Lay Servant Ministries Advanced Course "For The Common Good"
2026-02-07 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Meeting
A five-week class on discovering and using your spiritual gifts, led by Rev. Dr. Desi Larson. This class is worth 1 CEU and counts toward either Lay Servant or Lay Speaker Certification. It is also a prerequisite for Certified Lay Minister Modules.
This course helps participants understand spiritual gifts and how the church can use them to fulfill its mission and ministry. Participants will also learn what it means to be a spiritual leader and
will be equipped to lead others in exploring and using their spiritual gifts.
The Rev. Dr. Desi Larson is a member of the Oregon-Idaho Conference and currently serves as Pastor of Trinity UMC in Sequim, WA. Prior to moving to the western US in 2016, Desi was a member of the New England Conference and served as a pastor at several churches in Maine. Desi holds a BA degree in English and Visual Arts from Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania and a Master of Divinity from Boston University in Massachusetts. Being a life-long learner, Pastor Desi also received an MS and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Cornell University in New York.
DATES: Saturdays- January 17, 24, 31, & February 7
TIME: 9:00 -11:30 AM PST
WHERE: Zoom (Link is at the top of your registration confirmation)
FEE: the cost of the book — For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts by Christine Harman. ISBN 13: 9780881779585 $15.00 Available at Cokesbury & Upper Room
Participant Requirements: We highly recommend that you complete the Foundations (i.e., Basic) course first. Each participant must have a book,
read it before the first session, complete assignments, and be fully engaged in all four sessions, with audio and video capability active.
Register here by January 5, 2026. Contact Rev. Sheila Miranda at smiranda@pnwumc.org with questions or if you need assistance.

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-02-09 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course/2026-02-09/
This is a foundational course designed to equip church leaders in the United Methodist Church. It explores: personal spiritual gifts; servant leadership; each leader’s role in developing future leaders; the importance of consistent spiritual practices; “God’s call to a life of servanthood” as a disciple of Jesus Christ; and the core ministries of Leading, Caring, and Communicating.
COURSE DATES: February 9, 16, 23, March 2 & 9.
TIME: Mondays 6:30 – 8:30 pm PST
Zoom Course: Save your registration; the Zoom link is at the top of your confirmation.
*COST: $13.00 for the cost of the book “Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course,” Participant’s Book by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson • DR626 • 978-0-88177-626-3 • Available at Cokesbury and Upper Room. Ebooks are also available.
Participant Requirements: Have the book named above, read the 1st session before the first meeting, and fully engage in all five sessions with audio and video active. Additional assignments will be provided in your welcome letter.
INSTRUCTOR: Sheila Miranda, PNW Lay Servant Ministries. Any questions about this class or Lay Servant Ministries in the PNW Annual Conference should be directed to Sheila Miranda, smiranda@pnwumc.org
Register here by January 26, 2026.

President's Day
2026-02-16 | WA
The PNW Conference Office is closed for the President’s Day holiday.

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-02-16 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course/2026-02-16/

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-02-23 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course/2026-02-23/

GNW Hispanic/Latinx Leaders Meeting
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
The Greater Northwest (GNW) Hispanic/Latinx Leaders Meeting is a monthly gathering open to all Hispanic/Latinx pastors and leaders serving in local churches across the GNW Episcopal Area.
We meet by Zoom on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:00–7:00 PM (PST) under the leadership of our chairperson, Aurora Pavón.
These meetings provide a space to:

Check in with one another and share updates
Discuss upcoming events, workshops, and activities
Plan collaborative initiatives
Lift up community needs and concerns

This is a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and support one another in ministry.
For more information, please contact: cesantos@pnwumc.org

Winter Youth Overnighter: Love is Justice
2026-02-28 - 2026-03-01 | Faith UMC, 3924 Issaquah Pine Lake Road, Issaquah, WA, 98029, United States
West Side PNW Youth Present:
Winter Youth Overnighter: Love is Justice

Get ready for an unforgettable night packed with faith, fun, and real conversations!
This high-energy overnight experience will dive into what God’s justice looks like in our everyday lives—through powerful worship, engaging small groups, exciting games, and late-night talks that matter. Students will explore how love and justice work together in God’s Kingdom while building strong friendships and lasting memories.
Date: Saturday to Sunday February 28th- March 1st
Address: Faith UMC 3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE Issaquah, WA 98029
Time: 1:00 PM on Saturday to 12:00 PM after worship on Sunday
Who: Youth 6-12th grades
Cost: $10
Details: This overnight is a gathering of youth and their leaders from multiple United Methodist Churches. Each church is expected to provide chaperones with their youth. Please reach out if this is a challenge for your church.
We are asking that each youth be registered individually through the link. This helps keep all payment and information in one place, eliminates the need for cash handling.
We are also asking that each group bring a paper emergency contact form for their students. Having physical copies ensures we’re prepared in case of Wi-Fi, internet, or power issues.
Lastly, scholarships are available if needed, so please reach out to Sanoah for more information if you require it, so that every student who wants to attend can participate.

Link to register: https://subsplash.com/faithchurchumc/lb/ev/+b353p6j

Flyer: Love Is Justice-4

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-03-02 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course/2026-03-02/

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course/2026-03-09/

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-09 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-09/
Crest to Coast Laity and Clergy are invited to join District Superintendent Rev. Kathleen Weber at an upcoming Lay Leadership Gathering—a dynamic space for connection, inspiration, and practical sharing.
Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, eager to tackle challenges together, or simply want to see what others are accomplishing, these Zoom gatherings are designed for you.
Sign up for one or attend them all, then bring your questions, your energy, and your curiosity—or just listen in and be inspired by fellow laity from across the Crest to Coast district.
Upcoming Gathering Dates and Subjects:

March 9*- Council Chairs
March 16*- Lay Leaders
March 23*- Lay Speaker/Servants
March 30*- Finance
April 13*- Youth and Children Interests
April 20*- Day Care/Preschools

*All gatherings meet from 7 to 8 p.m.
Ready to be part of the conversation? Register at https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/C2CLayLeadershipGatheringsW2026

Climate Justice and the Right to Food
2026-03-15 11:45 - 13:00 | Seattle First United Methodist Church, 180 Denny Way, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States
The impact of climate change on poor rural households is already staggeringly high. What to do? One approach is to tackle the issue in terms of the “Right to Food.” Other approaches include innovative strategies the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has developed in the context of disaster recovery and climate risk reduction.
All are invited to a Climate Justice related Lunch & Learn after worship on UMCOR Sunday, March 15th, hosted by the Climate Justice Working Group at Seattle First. Dan Gustafson, a member who is the former Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will present.
A Zoom option is available for people and congregations that would like to attend but can’t make it in person due to the distance. Parking in Seattle First’s garage is also free for attending the event.
Those who plan to attend are invited to register here ahead of time so that Seattle First knows how much food to prepare. If you register to attend via Zoom, the link will be sent upon registration.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-16/

Safe Parking 101
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/safe-parking-101/
Lake Washington United Methodist Church will be offering a webinar “Safe Parking 101” for community members interested in learning more about this program. It will be on Zoom on Thursday, March 19, at 7pm. If you would like to attend, please RSVP and you will receive a confirmation email right away. The day before the webinar, the church will send out a reminder with the Zoom link. They look forward to seeing you there!
Click here to RSVP for this training on Zoom.
Click here to learn more about this program.

Messy Church Training
2026-03-21 13:00 - 18:30 | Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd, Vancouver, 98664, United States
Dive into Messy Church with this hands-on training exploring its five core values and four key components. Learn practical tools, connect with other leaders, and imagine creative, inclusive, intergenerational ministry in your context. Saturday, March 21, 2026 (1:00–6:30 pm) at Church of the Good Shepherd, Vancouver, WA.
Click here to register.
Click here to download event PDF.
Cost: Cost: $125.00 individual; $250.00 per church team of 2-4, over four team members is additional $25.00 per person
Contact Info
Trainer: Roberta J. Egli, roberta@messychurchusa.org, (541) 760-3909
Local Host Contact Name:
Linda Stauffer, Children and Family Ministry Director, Church of the Good Shepherd
children@goodshepherdvancouver.org, (360)892-7770 (Mon-Thursday, 9 am-3pm Pacific)
Special Notes: Coffee, tea, light dinner included with registration. No peanut products permitted on site if you bring your own snack

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-23/

POSTPONED - Women in Ministry Retreat 2026
2026-03-26 - 2026-03-28 | Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center, 16170 Manastash Road, Ellensburg, WA, 98926, United States
NOTICE – On behalf of the Women in Ministry Retreat Planning Team, we wanted to share that due to scheduling challenges and low registration we have made the decision to postpone this year’s gathering to Spring of 2027. We hope to have more information about the 2027 gathering later in the fall this year.
Join us for a time of rest, renewal and connection as we set aside time to dwell in the Holy Week experience for ourselves. This is a time to step back from the business of the season and engage with the elements we would normally plan and lead.
This year, the Women in Ministry retreat will be held this year at Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center on March 26-28, 2026, with the theme “A Holy Week for all of us.” All who identify as women in ministry are invited, including candidates for ministry.
In addition to sessions, participants will be invited to care for themselves throughout the retreat. The retreat agenda will include plenty of free time to explore the camp and surrounding area, reconnect with each other, and share resources. Cost covers meals and accommodations at $150 per person, multi-occupancy. For more information, click here to learn more and register.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-30 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-30/

Archives & History Meetup
2026-03-31 18:30 - 19:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/archives-history-meetup/
The PNW Conference Archives and History Committee invites anyone interested in—or responsible for—local church history and archival work to the first in what we hope will be a quarterly meetup. We’ll share best practices, compare notes, and discuss questions that come up in this important work.
Our first gathering is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 6:30–7:30 p.m. PT, on Zoom. Please use the link below to RSVP. When you register, you’ll have the option to submit a question or name a concern you’d like us to include as we plan our time together.
Click here to RSVP for this meetup.

Table Turning - Unite to Free Them All
2026-04-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Northwest Detention Center, Tacoma, 1623 E J St, Tacoma, United States
Valley & Mountain Fellowship UMC are preparing for their annual Holy Week Table Turning tradition and they are calling on people of faith all across the city and county to join them for a People of Faith & Conscience to Unite in One Voice to Free Them All.
“We have all seen the abuses of Immigration Customs Enforcement in Chicago, Minneapolis and here at home. Immigrant siblings are being detained without legal process. Children are being caged all across our land. This is the moment that people of faith can stand together to demand the release of our people and to defend immigrant families from being torn apart.
On April 4th, 4-6PM join us outside the Northwest Detention Center for a gathering of people of faith in partnership with many community groups working to free them all. Gather your people, make your signs and be prepared to use your voice for change.”
If you have any questions about this event please contact Rev. Dr. DeAnza Spaulding Sekou at deanza@valleyandmountain.org.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-04-06 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-04-06/

LSM Advanced Course: Life Together in the UM Connection (UM Polity)
2026-04-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
This course, instructed by Rev. David Velera, PNW Director of Connectional Ministries, gives participants an overview of the structure and organization of the United Methodist Church, including its mission structure.
Classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, April 7 – 21, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (PST).
Required Book: Polity, Practice, and the Mission of the United Methodist Church: 2026 Edition, by Thomas Edward Frank. A copy of The Book of Discipline is recommended for the course.
Participants: Must have the required book and attend all 5 sessions, with audio and video capabilities active at all times. Completing the foundations (Basic) course is recommended first.
Any questions about this class or Lay Servant Ministries in the PNW Annual Conference should be directed to Sheila Miranda, smiranda@pnwumc.org
Register at: https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/LayServantMinistriesAdvancedPolity. Registration closes March 31, 2026.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-04-13/

Spring Youth Overnighter: Born Again
2026-04-18 13:00 - 2026-04-19 12:00 | Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 248th St. SE, Kent, WA, 98030, United States
What does it mean to be ‘Born Again’? What does that look like? How do we do that? Do we change something about ourselves, or is it not about us and about the Holy Spirit changing us? Do you need to do something incredible? Whether you are ready, scared, confused, or curious, we will explore all of this at Kent United Methodist Church.
WHO is invited: Youth 6th-12th Grade!
WHAT are we going to do: Food, Worship, Music, Games, Smash Bros, Karaoke, Ice Cream, etc.
WHERE is it: @ Kent UMC (11010 SE 248th St, Kent, WA 98030
WHEN is it: April 18 at 1 PM – April 19 at 12 PM
WHY are we doing this: To continue the momentum of fellowship and tradition within our PNW Conference Youth!
HOW much is the cost: $10 per Youth.
EJ Ragual: Host/Operations Coordinator: In charge of all operations, and the host of the event.
Fhedrick Caoili: Worship/Band Coordinator: In charge of the worship portion, and all band practices, setlist, and leading worship.
Hi all! My name is EJ Ragual. I am the Youth Leader for Kent UMC. I am truly excited to be hosting the Spring Overnighter here in Kent alongside Beacon’s Handsome Youth Leader: Fhedrick Caoili.
We are pouring our heart and soul into this Overnighter; so you/your youth can feel the Holy Spirit and the impact Jesus has on our lives. Our schedule and event is packed with a variety of things. From our band: Generations of Miracles (originated from Christmas Institute PNW) playing and leading worship, to fun games, workshops, devotion, and extremely delicious food (variety!). The schedule can be found here. Though the schedule may adjust as the Overnighter gets closer.
We would like each Youth, and Adult to register through our Google Form link (https://forms.gle/iYdURCGLvisoYgzg6). A QR Code is also provided to you for easy access if you need to print things out. We do still welcome last-minute registrations, so there will be paper registration forms to fill out if needed.
Registration for each Youth will help us stay organized and up to date with how many youth are going. This helps us with food, activities, expectations, rooms, etc. Please register and do not delay it. Payments will be made at the church.
If you have any questions, please contact EJ Ragual at ejragualhb@gmail.com or Fhedrick Caoili at fhedricklloyde@gmail.com
We are looking forward to seeing you! May God be with you.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-04-20/

Weaving Our Strengths
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:30 | Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122, United States
Organized by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, Weaving Our Strengths is a day of workshops and reflection to ground us in making change for liberation and justice. This year’s event will focus on non-cooperation with authoritarianism and is supported by our multifaith partners. The Church Council encourages you to invite your community, and please make sure each person registers. Only those registered will be able to attend.
Learn more and register on the Church Council of Greater Seattle website.
