New England UMC

05/27/2026

The 2026 Annual Conference Session of the New England Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church will be live-streamed on our official YouTube Channel.
Members, churches, friends, and ministry partners who may not be able to attend in person are invited to join us virtually for worship services, plenary sessions, reports, inspiring messages, and other important moments throughout the Conference Session taking place June 4–6, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Under the theme, “Faith for Our Future, Loving Boldly,” this year’s Annual Conference will gather clergy and lay members from across New England for a sacred time of worship, prayer, discernment, holy conferencing, fellowship, and decision-making for the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church.
We encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and stay connected throughout the conference session.

Watch live on YouTube:�https://www.youtube.com/

05/22/2026

It has been a week filled with prayer, collaboration, preparation, and faithful hard work as the Cabinet met to prayerfully dicern a ministry path for New England Conference, Resolution Work Groups, Session leaders, volunteers, and Conference staff of the New England Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church also met to continue working tirelessly in preparation for the forthcoming 2026 Annual Conference Session.

The Annual Conference Session, which will take place June 4–6, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown under the theme “Faith for Our Future, Loving Boldly,” is the yearly gathering of clergy and lay members from across New England for worship, prayer, discernment, holy conferencing, fellowship, legislative action, ministry reports, and decision-making concerning the mission and future of The United Methodist Church in our region. This will be the 33rd session of the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church

As United Methodists, Annual Conference is more than a meeting — it is a sacred time of connection, spiritual renewal, accountability, and shared vision as we seek together to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in ministry.
We invite you to continue praying for Thomas J. Bickerton, conference leaders, delegates, volunteers, staff, and all who are preparing for this important gathering in the life of our Conference.

05/21/2026

Bishop Bickerton Concludes 2026 Regional Days Across New England with Calls for Stewardship, Transparency, and Renewal

The 2026 Regional Days gatherings led by Thomas J. Bickerton have officially concluded across the New England Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church following a series of conversations held throughout April and May that brought together clergy and laity from across New England for dialogue focused on stewardship, transparency, sustainability, and the future of ministry. The five regional gatherings were held in Chelmsford, Massachusetts; Presque Isle and Waterville, Maine; Lebanon, New Hampshire; and Cumberland, Rhode Island, drawing church leaders and members into candid discussions about the current realities facing the conference and the shared responsibility of shaping a hopeful future for the church. Read more: https://www.neumc.org/newsdetail/bishop-bickerton-concludes-2026-regional-days-across-new-england-with-calls-for-stewardship-transparency-and-renewal-19738985

05/16/2026

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton is continuing his 2026 Regional Days gatherings this morning at Lebanon United Methodist Church, 18 School St., Lebanon, NH bringing together clergy and laity from the Green Mountain and Granite Districts for meaningful conversations centered on faithful stewardship, financial transparency, and the future of ministry across the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Joining Bishop Bickerton are Conference Treasurer Lonnie Chafin, Conference Director of Connectional Ministries We-Chang, Director of Communications Benjamin Musasizi, Granite District Superintendent David Palmer, Green Mountain District Superintendent Bob Jon and Brenda Cayer Regional Administrator - Green Mountain and Granite Districts.

Together, they are sharing important financial realities, conference priorities, and the shared responsibility of sustaining vibrant ministry throughout New England.

Also in attendance are conference leaders, clergy, and laity, including Grace Pugh Hubbard of Creation Care Ministries, reflecting the strong spirit of connection, collaboration, and shared mission across the conference.

Tomorrow, Bishop Bickerton is proceeding to Arnold Mills United Methodist Church, 690 Nate Whipple Hwy, Cumberland, Rhode Island, for the Seacoast District gathering, which is concluding this season of Bishop Regional Days.

Learn more about the Bishop’s Regional Meetings here: https://www.neumc.org/eventdetail/19657812?month=5&year=2026&day=1&display=m

05/15/2026

As the Episcopal and United Methodist churches continue moving toward full communion, Julia E. Whitworth recently welcomed Thomas J. Bickerton to the diocesan offices for an important conversation centered on deepening cooperation and strengthening relationships between Methodists and Episcopalians across New England.

The meeting reflected a shared commitment to collaboration in ministry, Christian unity, and faithful witness in a changing world.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we take a deeper dive into “the why” behind this meaningful conversation and what it could mean for the future of our churches and communities. In the water, we are one.

As the Episcopal and United Methodist churches move toward full communion, Bishop Whitworth welcomed Bishop Bickerton to the diocesan offices to discuss deeper cooperation between Methodists and Episcopalians in New England. Check back tomorrow for a deeper dive into “the why” of this conversation.

05/14/2026

THE NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE SUPPORTS MIRACLE SUNDAY!

Bishop Bickerton is calling upon you all toGet involved.
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, United Methodists around the world will come together to support Miracle Sunday — a global initiative and special offering dedicated to strengthening theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

This important ministry helps provide more than 500 annual scholarships for pastoral students preparing for ministry in regions facing a severe shortage of trained clergy outside the United States.

Through Miracle Sunday, we invest in the future of the Church by empowering emerging leaders, equipping pastors for faithful service, and expanding the mission and witness of The United Methodist Church across the world.
Together, we can help raise up transformational leaders who will preach the Gospel, serve communities, and bring hope to future generations.

Join us in prayer, generosity, and partnership as we support theological education and global ministry through Miracle Sunday.

05/12/2026

Join us on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. for the next Creation Care Café featuring special guest Bill McKibben — acclaimed author, environmental activist, and founder of 350.org and Third Act.
Gather your church, friends, or small group and host a watch party for a chance to win a copy of Bill McKibben’s latest book, Here Comes the Sun!

For more information, contact Grace Pugh Hubbard, Climate Care Coordinator, at [email protected].
Register today at:https://neumc-reg.brtapp.com/VirtualCreationCareCafe

Virtual Creation Care Café Registration
(No need to re-register if you’ve attended before.)
The Creation Care Café convenes every fourth Tuesday with engaging conversations around climate justice, faith, and creation care, alternating monthly between 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

05/04/2026

Please join us in warmly welcoming Doreen M. Hahnl as the new Executive to the Trustees for the New England Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church!
Doreen brings a wealth of experience in operations, legal administration, and real estate, with decades of dedicated service supporting complex transactions, managing office operations, and building strong relationships across organizations. Her expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence will be a tremendous blessing to our Conference and the work of the Trustees.
We are grateful for the gifts she brings and excited for the ways her leadership will strengthen our shared ministry.
Join us in welcoming Doreen to the New England Conference family!
Grace and peace.

05/02/2026

Common Ground. Shared Roots. Deepening Call.

This morning, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton joined BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) clergy for breakfast as part of the 1st Annual NEAC BIPOC Clergy Retreat in Londonderry, NH.

Under the theme “Common Ground: Sharing and Deepening Our Roots in Ministry,” clergy from across the New England Conference have gathered from Friday through today for a time of reflection, connection, and renewal. Grounded in shared experiences and diverse stories, this sacred space has created room for honest conversation, mutual support, and spiritual growth.

Together, participants are exploring what it means to be rooted in faith while navigating ministry in today’s world—drawing strength from one another and from the God who calls us.

We give thanks for this powerful gathering of leaders committed to nurturing community, deepening discipleship, and strengthening the Church’s witness across our connection.

Grace and peace as these roots continue to grow.