Meet our PNWAC 2026 preachers
June 23-25, 2026 • Spokane Valley United Methodist Church
At this year’s Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Session, we gather under our theme for the next three years, “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously.” The theme is grounded in the new United Methodist vision statement and scripture texts Matthew 22:37-39 and John 13:34-35, challenging us to love God passionately and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender and walk of life.
As we continue our journey on the M.I.L.E. and live out our ministry priorities, three preachers will guide us in worship, helping us reflect on what it means to Love Boldly in our own lives and ministries. Their voices—rooted in their experiences and shaped by deep commitment—will invite us to the table with honesty, hope, and the courage to be transformed.
Meet them below.
Opening Worship | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • 9 a.m.
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth serves as the episcopal leader of the Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church, providing oversight to the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and Pacific Northwest Conferences. Elected in 2022, he is a veteran, author, and experienced leader with a deep commitment to equity and innovation. Originally from Alabama, Bishop Bridgeforth brings a strong pastoral presence and a vision rooted in justice, inclusion, and shared ministry across diverse contexts. Bishop Cedrick and his husband, Christopher Hucks-Ortiz, live in the greater Seattle area.
Memorial Service | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • 7 p.m.
Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank serves as the episcopal leader of the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church. Elected in 2022, she is a prolific author, sought-after speaker, and passionate advocate for church transformation and justice. Raised on the U.S.-Mexico border as the daughter of Lutheran missionaries, Bishop Dottie brings deep roots in border ministry, immigration advocacy, and community organizing. She and her husband, Dr. Jim Frank, make their home in Southern California.
Service of the Ordering of Ministry | Thursday, June 25, 2026 • 10:30 a.m.
Bishop Mande Muyombo serves as Resident Bishop of the North Katanga Area, which includes the North Katanga and Tanzania conferences in the Congo Central Conference of The United Methodist Church. Elected in 2017, he previously served as an executive at the General Board of Global Ministries and as President of Kamina Methodist University. A proud product of Africa University, and the first graduate of that institution to be elected bishop, he and his wife Blandine have three daughters and a son.
