On day two of #PNWAC24, members celebrate retirements and begin legislative work

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.”