Category: Updates

United Methodists from across the Pacific Northwest gathered for #PNWAC25 to worship, reconnect, and discern together what it means to be “Blessed and Broken.” From heartfelt sermons and retiree celebrations to bold decisions on justice and inclusion, the Spirit was moving among the people.

The 152nd session of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference concluded Saturday morning with the Service of the Ordering of Ministry. In a joyful, Spirit-filled worship service, Revs. Carrie Bland and Meghan Lambert were ordained as elders. Revs. Leslie Kollreno, Job Pangilinan, and Kelly Marciales were commissioned for ordained ministry as provisional members.

In a packed Friday session that stretched into the night, conference members voted of the ratification of four constitutional amendments poised to shape the global United Methodist Church. Additional actions included passing accessibility audits for churches, celebrating ministry milestones, and addressing environmental and financial priorities. A spirited conversation around budget transparency for staff compensation led to lengthy debate.

In a deeply moving service of gratitude and reflection, the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference celebrated nine retiring pastors whose combined service exceeds 200 years. Rev. Megan Madsen offered a heartfelt message, honoring their faithfulness and weariness alike: “You are bone-tired.” Drawing from Luke’s story of the feeding of the 5,000, she affirmed their ministry as acts of holy nourishment. Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth offered personal thanks, and music from Canadian youth and the hymn Here I Am, Lord filled the sanctuary with emotion. Retirees received leis, service pins, and lunch with the bishop—symbols of love for those who have fed and led God’s people so well.

On Thursday evening, members of the 2025 Pacific Northwest Annual Conference gathered for a moving Memorial Service honoring clergy, spouses, lay leaders, and bishops who passed over the last year. With music, scripture, and heartfelt remembrance, the service lifted up lives of faith and service. Rev. Elizabeth Schindler offered a message shaped by childlike wonder, reminding us to receive the gospel with awe. United in grief and gratitude, worshipers shared Holy Communion and sang in hope.

The 152nd session of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference began Thursday morning with heartfelt worship, a land acknowledgment honoring Coast Salish peoples, and a powerful message from Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth. Preaching on the theme Blessed and Broken, the bishop reminded attendees, “You may not be whole, but you’re enough.” Opening plenary followed with essential business, including nominations, rules changes, and warm welcomes to Bothell UMC. Worship, witness, and the work of the church are officially underway.

The Pacific Northwest Annual Conference will gather June 26-28 at Bothell UMC for its 152nd session, exploring the theme “Blessed and Broken.” Members will consider legislation, hear updates from ministries, and engage in worship, including a sermon from Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth. Much of the session will be livestreamed.

At this year’s PNW Annual Conference, we’ll reflect on what it means to be Blessed and Broken—how God multiplies what we offer, even in our vulnerability. Meet the four preachers who will guide us in worship and help us hold these truths as we continue to go the M.I.L.E. together.

United Methodists gathering at their annual conferences worldwide will share at least one common task this year: voting on whether to ratify four sets of constitutional amendments which have been approved by at least a 2/3 majority of delegates to the 2024 General Conference.

Annual conference sessions are yearly gatherings, typically held in late spring or early summer, of United Methodist charges within a specific region. Each charge sends its appointed clergy and a lay member for each clergy member. For first-time lay members, these sessions can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here's what you should know before attending.