The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-09 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-09/
Crest to Coast Laity and Clergy are invited to join District Superintendent Rev. Kathleen Weber at an upcoming Lay Leadership Gathering—a dynamic space for connection, inspiration, and practical sharing.
Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, eager to tackle challenges together, or simply want to see what others are accomplishing, these Zoom gatherings are designed for you.
Sign up for one or attend them all, then bring your questions, your energy, and your curiosity—or just listen in and be inspired by fellow laity from across the Crest to Coast district.
Upcoming Gathering Dates and Subjects:

March 9*- Council Chairs
March 16*- Lay Leaders
March 23*- Lay Speaker/Servants
March 30*- Finance
April 13*- Youth and Children Interests
April 20*- Day Care/Preschools

*All gatherings meet from 7 to 8 p.m.
Ready to be part of the conversation? Register at https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/C2CLayLeadershipGatheringsW2026

Climate Justice and the Right to Food
2026-03-15 11:45 - 13:00 | Seattle First United Methodist Church, 180 Denny Way, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States
The impact of climate change on poor rural households is already staggeringly high. What to do? One approach is to tackle the issue in terms of the “Right to Food.” Other approaches include innovative strategies the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has developed in the context of disaster recovery and climate risk reduction.
All are invited to a Climate Justice related Lunch & Learn after worship on UMCOR Sunday, March 15th, hosted by the Climate Justice Working Group at Seattle First. Dan Gustafson, a member who is the former Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will present.
A Zoom option is available for people and congregations that would like to attend but can’t make it in person due to the distance. Parking in Seattle First’s garage is also free for attending the event.
Those who plan to attend are invited to register here ahead of time so that Seattle First knows how much food to prepare. If you register to attend via Zoom, the link will be sent upon registration.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-16/

Safe Parking 101
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/safe-parking-101/
Lake Washington United Methodist Church will be offering a webinar “Safe Parking 101” for community members interested in learning more about this program. It will be on Zoom on Thursday, March 19, at 7pm. If you would like to attend, please RSVP and you will receive a confirmation email right away. The day before the webinar, the church will send out a reminder with the Zoom link. They look forward to seeing you there!
Click here to RSVP for this training on Zoom.
Click here to learn more about this program.

Messy Church Training
2026-03-21 13:00 - 18:30 | Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd, Vancouver, 98664, United States
Dive into Messy Church with this hands-on training exploring its five core values and four key components. Learn practical tools, connect with other leaders, and imagine creative, inclusive, intergenerational ministry in your context. Saturday, March 21, 2026 (1:00–6:30 pm) at Church of the Good Shepherd, Vancouver, WA.
Click here to register.
Click here to download event PDF.
Cost: Cost: $125.00 individual; $250.00 per church team of 2-4, over four team members is additional $25.00 per person
Contact Info
Trainer: Roberta J. Egli, roberta@messychurchusa.org, (541) 760-3909
Local Host Contact Name:
Linda Stauffer, Children and Family Ministry Director, Church of the Good Shepherd
children@goodshepherdvancouver.org, (360)892-7770 (Mon-Thursday, 9 am-3pm Pacific)
Special Notes: Coffee, tea, light dinner included with registration. No peanut products permitted on site if you bring your own snack

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-23/

GNW Hispanic/Latinx Leaders Meeting
2026-03-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-29 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

POSTPONED - Women in Ministry Retreat 2026
2026-03-26 - 2026-03-28 | Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center, 16170 Manastash Road, Ellensburg, WA, 98926, United States
NOTICE – On behalf of the Women in Ministry Retreat Planning Team, we wanted to share that due to scheduling challenges and low registration we have made the decision to postpone this year’s gathering to Spring of 2027. We hope to have more information about the 2027 gathering later in the fall this year.
Join us for a time of rest, renewal and connection as we set aside time to dwell in the Holy Week experience for ourselves. This is a time to step back from the business of the season and engage with the elements we would normally plan and lead.
This year, the Women in Ministry retreat will be held this year at Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center on March 26-28, 2026, with the theme “A Holy Week for all of us.” All who identify as women in ministry are invited, including candidates for ministry.
In addition to sessions, participants will be invited to care for themselves throughout the retreat. The retreat agenda will include plenty of free time to explore the camp and surrounding area, reconnect with each other, and share resources. Cost covers meals and accommodations at $150 per person, multi-occupancy. For more information, click here to learn more and register.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-03-30 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-03-30/

Archives & History Meetup
2026-03-31 18:30 - 19:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/archives-history-meetup/
The PNW Conference Archives and History Committee invites anyone interested in—or responsible for—local church history and archival work to the first in what we hope will be a quarterly meetup. We’ll share best practices, compare notes, and discuss questions that come up in this important work.
Our first gathering is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 6:30–7:30 p.m. PT, on Zoom. Please use the link below to RSVP. When you register, you’ll have the option to submit a question or name a concern you’d like us to include as we plan our time together.
Click here to RSVP for this meetup.

Table Turning - Unite to Free Them All
2026-04-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Northwest Detention Center, Tacoma, 1623 E J St, Tacoma, United States
Valley & Mountain Fellowship UMC are preparing for their annual Holy Week Table Turning tradition and they are calling on people of faith all across the city and county to join them for a People of Faith & Conscience to Unite in One Voice to Free Them All.
“We have all seen the abuses of Immigration Customs Enforcement in Chicago, Minneapolis and here at home. Immigrant siblings are being detained without legal process. Children are being caged all across our land. This is the moment that people of faith can stand together to demand the release of our people and to defend immigrant families from being torn apart.
On April 4th, 4-6PM join us outside the Northwest Detention Center for a gathering of people of faith in partnership with many community groups working to free them all. Gather your people, make your signs and be prepared to use your voice for change.”
If you have any questions about this event please contact Rev. Dr. DeAnza Spaulding Sekou at deanza@valleyandmountain.org.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-04-06 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-04-06/

LSM Advanced Course: Life Together in the UM Connection (UM Polity)
2026-04-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
This course, instructed by Rev. David Velera, PNW Director of Connectional Ministries, gives participants an overview of the structure and organization of the United Methodist Church, including its mission structure.
Classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, April 7 – 21, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (PST).
Required Book: Polity, Practice, and the Mission of the United Methodist Church: 2026 Edition, by Thomas Edward Frank. A copy of The Book of Discipline is recommended for the course.
Participants: Must have the required book and attend all 5 sessions, with audio and video capabilities active at all times. Completing the foundations (Basic) course is recommended first.
Any questions about this class or Lay Servant Ministries in the PNW Annual Conference should be directed to Sheila Miranda, smiranda@pnwumc.org
Register at: https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/LayServantMinistriesAdvancedPolity. Registration closes March 31, 2026.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-04-13 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-04-13/

Spring Youth Overnighter: Born Again
2026-04-18 13:00 - 2026-04-19 12:00 | Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 248th St. SE, Kent, WA, 98030, United States
What does it mean to be ‘Born Again’? What does that look like? How do we do that? Do we change something about ourselves, or is it not about us and about the Holy Spirit changing us? Do you need to do something incredible? Whether you are ready, scared, confused, or curious, we will explore all of this at Kent United Methodist Church.
WHO is invited: Youth 6th-12th Grade!
WHAT are we going to do: Food, Worship, Music, Games, Smash Bros, Karaoke, Ice Cream, etc.
WHERE is it: @ Kent UMC (11010 SE 248th St, Kent, WA 98030
WHEN is it: April 18 at 1 PM – April 19 at 12 PM
WHY are we doing this: To continue the momentum of fellowship and tradition within our PNW Conference Youth!
HOW much is the cost: $10 per Youth.
EJ Ragual: Host/Operations Coordinator: In charge of all operations, and the host of the event.
Fhedrick Caoili: Worship/Band Coordinator: In charge of the worship portion, and all band practices, setlist, and leading worship.
Hi all! My name is EJ Ragual. I am the Youth Leader for Kent UMC. I am truly excited to be hosting the Spring Overnighter here in Kent alongside Beacon’s Handsome Youth Leader: Fhedrick Caoili.
We are pouring our heart and soul into this Overnighter; so you/your youth can feel the Holy Spirit and the impact Jesus has on our lives. Our schedule and event is packed with a variety of things. From our band: Generations of Miracles (originated from Christmas Institute PNW) playing and leading worship, to fun games, workshops, devotion, and extremely delicious food (variety!). The schedule can be found here. Though the schedule may adjust as the Overnighter gets closer.
We would like each Youth, and Adult to register through our Google Form link (https://forms.gle/iYdURCGLvisoYgzg6). A QR Code is also provided to you for easy access if you need to print things out. We do still welcome last-minute registrations, so there will be paper registration forms to fill out if needed.
Registration for each Youth will help us stay organized and up to date with how many youth are going. This helps us with food, activities, expectations, rooms, etc. Please register and do not delay it. Payments will be made at the church.
If you have any questions, please contact EJ Ragual at ejragualhb@gmail.com or Fhedrick Caoili at fhedricklloyde@gmail.com
We are looking forward to seeing you! May God be with you.

Crest to Coast Lay Leadership Gatherings
2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/crest-to-coast-lay-leadership-gatherings/2026-04-20/

Greater Northwest 5 Day Academy
2026-04-21 - 2026-04-26 | Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center at The Palisades, 4700 Southwest Dash Point Road, Federal Way, 98023
Registration is now open for the
Greater Northwest 5 Day Academy for Spiritual Formation
April 21-26, 2026
We’re taught to fear and flee darkness and dark times. But the gifts of God’s presence await when we learn to face and befriend the dark. We invite you to step away from the demands of daily life to enter into this enriching and transformative week of spiritual exploration.
The daily rhythm includes morning and evening prayer, worship with Eucharist, morning and afternoon study led by faculty, reflection time, silence, community sharing, listening circles, and free time.
Click here to register for this retreat.
Early Bird Registration $1030 through 1/15/26 | Full Price Registration $1130 after 1/15/26
Registration fee includes tuition, private room & bath and all meals at the beautiful Archibishop Brunett Retreat Center overlooking Puget Sound in Federal Way, WA.
Scholarships are available. Contact Karen Fisher, registrar for information.
We’re grateful to have received a generous donation toward the retreat center costs, and invite you to consider contributing to the Greater Northwest Academy for Spiritual Formation, or to sponsor a participant.
To contribute contact Winona Forme, treasurer.
THEMES & FACULTY
DESCENT FOR THE SAKE OF ASCENT
“In Jewish mystical tradition we ‘fall’ precisely in order to spur our spiritual rise,” writes presenter Rachel Barenblat, whose vocations include poet, rabbi, spiritual director, and parent. Co-founder of Bayit, a Jewish spiritual innovation incubator, she has blogged as the Velveteen Rabbi since 2003. She holds in MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars, and is author of several volumes of poetry, among them Crossing the Sea and Texts to the Holy. She teaches at the intersection of creative life and spiritual life. She serves Congregation Beth Israel of the Berkshires, and lives in western Massachusetts with her son.
EMBRACING HOPELESSNESS: LAMENT, CRITIQUE, & ESPERANZA
Presenter Juan Carlos Huertas is committed to practices that move communities to liberation through shared wisdom, communal leadership, and contextual action. Juan Carlos is a follower of Jesus, husband, father, spiritual director, and Minister of Proclamation and Practice of Justice at First-Plymouth CongregationalChurch in Lincoln, NE. He holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana College in Pineville, LA where he majored in Religion and minored in Spanish—his first language growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
For those who hunger for deep spiritual experience. The Academy for Spiritual Formation creates transformative space for people to be in communion with God, self, others, and creation for the sake of the world. The daily rhythm includes morning and evening prayer, worship with Eucharist, morning and afternoon study led by faculty, reflection time, silence, community sharing, listening circles, and free time.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Cathy Warner, Retreat Leader, Laity, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
Carolyn Bowers, Worship, Clergy, Pacific Northwest UMC
Karen Fisher, Registrar, Clergy, Pacific Northwest UMC
Karen Nelson, Hospitality, Clergy, Oregon-Idaho UMC
Anne Schlesinger, Listening Circles, Clergy, California/Nevada UMC

Weaving Our Strengths
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:30 | Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122, United States
Organized by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, Weaving Our Strengths is a day of workshops and reflection to ground us in making change for liberation and justice. This year’s event will focus on non-cooperation with authoritarianism and is supported by our multifaith partners. The Church Council encourages you to invite your community, and please make sure each person registers. Only those registered will be able to attend.
Learn more and register on the Church Council of Greater Seattle website.

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course-2/2026-05-05/
This is a foundational course designed to equip church leaders in the United Methodist Church. It explores: personal spiritual gifts, servant leadership, each leader’s role in developing future leaders, the importance of consistent spiritual practices, “God’s call to a life of servanthood” as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and the core ministries of Leading, Caring, and Communicating.
CLASS DATES: May 5, 12, 18, 26, & June 2 from 6:30-8:30 pm (PST) on Zoom
*COST: Cost of the Book- $13.00 “Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course,” Participant’s Book by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson • DR626 • 978-0-88177-626-3 Available at Cokesbury and Upper Room. Ebooks are also available.
INSTRUCTOR: Sheila Miranda, PNW Lay Servant Ministries. Any questions about this class or Lay Servant Ministries in the PNW Annual Conference should be directed to Sheila Miranda, smiranda@pnwumc.org
Class is limited to 16 participants. Registration closes April 28th, or until class fills.
Register at: Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course-May 2026

"Together We Sing: Songs of Praise, Lament, and Protest" with Mark A. Miller and Rev. Joe Lee
2026-05-07 - 2026-05-09 | Queen Anne United Methodist Church – The Well, 1606 5th Ave W, Seattle, WA, 98119, United States
The Well (at Queen Anne UMC in Seattle) invites you to a weekend of communal singing with composer Mark Miller — a Yale and Drew University professor whose music links faith and social justice — and conductor Rev. Joe Lee of Mountain Park UMC. Sessions run Thursday–Saturday, May 7–9, in Seattle, spanning songs of praise, protest, and lament. Attend one session or the full weekend. Registration requested.
Learn more and register about this fantastic opportunity on The Well’s website.
This offering is made possible by a Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Vital Worship Grant, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Building in Good Faith
2026-05-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N Madison St, Tacoma, WA, 98407, United States
Join us for an update on the Mercy Housing Northwest and Mason United Methodist Church partnership bringing the first new affordable apartments to North Tacoma’s Proctor District.
Click here to RSVP.
We’ll discuss our 100+ family-unit project in the context of new statewide legislation encouraging housing development on religious owned land, an expanding regional YIGBY (Yes in God’s Backyard) movement, and the local focus on innovating to meet housing needs, especially in high-opportunity, unaffordable in-city locations.
Panelists include Mercy Housing Northwest staff and Mason UMC representatives, as well as local housing experts and planning professionals. The session will include a moderated discussion, followed by an audience Q&A.
This program is part of Pierce County Affordable Housing Week. Find a full schedule of events at www.affordablehousingconsortium.org/affordable-housing-week-2026

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course-2/2026-05-12/

United Women in Faith - Assembly 2026
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17
United Women in Faith is excited to announce that the website for Assembly 2026 is now open! This year’s Assembly, themed “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!” will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 15-17, 2026. Registration for the event is now open.
What awaits you at this empowering event?
Opportunities to:

Be nurtured by deep Soul Care experiences.
Be equipped through cutting-edge workshops.
Be inspired by top women experts in their field.
Become influencers through networking connections.
Make an impact through action for justice.

Now is the time to start promoting Assembly with your circles, friends, and neighbors. Marketing materials are available on the site to help members invite persons to register. The more sisters we gather, the bigger we can Dream it! Believe it! Do it!
Come be transformed at Assembly 2026! Visit http://uwfaith.org/assembly

Lay Servant Ministries Foundations (Basic) Course
2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/lay-servant-ministries-foundations-basic-course-2/2026-05-19/

GNW Opening Session
2026-05-20 15:00 - 16:30 | https://www.pnwumc.org/event/gnw-opening-session/
The shared Greater Northwest Area Opening Session will allow members across the three conferences (Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest) to reconnect through shared storytelling and visioning shaped around area priorities and ministry achievements. Members will also receive the Episcopal Address from Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth.
For more information, visit the PNWAC 2026 website.
