The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

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 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

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

Earthkeepers Training with a Spanish Track
2025-10-02 - 2025-10-05 | Des Moines United Methodist Church, 22225 9th Ave S, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
Are you passionate about caring for the environment and looking for a way to connect your faith with action? The United Methodist EarthKeepers program offers training for individuals ready to launch or grow environmental projects in their communities.
Watch and share a short invitation on Facebook from Rev. Jenny Phillips, PNW Elder and Director of Environmental Sustainability for Global Ministries.
Participants gain tools for spiritual reflection, community organizing, and project planning—all through a United Methodist lens. Whether your interest is in energy efficiency, sustainable food, environmental justice, or creation-focused worship, EarthKeepers equips you to make a lasting impact.
There will be a Spanish language track for this training.
Dates and Times: Training begins October 2 at 4pm PT and ends October 5, 2025 at 1pm PT. Pre-training homework will be provided on September 12.
Location: Wesley Homes and Des Moines First UMC in Des Moines, WA, a short train ride from Sea-Tac Airport.
Lodging and Meals: Sheraton Four Points, Des Moines, WA. Global Ministries will cover the cost of single lodging on the nights of October 2, 3, and 4. Global Ministries will provide vegetarian meals starting with dinner on October 2 and ending with lunch on October 5.
Travel: Participants are responsible for their transportation from their homes to the training location. Global Ministries will provide transportation between the hotel and training location, and for the field trip, will be provided.
Field Trip: Participants will take a Washington State Ferry to Vashon Island to visit Vashon Island UMC and learn about the church’s resilience hub.
Questions? Email environment@umcmission.org
Application
Connection Form
More information at http://umcmission.org/earthkeepers

Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-10-07 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2025-10-07/

Indigenous Peoples' Day
2025-10-13
The conference office is closed in commemoration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course/2025-10-14/

Lay Servant Ministries: Lay Pastoral Care Giving
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-pastoral-care-giving/2025-10-16/
Lay Pastoral Care Giving offers insights into the life span and the dynamics of contemporary life, helping church leaders reach out with God’s love and care to others. Expressing care to someone in need, whether within the community of faith or beyond, may seem the most natural thing in the world. For some, it is, for others, it’s less so. All can improve.
The course is being offered online this October (Thursdays and Tuesdays, 6 to 8 PM PDT) for those interested in taking the next step in their exploration. The instructor is Billie Fitzsimmons, a Certified Lay Minister.
While the course is offered for those who register at no cost, participants must secure a copy of the Lay Pastoral Care Giving Participant’s Book (ISBN • 978-0-88177-554-9) by Tim. M Farabough. The participants’ book is available at Cokesbury and on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.
Participant Requirements: Each participant must have a book, read it, complete assignments, and be fully engaged in all five, two-hour sessions with audio and video capability active.
Register Here: https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/LayPastoralCareGiving2025

Lay Servant Ministries: Lay Pastoral Care Giving
2025-10-21 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-pastoral-care-giving/2025-10-21/

Lay Servant Ministries: Lay Pastoral Care Giving
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-pastoral-care-giving-2/2025-10-23/

Lay Servant Ministries: Lay Pastoral Care Giving
2025-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-pastoral-care-giving-2/2025-10-28/
