I am blessed to be serving as Dean as we journey together to “Experiencing Emmanuel” at Mission u 2026. Over the past 40 years, I have been filled with transformational opportunities through my attendance at Mission u, yet I am still filled with excitement to be in this role for Mission u 2026! Some highlights for me have been very special, like bringing 2 of my grandchildren to Mission u over the years and bringing other youth from my home church, Vancouver Heights UMC! It provides a unique opportunity for intergenerational transformation. I appreciate working with an awesome team, and I pray that all attending will be transformed as we “Experience Emmanuel.”

I am deeply passionate about ministry and serving others. Ten years ago, God called me into pastoral ministry, and since then, I have faithfully followed wherever I have been led. My faith journey has taught me the importance of sharing my personal walk with Christ, because our testimonies help others see how God moves and works in our lives—not only as Spirit, but also as the Savior of our souls. I believe that my openness allows others to see the reality of God’s grace, guidance, and transformation. My desire is to share the Gospel in a way that reflects Christ’s love, reaching people where they are and encouraging them to see the hope and salvation found in Him.

This is my 3rd year on the Conference UWF team as Membership, Nurture and Outreach Coordinator. I have attended several Mission u events in recent years. I have agreed to coordinate the plenary worship sessions for Mission u.

My passion is to help the less fortunate and find ways to make life better for ALL people. Hopefully, you, too, have a passion and are pursuing ways to bring Christ to life in others. I’m glad you chose to attend Mission u and would love to chat with you.

I have been a member of the Methodist church since I was a child, but didn’t join the United Women in Faith (United Methodist Women) until 2003. I have served at both the local unit and district levels in various offices, including president and vice president for the unit, and Social Action, and Education and Interpretation Coordinator for the district.

I retired as an English/theatre teacher in the Vancouver School District, and continue to substitute teach history and English. I enjoy spending time writing short stories, reading, gardening, canning jam, and visiting my daughter, Felicia, who works in NYC.

I am a seeker of a deepening relationship with the Holy One. I became a certified lay minister in 2019. At the present time, actively participating in United Women in Faith, leading faith-based book discussions, offering regional pulpit supply, facilitating soul care events, and tutoring children in reading skills are among my servant experiences. My life journey helps me appreciate a genuine sense of community filled with kindness and the Spirit within each person. the Pacific Northwest home. My life journey, through challenges and blessings alike, helps me appreciate a genuine sense of community filled with kindness and the Spirit from within each person.

I currently serve as the secretary of the Crest to Coast United Women in Faith district. At Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, I enjoy participating in our music program in the handbell and vocal choirs. We relocated to Washington from Utah, where I spent many years involved in United Women in Faith and my church in Sandy, Utah.

I love gardening, sewing, and dabbling in oil painting. I look forward to serving where I can make a difference!

I am a retired United Methodist pastor. I now know that sharing the good news of Jesus means living by and sharing the standards that Jesus teaches. I still preach on occasion, but my message is now about living the love and justice of God in order to make the world I live in a better place for everyone.

At Mason UMC, we are redesigning the way we do ministry. Instead of asking others to join us to make our church grow, we are learning how to give ourselves to the least in love to help our community reflect Jesus, his message, and his love. We are in the midst of making our block into a community that includes housing for the least and the outcast, a place for worship, a place to feed the hungry, and some space for children.

I was raised in West Virginia and moved to southwestern Virginia, where I worked as a science teacher. I love teaching and learning. I find that when I am teaching, I end up learning. Often, students teach me beyond the superficial subject. They teach me how to be a good human, how to love and walk beside my neighbor, and to give grace freely every day. My life partner and soulmate is April Hall. We are proud parents of two daughters who are both pursuing college degrees. Victoria, and we have three cats, Zoey, Sasha, and Louie, and a big white ‘baciagaloop’ labradoodle, called Hoss, who keeps us on our toes.

Hi everyone! My name is Melina, and I am a new Washingtonian, living with my wife and dog in Battle Ground. We joined Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church a little over a year ago and have fallen in love with the community and the work it does to serve! I stepped back into my faith only a few years ago, so I am excited for the opportunity to bond with new people and grow alongside the youth I’ll be working with.