The 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference gathered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, from May 29 to 31, under the leadership of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, resident bishop of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area. With 791 clergy and lay members in attendance, the conference centered on the theme, “Believe… and see the glory of God!” inspired by John 11:1-40.
Across three sacred and Spirit-filled days, hearts were stirred as we worshipped, learned, prayed, and deliberated together. There were moments of deep lament and joyous celebration, of sacred remembrance and courageous imagination. For the first time, the Susquehanna Conference gathered as part of the newly formed Susquehanna-Upper New York Episcopal Area and were joined by members of the Upper New York Conference Missional Cabinet.
From stirring worship to thoughtful resolutions, from honoring the past to dreaming about our future, this year’s Annual Conference reminded us of the power of resurrection hope – not just as a belief in life after death, but as a call to transformative life here and now.
Highlights
- The Board of Laity, led by Dr. Joyce Davis, opened Annual Conference with a powerful Laity Session, reminding us that the call to ministry is for all followers of Christ. {Watch here.]
- Bishop Héctor stirred the Conference with his Episcopal Address, introducing the new UMC vision and its implications for our shared mission in Susquehanna. [Watch here.]
- We said farewell to two District Superintendents, Rev. Brenda Leigey and Rev. Troy Howell.
- Rev. Rachel Gilmore and Rev. Kris Sledge led a vital learning session addressing why younger generations are leaving the church – and how we can respond faithfully. [Watch here.]
Worship
- Opening Worship – Bishop Héctor preached on resurrection as a present reality, not just a past miracle. [Watch here.]
- Memorial Service – Led by Rev. Brenda Leigey, honoring clergy and spouses who passed away this year. [Watch here.]
- Celebration of Ministry – Preached by Bishop Robin Dease, resident bishop of North and South Georgia Conferences, lifting up bold hope in challenging times. See the list of those ordained, commissioned, licensed, and retiring below. [Watch here.]
- Closing Worship – A collaborative effort that sent forth leaders and prayed over new appointments. [Watch here.]
Key Reports/Conference Business
- Voted on the four constitutional amendments passed by the 2020/2024 General Conference.
- Approved a wide range of resolutions focused on justice, accessibility, peace, strategic planning, and LGBTQ+ inclusion (full list under resolutions below)
Awards
- New Places, New People
- One Matters Award
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- Freedom Trail District – Salem-Guldens UMC
- Mountain Valley District – Covenant UMC, Lock Haven
- North Central Rivers District – Eatonville & Evans Falls UMC
- Northern Wilds District – Millerton UMC
- River Valley District – Faith UMC, Hallam
Church & Cemetery Closures
Below is a list of Susquehanna Conference properties that completed their time as active United Methodist organizations since last year’s Annual Conference.
- Freedom Trail District – Carrick UMC & Cemetery, Green Village Cemetery, Lemasters UMC, McKee UMC, Newton-Hamilton UMC, Warfordsburg UMC
- Mountain Valley District – Forest Emmanuel Cemetery, Milroy UMC, Mt. Zion UMC Richfield, Ohio UMC, Richfield UMC
- North Central Rivers District – Albright UMC Wilkes-Barre, Asbury UMC Scranton, East Lemon UMC, Girdland UMC, Lakeville UMC, Noxen UMC, Prattville Cemetery, The United Methodist Church of Chinchilla
- Northern Wilds District – Calvary UMC Lawrenceville, Milan UMC, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Shunk UMC, St. John’s UMC, St. Paul’s UMC Penns Creek, Windfall UMC
- River Valley District – Highspire UMC, Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Mt. Asbury Camp & Retreat Center, Mt. Pisgah UMC, New Germantown UMC & Cemetery, Wesley UMC Mechanicsburg, Wesley UMC Middletown, Williamstown UMC
Ordinations, Commissioning, Licensing, & Retirements
- 26 clergy retired – totaling 652 years of service
- 6 individuals ordained/commissioned:
- Gary Allshouse – Associate Member
- Patricia Hall, Paul McReynolds, Patricia Shope – Provisional Elders
- Jenny Deutsch Thomas – Bishop
- Bobby Jones, Jr. – Elder
- 16 licensed as CLMs or LLPs
- Celebration of Ministry with prayer and laying on of hands
Financials
- More than $23,000 raised in Special Offerings benefiting the Building the Beloved Community Fund, the Cup of Water Fund, and the Preacher’s Aid Society.
- Additionally, more than $3,000 was raised for the Young People’s Ministry Council, which was matched by both Conference Leadership and Faith Bellefonte.
- Approved an operating budget for 2026 of $7,285,864, down from $8,034,311 for 2025.
Resolutions
The Conference approved 11 resolutions as listed below. More can be found about these resolutions by clicking here.
- Resolution Calling for a Strategic Vision and Planning Process for the Susquehanna Conference
- A Call to Respond to Inequality and Injustice
- Disability Awareness Sunday in the Susquehanna Conference
- Resolution for Increasing Accessibility in the Susquehanna Annual Conference
- Support the Establishment of a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding
- A Resolution on Gun Violence Prevention
- Creation of a Commission on Sacred Worth
- Encouraging Support of Conference Advance Specials
- Encouraging all Congregations and Individuals to be Involved in Peace with Justice Ministry
- United Methodist Immigration Response
- Designate a Beloved Community Sunday
2024 Annual Conference Data and Statistics:
Membership: 95,679
Weekly Worship Attendance: 23,709
Online Worshippers: 19,127
Church School Attendance: 6,523
Vacation Bible School Attendance: 7,306
Professions or reaffirmations of faith: 835
Baptisms: 571
Adults and Young Adults in Small Groups: 14,840
Worshippers Engaged in Mission: 17,919