The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Congregational Equity Cohort
2024-07-19 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 Congregational Leaders within the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Annual Conferences.

Worship Workshops: “small bites, BIG FLAVOR”
2024-08-16 18:30 - 2024-08-18 12:00 | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N Raymond Rd, Spokane Valley, WA, 99206, United States
As a layperson, do you find yourself responsible for leading worship? Do you need help with worship resources? Would you like to learn skills to enhance worship leadership in your small church? If so, these worship workshops are for you!
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) Conference has invited Dr. Marcia McFee to lead three workshops over the next several months to empower laity to become more effective in worship planning and leading. Bitesize mindset and skillset lessons will be taught, which can add flavor to your worship. Resources for each liturgical season will also be shared.

August 16-18, 2024 – Advent / Christmas / Epiphany – held in (and live-streamed from) Spokane Valley UMC, Spokane Valley, WA
January 10-12, 2025 – Lent / Holy Week / Easter – held in (and live-streamed from) First UMC, Olympia, WA
May 2-4, 2025 – Ordinary Time – held in (and live-streamed from) Wesley UMC, Yakima, WA
An orientation will be held on Wednesday, July 31st at 9 a.m. PT, a recording of which will also be available

While these workshops are offered with laypersons in mind, pastors of small churches are especially invited to attend with their laity. Pastors of larger churches are welcome but strongly encouraged to see this event as an opportunity to equip and train laity as partners in worship design.
Click here to review the schedule for these workshops.
Participants from the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and PNW Conferences will have free access to all three workshops, both in person and online. For more information and to register, please use the following link based on the conference your local church is in.

Alaska Conference Registration
Oregon-Idaho Conference Registration
Pacific Northwest Conference Registration

For those attending in person, a nominal fee is required to cover the costs of meals and other host church expenses. A separate (simple) registration (for each event) is required so we can prepare for your needs. Registration for in-person hospitality at the August event is available here. Others will become available closer to the workshop dates.
Scholarships are available for Lay-Led Congregations and churches served by a CLM in the PNW Conference to cover this expense and support travel and housing during each workshop. Please contact your District Superintendent (PNW) for scholarship support.
If you have questions, please contact Sheila Miranda at smiranda@pnwumc.org

Setting Ministry Priorities Conversations - GNW #1
2024-09-04 18:00 - 19:15 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/setting-ministry-priorities-conversations-gnw-1/
Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth has invited lay and clergy members within the Greater Northwest Area to conversations about resources, ministry and collaboration in the area, continuing conversations that annual conference members started when they met in June. This is another step in a discernment process that will help us determine ministry priorities and future opportunities to collaborate for better outcomes and greater efficiency.

Click here to RSVP for this and other remaining opportunities.

Pacific Northwest AC Hispanic/Latinx Pastors and Leaders Missional Priority Meeting
2024-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz will be leading a discussion with the Pacific Northwest AC Hispanic/Latinx Pastors and Leaders on the revision of our Hispanic/Latinx Strategic Plan. Together, we will define our new priority mission for the years 2025-2028.
For any questions or further information, please contact:

Aurora Pavon at L.a.c.p.3122@gmail.com
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos at cruzsantos84@gmail.com

Setting Ministry Priorities Conversations - PNW #7
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:15 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/setting-ministry-priorities-conversations-pnw-7/

Webinar: Pledge Campaign Best Practices
2024-09-18 18:30 - 19:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/webinar-pledge-campaign-best-practices/
What do successful pledge campaigns have in common? Cesie Delve Scheuermann of Inspiring Generosity and Julia Frisbie of Faith Foundation Northwest will team up to teach an interactive class rich with real-world examples from our own episcopal area. Whether you’re preparing for your first pledge campaign or your thirtieth, Cesie and Julia invite you to bring your own stories and questions to the discussion. Attendees will receive a free e-book that contains five different appeal letter templates.
Click here to register for this webinar.

Webinar: Understanding the Impacts of Indian Boarding Schools
2024-10-11 12:00 - 14:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/webinar-understanding-the-impacts-of-indian-boarding-schools/
Beginning in 1801, the United States implemented a colonized school system mandating Native children, as young as 3 years old to 16 years old, attend boarding schools. In 1819, the U.S. federal government began funding religious organizations to run these schools. They operated for almost 200 years.
The Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities, a growing interfaith coalition of religious leaders who wish to deeply listen to Indigenous Communities in the Northwest, invites you to attend a free Zoom webinar presentation on the impacts of Indian Boarding Schools on Friday Oct 11, 12:00 – 2:00 pm.
Attendees of the webinar will be hearing from:

Jewell James, Lummi Nation, Master Carver, Activist, Elder and boarding school survivor
Theresa Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and Tulalip Tribal Council
Edward Washines, Yakama Nation, WA State Truth & Reconciliation Advisory Committee (WA Attorney General’s Office)

Click here to register or scan the QR code in the graphic. Please share this opportunity with other interested individuals.
Bios of Speakers
Jewell Praying Wolf James: Jewell is an enrolled member of Lummi Nation. He is an internationally renowned carver with the House of Tears Carvers and has served in various leadership capacities in Lummi Nation including Tribal Council member, fisheries director, and Sovereignty and Treaty Protection Office. Jewell has advocated for preserving forests, protecting sacred sites, restoring and preserving tribal treaty rights and sovereignty, advocating for salmon, the qwe ‘lhol mechen (Southern Resident Orcas), Sk’alich’elh-tenaut and much more. He is one of the subjects of a documentary, “A Common Destiny: Walking in Both Worlds” that explores the Indigenous belief that humans and all other beings in the world share a common destiny with the Earth itself. He has done extensive research into the Doctrine of Discovery and therefore, Indian law and history. He is also a boarding school survivor and carries intimate knowledge of the intergenerational trauma of his own family and himself. “A lot of trauma was forced into our communities and a lot of children were taken right from the arms of the crying mother; and those children never came home” (2022 Sierra Club interview with Mariska Kecskes). Jewell brought his Red Road to DC Totem Pole to Chemawa Indian School to honor graves of children who died there. He also carved two totem poles that were gifted to Chemawa.
Theresa Sheldon: Theresa is a citizen of the Tulalip Tribes and an advocate for historical justice, civic engagement, upholding and strengthening tribal sovereignty and the trust responsibility, and protecting sacred places. Theresa began her tenure at the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition as the Director of Policy & Advocacy in April 2022. Theresa has 16 years of experience in political advocacy, serving in numerous roles with the Democratic National Committee, EMILY’s List, and Tulalip Tribes, while also presiding as the Native American Director for the Biden-Harris Presidential Inaugural Committee. She served two terms as elected representative for the Tulalip Tribes as a Board Director and served seven years as a policy analyst for Tulalip Tribes. Theresa has been the Co-Chair for Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Native Vote since 2008 and was a founding member and Co-Chairperson for Native Vote, WA. She currently serves as National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Co-Chair for the Safety & Justice Subcommittee and is on the Board of Directors for Native Americans in Philanthropy and as a Tribal Council member for the Tulalip Tribes.
Edward Washines: Edward is an enrolled Member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation—member of the Wulx’wy’pum/Ka’milt’pa/ss’kin and Wenatcheepum Bands. Edward, currently retired, is a respected Elder and has served 42 years with the Yakama Nation, including 10 years as a member of the Yakama Tribal Council, of which four were as Executive Secretary. He was a professor of Native American Studies at Heritage University, Fall 2024. He also volunteered with the Yakama Nation Tribal School Athletic Program. He is a graduate of Riverside Indian School, Anadarko, Oklahoma, Class of 1973, and holds a BA and M.Ed from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma. He is a member of Heritage University Board of Trustees; Fred Hutch Cancer Center Tribal Advisory; CIRCLES Alliance University of Idaho Tribal Advisory Indigenous S.T.E.M. Curriculum Development; Chairperson Boys & Girls Club of the Yakama Nation. Washington State Attorney General Truth and Reconciliation Boarding School Tribal Advisory Committee.

Worship Workshops: “small bites, BIG FLAVOR”
2025-01-10 18:30 - 2025-01-12 12:00 | First United Methodist Church of Olympia, 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA, 98501-1655, United States
As a layperson, do you find yourself responsible for leading worship? Do you need help with worship resources? Would you like to learn skills to enhance worship leadership in your small church? If so, these worship workshops are for you!
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) Conference has invited Dr. Marcia McFee to lead workshops over the next several months to empower laity to become more effective in worship planning and leading. Bitesize mindset and skillset lessons will be taught, which can add flavor to your worship. Resources for each liturgical season will also be shared.

January 10-12, 2025 – Lent / Holy Week / Easter – held in (and live-streamed from) First UMC, Olympia, WA
May 2-4, 2025 – Ordinary Time – held in (and live-streamed from) Wesley UMC, Yakima, WA

While these workshops are offered with laypersons in mind, pastors of small churches are especially invited to attend with their laity. Pastors of larger churches are welcome but strongly encouraged to see this event as an opportunity to equip and train laity as partners in worship design.
Click here to review the schedule for these workshops.
Participants from the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and PNW Conferences will have free access to all three workshops, both in person and online. For more information and to register, please use the following link based on the conference your local church is in.

Alaska Conference Registration
Oregon-Idaho Conference Registration
Pacific Northwest Conference Registration

For those attending in person, a nominal fee is required to cover the costs of meals and other host church expenses. A separate (simple) registration (for each event) is required so we can prepare for your needs. Registration for in-person hospitality at the August event is available here. Others will become available closer to the workshop dates.
Scholarships are available for Lay-Led Congregations and churches served by a CLM in the PNW Conference to cover this expense and support travel and housing during each workshop. Please contact your District Superintendent (PNW) for scholarship support.
If you have questions, please contact Sheila Miranda at smiranda@pnwumc.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2025-01-20 08:00 - 17:00
The conference office is closed in commemoration.

President's Day
2025-02-17
The conference office is closed in commemoration of President’s Day.

Worship Workshops: “small bites, BIG FLAVOR”
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-04 | Yakima: Wesley UMC, 14 North 48th Avenue, Yakima, WA, 98908, United States
As a layperson, do you find yourself responsible for leading worship? Do you need help with worship resources? Would you like to learn skills to enhance worship leadership in your small church? If so, these worship workshops are for you!
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) Conference has invited Dr. Marcia McFee to lead three workshops over the next several months to empower laity to become more effective in worship planning and leading. Bitesize mindset and skillset lessons will be taught, which can add flavor to your worship. Resources for each liturgical season will also be shared.

August 16-18, 2024 – Advent / Christmas / Epiphany – held in (and live-streamed from) Spokane Valley UMC, Spokane Valley, WA
January 10-12, 2025 – Lent / Holy Week / Easter – held in (and live-streamed from) First UMC, Olympia, WA
May 3, 2025 – Ordinary Time – held in (and live-streamed from) Wesley UMC, Yakima, WA
An orientation will be held on Wednesday, July 31st at 9 a.m. PT, a recording of which will also be available

While these workshops are offered with laypersons in mind, pastors of small churches are especially invited to attend with their laity. Pastors of larger churches are welcome but strongly encouraged to see this event as an opportunity to equip and train laity as partners in worship design.
Click here to review the schedule for these workshops.
Participants from the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and PNW Conferences will have free access to all three workshops, both in person and online. For more information and to register, please use the following link based on the conference your local church is in.

Alaska Conference Registration
Oregon-Idaho Conference Registration
Pacific Northwest Conference Registration

For those attending in person, a nominal fee is required to cover the costs of meals and other host church expenses. A separate (simple) registration (for each event) is required so we can prepare for your needs. Registration for in-person hospitality at the event is available here.
Scholarships are available for Lay-Led Congregations and churches served by a CLM in the PNW Conference to cover this expense and support travel and housing during each workshop. Please contact your District Superintendent (PNW) for scholarship support.
If you have questions, please contact Sheila Miranda at smiranda@pnwumc.org

AI and Ministry Virtual Seminar
2025-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
The Commission on Ethnic Ministry invites all GNW Ethnic Ministers to a virtual event focused on AI and its role in ministry. This seminar will explore enhancing productivity by responsibly incorporating AI platforms into our workflows.
The primary objectives of this 2-hour educational virtual seminar are:

Equip ministry leaders with essential AI literacy.
Educate attendees and dispel myths about AI.
Introduce practical AI-powered tools and demonstrations relevant to church leadership, using specific examples from leadership tasks and workflows.
Facilitate discussions on the ethical use of AI in alignment with faith-based values.
Encourage informed and responsible decision-making in digital ministry.
Address the intersection of AI and ESL (English as a Second Language).

Click here to register!
Download Flyer to share!

Using A.I. Tools in the Church
2025-05-23 09:30 - 16:00 | Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th St., Boise, ID, 83702, United States
So maybe you’ve heard all the buzz about A.I. in the news over the last year. Perhaps you’re thinking, what is it, what impact does it have on the church, should be using it, and is it the devil incarnate? If you’ve been asking any of those questions, are curious, convinced, or are dead set against it, we have the training for you.
Jason Moore has been a longtime proponent for the use of technology in the church. For decades he’s been leading trainings on the use of media, screens, visuals, hybrid and more. And now he’s helping the church embrace Artificial Intelligence in ministry.
Click here to register for this in-person event.
In this day-long training, Jason will walk you through what A.I. is, why we should be using it in the church (with theological underpinnings to back it up), how to use it (and how not to use it), and even where the ethical lines are that we should not be crossing. During the day, Jason will expose you to the tools, help you know which are best for what scenarios, talk about copyright, ethics and do several real-time demos. We’ll also cover 10 distinct ways to use A.I. in ministry.
If you’d like a broad primer on A.I. to see how it could benefit your ministry, this is for you. And don’t worry, it’s not highly technical.
You also won’t have to go broke with A.I. because many of the tools are free or inexpensive. Bring your computer and follow along, or just sit back, watch and observe.
Lunch will be provided for all registered participants!

Location Details: Emmaus Center (Or Olivet) at Cathedra of the Rockies Downtown Campus
Cost:

Individual Registrant: $59
Team Registration (for 3 or more): $15 off each registration for groups of 3 or more!
COTR Member: $39 with discount code COTR

CWJFON Immigration Clinic w/Free Consultations
2025-05-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Glenn Anthon Hall, 1001 S 16th Ave, Yakima, 98902, United States
Immigration attorneys will be providing free immigration consultations for individuals who need them on May 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Glenn Anthon Hall on the Yakima Valley College Yakima Campus. Call Central Washington Justice For Our Neighbors (CWJFON) at (509) 300-1101 and leave a voicemail. They will call you back to set up a 30 minute consultation time for you.
Download the Event Flyer | English | Español

Memorial Day
2025-05-26
The conference office is closed in commemoration of Memorial Day.

Independence Day
2025-07-03 - 2025-07-04
The conference office is closed July 3-4 in commemoration of Independence Day.

S.L.A.M. Trip - Week One
2025-07-06 - 2025-07-10
Looking for a summer service experience for your youth? The Greater Northwest Area has a collaborative trip for youth groups that partners with SLAM Trips (Students Learning About Mission) on the Yakama Reservation in Central Washington. This de-colonized mission trip is native-led and focuses on a balance of relationship growing, learning, and service with Yakama elders and community members.
The Greater Northwest Area has coordinators to assist groups with pre-trip work, collaborating and growing as an area, and assisting with extra funding throughout this process. Their goal is to equip students and leaders in the GNW through cultural learning, telling the truth of the Methodist Church’s impact as missionaries in the Greater Northwest Area, and growing in relationship with our native siblings.
For more information or signup to go with the Greater Northwest Area groups on July 6-10 or July 20-25, go to the Greater Northwest Area’s Page or reach out to any of the GNW Coordinators:

Rev. Drew Hogan (OR-ID Representative – PastorDrewHogan@gmail.com )
Rev. Sheila Miranda (PNW Representative – SMiranda@pnwumc.org)
Rev. Murray Crookes (AK Representative – Munrahcito@gmail.com)

S.L.A.M. Trip - Week Two
2025-07-20 - 2025-07-25

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course
2025-07-31 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministriesbasic-course/2025-07-31/
The “Introduction to Lay 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 your gifts, calling, and responsibilities as a follower of Christ. The course is being offered this summer (Thurs. & Mon. 6 to 8 PM PDT (Jul 31, & Aug 4, 7, 11, & 14) online for those interested in taking this next step in exploration.
While the course is offered for those who register at no cost, participants must secure a copy of the Lay Servant Ministries Participant’s Book (DR626 • 978-0-88177-626-3 • $11.00) by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson. The participants’ book is available at Cokesbury and from Amazon in paperback and for Kindle.
To register for this online Zoom course, please email Emilie Kroen (ekroen@yahoo.com), Director of Lay Servant Ministries for the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, by July 18, 2025. When you email her to register, please provide the following information as you do: your Name, Address, Phone #, and your local church setting. If you have questions, you may also contact Emilie with those.
Participant Requirements: Have the book named above, read the 1st session before the first course meeting, and fully engage in all 5 sessions with audio and video active. Additional assignments will be provided in your welcome letter.

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course
2025-08-04 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministriesbasic-course/2025-08-04/

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course
2025-08-07 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministriesbasic-course/2025-08-07/

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course
2025-08-11 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministriesbasic-course/2025-08-11/

Legacy Giving 101: Developing a Simple Program for your Congregation
2025-08-12
Legacy giving is often called “low-hanging fruit.” People usually – once they have gone to their great reward – want to leave a gift to an organization they love but they don’t know how. Or worse, they aren’t asked. Universities, hospitals, and animal shelters do a great job of reminding and asking people to leave a gift in a will. But what about the church? In this one-hour webinar, you’ll learn how to start a basic legacy program for your congregation. It’s easier than you think.
There are two identical sessions, both offered on Aug. 12. For questions, please email projects@umoi.org.
See times and register for one of the two sessions.

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course
2025-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministriesbasic-course/2025-08-14/

Labor Day
2025-09-01
The conference office is closed in commemoration of Labor Day.

Pledge Campaign Best Practices: Seven principles for effective church fundraising
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/pledge-campaign-best-practices-seven-principles-for-effective-church-fundraising/
Planning a pledge campaign can be stressful. Trust us, we’ve been there. In this updated webinar, you’ll find out what makes for a strong pledge campaign. In addition, we’ll have samples from a variety of churches to get you inspired. Our goal is to give you the confidence to plan and execute a fabulous stewardship campaign in your local congregation. Register now to join us for this free one-hour webinar!
Click here to learn more and register for this training.
Julia Frisbie is the Executive Director of the Faith Foundation Northwest.
Cesie Delve Scheuermann writes the weekly blog, Inspiring Generosity and is a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship.

Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-09-09 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2025-09-09/
The “Introduction to Lay 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 your gifts, calling, and responsibilities as a follower of Christ. The course is being offered this Fall (Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM PDT, September 9 – October 14 online for those interested in taking this next step in exploration.
While the course is offered for those who register at no cost, participants must secure a copy of the Lay Servant Ministries Participant’s Book (DR626 • 978-0-88177-626-3 • $11.00) by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson. The participants’ book is available at Cokesbury and on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.
Participant Requirements: Have the book named above, read the 1st session before the first course meeting, and fully engage in all sessions with audio and video active. Additional assignments will be provided in your welcome letter.
Register Here: https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/LayServantMinistriesBasicCourseSept

Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2025-09-16/

Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-09-23 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2025-09-23/

GNW Hispanic/Latinx Leaders Meeting
2025-09-24 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
