The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course
2025-08-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministriesbasic-course/2025-08-04/
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
2025-08-07 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/

Soul Revival - Rest & Renewal for Women Leaders
2025-08-25 - 2025-08-29 | Alton L Collins Retreat Center, 32867 Oregon 211, Eagle Creek, OR, 97022, United States
Attention—Women leaders who are serving in faith-based and other non-profit organizations.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands on you and your time in the midst of a decaying institution?
Have you tried every possible technique to help you manage the stress and anxiety that comes with leading in these challenging times?
Do you feel alone and like no one else really understands the impact that following your call has upon your health, your wellness, your family?

You are invited to join a community of like-minded women for a five day retreat being held August 25-29 at Alton-Collins Retreat Center in Eagle Creek, OR. Click here for more information about the retreat and presenters including Elaine Heath, Beth Estock, Rebecca Przybylski and Angela Wolle. The event is eligible for clergy continuing education funding.
Learn more and register today on the Spring Forest website!

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.

SeaTac Clergy and Superintendents Gathering
2025-09-05 09:00 - 14:00 | Wesley Gardens, 815 S 216th St, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
SeaTac District clergy are invited to gather with their colleagues and new superintendents on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 9:00am-2:00pm at Wesley Gardens in Des Moines.
The main purpose of this gathering is to orient our new superintendents to the clergy in each of their sub-districts, and vice versa. There will be opportunities to ask questions about our new superintendency structure, determine what pastors and churches want and need from their superintendent, identify cultures of each sub-district, and more.
Please register for the event on our registration site.

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/

Crest to Coast United Women in Faith Annual Gathering
2025-09-20
Please refer to the PNW United Women in Faith website for more information. Location TBD.

UMC Solidarity Day at the Northwest Detention Center
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Northwest Detention Center, Tacoma, 1623 E J St, Tacoma, United States
Join the Pacific Northwest United Methodist Church, fellow followers of Jesus, and all people who love justice, as we practice solidarity with those who are detained inside the Northwest Detention Center!

As followers of Jesus, we are mandated to care for our immigrant neighbors. As United Methodists, we vehemently oppose the mass deportation plans of this administration and join our voices with La Resistencia in an effort to shut down the Northwest Detention Center and Free Them All!

We follow the lead, and accept the invitation of, La Resistencia, a group of community members who listen first to those most impacted on the inside of NWDC, in a campaign to free them all and shut down the Detention Center once and for all.

RSVP today!
Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly and consider volunteering in one of the important support roles below:Hospitality: bringing donations of sunscreen (if it’s sunny), granola bars, fruit, water bottles, trash bags Greeters: passing out the hospitality items and intentionally saying hello as people gather Safety Team: attend one Zoom call earlier in that week to be briefed on safety protocols and arrive at least an hour early on the day of the action. Folks practiced in deescalation are needed in this role Music: We need music and strong singers who are versed in movement song to make this a joy-filled action.

Click here to RSVP and/or offer your help.

Click here to download a printable flyer.

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

Roots & Wings: Puget Sound District Training
2025-09-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Sedro-Woolley Central UMC, 1013 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley, 98284, United States
Laity and clergy of the Puget Sound District are invited to join use for our annual training event. In an effort to make the event more accessible, we are once again hosting Roots & Wings on three different dates in different locations across the district. The dates and locations are:
Saturday, September 27 – Central UMC, Sedro-Woolley
Saturday, October 25 – Community UMC, Port Hadlock
Saturday, November 15 – Haller Lake UMC, Seattle
Each location will feature members of the church sharing about ministry that is happening in their community, along with tips and suggestions for other churches to consider. There will also be other workshops across a variety of topics.
Registration for Roots & Wings here.

Entre Nos 2025
2025-09-28 - 2025-10-01
Un Encuentro Pastoral Latine de la Iglesia Metodista Unida

9/28 – 10/01 2025

Durham, NC

Entre Nos seeks to be a place where we can articulate a definition for what Hispanic/Latine ministry is and provide the denomination clarity around protocol, best practices and contextual reality of many of our communities.

Registration is now open! Registracion esta abierto!
El Plan will cover room and most meals, you just need to get here.
El Plan cubrira los gastos de la mayoria de comidas y su cuarto, ustedes solo necesita llegar.
Click here to learn more and register.

Church Council of Greater Seattle Fall Fundraiser
2025-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Quest Church, 1401 Leary Wy NW, Seattle, 98107, United States
The Church Council of Greater Seattle invites you to our Fall Fundraiser on September 28th from 5-7pm at Quest Church (1401 Leary Wy NW)! Join us as we celebrate the collective power we’ve been building and invest in the sustainability of our shared work to come.

This year’s theme is “Deepening Our Solidarity, Strengthening Our Movement.” As the Church Council has been operating more deeply into our role as a bridge between our historic faith partners and communities most impacted by systemic oppression, we’ve witnessed our faith partners’ growing desire to build closer relationships with secular community organizations and to follow their leadership. As attacks on migrants, LGBTQ+ communities, Black and brown communities, and more continue to rise, we need to build a deeply-rooted movement to protect and care for one another. Our keynote will be a panel of community leaders we’ve partnered with over the past year, speaking to how people of faith can show up in true solidarity with their communities. You won’t want to miss this dialogue, nor another fantastic spread by DayoSense Catering!

Gathering of the Orders and Fellowships
2025-09-29 - 2025-10-01 | Wenatchee First United Methodist Church, 941 Washington Street, Wenatchee, WA, 98801, United States
The 2025 Gathering of the Orders and Fellowships is scheduled for September 29-October 1st, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Wenatchee, Washington. Registration is now open.
If you would like to be part of the planning, please contact Rev. Debbie Sperry or Rev. Denise McGuiness.”
Click here to learn more and register today!

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

Leaning Into Grief: Personal and Planetary Sorrows
2025-10-03 - 2025-10-05 | Camp Burton Retreat Center, 9326 Southwest Bayview Drive, Vashon, WA, 98070, United States
Personal and planetary grief are inextricable. Our encounter with the manifold losses that characterize the human experience can till the soil of our hearts so that we are more available to the suffering of other beings and the earth we share…Sorrow can be paralyzing at first, but compassion…is a wellspring that offers infinite sustenance. ~ Mirabai Starr
Leaning Into Grief: Personal and Planetary Sorrows
October 3-5, 2025 | Camp Burton on Vashon Island
A full weekend, in-person, facilitated retreat designed to introduce participants to the embodied and communal work of grief.
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 19 / Click to Register
Grief is an integral part of life that requires our attention if we want to be fully available for life. In our culture, however, we have forgotten how to share our grief with one another. When we add to our personal losses the experience of economic instability, ecological degradation, the extinction of species, individual and collective health crises, and the unrest and turmoil within human societies, the burden of grief that we are carrying as individuals can begin to feel unbearable. There are very few spaces where we are invited to experience and express this complex grief in community. This retreat will utilize Francis Weller’s “Five Gates of Grief” to connect participants to their distinct and multifaceted experiences of grief in the context of a co-created “village.”
The weekend will be facilitated by experienced grief mentors who have apprenticed in the grief ritual tradition of the Dagara tribe as brought to the U.S. and shared by Malidoma and Sobonfu Somé. We have been oriented to this tradition through mentorship with Francis Weller and others. Participants will be guided through chanting, poetry, teaching, writing exercises, small group sharing, and the creation of a grief shrine. Our time together will culminate in a communal grief ritual, in which we will witness and support each other as we move into the shared experience and expression of our sorrows and losses. All participation is invitational; nothing is “required” beyond being present with and sharing the griefs you are carrying, to the best of your ability.
Cost: $575 Early Bird (available to first 12 to register) / $675 Regular Registration
Lodging and meals are included in registration fees. If the fee presents a barrier to your participation, please let us know. A limited number of Discounted and Scholarship registrations are available.
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 19. Registration is limited to 30. Click to Register
Facilitators
Peter Jabin, M.Div., LMHC, Pastoral Psychotherapist | Cristina Manzoni, MA, CCC, FT, Palliative Care/Hospice Chaplain | Reve Shannon, Grief Mentor | Kim Warner, Grief Mentor
Those serving under appointment or assignment may use their formation grant funds ($3500 per quadrennium) to pay for this workshop. Learn how to apply for your formation grant funds here, under ‘Formation and Continuing Education’: https://www.pnwumc.org/ministries/board-of-ordained-ministry/resources-for-clergy-members/

Facing the Future: 2025 Conference for Clergies in Cross Cultural Appointment
2025-10-07 - 2025-10-09
Presented by the General Commission on Religion and Race:
October 7 – 9, 2025
Los Angeles, CA
In a season marked by systemic challenges, emotional exhaustion, and the complex demands of cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry, clergy are being asked to give more than ever before. Facing the Future 2025 is a sacred pause—an invitation to be renewed, restored, and reignited. It is a space where exhaustion meets grace and where the joy of the call can shine again.
This year’s theme, Rejoice, Recenter, Revive, calls CR/CC clergy to breathe deeply and be renewed by God promises.

Rejoice in God’s presence and in the joy of ministry,
Recenter your soul and calling,
Revive with strength and clarity for the journey ahead.
FTF 2025 offers more than tools—it offers a place to be seen, strengthened, and sent forth with renewed purpose.

Through spirit-filled worship, transformative workshops, honest conversations, and healing community, you’ll experience a time of renewal grounded in God’s care. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking inspiration, or simply longing to be among those who understand your journey, this gathering is for you.
This is more than a conference—it’s a call to be revived by the Spirit.
Come rejoice. Come recenter. Be revived.
Click here to learn more and register.

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.

UMCOR Disaster Response - Early Response Team Basic Training
2025-10-13 08:30 - 17:00 | Faith Church, 3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE, Issaquah, WA, 98029, United States
Be ready for when the next disaster strikes to help those most in need.
Train now to be an Early Response Team member.
Our next UMCOR Disaster Response – Early Response Team Basic Training is being offered on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT at Faith Church – Issaquah, WA (3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98029).
The Early Response Team Basic Training will prepare you on ways to clean out a flooded home, haul debris, sift through ashes and work alongside survivors while staying safe. The class is taught by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) certified trainers and includes examples of recent missions, hands-on activities and an opportunity to meet people with a passion to serve. Anyone 18 years or older is welcomed to attend.
The registration fee is $26.57 and includes all training materials, lunch and snacks. The registration deadline is Monday, October 13th. There are several pre-requisites to complete before the class so please register ASAP.
Click here to register!
Questions? Contact Kathy Bryson, PNW Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at brysonpnw@gmail.com, (509) 539-2978.

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/

Q&A Opportunity to prepare for the Special Session
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/qa-opportunity-to-prepare-for-the-special-session-2/
On Wednesday, October 15, at 6 p.m. PT, lay and clergy members of the Pacific Northwest Conferences are invited to bring questions they may have after reviewing the materials for the Special Session on October 29, 2025. Non-members will be able to watch the session on the Special Session Resource Page. Members who register by the October 10 deadline will receive this meeting link by email.
Members of the Pacific Northwest Conference can find the legislation for consideration, along with support materials, on the Special Session Resource Page. This will serve as our Focus Session, allowing voting members to receive the budget well in advance of voting on it so we can honor conference rules.
During the meeting, panelists will be present to help answer questions about the proposed conference budget and related matters. To make the best use of our time, please review the materials your conference is providing before you formulate and ask questions. We will be utilizing Zoom’s Q&A feature to answer as many questions as possible.

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

PNW United Women in Faith Annual Gathering
2025-10-17 - 2025-10-18 | Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Ave NE, Bothell, 98011, United States
Join United Women in Faith from across the PNW Conference for their 2025 Annual Gathering, taking place October 17-18 at Bothell UMC. This year’s theme, “If Not Now, When?,” calls us to be present, courageous, and faithful in the unique moment we’re living in. The keynote speaker is Jana Jones, National President of United Women in Faith.
Whether you are a longtime member or new to United Women in Faith, you are welcome to be part of this weekend of worship, learning, fellowship, and inspiration.
Please refer to the PNW United Women in Faith website for more information.
