The 151st Session of the New Mexico Annual Conference was held June 11–13, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut presided, and Western Hills United Methodist Church graciously served as the host congregation. The theme of the Conference was “Pruning for Clarity.” (To see all the images from the Annual Conference, CLICK HERE.)

In anticipation of the opening of the Annual Conference at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, a welcome reception was held Wednesday evening at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by Hallelujah Barbecue and music provided by Dusty Boots. During the gathering, the Conference celebrated Bishop Carlo’s birthday by presenting him with several historic artifacts from the Conference archives, including a circuit rider hymnal from the nineteenth century, a gavel believed to have been used by Bishop Angie Smith, and a commemorative tile from the year 2000. The evening concluded with a spirited game of HORSE.

The Annual Conference officially opened with a vibrant service of worship. Through inspiring music and proclamation, Bishop Carlo introduced the first of three movements in the broader theme, “A Season of Growth.” Focusing on Pruning for Clarity, he drew upon the stories of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, as well as Jesus’ words in John 15: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” Conference members received stones to carry throughout the session, symbolizing both the memorial stones left in the Jordan and those carried into the Promised Land as reminders of God’s faithfulness.

The opening worship was followed by the Laity Session and Clergy/Executive Sessions. The Laity Session included study and discussion of the revised United Methodist Social Principles and welcomed Heidi Herrera as the Conference’s new Director of Lay Servant Ministries.

The Conference also marked the 150th Anniversary of the New Mexico Annual Conference. Conference Archivist Rev. Will Steinsiek shared stories from our rich history, portraying one of the Conference’s founding pastors, Rev. Thomas Harwood. During the celebration, he also presented the Living Archives Awards. Florence Higgins was recognized as the Laity Living Archive, and Rev. Beverly Jones was recognized as the Clergy Living Archive.

Dr. Carla Cardoza, representing Lydia Patterson Institute, expressed gratitude to the Conference for supporting 129 students who participated in an art scholarship fundraiser during the session.

Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer for TMF, challenged the Conference to consider new approaches to ministry in a changing landscape. While sharing sobering trends regarding church participation and engagement, she also offered hopeful strategies for discerning what ministries should be released and where new investments in mission and ministry might bear fruit.

Kercida Foreman McClain, newly appointed chair of New Church Development, introduced the committee’s new name, Growing Churches, reflecting a broader and more intentional vision for its ministry. Her presentation provided a practical example of the Conference theme, demonstrating how pruning can bring focus and clarity to our mission.

The 150th Anniversary Fiesta provided an opportunity for fellowship and celebration. A festive meal featuring traditional Mexican cuisine was served by Sobremesa, the food ministry of Western Hills United Methodist Church. The Lydia Patterson Institute Mariachi Ensemble provided music, a commemorative animated video highlighted 150 years of Conference history, and several individuals shared stories and reflections.

Friday began with facilitated table conversations led by Dr. Thompson, centered on identifying what might need to be “pruned” from our ministries and what “rootstock” should be preserved and strengthened. Participants viewed a video illustrating the practice of grafting new growth onto healthy rootstock and reflected on the question: “Why continue to invest valuable resources and energy into branches that no longer bear fruit?” Tables shared their insights through visual presentations and discussion.

The Celebration of Ministry Service included several meaningful recognitions. These included the symbolic passing of the mantle from a retiring pastor to a recently ordained elder, recognition of licensed local pastors, certification of three new Certified Lay Ministers, celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Order of Deacons in The United Methodist Church, and observance of the seventieth anniversary of the ordination of women. Commemorative photographs were taken of all ordained clergy and all women serving in pastoral ministry.

The annual Retiree Luncheon was also held during the session. Although Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp was unable to attend, Rev. Joe Whitley shared words of appreciation and gratitude in recognition of Scott’s faithful ministry and retirement.

Friday afternoon focused on holy conferencing and Conference business. Rachel Minnaar presented concerns related to disability inclusion and accessibility, offering recommendations for future consideration. Conference members also heard from four Wesley Foundation students during a panel discussion facilitated by Higher Education Chair Rev. Josh Kouri.

United Women in Faith presented a Creation Care resolution calling for the formation of a Conference Green Team with participation from local congregations. Following thoughtful discussion, the resolution was adopted with the amendment that congregations be encouraged to prayerfully submit the name and contact information of a representative to the New Mexico Conference Green Team by September 1, 2026.

Rev. Dr. Eddie Rivera presented a resolution concerning the inclusion of specific language in land acknowledgments used throughout the Conference. After substantial dialogue among Conference members, including an Indigenous voice, the resolution did not pass. The conversation, however, highlighted the Conference’s ongoing commitment to discernment around issues of justice, history, and faithful witness.

Conference Lay Leader Kathy Jewell delivered the Laity Address, reflecting on the Conference theme and encouraging members to discern and release practices that no longer serve the mission effectively. She also emphasized the importance of kindness as a foundational value in our life together.

The Conference heard a presentation from Bishop Grant Hagiya regarding partnership opportunities through Claremont School of Theology. Rev. Koreen Guillermo presented the Conference Budget Report.  Several resolutions related to district superintendent compensation and responsibilities were considered. Rev. Brad Bennett presented the report of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

During the Service of Commissioning, Rev. James Heredia and Tonya “Tinker” Boyd were joyfully commissioned as provisional elders. Bishop Hagiya preached the sermon, “Remember to Whom You Belong,” drawing upon Matthew 25 and sharing powerful stories that illustrated Christ’s call to service and discipleship.

The final day of Conference included consideration of the resolution authorizing the sale of the Conference Office building in Albuquerque, which was approved. Conference Chancellor Cari Neill addressed legal matters affecting congregations, including Boy Scouts of America facility-use agreements and emerging concerns related to the use of artificial intelligence platforms and the sharing of the personal information of others.

Closing Worship was led musically by Rev. Matt Bridges, Rico, and the Youth Opera of El Paso. During the service, Bishop Carlo and the district superintendents fixed the appointments for the coming year, and prayers were offered for both clergy and laity as they continue their ministries. Rev. Dustin Burrow and Rev. Katherine de la Rosa Salazar presented a well-written Closing Resolution. Bishop Carlo adjourned the 151st Session of the New Mexico Annual Conference shortly before noon.

The 151st Session was marked by joy-filled worship, thoughtful discernment, meaningful celebration, and faithful conferencing. While it is impossible to recognize every person who contributed to the success of the gathering, the Conference offers particular gratitude to those who provided leadership in planning, worship, music, hospitality, technology, and administration. Their dedication and service helped create a welcoming and spirit-filled Conference experience for all.

Alli Newsom, Communications Director