The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Congregational Equity Cohort
2024-03-09 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Grotto Retreat Center, 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, 97220, United States
The date for one of six in-person Equity Cohort gatherings for Congregational Leaders within the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Annual Conferences.

Appointive Cabinet
2024-03-12 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-03-12/
The GNW Appointive Cabinet is meeting.

Zoom conversation for churches seeking WA State funding for solar and other green energy solutions
2024-03-15 10:00 - 12:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/wa-solar-funding-zoom/
The Washington State Department of Commerce has released the next round of funding for solar panels, battery storage, and other green energy solutions. The first deadline is April 5, 2024! There is a later deadline of “late Spring 2024,” but that round will be more competitive.
Eric Walker, lay member and church council chair of Vashon UMC, will host a Zoom call on Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. PT to briefly explain his experience with the program and answer questions. This is the same grant program Vashon UMC won a grant from last year.
Click here to register for this Zoom meeting.
This may seem daunting, but it is possible. Eric has extensive grant preparation experience and completed the Vashon UMC application in two weeks. He will be available to guide and advise.
For more details, visit this website (first link below) and look into resources related to “Round 2: Community decarbonization grants.” Then explore the contents of the link “Community Decarbonization grant program documents (on Box),” second link below.

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/epic/clean-energy-grant-programs/
https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/v3q6dzsv09w8es3c45riwwgsojd2cbua

All the specifics of the program and application are spelled out in the “Community Decarbonization Grants_Request for Applications (RFA) – English.pdf” document found in the second link (last link in the list.)

GNW Full Cabinet
2024-03-20 - 2024-03-21
The GNW Full Cabinet will be meeting in person. Details TBA.

Solar Direct Pay 101: Federal Funding for Houses of Worship
2024-03-21 09:00 - 10:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/solar-direct-pay-101-federal-funding-for-houses-of-worship/
A webinar is being offered on March 21 for people interested in Direct Pay funding available for solar on buildings in the United States owned by non-profit organizations through the Inflation Reduction Act. You’ll learn about program eligibility and criteria, consider how to discern whether or not this program is right for your house of worship, and hear about the process of requesting payment from a church member who has done it!
Register Here – https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6gBWXK6qQcmyGCH1WZ4sYA
Eric Walker Walker, a lay member of Vashon UMC (PNW), and Rev. Jenny Phillips (PNW Elder serving at Global Ministries) join Miguel Yanez-Barnuevo (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) in leading this webinar.
Hosted by Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, Environment and Energy Study Institute, and Interfaith Power and Light, with support from United Women in Faith.
Speakers
Rev. Jenny Phillips is Director of Environmental Sustainability for Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church. She pilots and integrates sustainability practices in agency operations and programs including disaster response, global health, and agriculture, and works with faith communities on sustainability. She has a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington.

Eric Walker has more than 30 years of experience in leadership, financial and operations management, institutional capacity building, and systems development in international non-government organizations. He has served on executive teams of multiple international NGOs, including his long-term role as finance and operations leader of the global health NGO, PATH. He is Church Council Chair of Vashon United Methodist Church in Vashon, WA.

Miguel Yanez-Barnuevo leads Environment and Energy Study Institute’s Access Clean Energy Savings program. HIs focus is on ensuring federal investments for energy efficiency and clean energy reach rural and non-profit organizations meet equity and justice commitments. He holds a graduate degree in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from the New School University in New York City and an nundergraduate degree in Geography and Urban PLanning from the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain.

Appointive Cabinet
2024-03-26 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-03-26/

Appointive Cabinet
2024-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-03-28/

GNW Area Ethnic Ministries Retreat
2024-04-01 16:00 - 2024-04-03 10:00 | Alton L Collins Retreat Center, 32867 Oregon 211, Eagle Creek, OR, 97022, United States
The GNW Area Ethnic Ministries Retreat will be a time to gather, care for yourself, and connect or reconnect with your colleagues. We will set the atmosphere with prayer stations, worship, deep breathing stations, and a licensed massage therapist of color.
Click to view/download a two page event flier.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
The grounds at the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center have wooded walking trails that run alongside water streams for silent walking retreats. If you are interested, a game room and arts and crafts will be available. There will be a chance to have organic conversations around the fire pit as we make s’mores on Tuesday night. The Bishop is tentatively scheduled to address us in person at the retreat. We look forward to your arrival. This is no registration fee. More information will be made available when registration opens.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr at coem@pnwumc.org or Kathy Hogg at khogg@pnwumc.org.
Click here to view/download a program flier.

Appointive Cabinet
2024-04-02 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-04-02/

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2024-04-02 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2024-04-02/
The “Introduction to Lay Servant Ministry: The BASIC Course” is the foundational course for Lay Servant Ministries. This is the gateway course for those who are called to be Certified Lay Servants, Lay Speakers, and Lay Ministers. And can also be part of a person’s discipleship plan to acquaint you with their gifts, calling, and responsibilities as followers of Christ.
This course will be offered over five two-hour sessions on Zoom on April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2024, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. PT.
Click here for more information and to register today!

Appointive Cabinet
2024-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-04-04/

The Laity Meet-Up - “Today’s UMC: What laity need to know about General Conference”
2024-04-06 10:00 - 11:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/the-laity-meet-up-todays-umc-what-laity-need-to-know-about-general-conference/
Register today for the first ‘Laity Meet-Up’ on April 6
“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another …” [Hebrews 10:24-25]
All laypersons from the Greater Northwest Area are invited to a new laity series named “The Laity Meet-Up,” which kicks off on Saturday, April 6. The free event will be held via Zoom at 9 a.m. AT | 10 a.m. PT | 11 a.m. MT.
Click here to register for this Zoom event. Upon registration, you will receive the link directly from Zoom. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folders.
The Laity Meet-Up, which will be held three to four times per year, aims to enhance lay ministries by equipping and empowering laity to be active and informed voices in our churches and communities – one of the express goals of Bishop Bridgeforth’s “going the M.I.L.E.”*
In the inaugural event on April 6, the Meet-Up topic will be: “Today’s UMC: What Laity Need to Know About General Conference.” A panel of General Conference delegates and reserves will provide accurate information about proposed legislation, squelch disinformation, and share suggestions for communicating what General Conference is really about (and what it is not). To be discussed: removing harmful language from the Book of Discipline, revising church structure, updating the Social Principles, and more!
The Laity Meet-Up is the brainchild of the Greater Northwest Area’s three conference lay leaders: Jo Anne Hayden of Alaska, Nancy Tam Davis of Pacific Northwest, and Paul Nickell of Oregon-Idaho. It is inspired by their reading of Hebrews 10, which unveils the inadequacy of Old Testament sacrifices and upholds Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate and final atonement for sins. It guides believers on their faith journey, emphasizing the importance of community and perseverance.
While designed for laity across the Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Oregon-Idaho conferences, The Laity Meet-Up’s gatherings are open to all.

Mountain West Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster Conference
2024-04-08 - 2024-04-11 | Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 248th St. SE, Kent, WA, 98030, United States

Appointive Cabinet
2024-04-09 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-04-09/

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2024-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2024-04-09/

Full GNW Cabinet
2024-04-11 09:00 - 14:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/full-gnw-cabinet/2024-04-11/
The full GNW Cabinet is meeting on Zoom.

Institutional Equity Cohort
2024-04-12 09:00 - 17:00 | Fairwood Community United Methodist Church, 15255 SE Fairwood Blvd., Renton, WA, 98058, United States
The date for one of six in-person Equity Cohort gatherings for individuals within the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Annual Conferences leadership structures.

Congregational Equity Cohort
2024-04-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Fairwood Community United Methodist Church, 15255 SE Fairwood Blvd., Renton, WA, 98058, United States

How to talk about General Conference
2024-04-15 09:00 - 10:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/how-to-talk-about-general-conference/
On April 15, 2024, from 9 to 10 a.m. Pacific Time, church leaders (lay and clergy) are invited to attend a one-hour Zoom presentation on communicating about the upcoming General Conference with the Directors of Communications from each conference in the Western Jurisdiction and Brenda Smotherman from United Methodist Communications (UMCom).
In essence, this is a crisis communication training/refresher, but we’ll also share our plans for distributing news about General Conference 2024 before exploring the following:

What should you do if a reporter contacts your church in person, by phone, or via social media and asks you to comment on their story about the General Conference?
How can you offer your opinion while being clear that you don’t speak for the entirety of The United Methodist Church?
Where can members find the real news and daily outcomes, especially if they see something alarming on social media about General Conference?

The Desert Southwest Conference is managing Zoom registrations for this event as part of its Monday Moments program. You can register for this opportunity at https://dscumc.org/monday-moments-registration/.
About the Guest Presenter
Brenda Smotherman is the Associate Public Relations Director at United Methodist Communications and has been with the agency for more than five years. She provides publicity support for UMCom, communicators across the UMC connection, The Connectional Table, and the Commission on the General Conference. Smotherman oversees media pitching, several social media channels, publicity consultation and training, and supportive written content, resources and reports.

'Clergy Who Cook' virtual cooking course
2024-04-15 15:00 - 16:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/clergy-who-cook-virtual-cooking-course/
An online cooking class is being offered for pastoral leaders (under appointment or retired) on April 15 from 3-4:30 p.m. as an opportunity for fellowship and community building. Participants will join Rev. Joe Kim in making a Korean meal. RSVP here by April 11 to get the Zoom link and ingredient list.

Appointive Cabinet
2024-04-16 10:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/appointive-cabinet/2024-04-16/

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2024-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2024-04-16/

Liturgy: How to Organize the Worship Experience in Our Local Churches
2024-04-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Renton UMC, 2201 Northeast 4th Street, Renton, WA, 98056, United States
Hispanic/Latinx Ministries will be hosting a workshop for Spanish-speaking pastors and laypeople, with the theme “Liturgy: How to Organize the Worship Experience in Our Local Churches.” This workshop aims to provide practical guidance and insights for pastors and lay leaders on enhancing the worship experience within their congregations. This event will be valuable for the Hispanic/Latinx community and contribute to the growth and enrichment of these churches.
For more information and registration, interested individuals can reach out to Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos at cesantos@pnwumc.org and Aurora Pavon at l.a.c.p.3122@gmail.com.
Click here to download a flier for this event.

GNW 5 Day Academy for Spiritual Formation
2024-04-21 - 2024-04-26 | Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at the Palisades, 4700 Southwest Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA, 98023, United States
Many feel lost in a wilderness where little feels familiar.
We’ll explore how to move beyond simple survival to welcome our wandering as God’s people.
Registration is now open and includes tuition, room, and board.
Registration fee of $1070 includes tuition, private room with bath, and meals.
Scholarships available.
$100 non-refundable deposit will reserve a spot until 3/15/2024.
Contact Registrar Karen Fisher: kmfishwoman@nwi.net for more info.
Click here to register!
Click here to view/download/share the flyer.
Location: Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center, Federal Way, WA
Overlooking Puget Sound the Center offers private rooms & baths, views & trails, spaces for worship & learning, a labyrinth & library.
Faculty:
Daniel Wolpert
Cofounder & Executive Director, Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing
Hanging Your Laundry on a Beam of Light: Finding God When Things Fall Apart
Amy Oden
Working Professor of Church History and Christian Spirituality
Here Is Where We Begin: Practices for the present moment
The Academy for Spiritual Formation:
For those who hunger for deep spiritual experience. The Academy creates transformative space for communion with God, self, others, and creation for the sake of the world. Academy.upperroom.org

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2024-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2024-04-23/

Advanced Boundary Training (Session 1 of 2)
2024-04-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Sue Magrath and Zach Taylor are offering a virtual Advanced Boundary Training on subsequent Thursday afternoons in April and May to fulfill the boundary requirement for all pastoral leaders under appointment or assignment. The dates are April 25th and May 2nd, 2024 from 1 PM to 4 PM PST. Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. Sue Magrath will be leading the first of the two sessions on April 25th; Zach Taylor will be assisting Sue in leading the second session on May 2nd.
The advanced training is for pastoral leaders who have already participated in one or more boundary workshops in the past. The class involves discussion of case studies prepared by the participants. Case studies should be prepared in advance in a Word document and sent to the presenter a week prior to the first session. They should be based on a pastoral situation the attendee experienced in which boundary issues were a significant factor. Please describe the incident, your actions, the outcome, and what you learned and/or might have done differently.
Please submit your case study to the presenter at least one week prior to the class. Send the case studies to Sue Magrath (suemagrath@msn.com) and Zach Taylor (pastorzacharytaylor@gmail.com).
Cost is $25 per person. Both session must be attended plus the case study written and mailed to the trainer for you to receive the full 8 hours credit to fulfill the boundary requirements.
Go here to register.

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2024-04-30 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2024-04-30/

Northwest Leadership Institute
2024-05-01 - 2024-05-02 | Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th St., Boise, ID, 83702, United States
The annual Northwest Leadership Institute at Cathedral of the Rockies, Boise First UMC, offers training and learning sessions for all church leaders, regardless of denomination. NLI is a learning, worship, and networking experience to bolster you and your staff’s ability to lead.
Learn more and register today!

Advanced Boundary Training (Session 2 of 2)
2024-05-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Sue Magrath and Zach Taylor are offering a virtual Advanced Boundary Training on subsequent Thursday afternoons in April and May to fulfill the boundary requirement for clergy. The dates are April 25th and May 2nd, 2024 from 1 PM to 4 PM PST. Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. Sue Magrath will be leading the first of the two sessions on April 25th; Zach Taylor will be assisting Sue in leading the second session on May 2nd. The advanced training is for clergy who have already participated in one or more boundary workshops in the past. The class involves discussion of case studies prepared by the participants. Case studies should be prepared in advance in a Word document and sent to the presenter a week prior to the first session. They should be based on a pastoral situation the attendee experienced in which boundary issues were a significant factor. Please describe the incident, your actions, the outcome, and what you learned and/or might have done differently. Please submit this to the presenter at least one week prior to the class. Send the case studies to Sue Magrath (suemagrath@msn.com) and Zach Taylor (pastorzacharytaylor@gmail.com). Cost is $25 per person. Both session must be attended plus the case study written and mailed to the trainer for you to receive the full 8 hours credit to fulfill the boundary requirements.
Go here to register.

Clean Energy Grants with Eric Walker
2024-05-03 10:00 - 11:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/clean-energy-grants-with-eric-walker/
The next round of grant funding from the Washington Department of Commerce for solar projects in Washington State will be coming in May. If you have been thinking about seeking funding for your church’s solar project, now is the time. This may be the last round of funding until late 2025. Also, there are new ways to be supported in your efforts. Eric Walker will be holding a webinar on May 3rd from 10-11:30 a.m. PT to discuss this opportunity and provide guidance on how to prepare.
Click here to register.
