The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Women in Ministry Retreat 2025
2025-03-27 - 2025-03-29
This year, the Women in Ministry retreat will be held concurrently at Ocean Park Camp and at Twinlow Camp on March 27-29, 2025, with the option to attend on Zoom for those who need it. All who identify as women in ministry are invited, including candidates for ministry. Our facilitator this year will be Sue Magrath, who will be in person at the Twinlow site. She will be leading us in a study of women mystics, using the theme “All Fired Up.” We will have the opportunity to renew our spirits with the stories of women who held the faith in their time.

In addition to sessions, participants will be invited to care for themselves throughout the retreat. The retreat agenda includes plenty of free time to explore the camp and surrounding area, reconnect with each other, and share resources. Cost covers meals and accommodations at $280 per person, double occupancy. For more information, click here to learn more and register.

Lay Servant Ministries: Advanced Course - Called To Preach, Section 2
2025-03-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
Join Rev. Joanne Coleman Campbell as she leads you through the Advanced Course on Preaching, “Called to Preach.” This course is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course, and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence. Called to Preach is the required preaching course in the lay Speaker track of study. Click here to register.

UMCOR Disaster Response - Early Response Team Basic Training
2025-03-29 08:30 - 17:00 | Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Ave NE, Bothell, 98011, 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. Click here to register!
Our next UMCOR Disaster Response – Early Response Team Basic Training is being offered on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT at Bothell United Methodist Church (18515 92nd Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011).
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 $25 and includes all training materials, lunch and snacks. The registration deadline is Friday, March 21. There are several pre-requisites to complete before the class so please register ASAP.
Questions? Contact Kathy Bryson, PNW Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at brysonpnw@gmail.com, (509) 539-2978.

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course-4-2/2025-04-01/
The “Introduction to Lay Servant Ministry: The BASIC Course” is the foundational course for Lay Servant Ministries.
This five-week course, led by Rev. Sheila Miranda, is the gateway course for those who are called to be Certified Lay Servants, Lay Speakers, and Lay Ministers. It can also be part of a person’s discipleship plan to acquaint them with their gifts, callings, and responsibilities as followers of Christ.
Classes are held on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm Beginning March 11 -April 8.
For more information and to register, Click Here.

Lay Servant Ministries: Advanced Course - Called To Preach, Section 1
2025-04-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom

Intersections Overnight Youth Event
2025-04-05 14:00 - 2025-04-06 12:30 | Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 248th St. SE, Kent, WA, 98030, United States
What: Overnight Youth Event for Youth Groups in the PNW Conference
When: from Saturday, April 5th 2:00PM to Sunday, April 6th 12:30PM
Where: Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St. • Kent, WA 98030
Cost: $10 per person
God continually meets us at the crossroads of our lives with a plan to change us and the world.
Join youth from across Western Washington at Kent UMC for a 24 hour retreat full of fun, faith, and good food. You’ll make new friends and discover where in your life God wants to meet up!
Dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday will be provided by the host church. Please bring non-nut snacks to share.
Click here to download a promotional flier.
Questions? Contact EJ Ragual Youth Leader at Kent UMC ejragualhb@gmail.com or 253-656-1377
If you would like to be a part of the planning team, reach out to EJ!

Wisdom from the Past, Hope for the Future - "Lunch & Learn" on Methodist Heritage
2025-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/wisdom-from-the-past-hope-for-the-future-lunch-learn-on-methodist-heritage/
Join in and learn more about our Methodist Legacy with David Worthington, Global Ambassador for Methodist Heritage Sites for The United Methodist Church. This one-hour event at Noon on Monday, April 7 will focus on “Wisdom from the Past, Hope for the Future.” Register below and join in the Zoom gathering hosted by Pastor Craig Brown from First Free Methodist Church in Seattle.
Click here to register for this Zoom Webinar today.

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-04-08 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course-4-2/2025-04-08/

Seattle District Committee on Ministry
2025-04-09 09:00 - 15:30 | The Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, 816 S 216th St, Des Moines, WA, 98198, United States
This is a regular meeting of the Seattle District Committee on Ministry.

Crest to Coast Laity Leadership Gathering
2025-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-laity-leadership-gathering/2025-04-14/
The Crest to Coast District is pleased to offer six opportunities for district clergy, church leaders, and laity to come together to learn and discuss topics related to the local church. Each of the following events will be held on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Topics for discussion include:

February 10: SPRC
February 24: Financial Position Leaders
March 10: Trustees
March 24: Church Office Administrators
April 14: Lay Servants, Lay Speakers, Lay Ministers
April 28:Churches with Preschools/Day Cares

We do our best to record these events, but your input is what makes them successful, so please join us!
Register Here.

Lay Servant Ministries: Discovering and Using Spiritual Gifts
2025-04-23 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-04-30 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-14 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.

Seven Rivers Dcom Meeting
2025-04-25 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Ellensburg, WA, Ellensburg, WA, 98926, United States

PNW Conference United Women in Faith Leadership Team Planning
2025-04-26 08:00 - 12:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/pnw-conference-united-women-in-faith-leadership-team-planning/
This meeting will be held on Zoom. Please refer to the PNW United Women in Faith website for more information.

Uniting The Inland Northwest
2025-04-27 15:30 - 19:00 | Montvale Event Center, 1019 West 1st Avenue, Spokane, 99201, United States
On April 27, join community leaders and neighbors for “Uniting the Inland Northwest,” a free forum designed to bridge divides and strengthen connections across our region. The event will take place from 3:30-7 p.m. at the Montvale Event Center in downtown Spokane.
Keynote speaker Itohan Idumwonyi, a Gonzaga University professor and Humanities Washington speaker, will explore Ubuntu philosophy – a powerful framework for building community and fostering human interconnectedness beyond superficial solutions.
The afternoon features six crucial breakout sessions addressing:

Homelessness in our community
LGBTQ+ faith experiences
Interfaith dialogue in polarized times
Food and faith’s role in uniting communities
Youth perspectives on unity
Building bridges with refugee and immigrant neighbors

Each session brings together diverse voices from respected local organizations to share insights and facilitate meaningful dialogue. Food will be available for purchase from The Steam Plant.
This event builds on the success of our previous Good Neighbor Conference at Gonzaga, which drew hundreds of participants from various faith backgrounds.
While the event is free, registration is encouraged to help us plan accordingly.
Register now
Schedule: Doors open at 3:30 p.m.,Keynote address at 4 p.m.,Followed by breakout sessions, Event concludes at 7 p.m.
Questions? Contact us at tracysimons@favs.news

Crest to Coast dcom Meeting
2025-04-28 12:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
If you have questions or would like to be added to this calendar event, please contact Sue Ostrom.

Crest to Coast Laity Leadership Gathering
2025-04-28 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-laity-leadership-gathering/2025-04-28/

Sanctuary (Everywhere) / Santuario (En Todas Partes)
2025-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/sanctuary-everywhere-santuario-en-todas-partes/
The Interfaith Movement for Migrant Justice (IMIrJ) was birthed through the creation of the sanctuary movement in Portland Oregon in 2007. Through the years we have become one of the key players in first responding to the needs of our immigrant communities. IMIrJ works with faith communities in collaboration with many immigrant rights organizations and individuals.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS TRAINING?

Learn the history of the Sanctuary Movement in the USA
Develop strategies for creating sanctuary communities
Rapid response tips -Learn legal considerations and protections
Get resources
Support our work

This workshop is designed for pastors, laypeople, and community organizers who work with Hispanic/Latinx immigrant families. It will be conducted in Spanish.
Click here to register for this training!
—-
El Movimiento Interreligioso por la Justicia para Inmigrantes nació a través de la creación del movimiento santuario en Portland, Oregón, en 2007. A lo largo de los años, nos hemos convertido en uno de los actores clave en la primera respuesta a las necesidades de nuestras comunidades inmigrantes. IMIrJ trabaja con comunidades de fe y en colaboración con muchas organizaciones y personas defensoras de los derechos de los inmigrantes.
¿CUÁL ES EL PROPÓSITO DE ESTA CAPACITACIÓN?

Conocer la historia del Movimiento Santuario en EE.UU.
Desarrollar estrategias para crear comunidades santuario
Consejos de respuesta rápida -Aprender sobre consideraciones y protecciones legales
Obtener recursos
Apoyar nuestro trabajo

Este taller está diseñado para pastores, líderes laicos y organizadores comunitarios que trabajan con familias inmigrantes hispanas/latinas. Se llevará a cabo en español.

Breaking Barriers | Building Futures
2025-05-02 11:30 - 13:30 | Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma, 98402, United States
Surround yourself with 650 like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. This event is a perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of transformative programs.
This event will feature:

Engaging Speakers: Listen to influential voices share their insights and experiences.
Heartfelt Stories: Be moved by stories of resilience and hope from community members.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees and community advocates.
Call to Action: We hope that you will commit to support our programs that promote transformative, life-altering growth for community members.

Collaboration throughout the community is pivotal in fostering inclusivity and driving positive change. When we work together, we create a synergy that amplifies our individual efforts, leading to more substantial and sustainable impacts.
Check-In Opens at: 10:30AM
Program is: 11:30AM-1:00PM
Please click here to learn more and register.

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!

United Methodist Youth Rally - Overnight District Youth Event
2025-05-09 - 2025-05-10 | Kennewick First UMC, 421 W Kennewick Ave, Kennewick, WA, 99336, United States
Youth and leaders from the Seven Rivers and Inland Districts are invited to a United Methodist Youth Rally, an overnight District Youth Event at Kennewick First United Methodist Church on May 9-10. Join them for worship, games, and so much more!
Have questions or want more information? Click here for the flyer and contact Claressa Elvik, Youth Director at Kennewick First United Methodist Church. Claressa@kennewickfirst.com 509-582-2163.

Board of Ordained Ministry Spring Meeting
2025-05-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Beacon United Methodist Church, 7301 Beacon Ave, Seattle, WA, 98108, United States
The Board of Ordained Ministry will be meeting on May 15, 2025 from 9am to 5pm at Beacon UMC. We will be providing lunch to those in person, and we will be providing access via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. The Executive Committee of the Board will meet May 14 from 4pm to 7pm, also at Beacon UMC and virtually.
Please contact Stephanie Franklin (sfranklin@pnwumc.org) to let her know if you will be attending in person or virtually, or if you will not be able to attend.

Crest to Coast Lay Led Churches Summit
2025-05-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Kelso United Methodist Presbyterian Church, 206 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, WA, United States
Join lay leaders from across the PNW for an afternoon of collaboration on May 17th, 10-2 pm.
District Superintendents Kathleen Weber and Daniel Miranda welcome you and your church teams to this remarkable opportunity to exchange ideas, foster connections, and engage in meaningful collaboration through Zoom breakout rooms.
At this hybrid event, Crest to Coast District participants will meet in person at Kelso UMPC, and participants from the Inland, Puget Sound, and Seven Rivers Districts will join virtually via Zoom.
Register Here: https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/C2CLayLedChurchesSummit
