Believe and See the Glory of God!

The 2025 session of the Susquehanna Conference met in Williamsport, PA on May 29-31, 2025, under the theme “Believe and see the glory of God!” rooted in John 1:1-45. This passage is not just about a miraculous resurrection that happened a long time ago. It is a call from the Spirit, for us today, to nurture the kind of faith that opens our spiritual vision so that we can see, claim, live, and share the glory of God in our everyday lives and ministries.

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez

In this season, God is inviting us to BELIEVE and SEE. God wants to expand our spiritual vision so that we can see, experience, and share God’s glory in our communities. But let us be honest. Believing is not always easy. Trusting God is, many times, difficult. Martha and Mary, filled with grief, struggled to reconcile their sorrow with their faith. Their brother was dead, and Jesus had delayed his coming. Why did He wait? Why did He not prevent their suffering?

In our discipleship and ministries, we often face challenges (and have as of late, right?): declining attendance, disagreements, and divisions. Struggling communities. Socio- political chaos. Personal doubt and struggles. And, like Martha and Mary, we struggle and ask similar questions.

But through this story, Jesus is calling us to lean into our faith! Jesus is calling us beyond doubt, beyond despair, beyond defeat, into a deeper trust, where our believing unveils God’s glory in ways we could never predict. Ways that open our eyes to see that God is still moving, still working, still bringing life where there seems to be none.

In this season, God is calling us to step forward even when the path is uncertain. Martha believed in resurrection. Yet, she hesitated when Jesus asked for the stone to be rolled away. How often do we do the same? We claim belief in the unlimited power of God, but when action is needed from us, we falter. We hesitate.

The raising of Lazarus was not just an isolated event. It is also an invitation for us to trust, to believe, to put our faith into action! Jesus is asking us today, just as He asked, Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

We are standing before the tombs of our time! Tombs that threaten our communities, our ministries, and our witness to the world.

The tomb of decline, as many churches face shrinking resources and growing uncertainty.

The tomb of lingering disappointment and mistrust after years of disagreements and divisions.

The tomb of exhaustion, as many of our leaders wrestle with doubt, frustration, and burnout.

The tomb of isolation, as loneliness, division, addictions, and hopelessness grip many of our neighbors.

The tomb of injustice, as racism, exclusion, and inequity distort God’s vision for creation.

The tomb of oppression, as power is abused, and the rich are prioritized over the poor, the elderly, those with disabilities, people of color, and immigrants – just to name a few.

As we stand before these tombs, what are we going to do? Now more than ever, as followers of Jesus Christ, as servant leaders in Christ’s church, as United Methodists, our faith must move beyond passive belief. Beyond doctrinal assent. Beyond labels that seek to separate us. Beyond rituals and traditions and become a holy living action. An embodiment of the Risen Christ!

As we stand before these tombs, what will we do? We believe. We step forward. We trust that God’s unlimited power will move in our lives in our churches, and through our ministries, bringing new life through the healing, and liberating love of Jesus Christ!

In our churches and ministries, we must do the important, yet difficult work that leads to healing and reconciliation we must protect our unity amid our diversity. And I say, “protect our unity”, because we must understand that, contrary to what some believe, the unity of the Body of Christ it is not a human endeavor. As the Scriptures clarify in Ephesians 4, in Christ, GOD brought us together to fulfill God’s purposes.

The common denominator that brings us here and compels us to be together is our shared faith and love for Jesus Christ! Therefore, this season, God is inviting us to recalibrate our hearts again, to Christ, to recommit to one another as those called by God to journey together, to put aside everything that might be harmful, to forsake anything that may be distracting us, and to take the next faithful steps into God’s vision for our lives and ministries as United Methodists here in the Susquehanna Conference.

In our ministries, we must also stop mourning decline, as if it were inevitable or permanent, holding on to what is, and clinging to nostalgia, and instead, go about living the gospel and embodying God’s love with our neighbors in all places in ways that are meaningful to them, even if it is sometimes uncomfortable for us. We must innovate, experiment, and take risks for the sake of the gospel. We do not fear resource shortages, and instead trust in God’s sufficient provision. We do all this together, so that SO THAT we grow and form disciples of Jesus Christ, develop Christ-like servant leaders, journey in solidarity with the poor and the most vulnerable, and we seek health and wellbeing of all people and creation.

In our leadership, what are we going to do? We step forward in faith. Trusting the One who called us. We care for ourselves and one another, knowing that exhaustion is NOT failure, but a call for renewal. We build community. We embrace collaboration, knowing that the Holy Spirit moves in community, not in isolation, and that we are stronger TOGETHER. We hold each other accountable in love and with grace. We preach the gospel with conviction, boldly proclaiming that through the Holy Spirit, God’s power, in Jesus Christ, still moves stones bringing hope and new life.

In our communities, what will we do? We embody Christ’s love and hope. We refuse to accept brokenness, division, and loneliness as inevitable. We preach God’s grace in Jesus and invite people to embrace God’s boundless love through active discipleship. We build bridges. We reconcile relationships. We offer a place to belong. We reject systems that oppress, lifting the poor, defending the marginalized, and advocating for justice. We speak God’s truth to power, refusing to let the idols of this era distort Christ’s call to love all people without distinctions or favoritism.

In the world, what will we do? We are BOLD in faith! Racism, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism are NOT of God. So, we dismantle them with truth and love. Abusive leadership, greed and exploitation contradict the Gospel. So, we lead with compassion and justice, prioritizing the vulnerable above the powerful, just like Jesus did.

 And in every act of love, service, and prophetic witness: we proclaim the resurrection, not as a distant hope, but as a present reality, that, thanks to Jesus Christ, is available today to all who call on the name of the Lord, alleluia!

Resurrection, new life, is possible. Not in our strengths, but, yes, in the power of the Risen Christ. In our lives, in our servant leadership, in our congregations, and, in our communities. So, let us open our eyes and see the glory of God! Resurrection is happening. Resurrection is OURS, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Resurrection is OURS. Let’s believe it, let’s claim it, let’s live it, AND most importantly, let’s share it freely with as many people as possible.

God did not leave Lazarus in the tomb and God will NOT leave us in the tombs of our times! But faith requires deep trust and obedience. It requires action. It requires rolling away the stones even BEFORE we see the miracles!

United Methodists of the Susquehanna Conference, let’s seek the kind of faith that manifests God’s power that transforms lives and communities. That brings new life through the boundless love of Jesus Christ! Let’s roll away the tombstones. Let’s shed grave clothes. Let’s believe and see what God can do!

2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference Highlights

 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference
May 29-31   Community Arts Center, Williamsport, PA

Highlights from the 16th Session of Annual Conference

Thursday, May 29

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 - not just clergy. [Watch the session here.]

Opening Worship, centered on John 11:1-45, explored resurrection not as a past miracle, but as a present call to transformation. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez challenged us to expand our spiritual vision: “If we believe in resurrection, then we must believe it is a present reality - the new life is possible now.” [Watch Opening Worship here.]

Friday, May 30

Bishop Héctor opened the day with his Episcopal Address, introducing the new UMC vision and its implications for our shared mission in Susquehanna. [Watch starting at 1:16:00.]

The Memorial Service moved to Friday morning, welcoming over 40 family members and friends to honor clergy and spouses who passed this year. Rev. Brenda Leigey, Superintendent of the Mountain Valley District, preached a moving message on discipleship as a spiritual marathon, inspired by Paul’s words in Philippians and 2 Timothy: “We run because Jesus ran. The Holy Spirit is our coach.” [Watch the service here.]

Rev. Kris Sledge and Rev. Rachel Gilmore led a critical session on why younger generations are leaving the church - and how we can faithfully response. [Watch their presentation here.] [Order their book here.]

 That evening, clergy and laity celebrated ministries across the Conference. Joy filled the Community Arts Center as we honored retiring pastors, new ordinands, and commissioned and licensed ministers. Bishop Robin Dease, Resident Bishop of the Georgia Episcopal Area, preached a stirring word of hope, drawn from her experience as a police chaplain and rooted in Acts 4:1-20. She reminded us that in times of crisis, people need hope - and that preachers are called to share the hope of Christ with boldness. [Watch the service here.]

Saturday, May 31

Annual Conference concluded with a Closing Worship service, reaffirming out call to faithful witness and praying over those appointed to new churches. [Watch the service here.] [See the updated list of appointments here.]

All Things Considered

In addition to the usual business of approving the budget and nominations, the body also considered 4 constitutional amendments and 11 resolutions. Information about the constitutional amendments can be found here. Below are the 11 resolutions considered during our 16th Session (all of which were approved). You can read more about them here.

1. Strategic Visioning and Planning Process
2. Call to Respond to Inequality and Injustice
3. Disability Awareness Sunday
4. Increasing Accessibility in Annual Conference
5. Support for Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools
6. Gun Violence Prevention
7. Creation of a Commission on Sacred Worth
8. Support of Conference Advance Specials
9. Involvement in Peace with Justice Ministry 
10. United Methodist Immigration Response
11. Designate a Beloved Community Sunday

Impact Through Giving

We are deeply grateful for the spirit of generosity shown at Annual Conference this year. Together, you gave over $23,000 toward our three special offerings: Building the Beloved Community, Cup of Water, and the Preacher’s Aid Society.

In addition, more than $3,000 was raised for YPMC (Young People’s Ministry Council). We give special thanks to Faith Bellefonte (Mountain Valley District) for their incredible generosity in fully matching those funds - and to our Bishop and the Missional Cabinet, who were inspired to do the same. Your stewardship is making a lasting impact!

Save The Dates For Annual Conference 2026

The dates will be Thursday, June 4 - Saturday, June 6, 2026 and will once again be held at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA. Closer to the time, information will be provided on how to serve as a youth or lay member-at-large, registration, and lodging.

What Else Happened at Annual Conference?

Visit the 2025 Annual Conference Webpage to view the Susquehanna Daily LINKs, the Livestream Archive, and the photo gallery, and keep your eye on future issues of Susquehanna LINK for keynote addresses, stories highlighting churches that received awards, and other Annual Conference highlights. 

Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets Come Together for Missional Collaboration

By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one Bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in ministry.

To begin this new journey, the Missional Cabinets from both conferences came together for a joint retreat held in Williamsport, PA, from January 13th to the 15th. The retreat allowed the joint team to build a strong foundation for the new missional partnership while maintaining the distinct identities of the two conferences.

The retreat focused on several key priorities to enhance the partnership:

• Building relationships and fostering unity;
• Learning about each Conference’s missional context;
• Discovering collaboration opportunities for a more significant impact;
• Exploring new possibilities in shared mission;
• Engaging in shared spiritual formation.

“This retreat was a great opportunity to get to know one another through conversation, worship, and activities,” explained Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, Dean of the Upper New York Missional Cabinet. “We learned we have a great deal in common and are intrigued by the possibilities before us to be collaborative in ministry.”

The gathering also served as a reminder of the transformative potential of collaboration in ministry. Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Dean of the Susquehanna Missional Cabinet, shared that he “sensed the reassurance that as communication continues beyond the Cabinets, shared work will create both better work and a renewed reality that Kingdom work is not designed to be restricted by lines drawn on a map.”

“As the resident Bishop for the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area, I am excited about God’s new work among us,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez. “I am committed to collaborating effectively and maintaining clear, transparent communication. Our focus will be on how this partnership can enhance our ability to serve with excellence in both conferences for the glory of God.”

As the two conferences continue to walk this path together, Bishop Burgos-Núñez invites the prayers and support of clergy, lay leaders, and congregants alike. “I call on all United Methodists in the Susquehanna-Upper New York Episcopal Area to surround this journey in our individual and communal prayers, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the God-sized possibilities ahead of us as we collaborate in equipping and resourcing our leaders and congregations to fulfill our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” concluded Bishop Burgos-Núñez.

Grace and blessings as we continue this journey together.

Thanksgiving All Year Round

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  —Philippians 4:4 

This month, like we do every year, we will celebrate one of the most iconic holidays in the United States, Thanksgiving. A day, that since the beginning of this tradition, people have taken to give thanks and rejoice for good things. For Christians, Thanksgiving presents a special opportunity to thank God for life, for health, for provision, and for those people and experiences that have marked us positively. Sometimes we give thanks even for the not-so-good moments, and even the bad ones, because through them we learned about the things that are most important in life. 

Being thankful is a Christian imperative! No matter what season of your life you are in, rejoice in the Lord, and be thankful. We do not need special days to be thankful, when in Christ, we have the invitation to rejoice, to give thanks, for everything, and always – everyday, in all times. 

Why wait until Christmas Day to thank God for the gift of hope that came to the world in Jesus, if we can do it every day? Every day should be Christmas. Every day we should give thanks for Christ, our Lord, and Savior!  

Why wait until Easter to give thanks to God for the gifts of life and salvation we receive from God through Jesus Christ if we can do it every day? 

Why, as a church, wait for the day of Pentecost to thank God for the reality of Christ’s presence today through the Holy Spirit, if we can do it every day? 

Why wait for Valentine’s Day to give thanks to the people who love us and have expressions of affection with them, if we can do it every day?  

Why wait for Mother’s or Father’s Day, to thank God for our parents and express love to them, if we can do it every day?  

Why wait for Pastor Appreciation Day, to thank God (and pastors) for the love, guidance, and care of our pastors, if we can do it every day?  

Why wait for Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History month, or Native American Heritage Month to celebrate our diversity if we can do it every day?  

Why wait – if we can be thankful all year round! 

When was the last time you paused to give thanks for the love of God and the many ways it manifests in your life? Who in your life are you thankful for, who are the people that make you smile? That accept you for who you are, and care for you? When was the last time you let them know how much they mean to you? 

Thanksgiving is not a holiday – it is a way of life that springs out of a grateful heart, and as children of God, we have the eternal source and reason for thanksgiving, in Jesus Christ. Let us give thanks to God every day and find meaningful ways to thank others for the ways they bless our lives.  

Thank you for the countless ways you are making the love of Jesus Christ visible in your communities and the world.  

Paz,

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez

From the Bishop: Stewards of the Present

“Steep your life in God’s Reality, God’s Initiative, and God’s Provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find that all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” — Matthew 6:33b-34 (MSG)

Dear siblings in Christ, 

May the grace and peace of God be with you in this new season of ministry!

I thank God for the honor of serving the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church as your new episcopal leader. My family and I are grateful for the many expressions of hospitality from clergy, laity, and staff as we transition into a new missional assignment, shared housing situation, and community. We are hopeful and look forward to getting to know you better and doing life and ministry together in the coming years. You can learn more about our journey thus far here. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram @BishopHectorABurgos. 

In late August, I went through a formal onboarding process with the Susquehanna Conference staff and cabinet, which allowed me to get to know them (and you) better and provided invaluable insights about who you are and your hopes for our future together. In the coming weeks and months, I will collaborate with the cabinet to organize our ministry for the remainder of 2024 and beyond and prepare for the 2025 appointment season. 

The past 4-6 years have been filled with numerous blessings. These have also been years that required significant adaptations in how we go about our ministry, given the realities created by an unprecedented global pandemic, reduced financial resources, an extended season of disagreements and disaffiliation in our denomination, and the many challenges impacting our communities, nation, and the world. In all, I can proclaim with joy that God has been good. God has sustained us and provided for our needs.

Over the past 18 months, as I have engaged with different constituencies in my newer role as a bishop, I have noticed that one of the most significant challenges these days for most of us, as servant leaders in the church, given all that’s going on in the world and the church, is staying focused on the present—fully being present to one another in the NOW. 

Questions, concerns, and uncertainties about the future of our congregations, communities, and beloved denomination are becoming a heavy burden for many, especially those called to leadership in the church, even in this new season post-general conference, which is pregnant with hope and new possibilities and opportunities. Given these realities and challenges, we can draw encouragement from the wisdom found in Matthew 6:33-34. This wisdom can guide us in our roles as leaders in the church today and into the future. 

According to the “experts” on organizational leadership, one of the core functions of influential leaders is to carry the burden of tomorrow with us—to carry the weight of future uncertainties, strategize, and plan for what may lie ahead. We all know what this looks like; perhaps you are working on an important project right now or dealing with a personal situation that is important and urgent in the now, while at the same time, in the back of your mind, you are also preoccupied with the future. We carry the burden of tomorrow with us because that’s what we are told we should do. 

However, Matthew 6:34 exposes us to the gospel’s countercultural message. While the world’s wisdom tells us that we need to carry the burdens of the future, Jesus calls us to release the burden of tomorrow, trust God, and fully engage in every season of our lives and ministries. 

By saying this, I am not suggesting that we should not consider the future and reflect on the best ways to take the next faithful steps toward it. I am not suggesting that we should not project into the future or use data and trends to inform what future possibilities and probabilities might be. I am not suggesting that we should not do scenario planning or cast vision. All this is important and necessary as we seek to be good stewards of God’s mission in the world and our local context here in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. 

However, as leaders and, most importantly, as followers of Christ, we constantly need to remind ourselves that there is a big difference between considering the future and being burdened by the future.  We can’t allow the “what ifs” of tomorrow to prevent us from doing what God is calling us to do today. 

This is essential stuff. Mission critical—many leaders, congregations, and institutions are not fully engaging in their God-given mission TODAY because they are overburdened with the “what ifs” of TOMORROW! These “what ifs,” when they are articulated/ verbalized, become debilitating burdens that, when we dig deeper, are a symptom of a dangerous scarcity mindset that’s contrary to the principles of the reign of God and that glorify challenges, obstacles, and pessimistic scenarios about what could happen in the future —and even worse, in light of verse 33, possibly an unseen sign of a debilitated faith.

We cannot live abundantly (John 10:10) or lead effectively if we are constantly overburdened by these “what ifs.” We must release our anxieties about the future and surrender them to God. We must fully engage the present with all its beauty and ugliness, trusting that God’s provision for today (and tomorrow) is enough to live into God’s dream for our lives and ministries.

Another challenge we face as leaders when considering the future is the fear of the unknown. The things we don’t know or can’t anticipate. Fear of the unknown can cripple effective discipleship and leadership. If we allow it, it can paralyze and rob us of the joy of following and serving Christ – especially during these challenging and uncertain times. 

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus encourages us as leaders to replace fear of the unknown with FAITH. I know it is easier said than done. However, the Holy Spirit reminds us today that we can replace fear with faith because, as I mentioned before, God’s provision is abundant and because while the future might be unknown to us, it is not to God. 

God knows about our future. Not only does God know, but Scripture also proclaims that God has a plan for our future, and it’s good! (Even if everything around us tells us otherwise). The prophet Jeremiah, speaking from God, once said. “I know (meaning God) the plans I have for you. Plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” — Jeremiah 29:11 AVB

When we release the burden of the future that we often carry with us, a burden that is frequently self-imposed and heavier than God intended it to be, when we let go of our anxieties, when we replace our fears with faith, then we can be better stewards of the present. We can entirely give ourselves to the opportunities and responsibilities in the present. We can engage in the challenges we face with our hearts at peace.  We can fully live the gospel of Christ today and strive to embody God’s love with our neighbors. 

Do you know what else happens when we release our anxieties and fears about the future, seek God, and fully engage in the present? We pave the way for a future that aligns with God’s vision and purposes. 

Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as being faithful to God “tomorrow” (so why worry so much about it)—God calls and needs us to be faithful TODAY!

The invitation for us as disciples and leaders at the Susquehanna Conference is simple yet life-changing: release your anxieties and fears about the future, focus on the tasks at hand with faith, trust that God’s plan is unfolding and that God’s provision is more than enough.

In this news season, let’s be good stewards of the present. Let’s give ourselves entirely to today’s realities, challenges, and opportunities and release our anxieties about tomorrow, knowing we are not alone. God is with us. We have everything needed to live into God’s vision for the church and the world. 

Our future is in good hands—because it is in God’s hands. 

Paz,

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Resident Bishop

Welcome Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez

It was announced the morning of July 12, 2024, that Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez will be assigned to the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Héctor Antonio Burgos-Núñez was elected to the episcopacy by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference on November 4, 2022. Bishop Burgos-Núñez is the first Hispanic-Latino bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

Bishop Héctor (as he likes to be addressed in person) has been the Resident Bishop of the Upper New York Area since January 1, 2023. He will be shared with the Upper New York Annual Conference as part of the new episcopal area configuration in the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

He holds an M. Div. from the School of Theology at Drew University in Madison, NJ, a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in Management and Strategic Marketing from the University of Puerto Rico, and a graduate certificate in Information Systems Technology. At the time of his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Burgos-Núñez served as District Superintendent of the Central District of the Greater New Jersey Conference.

Bishop Burgos-Núñez served pastorates at West Creek United Methodist Church 2004-2005, First United Methodist Church, Iglesia Casa de Esperanza 2005-2009, and Oasis United Methodist Church 2009-2014. He also served as Director of Worship and Urban Ministries 2014, Executive Director of NextGen Ministries of GNJ 2016-2018, and Director of Connectional Ministries 2015-2019 for the Greater New Jersey Conference.

A Community Leadership Fellow from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, a certified ICA coach, and an Outward Mindset facilitator, Bishop Burgos-Núñez also served as Director of Communications for MARCHA, the National Hispanic/Latino caucus within The United Methodist Church, 2010-2022.

Bishop Burgos-Núñez envisions the United Methodist Church being a Holy Spirit-led global movement that is:

Thriving and united in the mission of transforming the world by nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ who share faith, hope, and justice

Spiritually alive and culturally relevant

Committed to personal and social holiness, celebrating its rich diversity as a gift from God

A multi-generational network of faith communities that embrace all people as beloved children of God and allow them to live to their full God-given potential.

An organization that is agile, innovative, and creative, and while global in its nature and impact, it is local and contextual in its ministry so that it can reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Héctor’s interests include racial and organizational equity, leadership development, contextual evangelism and worship, and strategic communications in a digital era. He finds joy in playing piano, singing, and writing music, and also in cooking for his family and friends. He claims an obsession with reading and in his free time he likes to play ping pong, disc golf, and pickleball, or go on nature walks with his wife. The bishop also has a blog, Mensajes de Esperanza with more than 150,000 followers throughout Latin America. 

Bishop Héctor shares life with his spouse, Jazelis Adorno, and their children, Fabián, Joel, Marcos, and Valeria.

Please join us in welcoming Bishop Héctor and pray for him and his family in this time of transition and expanded ministry.

Click HERE to view a video introduction and greeting from Bishop Héctor.