DEMONIMATION-WIDE SURVEY

Dear partners in ministry,

I write with both urgency and hope as we prepare for the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering—a pivotal moment for The United Methodist Church. Your leadership and engagement are essential.

This gathering is more than an event in Calgary this October. It is a Spirit-led movement beginning now in the Susquehanna & Upper New York Episcopal Area, in our congregations, and through our shared discernment.

After years of navigating significant challenges, we now have a sacred opportunity to look toward the future with courage, clarity, and collective wisdom. The Leadership Gathering Design Team has created several ways for United Methodists to participate:

The Council of Bishops invites all United Methodists to complete a church-wide survey that will directly shape the 2026 Leadership Gathering. It is open through February 15, 2026.

You can complete the survey here https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/council-of-bishops-leadership-gathering/survey?_gl=1*dpme4b*_gcl_au*MTIwNTQ3MjI3LjE3Njg0ODM2ODA. or scan the QR code above.

UMCOM will host three webinars to help us reflect on our Wesleyan identity and emerging vision:

All webinars run from 10–11:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Registration links are available on ResourceUMC.org here. Participants may send questions in advance and recordings will be available afterward.

These opportunities invite clergy and laity to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the future of our Church. I am deeply grateful for your leadership and the many responsibilities you carry. Our connection is strengthened when we listen widely, discern together, and remain rooted in our Wesleyan heritage.

Thank you for your faithfulness and partnership in this shared work. Please hold this process in prayer, as I continue to hold you and your ministries in mine.

Together in Christ’s mission, With hope and gratitude,

The United Methodist Church

Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area