Author: PNW Communications

The Pacific Northwest Annual Conference concluded with a Service of the Ordering of Ministry, during which Joseph Lee was ordained deacon; Catherine Lyle, Drew Hogan, Mele Taumoepeau 'Aho, and Kate Crisci were ordained elder; and Wilma Reyes was commissioned. Bishop Mande Muyombo preached on countercultural love, calling candidates to serve as conduits of God's love and urging all to simply start: say hello.

The first full day of the 2026 Pacific Northwest Annual Conference moved through a full agenda of business, awards, and reports before closing with a powerful presentation from the Circle of Indigenous Ministries — an invitation to truth-telling, repentance, and healing for the harms inflicted on Indigenous communities by colonialism and, in particular, the early Methodist Church.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth set the tone for the 2026 Pacific Northwest Annual Conference with a word both unflinching and pastoral. Following a land acknowledgement honoring the Indigenous peoples of the Spokane region, Bishop Cedrick called the gathered church to something more demanding than cleverness: a love bold enough to take public form with moral clarity in a season that calls for courage.

On Tuesday evening, members of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference gathered for a memorial service honoring those saints who have departed in the past year. Led by Bishops Cedrick Bridgeforth and Dottie Escobedo-Frank, the service wove together scripture, song, and a moving act of remembrance — offering those present an invitation to grieve, to celebrate, and to find assurance in God's abiding love. Lynne Onishi has the story.

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.

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.

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.

Last Sunday, the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church held its annual service celebrating the commissioning, ordination, and reception of new United Methodist deacons and elders. Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz, Exec. Director at The Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, delivered the message.