The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Lay Servant Ministries: Leading Public Prayer
2025-01-22 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-01-29 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-02-05 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom Webinar, United States
Lay Servants who have completed the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries are invited to participate in this five-week class on leading public prayer, led by Rev. Dr. Desi Larson, from January 8th – February 5th, 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.
Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and enrich their personal prayer life.
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: January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5
TIME: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm PST
WHERE: Zoom (Link will be sent with registration confirmation)
FEE: the cost of the book — Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher ($15.29 at Cokesbury or Amazon; ISBN 13: 9780802870971)
Participants Requirements: Must have completed the Basic course. Each participant must have a book, read it, complete assignments, and be fully engaged in all 5 sessions with audio and video capability active. Registration deadline is December 27, 2024.
Contact Rev Sheila Miranda, smiranda@pnwumc.org, with questions or if you need assistance.
To register, click here.

Grief Workshop With Sue Magrath
2025-01-23 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-30 13:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Clergy of the Inland and Seven Rivers districts are invited to attend a four-week class on grief led by Sue Magrath from January 9th – 30th. The class will be held on Zoom on Thursday from 1:00 to 3:30 PM and will count as one CEU of your continuing education requirement.
Based on Magrath’s new book, Love Abides: The Sacrament of Grieving, this class will explore the myths about grief and the many life events and losses that result in grief. We will examine the life experiences that shaped our thoughts about grief and how to challenge unhealthy beliefs and responses. We will dive into the situations unique to ministry that lead to grief yet are not always recognized as such. We will share our own grief stories, practice the language of lament, and gain more understanding of how to compassionately walk with parishioners who are grieving, especially when their loss leads to a crisis of faith. Lastly, we will seek to find meaning in our losses and transform them in life-giving ways that open us to hope and healing.
Sue Magrath is a retired mental health counselor and spiritual director who has been active in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference for fourteen years. She has led retreats and workshops, worked in clergy wellness, served on the Board of Ordained Ministry’s formation committee, and preached whenever she has the opportunity. Sue has led Advanced Boundary classes every quadrennium since 2012. She is the author of four books, including My Burden is Light: A Primer for Clergy Wellness.

TIME: Thursdays 1-3:30 pm PST
DATES: January 9, 16, 23, and 30.
WHERE: Zoom (Link will be sent with registration confirmation)
*COST: $15 Registration Fee
Sue’s Book Love Abides is available on Kindle or from Amazon here, but it is not necessary for this class.
Register Here: https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/2025GriefWorkshop

Crest to Coast dcom Meeting
2025-01-27 12:30 - 16:30, 2025-02-24 12:30 - 16:30, 2025-03-24 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
2025-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-laity-leadership-gathering/2025-02-10/
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.

Young Adult Retreat
2025-02-14 16:00 - 2025-02-17 18:00 | Twinlow Camp, 22787 N Twinlow Rd, Rathdrum, ID, 83858, United States
Twinlow United Methodist Camp outside Rathdrum, Idaho, is hosting a retreat for young adults February 14-17, 2025. For more information and to register, visit their website.

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

Interfaith Advocacy Day
2025-02-20 09:00 - 15:00 | The United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA, 98501
Registration is open for Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia on Thursday, February 20! The event have a space limit of 200 this year, so please don’t delay—registration closes February 3rd, or before if filled. The sooner we know you’re coming, Faith Action Network (FAN) staff will be able to arrange legislative meetings for you.
You’ll have a chance to hear plenary and workshop presentations, caucus with people from your district, and meet with your legislators or their aides. FAN is intending to have an online opportunity in late January to meet others in your legislative district before IFAD to strategize your day in Olympia—more information will be shared with those who register.
Click here to learn more and register.

Crest to Coast Laity Leadership Gathering
2025-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-laity-leadership-gathering/2025-02-24/

Lay Servant Ministries: Advanced Course - Called To Preach, Section 1
2025-02-26 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | 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.

Lay Servant Ministries: Advanced Course - Called To Preach, Section 2
2025-02-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom

2025 Weaving Our Strengths
2025-03-08 09:00 - 16:30 | University Congregational UCC Church, 4515 16th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
The Church Council of Greater Seattle is hosting its 2025 Weaving Our Strengths on Saturday, March 8 at University Congregational United Church of Christ (4515 16th Ave NE).
Join them for a day of workshops and reflection on the community organizing principles and anti-racism values that ground us in transformational change for liberation & justice.
Workshop Offerings:

Crossroads Antiracism + Community Organizing Spiral
Acting Intentionally Toward Transformation: Introduction to the Faith Land Initiative

Sanctuary Q & A

Know Your Rights

Rapid Response Training

Fondo de Grupo de Solidaridad (listening session)
Budgets Are A Moral Document! Panel

Click here to RSVP!

WJ Immigration Taskforce - Know Your Rights Training
2025-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/wj-immigration-workshop/
Join the Know Your Rights training by the Immigration Law Network and learn how to protect yourself and your community. This essential session will equip you with the information and resources needed to navigate quickly changing immigration policies and procedures and provide legal information for your church. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared!
This workshop, planned by the Western Jurisdiction’s Immigration Task Force, will take place via Zoom on March 10, from 10 a.m to 11:30 a.m. PST. You can register for this event here – https://calpacumc.formstack.com/forms/kyr_march2025
Alba Jaramillo, the Executive Director of Immigration Law & Justice Network, will lead the workshop. Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Korean, and Sign Language.

Crest to Coast Laity Leadership Gathering
2025-03-10 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-laity-leadership-gathering/2025-03-10/

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-03-11 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course-4-2/2025-03-11/
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.

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-03-18 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course-4-2/2025-03-18/

Board of Discipleship
2025-03-19 11:00 - 12:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/board-of-discipleship/2025-03-19/
The Board of Discipleship is planning to meet on this date to continue its connectional work. Please contact Rev. DJ del Rosario for any additional information about this meeting.

Crest to Coast Laity Leadership Gathering
2025-03-24 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-laity-leadership-gathering/2025-03-24/

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course
2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/introduction-to-lay-servant-ministries-the-basic-course-4-2/2025-03-25/

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.

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/
