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Author: Patrick Scriven

Bishop Bridgeforth to appoint Rev. Mark Galang as Director of Discipleship and Congregational Transitions 

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Appointments.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth intends to appoint the Rev. Mark Galang as Director of Discipleship and Congregational Transitions for the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2026.

Rev. Mark Galang

In this role, Rev. Galang will help organize, develop, and nurture discipleship systems across the connection, equipping local churches and leaders to grow in faithful, intentional, and contextually relevant ways. His work will include accompanying congregations and faith communities as they navigate seasons of transition and change, whether that means shifting from program-sized churches to more familial expressions of ministry, or cultivating new and emerging forms of church within their unique contexts.

Rev. Galang brings a deep commitment to discipleship, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for developing leaders within diverse ministry settings.

He currently serves as District Superintendent of the Puget Sound District, a role he has held for the past eight years, where he has walked closely with clergy, laity and congregations through seasons of growth, transition, and renewal.

We give thanks for his faithful and steady leadership during his tenure as District Superintendent, and for the ways he has strengthened the life of the Church across the district. His experience in both local church leadership and connectional ministry reflects a heart for guiding communities through change while remaining rooted in the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

He will serve as part of the Office of Connectional Ministries, collaborating with conference leaders to resource and support the mission and vision of the Pacific Northwest Conference. He will also serve as a member of the Greater Northwest Area Ministry Cabinet, contributing to the shared discernment and leadership of the Church across the region.

This appointment reflects the Conference’s continued commitment to strengthening discipleship, supporting adaptive leadership, and walking alongside congregations as they respond to the changing  and diverse landscapes of ministry with courage, creativity, and faith.

We look forward to the leadership Rev. Galang will bring and to the ways his gifts will help deepen the life and witness of the Church across the Pacific Northwest.

May God continue to shape us into a faithful and fruitful people, as we walk together in this new season of ministry.

Rev. David Valera
Executive Director of Connectional Ministries
Pacific Northwest Conference

Kathryn Ellen Neary

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Obituaries.

Rev. Kathy Neary, a United Methodist pastor who served congregations across the Pacific Northwest Conference, passed away on April 17, 2026. A gifted intellectual who brought both scientific rigor and deep faith to her ministry, she most recently served as transitional ministry developer, helping small churches navigate their next step. A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held April 25 at Vancouver First UMC.

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Trinity UMC (Sequim, WA) seeks P/T Director of Music, Director of Missions and Discipleship, and Facilities Manager

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Job Postings, Local Church Classifieds.

Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim, Washington is seeking applicants for three part-time openings on their staff. The open positions are described below; please contact the church with any questions, and apply as directed below.

Director of Music – Immediate, Part-time 

Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim Washington Is seeking candidates for a Director of Music position. Under the direction of the Pastor and Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Music Director upholds the values and supports the mission statement of Trinity United Methodist Church. In consultation with the Pastor, the Music Director sets the course of the music ministry and works with other music department staff members, volunteer singers and musicians, and the congregation to plan, execute, administer, and evaluate all aspects of the music ministry. The primary purpose of the music ministry of the church is to provide leadership in praising God in worship. The music ministry seeks to fulfill that purpose by encouraging congregational singing, choral, solo and ensemble selections, and the use of various instruments to create opportunities for a variety of kinds of musical expressions.  

Qualified candidates must have experience, skill, and training in music direction and/or performance as well as excellent leadership and administrative skills. 

Candidates may apply or request a full job description by contacting Tom Tift at SPR@sequimtumc.org.  Applications should include a cover letter and/or resume.  This is a part-time position, with hours and compensation variable, based on the qualifications of the candidate. 

Director of Missions and Discipleship – Immediate, Part-time 

Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim Washington Is seeking candidates for a Director of Missions and Discipleship position.  The Director helps our church live out the calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The person in this role invites people deeper into Christian faith while sending them outward in service and love. The Director serves as a spiritual leader, team builder, and encourager who equips the congregation to grow in discipleship and engage in mission. 

Qualifications include a vibrant and growing Christian faith with a commitment to United Methodist doctrine and practices; experience in church leadership; and strong communication, relational, and organizational skills.  A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in ministry, theology, education, or related field is a baseline requirement, along with experience using digital tools and social media for ministry engagement. 

Successful candidates should be spiritually grounded, creative, and relational, with a vision and commitment to both Discipleship and Missions.  Trinity is seeking a team player, able to work with and lead volunteers and relate to the needs of diverse communities. 

Candidates may apply or request a full job description by contacting Tom Tift at SPR@sequimtumc.org.  Applications should include a cover letter and/or resume.  This is a part-time position, with hours and compensation variable, based on the qualifications of the candidate. 

Facilities Manager – Immediate, Part-time 

Trinity United Methodist Church Sequim Washington is seeking a part-time Facilities Manager to oversee the maintenance and security operations of our church buildings and adjoining grounds. The responsibilities of this position include the performing and direction of routine and emergency repairs including but not limited to light plumbing, electrical work, painting and carpentry. In addition, the candidate will act as the first contact for the security and alarm systems and be able to address safety issues and concerns as they arise. 

Qualifications should include experience in facilities maintenance, familiarity with general building systems, the ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds and working with and around ladders and the ability to supervise both volunteers and paid professionals. All candidates must have a valid driver’s license and must be able to pass a background check. 

Candidates may apply or request a full job description by contacting Tom Tift at SPR@sequimtumc.org.  Applications should include a cover letter and/or resume.  This is a part-time position, with hours and compensation variable, based on the qualifications of the candidate. 

Kent UMC: F/T Director of Discipleship Ministries

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Job Postings, Local Church Classifieds.

Kent United Methodist Church in Kent, Washington, is seeking to hire a Director of Discipleship Ministries, a full-time lay position. The salary range is $50,000 – $58,000 per year with 2 weeks of paid vacation after one year. You will direct and plan adult and children’s ministries for Kent United Methodist Church, an inclusive, reconciling congregation in South King County. This position requires a heart for nurturing disciples, training leaders, team building, and supporting the people of our church as they live out their commitment to following Jesus.

This job can be shared between two half-time people if desired.

Duties

  • Work with the Senior Pastor to plan and coordinate opportunities for adults to grow in faith through discipleship groups, adult classes and Bible study, retreats, and church membership.
  • Create and oversee an excellent Sunday School program for children.
  • Work with the Director of Youth and Children’s Worship and Arts and with Youth Leaders to plan activities and worship services.
  • Work with the Nursery Supervisor to ensure that programmed childcare is available for all worship services and other church-sponsored events.
  • Oversee children’s special events and activities which may include Vacation Bible School, mission projects, Easter Egg Hunt, and Trunk or Treat.
  • Prepare and manage the adult and children’s ministry budgets and work with volunteers who execute fundraising projects.
  • Participate in all staff meetings and staff retreats.
  • Provide reports to Administrative Council.
  • Model discipleship in your own life and do all you can to build up the staff team at KUMC.

Requirements

  • Dynamic leadership abilities and strong organizational skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with adults, pastor, church staff and lay members.
  • Theologically consistent with the United Methodist Church.
  • Bachelor’s Degree or related experience with adults.
  • Successfully complete a state and federal background check.

Please send your resume and any inquiries to Jen Livingood, SPRC Director at: jenlivingood@yahoo.com

Welcome to Thresholds: A new name for a holy season of formation

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Board of Ordained Ministry, News Release.

Thresholds is the new name for the Pacific Northwest Conference’s Residence in Ministry program—naming this provisional season as a holy, transformative threshold. Rooted in the M.I.L.E. vision, Thresholds is a cohort-based community of becoming, focused on spiritual formation, justice, innovation, and covenant.

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Responding together to the floods

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Disaster Response.

As severe flooding impacts communities across Washington State and the Northwest, United Methodists are responding with compassion and urgency. Support immediate relief through the Pacific Northwest Conference Disaster Fund (Advance #352), and strengthen long-term disaster response by giving through UMCOR, helping the church respond here and beyond.

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A wicked problem revisited – our witness in a season of violence and outrage

Written by Patrick Scriven on . Posted in Communications, Ideas.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, social media timelines quickly filled with speculation, partisanship, and outrage. Patrick Scriven reflects on how these digital habits distort our witness and invites United Methodists to consider a different way of engaging online—one rooted in prayer, compassion, and embodied community.

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