2025 Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Report

June 26-28, hybrid with in-person locations in Bothell, Washington

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The 152nd session of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference was held in a hybrid format on June 26-28, 2025, at Bothell United Methodist Church in Bothell, Washington, with its legislative Focus Sessions (June 2,3) preceding online. Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area presided. 

Click here to watch/download videos from #PNWAC25  |  Click here for photos

As members prepared for worship, Rev. David Valera, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries (PNW), offered words to reflect upon and acknowledge the pain and progress caused by Rev. Karen Dammann’s trial. The church hosted the trial 21 years earlier. Rev. Valera shared that much has changed over the years, “We are not the same Church we were then. Thanks in part to what happened right here. We are becoming a Church where all are welcome, affirmed, and celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or any of the beautiful ways we reflect the image of God.”

A lovely Opening Worship service of music, liturgy, and Holy Communion commenced with special music provided by the Ukulele Group from Blaine Memorial UMC in Seattle, and the conference choir offered ‘All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly.’

In his sermon, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth delivered a personal reflection on the theme of being “Blessed and Broken,” drawn from the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. With humor, vulnerability, and truth-telling, he connected the biblical account to the lived experiences of those often unseen or discounted, declaring, “The brokenness you experience does not disqualify you from being the image and likeness of God.”

Using his story of participating in the final AIDS/Lifecycle ride, Bishop Cedrick reminded conference members and guests that the goal is not perfection or always keeping pace with others, but to finish faithfully, riding our race at our own pace.

At the heart of the sermon was a call to hold together two tensions in ministry: “sustaining while disrupting.” Sustaining involves the faithful work of the church—building community, connecting passions, sharing the good news—while disrupting means daring to move forward without all the answers, trusting God more than our plans.

The bishop urged the Church to disrupt silence and comfort when it comes to injustice, saying, “We have to disrupt the congregation that believes remaining silent… will somehow keep their people safe.” In the face of change, exclusion, and uncertainty, he offered both challenge and hope: “You may not be whole, beloved, but you are enough.”

Before the conference season started, Bishop Cedrick released his episcopal address in written and audio format.

Opening motions and separate sessions for laity and clergy

An abbreviated opening session followed directly after worship, allowing for a mix of opening motions, instructions and procedural items to lay the ground for the work to come. Members were reminded that the budget was not before them and would be considered at a fall special session. They received reports from the Rules and Nominations Committees, with members voting to approve mid-quadrennium changes for several boards and agencies.

After lunch, members set out for separate clergy and laity sessions. The clergy held their session in the neighboring Northshore Performing Arts Center, where plenary would take place the following day, while the laity met in the Bothell UMC sanctuary. Part of the Laity Session was dedicated to helping members better understand the constitutional amendments they would consider the next morning. The clergy session was followed by a Clergy Orders Gathering, while the laity could choose from several workshops.

Bart Patton, Assistant Dean of External Programs and Church Relations at Perkins School of Theology, and Steven Adair, Director of Denominational Partnerships and U.S. Conference Relations at United Methodist Communications, led workshops on marketing and family ministry during this time, respectively. Joey Lopez with the Church Council of Greater Seattle and Deaconess Sophia Agtarap led a workshop on community organizing, while Rev. Sheila Miranda and Inland District Lay Leader John Townsend led a class on Lay Servant Ministries.

Worshipful opportunities

Members participated in a Memorial Service on the first evening of the annual conference. In her sermon, Rev. Elizabeth Schindler, incoming SeaTac District Superintendency Team member, reflected on her work as a preschool chaplain during leave, and the way children often encounter bible stories familiar to us without the cynicism we often have.

“The children receive the stories just as they are … They hear the stories with openness, wonder, and awe.”

Appropriately subdued and beautiful music, organized by Worship Team chair Rev. Justin White, accompanied reflective moments for members to remember those they have lost. The service closed with the beloved hymn “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry,” as participants stood in unity and grounded in resurrection hope.

The second day of the conference started with devotional time led by Cascadia and Crater Lake District Superintendent Wendy Woodworth, a guest from the Oregon-Idaho Conference.

Later that day, nine retiring clergy members representing over 200 years of ministry were lifted up in a Retiree Celebration, accompanied by a gifted young adult praise band from First UMC of Canada. In her message, Rev. Megan Madsen, pastor at Covenant UMC in Spokane, observed that in the story of the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples wanted to send the hungry people away. She shared that Jesus would have none of that, preaching that ministry is about feeding people, providing shelter, and meeting spiritual and other needs.

After words of gratitude from Bishop Bridgeforth, a symbolic mantle was passed from retiring elder Rev. Kathy Hartgraves to Rev. Carrie Bland, part of this year’s ordination class. Members also watched a message from the retiree class prepared before the conference.

Legislative actions

During its first full plenary session, members of the annual conference tackled the ratification votes on four constitutional amendments. Revs. Austin Adkinson and Shalom Agtarap presented before the voting, with Conference Secretary Rev. Shirley DeLarme clarifying who was eligible to vote. Members were told that the results would be available when the Council of Bishops meets in the fall.

Conference members voted to approve new legislation calling for creating a LGBTQIA+ Ministries Team, more flexibility for collaboration across the GNW Area in disabilities ministries, encouraging fossil fuel divestment and affirming the creation care-related decisions of the 2020/24 General Conference. They also approved a request from the Conference Disabilities Committee to require annual Accessibility Audits at Charge Conferences.

Later in the day, conference members approved annual updates to conference advances and several other administrative support items pertaining to clergy benefits. Members also affirmed the new Shared Services administrative-support direction by electing Brant Henshaw and Sara Goetze as Executive Director of Finance and Administration and Director of Finance / Assistant Treasurer, respectively.

Two financially related petitions, one aimed at requiring more budget transparency, and the other seeking to direct the Conference Trustees to offer closed church properties to United Methodist churches, passed after lengthy debate and amendments. Members concluded their plenary work shortly before 11 p.m.

Click here for a full report of Actions approved by the 2025 PNW Annual Conference.

Ministry reports received by members

Throughout its plenary time, members received ministry reports on conference, GNW Area, and General Church efforts. This included a report from the Commission on Environmental Stewardship. Formed over the past year after legislation was passed in 2024, the group has been active in gathering and organizing efforts relating to creation care. Members of the conference are encouraged to apply for and attend an upcoming EarthKeepers training that will take place in Des Moines, Washington, October 2-5, 2025.

In her first Laity Address, Pacific Northwest Conference Lay Leader Falisha Hola reflected on a year marked by both challenge and grace, sharing how the theme “Blessed and Broken” mirrored her own journey. She spoke of overcoming self-doubt as a young Pacific Islander woman stepping into leadership. Her late aunt encouraged her, telling her, “You are just as capable as any other person.”

Through grief and uncertainty, Hola found strength in faith and community. “In the midst of my brokenness, I recognize the blessings,” she said, reminding members that God’s call is personal and that no one is meant to serve alone.

During its report, the Board of Ordained Ministry introduced the candidates for provisional and full membership before the bishop asked Wesley’s Historic Questions of the candidates. They also shared about ongoing process improvements, including an improved psychological assessment process for ministry candidates.

A report from the newly reformed Board of Discipleship was received. Co-chair Rev. Megan Madsen led members through a reflective exercise to remind them that all of our work is contextual and needs to be grounded in the communities we serve. Mighty Rasing, Director of Conference Relationships with the General Board of Discipleship, was also present to offer greetings and share resources.

Tony Prestipino, Director of Plan Sponsor Relationships at Wespath Benefits and Investments, provided an update on the new Compass Retirement plan passed at the last General Conference to the Clergy Session and also presented a summary to the plenary.

Rev. Jenny Phillips from Global Ministries and Amie Stewart from the General Board of Higher Education were also present, offering connectional reports on behalf of their respective agencies. They spoke to some of the realignment work the two boards are doing under a shared general secretary and how that impacts the connection.

Members received video reports from conference and area boards, agencies, and ministries, including an update on Equity Work across the GNW Area, Hispanic/Latinx ministries, Disaster Response, and the Faith Foundation NW.

Outgoing chair Rev. Cara Scriven and incoming co-chair Rev. Melissa Ramming (laywoman Eve Parrish is the other co-chair) delivered a report from the Finance and Administration team. Their presentation provided more information about the emerging office providing Shared Administrative Services across the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences. They shared that apportionment collections were at 92.8 percent in 2024—a list was provided to members sharing each church’s contributions.

Members received a report from the GNW Circle of Indigenous Ministries director, Rev. Dr. Allen Buck, on its Truth-Telling initiative. A PNW truth-telling group presented some of its findings regarding the land that Camp Indianola resides upon. In it, they discussed the history of the land, the treatment of the Suquamish, and ongoing discussions on returning the land to the tribe.

Celebrations, consecrations, and awards given

The PNW Ministry Fair took place on Friday evening, though tables were available throughout the conference. This was the second year the fair had been organized after its pandemic hiatus, with Rev. Pam Osborne coordinating the effort.

In a plenary session, Bishop Bridgeforth honored Rev. David Valera with a Bishop’s Award for his twenty years of service as director of connectional ministries for the PNW Conference. He is suspected to be the longest-serving DCM, perhaps in the history of the role within the denomination. Contributions from Bishops Elaine Stanovsky, Grant Hagiya and Carlo Rapanut about their history helped enliven an introductory video.

Conference offerings were taken for Central Washington Justice for our Neighbors, Africa University, and Lake City Partners, a ministry connected to the host church.

Conference members received a report on church mergers from Rev. Kathy Neary, PNW Transitional Ministry Developer, before hearing from members and clergy leaders of two new mergers. A new church, United in Grace, was formed through the merger of Monroe UMC and a nearby ELCA congregation. Hope UMC in Bellevue, Washington, brings together the Bellevue First UMC and St. Peter’s UMC congregations.

The Conference Board of Church and Society presented its customary awards. Peace with Justice Grants of $1,000 were awarded to Boundary County Victim Services in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and Federal Way UMC for its Abundance Market program. The board chose justice-oriented ministries at the Gig Harbor and Lake Washington UMCs for its $1,000 MLK Jr. Awards.

On behalf of the Conference Disabilities Ministries Committee, Chair Angela Molloy acknowledged five churches for their efforts to make their churches more accessible and inclusive to persons with disabilities. A Silver Satisfactory badge was given to Marysville UMC. Gold Badges, acknowledging efforts that reach beyond ADA requirements, were awarded to Fairwood Community, Woodinville: Bear Creek, Puyallup, and Bothell UMCs.

Finally, the conference made time to recognize the giftedness of laity in supporting and leading ministries across the area, including recognizing those trained as lay servants and certified lay ministers. The conference also celebrated the consecration of a new Global Missions Fellow—Miriam Safford, who will serve at the Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project, and two new Deaconesses—Melissa Bortnick and Lisa Holyfield.

Commissioning, ordaining and welcoming new pastoral leaders

During worship on the following morning, members and guests celebrated the commissioning of two provisional elders – Leslie Kollreno and Job Pangilinan – one provisional deacon – Kelly Marciales – and the ordination of two elders – Carrie Bland and Meghan Lambert. Appointments and assignments to the conference’s five districts and extension ministries were also celebrated in the service.

In the sermon, Rev. Janelle Kurtz, incoming chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, reflected on Luke 9:12-17, cautioning against getting stuck in scarcity with the disciples or rushing ahead to gather leftovers.

She urged those commissioned and ordained to stay present “where precisely the miracle unfolds,” to receive as well as give, and to remember that no souvenir can replace the power of their experience or their faithful “yes” to God’s call.

The service concluded with a time of thanksgiving, during which leaders expressed gratitude to all those who made the annual conference possible, including Bothell UMC, pastors Joe Kim and Kristin Joyner, and their staff and volunteers. The location of the 2026 annual conference, which will be held June 23-25 at Spokane Valley UMC in the Inland District, was also announced.

• Membership stands at 25,978, down 1,469 from the previous year.
• Worship attendance stands at 9,345, up 487 from 2023.
• Church school attendance stands at 1,915, down 219.
• Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2024 were 187, up from 2023 by 47.
• Adults and young adults in small groups for 2024 were 350, up from 2023 by 29.
• Worshippers engaged in mission for 2024 were 1,071, down from 2023 by 23.

— Patrick Scriven, Director of Communications, Pacific Northwest Conference