On day three of #PNWAC24, members finish legislative work and celebrate two servant leaders

By Rev. Pam Brokaw

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth opened the session with a centering prayer. “We ask, O God, that we would hear from you…The cries around us… That we would do what you call us to…That we might honor you in word and deed…Might you guide us…Might we follow.”

Attendees were then invited to continue reflecting on and discussing yesterday’s conversation about our church’s vision. The bishop said several streams of discernment are already to follow. Between now and September, these streams will inform the budget and future planning.

Bishop Bridgeforth shared that we are looking at innovation and vitality work, shared (administrative) services, property and building use, and current and potential ministries. These discussions will lead us to a place to narrow our priorities. “All is going to flow together to get to where we need to get to.”

The bishop invited attendees to dream about the future. He posed the question: Which joint ministries of the conference or area have the greatest impact, current or future? On a scale of 1-10, with one being not at all and ten being totally, how committed are you to working together as part of the conference to make that happen? Groups at each table engaged in conversation.

Later, lay member Joey Lopez was granted a point of privilege to address the body. He wondered how the annual conference might include more holy conferencing, wondering, “How can we, as the annual conference, think and do this differently in the future? Lopez voiced concern about the roots of institutional racism. “The process is just as important as the outcome,” he said.

The group broke to attend the Ministry Fair and Central Childrens Run, the latter an annual outreach event of the host church. Both options drew strong participation from conference members; Bishop Bridgeforth was in the middle of a playful eruption of colors as the children ran a short course.

After lunch, the following presentations were made:

• Videos about the summer camps were shown, and all were encouraged to visit Camp Indianola, Ocean Park, Twinlow and Lazy F throughout the year.

• Rev. Karen Yokota Love introduced a video about Claremont School of Theology, the only United Methodist Seminary on the West Coast. “Think about and discern your opportunity to go there,” she encouraged. In a video message, Bishop Grant Hagiya, president of Claremont, encouraged supporting the many expanding ministries, including a new Doctor of Ministry degree.

Rev. David Valera, PNW Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, announced the Bishop’s Award was going to outgoing Conference Lay Leader Nancy Tam Davis. “She has guided us and worked with us.” “She has big dreams for the church, and it’s only because she has big dreams for the ministry.” Treasurer Brant Henshaw described her as a collaborative, vocal advocate for laity and work in the annual conference. Bishop Bridgeforth lauded her collaborative and welcoming ways.

Legislative work completed

Rev. Meredith Dodd offered, and the body passed a friendly amendment to Petition #13 concerning establishing healthy working standards for pastoral leaders. The initial petition was approved as amended by a wide margin. Speaking for the petition, Rev. Meredith Gudger-Raines said she appreciated the conversation it invoked. Pastors are adaptive leaders in a rapidly changing culture, she said. “We need support; we need the conversation to know we are not alone.”

In response to a question, Bishop Bridgeforth clarified that new provisions regarding clergy hours would also pertain to extension ministries within the UMC system.

The other remaining petition (#14 in the Pre-Conference Handbook), considering non-substantive edits to the conference’s rules, was referred to the Rules Committee for additional review.

With the expected legislation processed, a late-breaking resolution was considered and passed in solidarity with the Filipino people, advocating against U.S. tax dollars funding worsening human rights and a humanitarian crisis in the Philippines.

A new partnership and questions for new ministerial leaders

Next, Rev. David Valera returned to the podium to welcome Dr. Glenn Paraso, executive director and CEO of Mary Johnston Hospital in the Philippines. In May, a webinar was held to establish and bless a deepening partnership with the Pacific Northwest Conference and the Greater Northwest Area.

Dr. Paraso gave Bishop Bridgeforth a shawl representing sacred leadership and a bamboo flask from a tree representing flexible faith. “This is the shawl that starts the partnership,” Paraso said.

Rev. Geoff Helton, chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, announced adopting an anti-racism continuing education program for pastors that requires a minimum of eight hours of training each quadrennium. Additional efforts include training for mentors for Licensed Local Pastors and ongoing support through the Safe Harbor program for clergy feeling unsafe in other conferences.

The board also announced and celebrated those being licensed for the first time. Candidates being commissioned and ordained on Sunday were also introduced to the body, with Bishop Bridgeforth asking them Wesley’s historic questions.

Other reports received

In the Board of Church and Society Report, Rev. David Wright said creation justice, racial justice and combatting inequity are a focus. “We are excited to see the new Social Principles,” he said. Wright announced that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award went to Battle Ground UMC and Selah UMC.

Rev. Shane Moore, Vice Chair of the Pension Board, announced several cost savings to the local churches regarding pension costs. He shared that the long-serving PNW Benefits Director, Bruce Galvin, planned to retire in 2026, his 50^th anniversary with the PNW Conference. A succession plan is being developed.

Rev. Jenny Phillips, director of environmental sustainability for Global Ministries, praised the conference for its actions and encouraged the pursuit of funds to help churches fund solar panels. In some places, there is a five-to-seven-year payback, she said, on investments that make buildings more efficient and reduce energy costs. The growing Global Ministries Earthkeepers Program is another way for churches to get involved.

New conference committee and board leaders were approved after a final report from Nominations Committee Chair Rev. Derek Nakano. He also requested and had approved a motion to request the addition of another approval of a nominations slate at the expected Special Session in the Fall. In a similar nomination matter, 42 names were accepted for submission to the jurisdictional pool from which General and Western Jurisdictional leadership is drawn.

An anticipated retirement is honored

In a deeply moving announcement, David Valera announced the retirement of Kristina Gonzalez, GNW Executive Director of Innovation and Vitality. For 26 years, Gonzalez has served the conference, helping leaders, members and churches with her trailblazing intercultural work. Numerous leaders, including multiple bishops, thanked her for her service.

“I know God is not done with you yet,” said Bishop Bridgeforth, “and there will be much more to come.” “Her work has changed the cornerstone of our denomination on cross-cultural appointments. People like me have been treated better because of you.”

“The only thing I can say is thank you, Gonzalez said. “You have supported me to do what is my passion…Thank you for allowing me to pursue my passion and get better at it,” she said. Gonzalez’s work, she said, had brought together her faith life and professional life.

The day ended with thanks to all those who made the Annual Conference possible, the reading of pastoral appointments, and the announcement of next year’s Annual Conference, which will be held June 26-29, 2025, on the eastern side of the conference.