Greater NW churches respond to GC with messages of love, apology and inclusion
When the Traditional Plan passed at General Conference, local churches across the Greater Northwest Area raced to counter to a message sent that was out of sync with the ministry they understand God calling them toward. Kristen Caldwell shares how a number of church leaders responded.
Let’s Eat! St. John UMC Considers Sustainable Food Choices
Did you know that it was possible to make food choices that positively impact the planet? Last week, St. John UMC considered this question and others in an attempt to understand sustainable food issues.
I am not a divider, am I?
In 1991, Roxy and Michelle started to attend Ashland United Methodist Church. In this powerful look back, the church's current pastor, Rev. Richenda Fairhurst, shares the tragic story of what followed, and how love responded.
Another opportunity to have your gift matched for Lazy F Camp!
Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center director Dave Burfeind shares news of a new gift-matching opportunity in support of ongoing construction. An anonymous couple pledged to match all gifts received before April 15, 2019 up to $150K
Be Like Water: Lessons from a church planter
"What Dennis uncovered was that within every community, people are looking for leadership and for answers." Rev. Shalom Agtarap recently spent some time with Rev. Dennis Paschke, gleaning some insights gained from his work leading Orting UMC outward toward its community.
Have No Fear! The Green Shirts Are Here!
Five Early Response Teams from across the Western Jurisdiction join up to help North Carolina residents recover from Hurricane Florence.
Volunteer Home Builders Bring Amazing Hope to Okanogan County!
By Cindy Haverkamp with Rosalee Mohney, Wildfires UMVIM Coordinator
When volunteers first began responding for calls to rebuild homes in Okanogan County following the worst...
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 2018
A federal judge in Texas struck down the Indian Child Welfare Act a few short days before many communities, and several states, celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year. This confluence of events prompted some good questions and this reflection from Kristina Gonzalez, Director of Innovation for an Inclusive Church for the Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church.
Praying with those who find themselves “Leading While Female”
We Pray With Her, a book of devotionals and prayers meant to offer support to women in leadership, was released earlier this month by Abingdon Press. It includes contributions from two Greater Northwest Area clergywomen, Revs. Karen Puckett Hernandez and Elizabeth Ingram Schindler.
WJ Mission Cabinet endorses One Church Plan
"It is after much prayer, study and discernment that we share with you that we believe that the One Church Plan is the best way forward for the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church."
Members of the Western Jurisdiction's Mission Cabinet have endorsed the One Church Plan, noting their commitment to the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the church now, and a recognition of the need to create "generous space" for all to live faithfully their conscience as they follow Jesus.
