Author: PNW Communications

By Rev. Pam Brokaw

Friends, family, and colleagues robed in white and red clergy colors gathered in an overflowing room Sunday to celebrate the commissioning and ordination of a diversely gifted group.

It was a moving and tearful celebration of life commitment and a joyful expression of the future of The United Methodist Church. The Church is beginning a season of welcome for LGBTQ+ siblings. The Sunday service not only welcomed new pastors and deacons into ministry but was also a defining moment heralding a commitment to begin anew.

Photos from the service at available to view and download on Flickr.

Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz delivered a personal, genuine message of hope for the church. She followed the week-long theme of “Be Well,” which flows from the Gospel of John’s text John 4: 4-17, in which Jesus offers a Samaritan woman the living waters of the Holy Spirit. Muñoz is the executive director of the Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry for The United Methodist Church.

Each day, the annual conference has considered how the living water of Christ is flowing deep within the denomination as it moves forward, leaving behind the harmful Book of Disciple language that has damaged the hearts and lives of the faithful with the message and practice that all were not welcome.

During the service, three candidates – Denise Ann Belista, Jackie Celin, and Joseph Lee – were commissioned as provisional deacons, and three candidates – Kate Crisci, Drew Hogan, and David Owsley – were commissioned as provisional elders. Also, three provisional members – Kellen Corliss, Ashley Skinner-Creek, and Gayle Tabor – were ordained into full membership as elders. Additionally, Megan Madsen was received as a full member (elder) after having her membership transferred into provisional status in 2022 from the Church of the Nazarene.

As newly commissioned provisional members and soon-to-be ordained deacons and elders gave their vows, a spirit of love and relief, hope and promise filled the overflowing sanctuary.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth reminded them that today, their call was confirmed to set apart ministry to “serve rather than be served” and to change things without looking back.

Thanking the bishop for inviting her to share the day’s message, Muñoz observed the crowd and said: “Of all the things we do at annual conference, this is really special.”

Muñoz began her message with a song of prayer that she sang with reverence and building intensity. She told the story of growing up as the children of missionaries. Her father and mother figured out ways to get things done at the family home with creativity and a few funds.

A favorite memory was the time her father decided to install an in-ground water system. Instead of paying for a pipe locator, he just started digging. Her mother had patiently placed yellow tape around her garden to prevent it from harm. As a result, their backyard looked like a “testing ground for missiles.”

Muñoz said the experience reminded her of seeking the Holy Spirit and the flowing water offered by Jesus Christ. “What does it mean for us to be in tune with the flow of the spirit?” she asked, adding that the Spirit of God is our pipeline locator and that God’s spirit runs deep.

She reminded the gathered congregation that just as Jesus went out of his way to find the woman at the well, we must go out of our way in ministry. We are to find what is necessary and what is not.

Our present, Muñoz, said, “…is a powerful witness of the church cracked open by the Holy Spirit.” She said it does not mean we’ve figured out this inclusion thing. “If you invite people to drink, you need to make sure it is safe to drink,” she said. Deep wells must be built so that “…church is a place of equity and inclusion so the healing and cleansing Spirit of God can flow through us.”

Muñoz said there is much to be learned from the feisty spirit of the woman at the well. There is every indication she had led a life fighting for her life. In her time, many women were callously divorced by their husbands and left to fend for themselves. She saw the woman’s response to Jesus as someone with courage and a survivor’s attitude.

“You don’t even have a bucket,” the Samaritan woman had said to Jesus. “Do you know who’s well this is?” she asked, pointing out that the Jews and Samaritans shared the same heritage.

Muñoz reminded us that both Jesus and the woman came to the well because they were thirsty. We are all thirsty for the living water Jesus offers. How do we find it and hold on to it? She spoke to the new clergy and the many in the congregation about being places in which the water flows.

She advised three things: 1. Be part of a covenant group to pray with. 2. Get a good therapist. 3. Find a good vacation club.

Muñoz concluded that all must take care that people can poison our wells. “Sometimes you have to learn to love the Hell out of people and never let that Hell consume you.”

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.

By Rev. Pam Brokaw

Day two began with a welcome from Cascadia District Superintendent (OR-ID) Rev. Tim Overton-Harris –soon to be Oregon-Idaho Conference Assistant to the Bishop – who shared a devotional recalling the joyful nature of Psalm 136: “God’s steadfast love endures forever!” Overton-Harris led the room in reflecting on the highlights, challenges, and blossoming ideas they were experiencing at the annual conference.

Morning Plenary

Commission on Ethnic Ministries
Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr and Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos reported on programs to support ethnic leaders and communities. These include leadership development opportunities, ethnic youth scholarships for camping ministries, and S.L.A.M. Trips, which provide youth with reservation service-learning projects. They also shared efforts to connect pastors in cross-cultural appointments at an Ethnic Ministers Retreat.

Board of Congregational Development and Church Vitality
Kristina Gonzales, GNW Executive Director of Innovation and Vitality, reported on support for church planters—a collaborative effort involving three conferences. This is the work of equity, she said, that involves an intentional, inter-cultural learning process.”

Current efforts include “equity cohorts” to bring us closer to our vision as a faith community—where everyone has an abundant life. Participants in a video spoke about the importance of “listening,” “leading with curiosity, not judgment,” “moving from a mono-cultural to multicultural lens,” and “trying to change the world, not just interpret it.”

Church Properties Task Force
Rev. Kathy Neary, task force chair, shared it will be important to care for churches that are ending and prepare for new models. The old church building model, congregation and pastor are not the future. She said we need to act now to imagine Christ’s incarnation in new ways throughout the UMC.

In other presentations:

• Nominations Update: Rev. Derek Nakano announced there is time to nominate folks for leadership roles on committees, etc. Please send nominations in by Saturday.
• Jurisdictional Nominees: Currently, there are 32 nominees. There is still time to add nominations.

Celebrating Retirees

Rev. Shelia Marie opened the retirement service with a powerful message about how she became a local pastor. It was like the scripture about the woman at the well—an unexpected moment when a woman thirsty for water encounters Jesus. He promises she will never be thirsty again if she drinks the water he provides.

Thirsty for a new chapter in her life, Shelia recalled her own water moment. She was retiring from a secular career and wondered what to do next. Sitting at a table waiting for a glass of water before dinner arrived, she heard God’s invitation to ministry.

She said yes to this unexpected invitation. Twelve years later, she is retiring from ministry. “We each have a story,” she said. Each story is unique and an encounter with Jesus that changes everything.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth offered prayers of gratitude and thanks to all the retirees for their faithful service.

Afternoon Plenary

Hispanic Ministries
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos, Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, shared a video of multiple programs serving communities and equipping new leaders. Housing has been identified as a new area of focus. He invited annual conference members to join forces with the effort.

News from the General Conference (Charlotte, NC)
First-elected PNW Delegate Rev. Elizabeth Ingram Schindler reminded all that the delegation voted for inclusivity, but others had blazed the trail long before. But trails can become overgrown, she said. It is the work of everyone here to keep those vines from growing back. “We did not complete the work; we just brought it to a new chapter. Now, the rest of you are to carry on with the work.”

PNW Lay Delegate Skylar Marston-Bihl said there were three significant priorities: pass revised Social Principles, address Regionalization, and remove harmful language in The Book of Discipline. “We came back with all three. We went to neutral. We removed the harmful language. It is just neutral,” she said. “It’s time to find beloved-ness together.”

A move toward regionalization began. Brant Henshaw said regionalization requires modification to the church constitution, with a 2/3rds approval vote from every global member worldwide. Regionalization would allow each region to vote on issues pertaining solely to it. Voting could be happening soon. Rev. Gregg Sealey said sacramental authority for deacons was also approved. A new retirement plan for clergy was voted in. The first Black female president of the Council of Bishops was elected, and the first Filipino American presider, Bishop Carlo Rapanut, was celebrated.

The bishop reaffirmed that the Safe Harbor Program will continue as other conferences develop rules for implementing the Board of Disciplines changes.

Creation Care Update
Creation Justice Task Force Co-Chair Rev. Paul Mitchell said he is bringing living water! “We believe this has been a fruitful few months,” he said. Sophia Agtarap, the co-chair, said 35 percent of churches have committees addressing Creation Care and Justice, a majority are making changes, and 25 percent are willing to start green practices. Eighty percent identified a lack of funding to do these things. The Commission is endorsing church actions such as adding solar panels. They are supporting local churches in finding grants to do this work. The Faith Foundation is involved.

The presentation concluded with representatives lifting “wash tubs” labeled: Clergy, Laity, Funders, Staff and You. “We need each one of you to carry water any way you know how “Agtarap said in an emotional reflection and plea. “To thrive will require the involvement of all.”

In other actions:

• Petition #11, Environmental Stewardship from the Ground Up, concurrence recommended by focus session. Passed.
• Petition #12, Creating an Environmental Commission, passed. There was a question about funding. Rev. Laura Baumgartner shared that helping churches obtain grants.

Church Closures
The conference’s district superintendents led the body in remembering and celebrating the people and ministry of three churches requesting closure. Requests were approved for Lapwai, Nezperce and First Korean of Seattle UMCs.

An honor bestowed with lightsaber
During a surprise announcement, PNW Communications Director Patrick Scriven received an Epikoinia (Epi) Award for Excellence in Communications Ministry. The news brought the Annual Conference attendees to their feet in a standing ovation.

“Your gifts in the Northwest are greatly appreciated,” said Dan Krause, head of global United Methodist Communications.

Scriven said he was “honored, humbled and embarrassed.”

“It’s a blessing to be among you,” Scriven said as he flexed the lightsaber awarded to him by Amanda Tobey, dressed as the Star Wars character Rey. “I am grateful for the team.”