The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Understanding the Constitutional Amendments
2025-05-19 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/understanding-the-constitutional-amendments/
In May, the Western Jurisdiction is providing a webinar to prepare members to learn about the four proposed amendments to our United Methodist Constitution.
This year’s Annual Conference gatherings require votes that impact our worldwide connection, and we want you to be informed and involved. Your participation matters!
At the General Conference 2020/2024 meeting, four pieces of legislation passed that would change the denomination’s constitution. In order for these changes to go into effect, the legislation must be ratified by the collective votes of annual and central conferences of the UMC. Throughout 2025, all central and annual conferences will be asked to vote on these important topics at their Annual Conference meetings.
The four pieces for ratification are:

Ballot #1: Regionalization: Changing the structure of the UMC to create equity across the worldwide church.
Ballot #2: Expand inclusiveness in church membership, especially as it relates to gender and ability.
Ballot #3: Stand against racism and colonialism.
Ballot #4: Clarify local pastor status regarding who can vote for clergy delegates.

Understanding these amendments is crucial as we move forward together, as each will impact how we operate as a global church. The Western Jurisdiction has prepared information on each to help you cast your vote. Lay and clergy members of the annual conference are invited to learn more and prepare for this critical vote by joining us on May 19 at 6:30 pm PDT for an information webinar where you can learn more from your ratification conference teams, and ask any questions you may have.
REGISTER NOW AT THIS LINK

Lay Servant Ministries: Discovering and Using Spiritual Gifts
2025-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar, United States
Lay Servants who have completed the Basic Course are invited to participate in this five-week class on discovering and using your spiritual gifts, led by Rev. Dr. Desi Larson, from April 23rd – May 21st, 2025. The class will be held on Zoom on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM. 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, currently serving 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 Pastor of 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 MS and Ph.D. degrees in Adult Education from Cornell University in New York.
DATES: April 23, 30, May 7, 14, & 21
TIME: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm PST
WHERE: Zoom (Link will be sent with registration confirmation)
FEE: the cost of the book — For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts by Christine Harman ($10.49 at Cokesbury, Upper Room, or Amazon; ISBN 13: 9780802870971)
Participant Requirements: Must have completed the Basic course. Each participant must have a book, read it prior to the first session, complete assignments, and be fully engaged in all 5 sessions with audio and video capability active. The registration deadline is April 9.
Contact Rev Sheila Miranda, smiranda@pnwumc.org, with questions or if you need assistance.
To register, click here.
