Blessed, Broken, and Enough: PNWAC25 begins with worship, encouragement, and preliminary actions

By Leigh Ann Robinson

The 152^nd Pacific Northwest Annual Conference kicked off Thursday morning with a welcome to Bothell UMC from Rev. Joe Kim. This was followed by a land acknowledgement and blessing from Scott Pinkham, Equity Programs Director of United Indians of All Tribes. Pinkham gave thanks for the indigenous people who were here before us—the Coast Salish people, including the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Suquamish, Tulalip, and Puyallup nations—whose traditions and cultures were shaped by the land. He encouraged us to be thankful for the lands where we are guests, to be faithful guests, and to leave each place better than we found it.

Rev. David Valera, executive director for connectional ministries, offered opening thoughts, reminding attendees that in 2004, the church in Bothell hosted the historic trial of Rev. Karen Dammann, wrestling with critical questions of identity, justice, and inclusion. The jury, with much public attention, affirmed the ministry, identity, and calling of Rev. Dammann as compatible with Christian beliefs. Thanks to this work, “we are becoming a United Methodist Church where all are welcome, affirmed, and celebrated,” Rev. Valera said—a church where we remember “the continuing call of our lives to choose justice over silence, compassion over fear, and love over exclusion.”

Clara Johnson, director of worship at Bothell UMC, next invited the gathered people of God to join in singing “And Are We Yet Alive” for the opening procession. Liturgist Teresa Harrington of Pioneer UMC shared a call to worship and read Luke 9:12-17. The Annual Conference Choir provided a beautiful rendition of “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly,” accompanied by organ and flute.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth’s message addressed the conference theme of Blessed and Broken, comparing the challenge of feeding the 5,000 (+ women and children!) to the challenges we face in the church today. He inspired the gathered community with a focus on sustaining and disrupting, ideas from the book Sustaining While Disrupting by F. Douglas Powe Jr. and Lovett H. Weems Jr.

Sustaining is “doing what we need to do, must do to keep things moving along—the work of the church.” Disrupting is “deciding to do what you may not know how to do—trying some things before you know everything” and “trusting your try more than you trust your plan.”

The bishop pointed out that the disciples looked at their resources (loaves and fishes) instead of their Source. “God doesn’t need much. God just needs what you’re willing to give,” he said, encouraging the church to focus less on what we do not have and more on what we are willing to offer—to focus on our Source, not on our resources.

Bishop Bridgeforth then asked the question, “What if being broken is the beginning?” and reminded us that “the blessing was not in the whole loaf; it was in the broken pieces.” We are all broken in our own way, but we can use whatever privilege we have to protect and liberate others. Even when we are cracked, tried, or stretched things, we are “vessels of divine supply” who are called to live authentically to make a difference. Jesus blesses the broken so that we can be given, and give what we have, to be present to serve others in a world that is still hurting. The bishop encouraged us, saying, “You may not be whole, but you’re enough.”

The response to his message was “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” accompanied by the Blaine Ukulele Group of Seattle from Blaine Memorial UMC. This was followed by a video from Africa University and an offering supporting this ministry.

Rev. Wilma Reyes of Central UMC in Sedro Woolley led the Prayers of the People, offered in Korean by Rev. John Go, Spanish by Andi Villar Arroyo, and Tongan by Falisha Hola, reflecting the diversity of the PNW Annual Conference.

In preparation for the Great Thanksgiving, the gathered community sang “A Place at the Table” with liturgist Teresa Harrington leading the prayer of confession. Bishop Bridgeforth and Rev. Rachel Neer presided over Holy Communion. The worship service closed with singing “Blessed and Broken,” accompanied by the Blaine Ukulele Group. Rev. Reyes offered the benediction.

Opening Plenary

Shortly after Opening Worship, Rev. Bruce Smith of Vancouver First UMC provided the orders for the day and introduced the first plenary session. Rev. Justin White, director of AC worship and pastor at Stanwood UMC, announced prayer spaces and worship opportunities. Rev. Mark Galang, Puget Sound District Superintendent, joined Rev. Joe Kim in welcoming the gathered community again.

Angela Molloy, chair of the Disability Ministry Committee for PNW, shared announcements regarding accessibility, followed by information on safety and security and voting instructions by Teri Tobey, program associate in the PNW Office of Connectional Ministries.

After a test vote, Conference Secretary Rev. Shirley DeLarme made the opening motion regarding the schedule, program, official roll, and minutes of the 152^nd Annual Conference. The opening motions were approved as presented.

Stephanie Henry, chair of the Rules Committee, presented a report naming non-substantive changes to the rules they had completed. Rev. Derek Nakano, outgoing District Superintendent of the SeaTac District and chair of the Nominations Committee, then presented a slate of new nominations after thanking those who have served and those who are stepping in to serve. The slate was affirmed as presented. During the vote, the group also enjoyed a video presentation from Camp Indianola.

Ronda Cordill, lay member from Cheney UMC, offered a blessing before the group was dismissed to lunch.