ministers and licensed local pastors to experience INR. We’ll begin this implementation in the Fall of 2024. We’ve presented four new INR classes in the past several months. One of these groups was an Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) team in the Binghamton area. We’ve trained a group of new facilitators, too.

We received 434 INR reports, which is a 56% response rate, and 12% lower than last year’s 68% response rate. Districts’ response rates were as follows:

Of those responses, 206 churches, or 27%, say they are doing some form of specific anti-racism work. The district responses break down as follows:

The specific ministries most mentioned were sermons, Bible studies, videos, and books.

We also asked if churches had used the INR curriculum in the last year. Seven-percent had; 79% had not, and 15% didn’t know if the congregations had participated in the curriculum.

Cross-racial/cross-cultural appointment process

We began working with cabinet representatives to raise awareness of the challenges of cross-racial/cross cultural (CR/CC) appointments for both churches and pastors and their families.

Ecumenical Work

Two team members met with pastors and leaders from the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA, introducing them to the antiracism work being done across our Conference. We shared key aspects of the INR curriculum and began to explore possible partnerships with these siblings for both future training and social action.

One of our team members met with a national group of United Church Women to share the background and progress we’ve made in anti-racism work in the past six years. The talk was entitled “What Talk about When we Talk about Race.”

Monitoring at Annual Conference

CCORR collaborated with the Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) during both the Annual Conference and Special Sessions in March and October to monitor for diversity.

Goals for 2024 – 2025

As we move through 2024 and 2025, we will build on the work we’ve done to accomplish our goals in a new way.

First, as we work to increase the percentage of local churches and groups engaged in antiracism ministries, we will now first determine which issues of policy in the wide world our siblings are interested in addressing. We will start by analyzing our most recent set of Charge Conference reports—this should provide a sense of where people’s passions lie. We will also explore collaboration with our colleagues in the New York Annual Conference and ELCA’s Upstate New York Synod to determine their interests. Based on our findings, we will then create and equip ministry action teams that are designed to accomplish policy or community change or demonstrate substantive progress in their work to do so. We will provide coaching to help ministry teams develop an action plan that has a clear policy goal in mind.

Second, in creating an active partnership with our Conference’s youth/young adults, we’ll work to determine their interest in and understanding of racism in the world around them. This will include supporting and facilitating two focus groups. We’ll meet with Camp & Retreat Ministry (CRM) leaders for input, determining how we can best work together. We’ll also meet with the CRM staff for their input into antiracism work.

Third, in drafting a specialized curriculum that will facilitate a deeper dive into an understanding of one or more concepts explored in INR, we will also create a stronger focus on moving participants more intentionally towards action. Using a case history format, CCORR’s writing/communications sub-team will develop a work plan and complete a final draft of this curriculum by next year’s annual conference.

Fourth, we will help equip churches, pastors, and the cabinet for more success in cross-racial/cross-cultural (CR/CC) appointments. We’ll interview pastors in CR/CC appointments, compile the data from these interviews, and make recommendations to the bishop and cabinet by next year’s annual conference

Conclusion

We know that the difficult work of dismantling racism in our Conference won’t be done overnight. It is ongoing, and, to quote Texas Annual Conference’s Bishop Cynthia Harvey, “Dear Life-Giving God, we your people are in this for the long

haul.”

For the past few years, CCORR has been committed to raising awareness and understanding through conversation and understanding of the institutions and systems that perpetuate the sin of racism in the world around us. However, while we are a learning people, dismantling racism is more than an academic exercise. This year, CCORR’s priority is moving people to action in building beloved community. We want to build this community in the most practical of ways. Our prayer is that as individuals become interculturally competent, they might also have the courage to take a stand against racism in an unfriendly environment. And that ministry action teams develop and implement strategies to take down systems that harm BIPOC communities. We pray that you will join us in our practices, our programs, and our networks as we strive to bring equity and justice to the world around us.

Submitted by: Georgia Whitney

Email address: georgiawhitney11@gmail.com

Address: 46 East Evans Street, Mayville, NY 14757

Phone number: (585) 410-4370

Other contributor:

Dr. Scott Johnson

Email address: scottjphd@gmail.com

Address: 310 Baynes Street, Buffalo, NY 14213

Phone number: (716) 440-7354.

Status and Role of Women, Commission on the (COSROW)

Women now make up the majority of worshiping members in local congregations and an increasingly high percentage of elders, deacons, local pastors, and lay church leaders, yet women’s unique concerns are not always adequately cared for by the institutional church. Therefore, the Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) is tasked with “[Functioning] as an advocate with and on behalf of women individually and collectively within The United Methodist Church… to redress iniquities of the past and to prevent further inequities against women’’ (¶2102). More specifically, we aim to report the current realities of inequities and prejudice, advocate for women in every context of ministry and beyond and connect women together in solidarity and mutual support as they walk a life of faith together.

In October of 2023, COSROW hosted our second Catch Your Breath spiritual retreat for women via Zoom. We were joined by Bishop Moore-Koikoi and other talented speakers and presenters. Our event encouraged women to “Find Their Space” in a variety of ways.

In 2023 there were three separate Upper New York Annual Conference sessions. During each, COSROW in cooperation with the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR), collected data relating to which demographics were represented in presentations and speeches from the floor. We also reviewed all previous recordings of Upper New York Annual Conference sessions from past years to create a consistent and accurate data set for demographic speaker information. By doing this, our Conference will have a full database of “historical data” from which one can easily study a wide variety of trends and data driven assessments across time as it relates to speaker demographics information.

At the 2023 Annual Conference session, we also hosted an opportunity for women to tell their stories of gender discrimination in the church to bring awareness to the Annual Conference.

Our top goals for the upcoming year include:

1. Publish historic demographics data to unyumc.org and complete the data base

2. Prep for first ever in-person women’s retreat in early 2025

3. Grow our team of committee members

4. Collect and report data at 2024 Annual Conference

In Christ, Rev. Bryant Clark, COSROW Vice Chair

Additional COSROW members:

Safe Sanctuaries

The Safe Sanctuaries Team (SST) addresses policy making issues, training, and accountability related to Safe Sanctuaries. The SST establishes minimum standards and procedures, provides training programs, and assists local churches and Conference ministry programs in reducing the risk of abuse to children, youth, and vulnerable adults (2011 AC Safe Sanctuaries Resolution). We believe that reducing the risk of abuse in churches and ministries is essential. We believe there will be no vital congregations or new faith communities without leaders who are diligent in reducing abuse risks.

Throughout this year, our committee has been working together to reconstruct the curriculum so that we can better equip our churches with the information and situations happening within church and other community settings around the well-being of our children, youth, and vulnerable adults. In the coming new year, we hope to implement a new curriculum to include areas around grooming as well and bring updated statistics to our training.

The Committee has also been working hard at reworking the minimum standards to better support the importance of Safe Sanctuaries. As soon as those changes are finalized, we will make sure they get out to all the churches via the Conference news and district trainers. We hope everyone will help support these changes, as not to be burdensome, but to be proactive and to help keep the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable adults a priority in our churches.

The standardized Safe Sanctuaries Training program of the Upper New York Annual Conference is a large part of the SST’s work. The training consistently receives very positive evaluations from participants. The training is led by facilitators who have completed six hours of training – the three-hour basic course and a three-hour Training of Trainers (TOT). They are re-certified annually. We have continued to train trainers around the Conference via Zoom.

Our goals for the upcoming year are:

1. Finish and roll out the new curriculum, which will include a section on grooming.

2. Fine tune and roll-out our new minimum standards.3. Work together with Conference leaders to determine action to be taken against congregations that are not following the Conference’s minimum standards.

4. Continue to hold quarterly 3.5-hour Basic Training and two 3-hour Train the Trainer sessions via Zoom and hold in-person trainings around the Conference with our local and district trainers as needed.

5. Work with districts and/or regions to set up at least one district-wide in-person training for both Basic and Train the Trainer offered.

Christine Mitchell, Chair

Date of Submission: 2/7/2024

Email: pastorchrismitchell.umc@gmail.com

Address: 17 Creekside Drive Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 Phone: 585-704-5587

Committee Members:

Pastor Jennifer Stamm, Vice-Chair

Social Holiness

The role and purpose of the Social Holiness Committee is to share and support the ministries of social holiness. Being a part of this team means being able to hear monthly the activities and concerns from eight various committees and areas of concern for the Upper New York Annual Conference. These committees and groups include Religion and Race, Native American Ministries, Creation Care, Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel, Peace with Justice, Prison Ministries, United Women in Faith, and the Task Force on Immigration. There are also many at-large members who bring a richness of experience and insight to the table.

With a diverse membership, it has been, at times, a challenge to find days and or evenings when the entire committee can be together. For this reason, we have gone to meeting six times on the second Thursday in the morning and six times on Thursdays in the evening. These have been alternating and, while not perfect, have allowed voices and input from members who had been silenced for too long because of their chosen vocational demands.

This year, through the efforts of the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and Heather Smith, we have met with the New York Annual Conference. The purpose of these meetings has been to discover areas of common interest and/or concern that we might do better working together on. There have been four such areas, including racism, gun violence, environment, and immigration. Having met once, we have started to lay the foundation for joint efforts in these areas. We are hopeful to have a larger more concerted impact in these areas of ministry.

One concern that has surfaced in this past year is around communication with members of this team and the Annual Conference. At last year’s Annual Conference, two resolutions were to be presented. Due to time constraints these were not acted upon and were tabled. As chair, I heard once that there would be a time with the Conference Council to present and discuss these. There has been no communication since that time. The resolutions are in limbo as are the actions of the Conference upon them or opportunities for discussion and sharing with the Annual Conference. The lack of communication has been disheartening and has done little to instill the new hopes for our Conference to become more transparent.

Our goal for the upcoming year is to empower local churches to become better informed and involved in the areas of Social Holiness.

Submitted by: Alan Kinney, Chair of Social Holiness Email:

Trustees, Board of

The activities of the Trustees for 2024 include the purchase, sale, and maintenance of Conference properties. The trustees also manage the Conference’s master insurance program. Additionally, the Book of Discipline authorizes the Trustees to “intervene and take all necessary legal steps to safeguard and protect the interests and rights of the annual conference anywhere in all matters relating to property and rights to property” (para. 2512.4). A brief explanation of the trustees’ activities for the past year follows:

Properties

The Board of Trustees has oversight for 68 properties: 39 closed church properties and 29 legacy properties—district parsonages, episcopal residence, Conference center, camp and retreat centers, and legacy-issue properties. The work of maintaining these facilities requires a considerable amount of time and effort on the part of the current 12 volunteer members of the Board of Trustees. Each property has two trustees assigned to oversee these properties and buildings. The trustees also work to market and sell the closed churches, land, and legacy properties. Trustees coordinate parsonage work with district parsonage coordinators to maintain and address issues at each parsonage. District boards of Church Location and Buildings work to support the trustees on closed church properties within their districts. Peter Abdella from Harter Secrest & Emery LLP serves as our Conference chancellor to assist with the sale of properties. Trustees continue to work with municipalities (tax exempt issues), private groups (cemetery associations, tenants), real estate brokers and others, to resolve issues associated with these properties.

Trustees continue to endure the difficult challenge of managing and selling properties. The continued challenges include rural areas, very remote locations, limited market interest in church-like structures, below average facility conditions, and properties that include cemeteries.

Insurance

In 2023, Trustees continued association with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, with Church Insurance Group of NY as the representatives. Although the conference-wide program enjoyed a stable year in losses and experience, the insurance industry across the business spectrum had what can only be described as a disastrous year. The industry combined loss ratio was over 120% resulting in many policies being non-renewed and premium increases of 30%+ for many policyholders. In order to minimize the devastating financial effects these premium increases would have caused for our churches, the Board of Trustees accepted a tiered deductible approach for our losses. Built into this tiered approach are credits for not sustaining losses, which will help to offset some of this increase in deductibles. The best way to avoid insurance losses remains keeping safe and secure buildings and ministries and Brotherhood Mutual offers Risk Management tools to help us do just that. These tools can be found on our Conference website, Brotherhood’s website, or at the Brotherhood Mutual booth at Annual Conference.

Financial Report

Below is the Trustee’s income statement and balance sheet for 2023. Disclaimer—the financial information in these reports has not been audited.

The main increase in net surplus in 2023 is a direct result of positive returns in the 2023 market compared to market losses in 2022. In addition, the Conference saw additional proceeds from closed churches in 2023 as compared to 2022.

You will notice the increase in net assets is a result of the allocation of the investment gains along with the 20% surplus the Trustees maintain from the closed church activity.

Commitments

There are currently three-member churches with loan guarantees provided by the Conference with an outstanding loan balance of approximately $800,000.

Child Victims Act

Since 2020, we have been reporting on the civil litigation cases that have been filed against the Conference and our local churches under the Child Victims Act. As many of you know, 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 and the final cases were served against the Conference and its local churches by the end of 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 Annual Conference last June, we have settled four more cases. All four of these cases settled because of mediation and/or settlement conferences. We are pleased that we have been able to resolve these cases fairly and compassionately. In total, we have settled nine of our Child Victims Act cases, leaving eight more cases to be resolved.

As we have pointed out above, we have forty-six (46) cases that are BSA-related. On April 19, 2023, the BSA bankruptcy plan was approved by the United States District Court Judge in Delaware. The BSA plan includes settlements with several parties, including the settlement with The United Methodist Church. As you will recall, as a part of this settlement, each annual conference was asked to pay into a settlement fund for survivors. In exchange for the settlement payment by The UMC, all claims against UMC churches and annual conferences would be resolved. Upper New York’s share of the fund was $1.25 million which would effectively resolve all of our outstanding 46 BSA-related lawsuits. Upper New York did make its settlement payment in late 2023.

Presently, the BSA bankruptcy plan is still proceeding, including the settlement with The United Methodist Church. However, just recently in February 2024, the United States Supreme Court issued a temporary stay of all the various settlements that had been reached by the BSA as a part of their bankruptcy plan. The stay was only in effect for several weeks, and it has since been lifted. A group of 144 claimants though are still pursuing their appeal of the bankruptcy plan approval, including the overall settlements, and that appeal is still pending before the United States Supreme Court. A decision will likely be rendered in late June 2024.

Our outside legal counsel has provided us with a range of the total costs that might be incurred by the Upper New York Conference based on the number of 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 interests in preserving funds sufficient to reconcile with all victims with credible claims, not just those who presented their claims first. Through January 31, 2024, the Conference has expended $5,517,591 on legal fees and settlement payments for Child Victims Act and BSA–related cases. This amount includes the $1.25 million that was paid by the Conference for the BSA settlement last year.

Disaffiliations

Under Para. 2553 of the Book of Discipline, the disaffiliation legislation had a sunset date of December 31, 2023. All churches were to have submitted all necessary paperwork and required documents and payments to the Conference by that date. In total, 118 churches requested and were approved to proceed with disaffiliation by our Conference.

As of March 10, 2024, there are still 56 of the 118 churches that are working their way through the New York Court system or are waiting for the deeds for the transfer of the real property to be recorded. Most of these 56 churches are very close to completion of the process.

We would like to thank all of the Conference Board of Trustees, especially Kathy King-Griswold and Pam Klotzbach, the Conference staff, the District Superintendents, and all the local churches who have worked patiently and with grace through this slow and tedious process. We expect to be done very soon.

Respectfully,

Rev. Pam Klotzbach, Trustee President

Patrick O’Conner, Vice-President

Kathy King-Griswald, Treasurer

Pastor Jack Keating III, Secretary

Other members: Pastor Charlie Valentine, Robert Dietrich, Sharen Holcomb, Beth Jordan, Joyce Miller, Tracy JacksonAdams

United Women in Faith (UWF- formally known as UMW)

Since the last report, the Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith (UWF) Leadership Team has worked on intentional connection with the District Leadership Teams, with the local units, through our partnership with the Board of Directors, and with those who work for us at the National Office. We have continued to provide opportunities for spiritual growth through online Bible studies, book studies, Mission U events, and learning seminars/live chats to engage our ladies with up-to-date information on immediate needs, justice issues, outreach efforts, and long-term goals for education/information and ministry.

We are hopeful to be able to host our annual “Mission U” retreat this coming summer in person in July 2024 at the Asbury Retreat Center in Perry, NY.

We are working hard to get a leadership team in place to lead this wonderful event. Please refer to our UWF website for details about reservations, accommodations, learning topics, and cost/etc. at https://unyumw.wixsite.com/website

I am so pleased that our ability to meet the needs of our neighbors across the UNY Connection has continued through the UNY UWF Conference Project grants funding for a variety of out-reach ministries via an application process. For more information about these grant opportunities please reach out via email to Tammy Nist at unyumw.conference.projects@ gmail.com. Questions and concerns can also be directed to Tammy by email or phone at (607) 235-1102.

UNY Conference’s United Women in Faith continues to struggle with finding women willing and able to take on leadership roles on the Conference team, as we intentionally seek out persons for our work and our connection. Even with the noted struggles, our districts and all the local units continue to make a positive difference in their areas of outreach, ministry, and justice work and it is our hope that the Conference Leadership team will grow with strong mentoring support as we look forward into 2024-2025 with connection to the National Office.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your District or Conference UWF executive teams for assistance of any kind; as I personally thank each of you for every relationship you build, every mission opportunity you support, and every justice issue that is impacted by your faith filled dedication, voice, and presence!

Serving Because of Jesus,

Carmen FS Vianese, UNY UWF President

Email: Carmenfsvianese2@twc.com

Phone: (585)-468-5935

“Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we shall not lose heart!!” (2 Corinthians 4:1)

CONNECTED ORGANIZATIONS

• Africa University

• Duke Divinity School

• Gammon Theological Seminary

• Saint Paul School of Theology

Africa University

Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.—Philippians 4:9 (NRSV)

Africa University greeted 2024 with bold faith and eager confidence because of the goodness of United Methodists who are faithful, generous, and enthusiastic about instilling hope and bringing about wholeness in communities.

Thank you, Upper New York Conference, for your steadfast witness. Through faithfulness and generosity, the Upper New York Conference maintained its investment in the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment at 86.25 percent of the asking for 2023. Thank you for your unwavering engagement. You have helped Africa University to evolve into the cornerstone institution for The United Methodist Church’s mission of disciple-making for transformational impact in Africa and beyond.

As United Methodists fortify themselves for a vital and vibrant witness beyond the 2020 General Conference in 2024 and its outcomes, Africa University urges the members of the Upper New York Conference to:

• Support Africa University’s effort to secure General Conference approval of Report #4.

• Invest in the Africa University Fund at 100%, using as your goal the amount approved at the 2016 General Conference—$9,368,872 million for the 2017-2020 quadrennium.

• Help identify at least two (2) churches (keystone congregations) in your conference that will commit to providing second mile gifts of $6,500 each or $13,000 in total for annual scholarships for two undergraduate students. (This will help address any shortfall in giving to the Africa University Fund.)

In 2023, sustained by the generous, steadfast support of The United Methodist Church, Africa University:

• Provided more than $2M in scholarships and financial aid grants to students who would otherwise fail to access higher education.

• Enrolled 2,219 young women and men from 26 African countries.

• Launched its second new academic unit in less than a year—the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences— with a first cohort of 279 students.

• Highlighted innovations, such as lozenges made from the indigenous Zumbani plant, and IT solutions to reduce food waste and make vital research findings more accessible to those who need the information.

• Saw its alumni swell to more than 12,000 serving in 32 African countries, with the addition of 954 graduates in June.

Africa University is grateful for your support and for your profound commitment to being the church in the world. We hope good news like this propels the Upper New York Conference to keep on reaching out with the love of Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Upper New York Conference, for your investment in the Africa University Fund apportionment. Thank you for helping to ensure that Africa University students enjoy safe, first-rate learning and living facilities as they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to increase food security, overall health, good governance, abundance, and peace in their communities. Let us keep on doing this important work together and may the God of peace be with you!

James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and President/CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc.

UPPER NEW YORK CONFERENCE

VISIT AFRICA UNIVERSITY / SOUTHERN AFRICA VISIT AFRICA UNIVERSITY / SOUTHERN AFRICA

FEBRUARY 12-21, 2025

The Upper New York Conference pilgrimage to Africa University is your opportunity to see and experience a ministry born of the radical generosity and faithfulness of United Methodists and others The 2025 trip is led by Upper New Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, Dr. Roger Ellis, and Mrs. Claudia Ellis. Affectionately known as “the school of dreams in the valley of hope,” Africa University has been described as the most exciting ministry of The United Methodist Church in this century.

Your trip allows interaction with the students, faculty, administrators, and local church leaders, where you can learn more about the vitality of the Church on the African continent. Together with the campus community, you will celebrate African culture, connection and the evolving story and impact of Africa University.

Fly from Washington, D C to southern Africa where you will visit Africa University’s main campus

Trip itinerary includes a two-day safari to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Chobe, Botswana for unparalleled game viewing in the Zambezi River Valley

For those wishing to extend their southern Africa sojourn to Johannesburg, South Africa, tour

So weto’s Mandela House Museum and the Apartheid Museum

ESTIMATED COST: BASIC 10-DAY TRIP: $5000 TRIP WITH EXTENSION: $6500

If you have additional questions, contact Roger and Claudia Ellis at (518) 744-4288 or by email at rgellis6@gmail.com. Visit https://support.africau.org/upper-new-york-conference-pilgrimage-2025/ for trip details and registration and https://www.africau.edu for more information about Africa University.

Duke Divinity School

Duke Divinity School can attest to the work of God’s Spirit to usher us into a season of hope and continued faithfulness to the mission and calling to serve the church, academy, and the world. In 2023, Duke University president and provost appointed Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric for a full five-year term. In his Opening Convocation sermon, he stated, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of my ordination in The United Methodist Church. This is the school that prepared me. Today, I give God thanks for still allowing me to serve as a minister of the gospel and I renew the vow I made when I was installed as dean. By the grace of God and en conjunto with you, I will uphold this school’s ‘commitment to God and the people of God, to the highest standards of academic excellence, and to this university.’”

In the next three years, we will celebrate a number of centennial milestones: Duke University and The Duke Endowment (2024), the 17th centennial of the Council of Nicaea (2025), and Duke Divinity School (2026). As a foretaste of those occasions to reflect and celebrate, we have had two important milestone celebrations in 2023. The Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS) commemorated its 50th anniversary, an occasion to rejoice in all that God has done through OBCS to bless our Duke Divinity community and to extend the gifts from the Black Church to the whole Church. As just one example of the impact and influence from OBCS, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale (D’79) received Duke University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions in ministry and service.

The Hispanic House of Studies (HHS) celebrated its quinceañera (15th anniversary), another opportunity to have our hope buoyed by God’s work in our midst. HHS was created by the Divinity School, with support from The Duke Endowment, to support the formation of ministers to Hispanic/Latinx congregations and communities in the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences and beyond. These efforts are not confined to a limited silo but extend throughout our academic and ministerial programs. For instance, we now offer the “Rediscovering the Heart of Methodism” course in Spanish on Divinity+, an online resource that is widely available for ministers and congregations.

This fall, we welcomed 215 entering students from 35 different states as well as new community members who hold either primary or secondary citizenship in 16 other countries including Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Zimbabwe. The Master of Divinity program gained 104 new students, with 54 residential students and 50 in the hybrid program. The Master of Arts in Christian Practice enrolled 13 new students; the Doctor of Ministry, 22; Master of Theology, 11; Master of Theological Studies, 29; the Doctor of Theology welcomed five new students to campus, and five special students enrolled. The Certificate in Theology and Health Care welcomed 11 residential students to campus and 15 in the hybrid program. Across all degree programs at the Divinity School, 31 percent of the incoming class identified as a race or ethnicity other than white. Black students made up 21 percent of all students; Latinx students, seven percent. Fifty-four percent of students in the incoming class identify as female. There were 25 denominations represented in the M.Div. entering class, with 26 percent affiliated with The United Methodist Church. Baptists made up ten percent of the incoming students; Anglican or Episcopal students, ten percent; and nondenominational students, 12 percent.

Duke Divinity School continues to invest in pathways to support Methodist leadership and pastoral formation. Divinity+ launched the Church Administration series focused on developing practical skills for church leaders. More than 1,000 learners have enrolled in the first two courses, “Theology and Time Management” and “Strategic Management.” We inaugurated the Certificate in Chaplaincy, designed to prepare students to provide spiritual care in a variety of settings such as hospitals, hospice, prisons, higher education, and the military. The certificate can be earned as part of the residential M.Div., Th.M., and M.T.S. degree programs.

The school has also welcomed new leaders who bring their gifts to the work of advancing the mission to serve Christ and the church. Two houses have appointed new directors: the Office of Black Church Studies is led by the Rev. Dr. Eric Lewis Williams (D’05), assistant professor of theology and Black Church Studies; and the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies has named the Very Rev. Timothy Kimbrough (D’83), Jack and Barbara Bovender Professor of the Practice of Anglican Studies. Key members who have joined our staff team include Anita Lumpkin, executive director of enrollment management; and the Rev. Sarah Belles, a Duke Divinity alumna and ordained elder in full connection with the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, as the director of student life.

Several new programs demonstrate Duke’s sustained commitment to connecting with churches and ministers. With gratitude to funding from the Lilly Endowment, the Divinity School has launched the Transformative Preaching Lab to prepare

creative, culturally competent preachers who can reach audiences in effective and engaging ways. It will expand preaching training for students in the hybrid modality of the M.Div. program with new courses and preaching laboratories along with new capacities to explore and engage digital tools for community worship and preaching. The Transformative Preaching Lab also provides new opportunities for formation in trauma-informed preaching and preaching in immigrant communities, issues that are especially salient in communities across the country and around the world.

The Theology, Medicine, and Culture initiative has launched the Mental Health Track for Christian mental health practitioners as part of its Certificate in Theology and Health Care. This hybrid certificate program offers spiritual and theological formation for mental health clinicians in a range of disciplines. The research and programming from other Duke Divinity initiatives, including Theology, Medicine, and Culture; Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts; Leadership Education at Duke Divinity; and Thriving Rural Communities, continue to provide numerous opportunities to bear witness to God’s creativity, compassion, and care for communities and congregations.

Duke Divinity School continues to be grateful for our ongoing participation in The United Methodist Church and partnership with this annual conference. We look forward to our ongoing work with you as we join the leading of God’s Spirit in the task of preparing people for Christian ministry. To learn more about Duke Divinity School, please visit our website at www.divinity.duke.edu

Respectfully submitted by

Edgardo Colón-Emeric Dean of Duke Divinity School

Gammon Theological Seminary

Gammon Theological Seminary is the Interdenominational Theological Center’s United Methodist constituent member in Atlanta, Georgia. The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a Christian Africentric ecumenical consortium of seminaries and fellowships that educate students to commit to practicing justice and peace through a liberating and transforming spirituality to become leaders in the church and local/global communities. Gammon was founded in 1883, bearing the name of the Rev. Elijah H. Gammon, a generous clergyman, businessman, and philanthropist. Rev. Elijah H. Gammon invested and endowed the founding of Gammon Seminary in partnership with Bishop Henry Warren and the Freedman’s Aid Society. Gammon has educated Black Clergy for almost 140 years, with graduates serving every level of the church, including bishops, superintendents, general church leaders, conference staff, and clergy in every jurisdiction. Gammon/ITC offers the following degree programs: the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Religion and Education, and the Doctor of Ministry. The support given to The United Methodist Ministerial Education Fund by United Methodist Conferences continues to enable Gammon students to be grounded in the Wesleyan tradition of theological education.

Our 17th President/Dean, the Rev. Dr. Candace M Lewis, and the Gammon staff team continue to lead innovatively in chartering a “Brand New Day” for Gammon’s recruitment, retention, research and resources, fund development, and scholarship endowments in her first two years of service.

Our new initiatives and celebrations this year, 2023 – 2024, at Gammon, include:

• In May 2023, Gammon held our 1st Annual Student Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Tournament, receiving $70,000 in donations to assist students with their tuition, which also helped Gammon build more relationships and partnerships.

• In June 2023, The Rev. Walter H. McKelvey Endowed Scholarship Fund was launched by Dr. Loretta F. McKelvey (wife of the late Rev. McKelvey) and Dr. Walter Kimbrough with a $50,000.00 matching gift in partnership with the South Carolina United Methodist Foundation.

• In June 2023, the Florida Conference raised and donated over $60,000.00 to the Rev. Geraldine McClellan Endowed Scholarship Fund, which is now fully endowed by the Florida United Methodist Foundation.

• In July and Dec. 2023, Gammon hosted the Ebony Exploration Event for 75 young adults under 35, increasing participation and forming strategic partnerships with external organizations to enhance the program’s reach and impact.

• In Dec. 2023, we celebrated our 140th Founders Day Event/Pastors and Leaders Conference, with over 200 persons attending workshops (in-person and virtual) and our Scholarship Gala Dinner, hosted at IMPACT Church in Atlanta, GA.

The greatest challenge facing Gammon Seminary is the rising cost of theological education and the significant debt our students incur as they answer their call to full-time ministry. Therefore, Gammon is committed to raising a million dollars in the next two years to offer full-tuition scholarships to students called and committed to full-time ministry in The United Methodist Church. We are grateful to this Annual Conference for your support of theological education and your commitment to ensuring pastoral leadership is theologically trained to lead us forward in the Wesleyan tradition.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis, President-Dean

Saint Paul School of Theology

Educating tomorrow’s leaders by offering on-campus, online, and hybrid learning courses at a FLEXible schedule, Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary serving a diverse community committed to the formation of people for innovative and creative ministry through rigorous academic life. Grounded in the academic study of faith and ministry, theology is practiced in a traditional classroom and remote spaces. Our contextual curriculum features Ministry Collaboration Groups, Practicums, Spiritual Formation Retreats, and Seminars. Students learn from dedicated faculty, experienced pastors, and community leaders about best ministry practices, leaving our graduates with the tools and first-hand experience necessary to meet the needs of a changing world.

At the core of our mission at Saint Paul is the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry through rigorous academic life. In 2024, we are launching two exciting new programs to revitalize current pastors and preachers and prepare seminary students for music ministry. First, with the help of Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching grant and the leadership of Dr. Casey Sigmon, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship and Director of Contextual Education and Pause/Play Center for Preachers, Saint Paul School of Theology is creating a Center that addresses the risk of losing heart and prophetic imagination as a preacher in this divided world. The Pause/Play Center for Preachers’ mission is in its name: to hold space for busy preachers to pause and play their way into a renewal of their vocation as preachers of the Good News. Second, for Fall 2024, as part of our Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) degree program, we will launch a first-of-its-kind specialization in Modern Worship Music. Saint Paul will partner with The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and COR Worship Collective to prepare students to write, produce, and perform modern worship music. Students will integrate a worship leaders’ skills with their study of theology, the Bible, history, and worship in a diverse, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment. Lastly, we recently completed the (Theo)Logic Studio on our Oklahoma Campus. The Studio serves as a dedicated space for creating, recording, and editing digital media resources tailored to the ministries of students, staff, faculty, and alums, encompassing content development ranging from podcasts and video resources to digital graphics.

We continue to invite Saint Paul students, alums, and friends to join us in a hybrid format, where participants may join in-person or online, allowing everyone to come together as one institution from wherever they are. Saint Paul offers weekly chapel services throughout the academic year featuring students, alums, faculty, and local leaders. In addition, weekly Spiritual Formation allows attendees to engage in spiritual practices led by new Oklahoma Chapel Coordinator, the Rev. Alanna Ireland ‘23. Some practices take us outdoors or to other sacred spaces and others have us connect with community leaders.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, we brought 41 new, faithful theologians from across the world to our learning community. International students from South Korea, Belgium, and Mexico added to the global learning environment on both campuses and online. Twenty-seven percent of incoming students identified as a race or ethnicity other than white and 53 percent identified as female.

Saint Paul staff and faculty continue contributing to the academy, church, and society. The faculty of Saint Paul School of Theology maintains high standards of scholarship, research, publication, and engagement. Over the past year, their many activities and publications have been so numerous that space permits only sharing selected highlights:

• Dr. Israel Kamudzandu, Lindsey P. Pherigo, Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and Biblical Interpretation, published Translation as Incarnation: The Bible in the Twenty-First Century Global South and was the featured guest speaker of our January forum.

• Dr. Joshua Bartholomew, Assistant Professor of Ethics, Church, and Society, published Black Theology and The Black Panthers.

• Dr. Elaine Robinson, Professor of Methodist Studies and Christian Theology, published Leading with Love: Spiritual Disciplines for Practical Leadership.

• Rabbi Michael Zedek, Rabbi-in-Residence, published Taking Miracles Seriously: A Journey to Everyday Spirituality and hosted a forum with Dr. Jeanne Hoeft, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care, and Franklin and Louise Cole, Associate Professor in Town and Country Ministries, on The War in Israel and Traumatized Communities.

• Dr. Mike Graves, Professor Emeritus of William K. McElvaney of Preaching and Worship, published Jesus’ Vision for

Your One Wild and Precious Life (on Things Like Poverty, Hunger, Polarization, Inclusion, and More).

The 2023-2024 fiscal year brought a change in leadership to the Seminary. The Rev. Neil Blair ‘80 retired as President on Dec. 31, 2023, and President Jay Simmons, formerly Vice President of Institutional Advancement, took the helm at the start of 2024. In addition, Saint Paul Board of Trustees’ Chair Dr. Amy Hogan stepped down as Board Chair, with Ms. Sharon Cleaver assuming the position until the end of June 2024. Our current strategic plan is set to conclude within the coming year. Consequently, the Board of Trustees formed a task force several months ago to prepare the next iteration of our strategic plan. Members of the Seminary’s Executive Leadership Team are now working with faculty and staff to refine the draft scripted by the task force. These efforts will continue over the next few months until we have a document ready for review by the Board of Trustees. While we are still too early in this effort to comment on any specific initiatives, the plan ultimately endorsed by the Board will guide all our efforts for the next several years. Therefore, this effort is critical in defining how we ensure that Saint Paul remains a vital and vigorous seminary committed to preparing our students for creative and innovative ministry.

For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Saint Paul’s Course of Study (COS) School educated 250 individual students, including 79 new students, with approximately 600 registrations and offering 46 classes. Serving 31 conferences, 89 districts, 116 fulltime, and 126 part-time Licensed Local Pastors comprised these registrations. Seventy percent of these students are taking more than one course. To help offset student costs, twenty percent of all students received aid from their conference or church. COS School continues to attract a diverse student body. One hundred eighty-eight students ranged from 30 to 65, and 62 students from 66 to 82. Students self-identified across four racial/ethnic groups. Fifty-two percent were male and forty-eight percent were female. Many COS School students serve more than one church, many rural, with a few dozen students serving three or more churches. We helped 23 students finish the 20-course program this year, issuing them certificates of completion. With approval from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), the School has continued its course offerings in both asynchronous and synchronous online formats. Utilizing this online format, we reached students in 28 states. We continue to offer online registration completed by the student with the ability to access their student account through Populi as used by our seminary students. COS also uses the same learning platform, Moodle, as our seminary students. By implementing the Course of Study School into Populi, these students share the same benefits as the seminary, allowing them to participate in the Saint Paul experience. They have full access to the seminary library on campus and online, with several required readings accessible as an eBook. We have invited COS School students to join our Saint Paul School of Theology Weekly Chapel Services and Spiritual Formation gatherings and other Saint Paul events.

Saint Paul is a financially healthy seminary. We operate with a balanced budget, no debt, and an endowment that is nine to ten times the size of our annual expenses. Sustainability has been our focus over the past six years, and we have achieved our goal. Investments in our future bring exciting new opportunities for our students, staff, and faculty. As always, we continue to be grateful for donations from the community that provide technology, scholarships, and evolving academic programs to students. Our significant technological investments have allowed us to maintain a hybrid educational delivery model, providing a flexible working arrangement for our students.

We are continuing to enhance our partnership with Zoom and Neat. We now have Neat Bars & Neat Boards in all our classrooms. In addition, during this last year, we implemented a Neat Board in Harris Chapel on our Oklahoma Campus. We also have Neat Boards in multiple common areas to encourage ad-hoc use of the technology for breakout groups and other miscellaneous meetings between our two campuses and our remote students. One of the best features of this technology is its ability to receive automatic real-time over-the-air feature upgrades. Zoom & Neat continue to enhance our learning environment by rolling out new enhancements, including enhanced whiteboarding, noise cancellation, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) features. Our Neat equipment continuously monitors several environmental factors within our classrooms: air quality, temperature, humidity, VOC, and CO2, as well as being able to tell if the classrooms are occupied and how many individuals are in the room. We can also monitor the audio/video quality and network connectivity in each of our classrooms and the connection quality for all remote students attending the class. We are excited about the additional enhancements that will come to our classrooms from Neat and Zoom over this next year.

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.

For updates and addendums to the 2024 Pre-Conference Workbook, scan the QR code below with your phone or tablet to view them online: