![NEWS_Assembly_Lethe2](https://i0.wp.com/www.pnwumc.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/NEWS_Assembly_Lethe2.jpg?resize=696%2C355&ssl=1)
We are called to serve
By Alethea McGavran
I’ve loved airports since I was a little girl. Flights were even more erratic then. In the late 70s and early 80s, we made regular trips from the Key Peninsula to Sea-Tac either to send me off to family or to pick family up from elsewhere in the world. I remember the long (to a child) underground train rides to collect family members coming in from Korea.
Today, I still fly a few times a year, all over the country. But this was my first trip to Louisville, Kentucky to attend The United Methodist Women’s Assembly 2014. I met friends I rarely see and sisters and brothers in our denomination whom I have never met before.
I would say to you, if you can serve in our church, our boards and our agencies, do so. And I assure you, there is a place where you can serve. We are all called to do what we can, where we can, with what we have. I leave Kentucky with greater knowledge, stronger relationships, and a grateful spirit. I bring these home to the Pacific Northwest and I will do everything in my power to share them with you.
![The United Methodist Women of the Pacific Northwest in attendance at Assembly 2014: Make It Happen! (Louisville, Kentucky)](https://i0.wp.com/www.pnwumc.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1-PNWUMW.jpg?resize=696%2C522)
![Deaconesses Gloria Marple and Shirley Knapp of The Oregon-Idaho Conference; Maureen Dodd, formerly of The PNW Conference; and Deaconess Candidate Alethea McGavran.](https://i0.wp.com/www.pnwumc.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2-Lethe.jpg?resize=696%2C522)
for the UMW in the Seven Rivers District.