Rev. Elizabeth Schindler as Interim Lead Pastor and the Rev. Kathy Morse as Interim Pastor for Congregational Care at Seattle First UMC
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint the Rev. Elizabeth Schindler as Interim Lead Pastor and the Rev. Kathy Morse as Interim Pastor for Congregational Care at First United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington, beginning January 1, 2026. Each will serve in a part-time capacity.
Rev. Schindler currently serves as part of the SeaTac District Superintendency Team and will continue in that role along with this new appointment.
Rev. Morse is a retired elder in the PNW Conference, having last served at Bryn Mawr UMC in 2022.
Seattle First UMC’s current pastor, Rev. Wongee Joh, announced that she will be taking leave. Rev. Jackie Celin, Associate Pastor of Congregational Engagement, will continue to serve the congregation.
Rev. Leslie Ann Knight as Interim Pastor of United Church in University Place
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint the Rev. Leslie Ann Knight as Interim Pastor of United Church in University Place, Washington, beginning January 1, 2026.
Rev. Knight is a retired elder in the PNW Conference, having last served at Fircrest UMC in 2015.
Rev. Daniel Willms as Pastor of Grangeville UMC
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint the Rev. Daniel Willms as Pastor of Grangeville United Methodist Church in Grangeville, Idaho, in a half-time capacity beginning January 1, 2026.
Rev. Willms is a Licensed Local Pastor in the PNW Conference. He will continue to serve Elmore UMC in Potlatch, Idaho, on a quarter-time basis.
Rev. Chuck Harris as Interim Pastor of Mason UMC
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth announces the appointment of the Rev. Chuck Harris as Interim Pastor of Mason United Methodist Church in Tacoma, Washington, beginning October 20, 2025.
Rev. Harris is an ordained minister in the Southwestern Washington Synod the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) who most recently served Messiah Lutheran in Auburn. Rev. Susan Boegli, Mason UMC’s previous pastor, began disability leave on September 30.
Rev. Anna Small to serve Kelso United Methodist Presbyterian Church
Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth announces the appoint of Rev. Anna Small to serve Kelso United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Kelso, Washington, effective Aug. 1, 2025.
Rev. Small is ordained in the Presbyterian Church and is coming to the Pacific Northwest Conference from Iowa. Rev. Vonda McFadden, who served as the local pastor of Kelso UM Presbyterian, retired in July.
