“Give thanks, with a grateful heart”: #PNWAC25 honors retirees in Spirit-filled celebration

By Rev. Pam Brokaw

In a moving worship service of gratitude, reflection, and hope for the future, a grateful Conference recognized nine pastors. Their cumulative service spans more than 200-plus years of ministry.

It was an emotional moment–the juxtaposition of the here and now, what has been and what is to be.

Giving the message to retirees and the assembled congregation, Rev. Megan Madsen, Lead Pastor of Spokane Covenant United Methodist Church, thanked the pastors for their service and expressed that it was time for a well-deserved rest. You are bone-tired, she observed.

Her message included a reflection on the feeding of the 5,000, when Jesus miraculously multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a crowd that also included thousands of women and children.

Luke tells us:

The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. (Luke 9: 12-17)

Rev. Madsen observed how the disciples wanted to send the hungry people away. But Jesus would have none of that. Ministry is about feeding people, providing shelter, and meeting spiritual and other needs. It is about sharing and advocating for justice. She thanked the retirees for how they have generously served and cared for people in Christ’s name through their individual intentions and faithful service.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth personally addressed the retiring pastors. He shook hands with the retirees as they stood in front of the gathered conference members. Tissues were passed out as pastors tearfully remembered years of their ministries.

Pastors shared future plans, beyond appointed ministry, such as camping and life at a slower pace. Others discussed plans to seek employment in new opportunities.

Some will be continuing in appointed ministry as “retired” and “active” in their status such as Rev. Pam Brokaw who will be serving another year as pastor of Montesano United Methodist Church while also leading a nine-church vision group seeking new options for church vitality and supporting one another. Rev. Bradley Beeman will serve part-time as pastor of Centralia United Methodist Church in the coming appointment year beginning July 1.

In a video, the retiring pastors shared their various thoughts on ministry. They spoke about how ministry moves us beyond what we believe we are capable of. They also shared advice for new pastors:

• It is about trusting in the God who calls us and trusting ourselves to act as God calls us to.

• Ministry is joyful. It is intense and always meant to be guided by our Creator. Have confidence. Trust yourself.

The youth from the First United Methodist Church of Canada provided music. Their joyful music filled the Sanctuary at Bothell United Methodist Church, encouraging all to rise and sing enthusiastically.

All sang the hymn, “Give Thanks,” during the tribute, including the heartfelt words:

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks, because he’s given
Jesus Christ, his Son.

–Words by Henry Smith

The retirees also received service pins from the Board of Pensions, celebratory leis, and lunch with the bishop after the service. The leis traditionally honor people and convey love. In this case, we honor those who have given years feeding, teaching, and serving people as Christ’s disciples.

Here is a list of the 2025 Pacific Northwest Conference Retirees:

Rev. Bradley Beeman, Rev. Pamela Brokaw, Rev. Kathleen Hartgraves, Rev. Charles Lawson, Rev. Jeffrey Mullinix, Rev. Thomas Peterson, Rev. Cynthia Roberts, Rev. Jo Dene Romeijn-Stout, Rev. Linda Weistaner.