Author: Greater NW Communications

Crest to Coast Superintendency Team

Bishop Bridgeforth announces appointments to Crest to Coast District Superintendency Team to start July of 2026

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Katie Ladd and Rev. Bruce Smith to a superintendency team overseeing the Crest to Coast District beginning July 1, 2026. Rev. Kathleen Weber will continue to serve as Crest to Coast District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending her tenure in the role.

Additionally, Bishop Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Smith as pastor of Camas United Methodist Church in Camas, Washington, and as interim pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon, beginning July 1, 2025. His appointment to Trinity UMC will be for the next appointment year, after which he will join the superintendency team while continuing as pastor of Camas UMC.

Rev. Ladd will continue to serve in her current appointment to Queen Anne United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington, where she has pastored since 2011.

In December, Bishop Bridgeforth announced that he would initiate a new supervision model for the Greater Northwest Area. The superintendency team for the SeaTac District (PNW), the first district to shift into this model, was announced in February.

In sharing the news of these new appointments with their current churches, Bishop Bridgeforth wrote, “You know the many gifts your pastor brings to every space. Imagine how other congregations and communities will flourish as they experience those gifts.”

Asking them to pray for Revs. Ladd and Smith, the bishop noted, “[t]his model of pastors serving as part-time superintendents to form a team is new and different, but it is a challenge we face together.”

Adopting this new model is one way Bishop Bridgeforth hopes to align conference leadership with a desire raised during the Ministry Priority conversations last year for leadership “closer to the ground.”

Another step toward the goal of announcing superintendency teams in the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences

When he first announced the new superintendency model in December, the bishop promised to share the anticipated transitions of the district superintendents across the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences. He also expressed his desire to announce superintendency appointments that will be fixed this June and in 2026, as he did.

With this announcement, Bishop Bridgeforth is taking the next step in naming leaders who will move into these roles. This will give those beginning their service in 2026 additional time to prepare and learn from those who will first live into this new model this appointment year. In the coming weeks, he expects to name additional superintendency teams for the other districts where transitions are expected in 2026.

This new model of shared superintendency continues our area’s commitment to innovation in leadership and care for local churches, offering both continuity and creativity in service as we share the good news in a Wesleyan way.

Anticipation and gratitude expressed by the upcoming Crest to Coast Superintendency Team

As part of the continued evolution of leadership across the Greater Northwest Area and in the Pacific Northwest Conference, Rev. Bruce Smith and Rev. Katie Ladd will serve together in this shared superintendency role. Their appointment reflects a growing movement within the Church toward more collaborative, relational, and contextual models of ministry—ones that mirror the very nature of Christ’s call to community and transformation.

With deep gratitude for the opportunity, Rev. Bruce Smith shares his vision for ministry in this new role:

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the Annual Conference as a Superintendent. While the church is continually changing, I am optimistic that the 21st-century church will grow as we continue to participate in God’s transformation of the world. What we shall be has yet to be revealed, but we know we shall be like Christ, whom we follow.”

Rev. Katie Ladd sees this appointment not only as a shift in structure but also a return to the Church’s relational roots:

“Jesus called his disciples into community; he sent them in pairs to serve as community. This new model of superintendency returns us to that deeply relational way of being church. By remaining in a congregation, serving with Bruce, meeting new people, and supporting congregations, we are being called into community where liberation, care, and joy can be found. I’m excited!”

Together, Revs. Ladd and Smith bring complementary gifts and a shared hope for the Church’s future—one rooted in the belief that meaningful connection, faithful service, and openness to transformation can guide the Church into its next faithful chapter.

Incoming Crest to Coast Superintendency Team

Rev. Katie M Ladd is passionate about new/old ways of being church; that is, learning from the wisdom of our spiritual ancestors while innovating for today’s world. She came from the South to the PNW in 1996. A graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with degrees in biology and religion, she worked in environmental chemistry before receiving her MDiv from Vanderbilt University.

Katie’s passions include interfaith/ecumenical work, public theology, empowering laity, and spiritual formation. She lives in Tacoma with her wife Melissa and her kitty George, and she currently serves Queen Anne UMC and its intentional community, The Well.

Rev. Bruce Smith was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating from Washington State University in 1992, he attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Graduating in 1996, he served two circuits for the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom.

Bruce has served appointments in the PNW Conference at Davenport Edwall, Longview, Vancouver Mill Plain, Yakima Wesley and Vancouver First. He has served the PNWAC on the Camping Board of Stewards, the 2008 Jurisdictional Conference delegation, the chair of the Order of Elders, the Board of Ordained Ministry and the PNWAC Trustees.

SeaTac Superintendency Team

Bishop Bridgeforth announces appointments to SeaTac District Superintendency Team as new leadership model begins to take shape

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Shalom Agtarap, Rev. Ferdie Llenado, and Rev. Elizabeth Schindler to a superintendency team overseeing the SeaTac District beginning July 1, 2025. In addition to this new appointment, Revs. Agtarap and Llenado will continue to serve their current appointments, Tacoma First United Methodist Church (UMC) and Fairwood Community UMC, respectively.

It was previously announced that Rev. Derek Nakano, the current SeaTac District Superintendent, would receive an appointment to Des Moines UMC in July.

In December, Bishop Bridgeforth announced that he would be initiating a new supervision model for the area beginning with this opening in the SeaTac District, writing, “As superintendents roll off the cabinet, I will appoint two- to three-person superintendency teams with a three- to four-year commitment instead of replacing them with full-time superintendents. These teams will include pastoral leaders who serve part-time in the superintendency role and, most often, part-time in the local church to which they are currently appointed. They will work collaboratively within the district and beyond, with each superintendent overseeing a subdistrict that will not exceed 20 churches.”

This change is one way Bishop Bridgeforth hopes to align conference leadership with a desire raised during the Ministry Priority conversations last year for leadership “closer to the ground.”

“Some of what we heard last summer and fall spoke very clearly that the folks across our area want leadership that is contextual. Churches want leadership closer to them and are asking to be resourced in ways that matter within the local church.”

Revs. Agtarap and Llenado already serve churches within the SeaTac District, and Rev. Schindler lives nearby (currently on Family Leave) and has served several churches in the district; the superintendency team is well rooted in the area and already connected with many of the colleagues they will support in this new ministry role.

Subdistricts will allow for more affinity and collaboration

When discussing this new model of superintendency, Bishop Bridgeforth notes that part-time superintendency is not the same as being a part-time district superintendent. Where District Superintendents have most often been assigned to oversee large districts with lines that can appear arbitrary, the new model will allow for more affinity with traffic flows, people patterns, and cultural connections, helping to determine the subdistricts of approximately 15 local ministries that each superintendent will relate most closely too.

While they will each work closely with their respective subdistrict, the SeaTac Superintendency Team is also being asked to initiate a team-based collaborative model, allowing each member to lead from and bless the whole with their strengths. As they balance the superintendency’s expectations with other responsibilities, they will also lean upon each other to attend to necessary administrative tasks and work with district lay leadership to identify shared opportunities for mission and training.

Early hopes from the SeaTac Superintendency Team

The three appointed leaders—Rev. Shalom Agtarap, Rev. Ferdie Llenado, and Rev. Elizabeth Schindler—bring a rich diversity of gifts and a shared passion for equipping churches to thrive. Together, they will walk alongside clergy and congregations, fostering creative partnerships and building a vision of ministry that is both sustainable and impactful.

Rev. Shalom Agtarap highlights the significance of this appointment as an opportunity to engage in more relational and transformative work:

“As connectional as we are, we rarely get to work as a ‘we’ in day-to-day ministry. This appointment marks an intentional shift toward collaboration, building power in the same community for greater impact and embodying a commitment to eliminating racism. I’m excited to help shape discipleship that makes a meaningful difference in the world.”

Rev. Ferdie Llenado expresses curiosity and hope for what this new model of superintendency can bring:

“I’m eager to see how this new way of leadership can foster fresh energy and vitality in our district and conference. By forming creative intersections between churches and fostering shared ventures, we can discover new ways of being the Church of Jesus. When challenges arise, I believe they will only strengthen our resolve to grow and innovate. I look forward to building strong team chemistry with Elizabeth and Shalom and consider it an honor to serve alongside them.”

Rev. Elizabeth Schindler sees this appointment as a chance to lead with authenticity and embrace new possibilities for the district:

“I’m honored to serve alongside Shalom and Ferdie, knowing that together we can lead with deep relationships, attentiveness to context, and openness to new ways of doing and being church. Though we each bring different gifts and experiences, we share a common love for our local churches and a desire to see them flourish. I hope that as we challenge and learn from one another, we not only serve the district well but also model a more sustainable way of carrying out the work of superintendency.”

This new superintendency team reflects a spirit of collaboration and innovation, seeking to empower congregations and leaders across the SeaTac District. As they step into this new role, they invite the district to join them in embracing fresh possibilities for ministry, deepening relationships, and living into the call to be the Church in transformative ways.

Incoming SeaTac Superintendency Team

Rev. Shalom Agtarap is an ordained Elder who builds community through relational organizing. She is a graduate of Wesley Seminary and is an experienced antiracist facilitator. Her roots are in the church and are watered by many streams as she intentionally cultivates connections across racial and ethnic lines, religious traditions, and socioeconomic backgrounds for the common good. She is a proud pastor’s kid, and she and her spouse are raising three children in Tacoma’s Lincoln District. She has served First UMC of Tacoma for six years, out of which Common Good Tacoma, a grassroots organizing hub and nonprofit, was founded.

Rev. Ferdie Llenado is the Lead Pastor of Fairwood Community UMC. Before coming to Washington, he also served in Alaska, New Jersey, and the Philippines. He earned his Doctor of Missiology degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He intentionally creates collaborative spaces where mutual discipleship, lay empowerment, and authentic relationships flourish. Ferdie is still learning how to be a dad to three amazing teenagers and an energetic labradoodle. He is the proud husband of a successful CNOR Nurse named Louie. Recently, he started running and, in a slow and steady phase, just completed a 5K.

Rev. Elizabeth Ingram Schindler was born a Southerner but has called the PNW home for almost twenty years. She’s a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Duke Divinity School and will soon earn a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. She is passionate about helping people respond to God’s call and building the systems that support ministry. She served local churches for 15 years before taking three years off for rest, discernment, and learning, and she is excited to return to active ministry at this crucial time when the church has such a vital role in tilting the world toward love and justice. She is a proud resident of Issaquah, where she lives with her brilliant spouse, two remarkable teenagers, and an unruly little dog.

Conference treasurers discuss new Benefits/HR position and collaborative vision

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 • Interview by Patrick Scriven

This week, the Greater Northwest Area announced a candidate search for a new Director of Benefits and Human Resources. The position is the first step toward a vision of shared administrative services across the area, following several years of intense planning and conversations. Once hired, the Director of Benefits and Human Resources will resource and support the Alaska (AK), Oregon-Idaho (OR-ID, and Pacific Northwest (PNW) Conferences of The United Methodist Church and its local churches and ministries.

I spoke with Sara Goetze, OR-ID Acting Treasurer and Controller, and Brant Henshaw, AK/PNW Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services, to better understand this position and how it fits their larger vision for the area. Our conversation has been edited for brevity and to provide clarity.

So, thank you, Brant and Sara, for taking the time to explore this new position and the idea of shared services with me. How did we get to this point?

Brant Henshaw (BH): In 2018, we began to discuss overlap and collaboration, particularly in finance and administration. Dan Wilson-Fey (OR-ID Treasurer and Benefits Officer who retired in 2022), Sandra Reinemer, and I compiled a spreadsheet of common tasks and differences across our three conferences. We also considered the distinct ways each conference handled benefits because of increased cross-conference appointments.

Examining the similarities in our administrative work helped us see the opportunity for more collaboration. The pandemic also forced us out of our silos as we pulled together to resource churches during a crisis moment. It also highlighted issues that can emerge when we aren’t aligned.

As conversations progressed, our focus has been on aligning our resourcing, not a merger. A merger may happen someday, but it is not part of our plans.

Sara Goetze (SG): And our bishop (Cedrick Bridgeforth) has been clear about that.

In our discussions, we have been working on talking the same language and trying to solve the same problems. This has also included shifts for each conference regarding platforms and procedures, with everyone contributing some discomfort to the cause. Other changes, like an adjustment to align the dates when local church statistics are due, were painless, with churches in OR-ID receiving a few additional weeks for reporting.

I imagine this continuity is helpful for staff and also less confusing for clergy serving in a cross-conference appointment.

SG: Correct.

Our conversations have continued over the past two years, moving beyond staff to engage other key stakeholders. Currently, an implementation team with representatives from the OR-ID and PNW Conferences is meeting regularly to discuss each conference’s needs, review potential positions, and ensure that the staff of any shared administrative office works with and is accountable to existing conference boards. We expect the full fruit of their work to come before members of each conference sometime over the next 12 months.

BH: So, it’s kind of a stay-tuned moment. For now, let me say that more collaboration would allow us to offer more specialization and resiliency, meaning local churches would have access to more expertise and better service without an increase in apportionments.

Still, even if we move toward a shared office or team offering administrative services, we will continue to operate out of the existing conference offices with staff in both locations. For this new position, we are open to them working out of the office in Portland or Des Moines.

Brant, earlier, you mentioned Dan Wilson-Fey, who retired in 2022. I know there have been several other retirements and transitions since 2018. How have these impacted your strategizing for more collaboration and planning for this new position?

BH: Any change in staffing can be an opportunity to adjust and consider what is different and how an organizational shift might be practical to meet the moment better.

Director of Benefits and Human Resources

The Greater Northwest Area (GNW) of The United Methodist Church is actively seeking a Director of Benefits and Human Resources to oversee all aspects of the GNW’s Benefits and Human Resources Department. This role is responsible for benefit administration and programming for GNW active and retired clergy, Conference and Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries staff; budget coordination; cash, investment, and trust management. The ideal candidate will also be responsible for administering the GNW human resource policies in collaboration with the Area Human Resources Personnel Committee.

The deadline for receiving applications is October 1, 2024. If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them: Click Here to Apply.

GNW is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

Dan’s retirement and other experienced and foreseeable transitions have been part of our conversations. Over the past few years, both the OR-ID and PNW Conferences have had several impactful staff transitions. It isn’t coincidental that I submitted the first formal proposal for a shared office in 2022, the same year Dan and PNW Assistant Treasurer Rik Jamieson retired.

As we have been having earnest conversations about shared services in finance, administration, and benefits, we have been trying to make space, including leaving some positions empty, for the possibility of shared services to become a reality.

Another big retirement looming for the Alaska and PNW Conference was announced at our (PNW) Annual Conference, long-serving PNW Benefits Officer Bruce Galvin. How does this relate to that?

BH: Bruce’s plan to retire in 2026 goes a long way toward explaining why we are hiring for this position now rather than waiting for the completion of other ongoing conversations. Both conferences have some existing needs that are already unfilled that this position will cover, but right now, we also have an opportunity for overlap. We aim to provide continuity and avoid any disruption that might impact services.

SG: In the OR-ID office, our need for a benefits officer is more pressing as benefits have gotten more complicated with the adoption of the Compass Retirement Plan by General Conference. There is a need for more direct communication with clergy about that plan and for managing the three legacy plans. Some of the human resourcing elements of the position are more pressing for the Alaska and PNW Conferences. Moving forward now is a win-win for the area.

How are you going about this hiring process, and when do you expect whoever is hired to come online?

SG: We are working with GCFA (the denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration) for the hiring process. Our goal is to have someone in place by the end of October or early November. GCFA will help advertise the position inside and outside the connection and support the interview process.

It is valuable to us to hire someone who can speak United Methodist if possible. Working with GCFA will help, as recruiting in this area with the Church is really hard.

How is this position going to be financed?

BH: The Director of Benefits and Human Resources will be funded by existing resources under the care of conference pensions boards, with no new apportioned dollars required. This is a blessing from the excellent stewarding work of our shared resources in the past.

How do this hiring and the efforts toward shared services relate to Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth’s conversations with each conference around setting ministry priorities?

BH: As we mentioned, these conversations around shared services have been ongoing for a long time. Of course, we will be respectful and responsive to what emerges from those conversations and are eager to see the results of those efforts.

That said, this new benefits/HR position will meet needs that exist today and will exist tomorrow, regardless of the ministry priorities each conference identifies.

Any last thoughts or hopes to share?

BH: We have learned that collaboration isn’t easy. Getting to this point has taken a lot of work, but we are starting to see the other side. While this work has asked a lot from us and a lot from those who have been having honest and direct conversations about our commonalities and differences, we know it will be a real benefit for those we are called to serve.

SG: Collaboration is the best path to sustainably resourcing our local churches and ministries and honoring our obligations. We see this position and the shared services office as an opportunity to provide more value while keeping costs neutral and saving money down the road.

In the short run, it would be easier to work in our silos. However, one of the strengths of United Methodism is our connectionalism. Why would we turn away from that?

Patrick Scriven serves as director of communications for the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Bishop Bridgeforth previews next ‘Setting Ministry Priorities’ Conversation focused on exploring the purpose of our ministry

Conversations about mission, ministry, possible collaboration, and funding continue this week. All United Methodists in the GNW are encouraged to participate.

Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth invites all laity and clergy across the Greater Northwest (GNW) Area to a series of discussions to uncover each conference’s ministry priorities and staffing needs and our openness to more collaboration. In a new video,Bishop Cedrick previews the next conversations taking place this week.

Upcoming Conversation 5 will delve into our ‘Why,’ helping us to discuss the rationale that defines our purpose and drives our ministry so that there is always room for all to live as Jesus lived. This session will draw on resources from Rev. Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr., a retired Methodist educator and theologian, and Simon Sinek, an author and inspirational speaker on business leadership.

Conversation #5 will take place on the following dates/times (each approximately 75 min.):

Oregon-Idaho Conference on August 7 at 6 p.m. PT
Alaska Conference on August 7 at 6:30 p.m. AKT
Pacific Northwest Conference on August 8 at 6 p.m. PT

Learn more and register for these and future online conversations at https://gnw-reg.brtapp.com/ministrypriorities

Attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following resources before attending:

All United Methodists in the GNW Area are encouraged to participate. Consider inviting every member of your congregation and ministry to attend this session or one of the future opportunities. Each conversation in this open process will build upon the previous ones; you can attend as many as you like.

We will begin sharing some of the ideas and data points that emerged from the previous sessions sometime next week. Recordings of Conversations 5, 6, and 7 will also be made available after they occur.

These conversations will inform each annual conference when members meet in a special session later this year to approve a 2025 budget for their conference that moves us closer toward aligning our funding with our ministry, staffing, programmatic, and budget priorities.

With General Conference over, our work begins now

A pastoral message from Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth offers an informative and inspiring message for United Methodists in the Greater Northwest, highlighting several legislative accomplishments of a historic General Conference. His message connects the work of the delegates to the upcoming annual conference season, changes to the episcopacy in the jurisdiction, and our ongoing ministry in the Greater Northwest Area.

Watch Now

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M.I.L.E. – 2023 Annual Conference Sermons

M.I.L.E. – 2023 Annual Conference Sermons by Cedrick D. Bridgeforth

Throughout the 2023 Annual Conference season across the Greater Northwest Area, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth offered a series of messages to provide direction to the area.

How do we travel a M.I.L.E. in the Greater Northwest Area?

In his first year as episcopal leader of the Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth is encouraging congregations and ministry settings to go the M.I.L.E. this year and focus on Jesus’ call in the story of the Good Samaritan to “Go and Do Likewise.”

At his installation service in Juneau, Alaska, in May, Bridgeforth gave an overview of the theme and the meaning behind each step of the M.I.L.E. At each subsequent Annual Conference gathering – and in closing GNW worship – Bridgeforth offered in-depth explanation and inspiration for how we might all join him on this journey.
Watch on Vimeo, or click here to download.
Transcript available here.

M: Ministry that Matters. Preached at Alaska Annual Conference opening session on June 3.

Ministry that Matters is about how churches and ministry settings can go outside of themselves to turn from the mirror and look out the window to be part of their communities. Specifically, Bridgeforth preached about the need to be engaged in the work of houselessness and health in our communities.
Watch on Vimeo, or click here to download.

I: Itineration and location. Preached at the OR-ID Conference opening session on June 8.

Bishop Cedrick encouraged churches to be window people, not mirror people, and spoke about Itineration [and Location] as it relates to clergy who are called to lead and the ministry settings in which they serve. In his sermon, he asked people to think about how we might address inequities in the itineration system within The United Methodist Church to best suit the pastor, church and community in which they are all serving.
Watch on Vimeo, or click here to download.
Transcript available.

L: Lay Ministry Enhancement. Preached at the PNW Conference opening session June 13.

At the opening of the PNW Conference, Bishop Bridgeforth preached about the importance of lay ministry enhancement as the church changes shape. Laity are already a critical resource in our congregations and ministry settings, but there is a need to equip and empower laity to be a more active voice in our churches and communities we serve.
Watch on Vimeo, or click here to download.
Transcript available.

E: Eliminating Racism. Preached at the GNW Area closing session on June 15.

As people of faith, we need to renew our efforts to eliminate the racism that is pervasive not only in society, but within our congregations, ministry settings and the institution of the church in general. During this sermon at the close of Annual Conference season, Bridgeforth laid out plans for resources to be developed to engage churches and ministry settings in meaningful discussions and evaluate practices that lead to institutional racism and societal harm.
Watch on Vimeo, or click here to download.
Transcript available.

An Epiphany message from the WJ College of Bishops

The Western Jurisdiction’s College of Bishops offers a short video message for Epiphany. In it, they reflect on the season of change underway in The United Methodist Church and the promise reflected in the generosity and grace of ministries across the region as faithful disciples “respond to God’s call to be nurturing communities, ministries and churches where love lives.” Churches are encouraged to share this message and can download it for use in their local settings.

The video features Bishops Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Conference, Interim Bishop Sally Dyck of the California-Nevada Conference, Dottie Escobedo-Frank of the California-Pacific Conference, Carlo Rapanut of the Desert Southwest Conference, and Cedrick Bridgeforth of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area.

Epiphany falls on Friday, January 6, 2023. Please share this message with your congregation as you see fit on Epiphany, the Sunday following Epiphany, or at another time that works best for your ministry.

Click here to view the video.
Click here to download the video.

Transcript

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ on this day of Epiphany from the bishops of the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.

Today, we recall the story of three Magi who, according to the Gospel of Matthew, followed a star to visit the baby Jesus. They came to honor the one who was born king of the Jews. When they found him, they were overwhelmed with great joy, and offered their gifts to him.

After they had paid their respects to the Christ Child, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, who wanted to know where the baby was. He wanted to harm this One who was seen as a threat to his power. The Magi heeded the angelic message and returned home by another road.

We are a people who have lived in darkness, who have seen a great light. It is this light that leads us home through roads we haven’t intended to travel, journeying with people we never intended to be in relationship with, listening to voices that are both strange yet life-giving.

In this season of great change in The United Methodist Church, as some choose disaffiliation, we are walking an unfamiliar and uncomfortable road. It is hard to have some churches divided on whether to stay United Methodist and other churches already heading out the door.

We also know that it is in moments like this–of uncertainty and fear–that God breaks into our lives and offers us a way forward.

As new and continuing bishops, serving the Western Jurisdiction, we are excited by what God is doing in communities across our connection. We give thanks for congregations committed to extending God’s generous grace and wide welcome to all people. We rejoice in ministries that share the love of God to those beyond the walls of the church. We celebrate lives touched and changed by an encounter with Christ.

We believe that the best days for United Methodism could still be before us. To live into the promise, we must respond to God’s call to be nurturing communities, ministries and churches where love lives. As we enter 2023, may we, like the Magi, follow the star so that we may be bearers of the Christ light to a weary world. May the ways we share this light be a beacon of hope to those who are struggling. May this light be so compelling that people will want to know more. May this light illumine a new and unfamiliar yet life-giving path that leads us all home to the Body of Christ.

Beyond Weapons of War

Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

November 22, 2022

Friends in Christ, Thanksgiving is Thursday and Advent starts next Sunday.

My heart is anguished after the murders at Club Q in Colorado Springs last weekend. In “barely a minute,” five people died, 17 others were shot, and two others were injured. The 22-year-old shooter, carrying an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle, stalked his prey in a place people came for sanctuary from anti-LGBTQIA+ hatred. They were unarmed in an enclosed space, like sitting ducks or fish in a barrel.

No one has the right to hunt and kill innocent people. No civilian should have the right to carry an assault weapon designed for war.

If you are a person who identifies as LGBTQIA+, I see you, I love you, I need you to survive. You should not be targeted for ridicule, bullying, or bodily harm by people who don’t understand you or hate you. I believe that Jesus calls every Christian to be a trustworthy ally as you seek to live the fullness of life God sets before you, but many are slow to respond to this call.

If you are a person who hates or fears LGBTQIA+ people, I’m sorry for you; you don’t have to remain where you are today. Each of us is held to account for our fear, our hatred, and our inaction. In the gospels, we have a front-row seat as Jesus meets all kinds of misunderstood and marginalized people – leper, blind, possessed, lame, tax collectors, women caught in adultery or with a flow of blood, robbers. He seeks them out, speaks with them, and invites them into his circle of friends. He saved his disdain for high priests and pious people he thought should know better – like us.

If you follow Jesus, he will introduce you to LGBTQIA+ people, and you will be given the opportunity to grow in your knowledge and love of Jesus by seeing what Jesus sees in them. We must love our way out of hate, or we will find ourselves on the side of Herod, slaughtering innocents in the pursuit of his rival, Jesus, instead of on the side of humble shepherds, tending their flocks and welcoming his arrival.

Regardless of political party, it is time for Christian people, striving to walk in the way of Jesus, to join with others of generous spirit, to rise up to stop the sale of assault weapons. Courageous citizens have the power to protect innocent victims from people who lack the intellectual, moral, emotional, or spiritual ability to resist an impulse to wholesale slaughter. It is blasphemous to pray for God to do what we have the power but not yet the will to do. We are our brother’s/sister’s/sibling’s keeper. We can act, and so we must, to save countless lives.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you will enjoy good food in the company of people you love, whether family, friends, or strangers. I hope you will pray for those on both ends of gun violence. And as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, learn more and work to ban private ownership of weapons designed for war. I urge you to see how our General Board of Church and Society is helping us get involved in resisting gun violence. I hope you will also consider writing a letter to your elected representatives, as Olympia First UMC encouraged us at our annual conference session in June. We can make it safer for innocent, vulnerable people to gather without fear for work, a concert, a drag show, a movie, a nightclub, school, church, for love.

Love is born at Christmas!

Elaine JW Stanovsky
Bishop, Greater Northwest Episcopal Area

Strategically Bi-vocational: Reimagining Ministry Sustainability and Impact

By William D. Gibson

Bi-vocational ministry is nothing new. Since the formation of the church, some level of bi-vocational “tentmaking” has allowed pastors to serve the local church while also providing for their families. Proudly, many licensed local pastors have represented this model in The United Methodist Church system. However, due to many factors, it is often hard for a United Methodist clergyperson to think in bi-vocational terms. Inevitably, this consideration leads to conversations around strategy.

Rev. Kate Kilroy appointed to ministry in Marysville pictured with frequent collaborator Greg Kanehen, Executive Director of Marysville Crisis Support Services.

Forging new strategies and reimagining existing models of ministry is the Innovation Vitality Team’s (IV Team) focus, in collaboration with the Greater Northwest Cabinet and identified leaders across the area. Collaborative efforts are built on a change theory where the practices of inclusion, innovation, and multiplication^[1] can allow for a shift in ministry, community engagement, and new relationships, teaching us how to pivot. For example, the pandemic changed how the whole world functions, especially for pastors, churches, and vital community partnerships. How can we sustain positive social change and community impact as the ground quakes underneath our feet? This brings us to our topic of bi-vocational ministry.

In many ways, tradition tends to hold our churches in the posture of ‘how we’ve always done things.’ Yet as culture emerges and our contexts become increasingly post-Christian, new ways of being church in community need exploration more than ever, both from a pastoral and a congregational perspective. Sustainability, measured impact, and quantifiable change demand it. And we will need to create space for our system to embrace renewed models of pastoral ministry.

Mensaje de Adviento de parte de la Obispa Elaine Stanovsky

“Por la entrañable misericordia de nuestro Dios,
Con que nos visitó desde lo alto la aurora,
Para dar luz a los que habitan en tinieblas y en sombra de muerte;
Para encaminar nuestros pies por camino de paz”.

La Gracia de Dios este contigo esta mañana, estamos en la temporada de fiestas, la temporada de fiestas santas. Y realmente no he conversado últimamente mucho con ustedes, mi gente del Área del Gran Noroeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida. Una y otra vez, he pensado que quiero dar un buen mensaje, compartir buenas noticias con las personas con las que sirvo. Y, sin embargo, las palabras no han llegado.

Entonces, quiero comenzar esta mañana simplemente agradeciendo nuevamente. Espero que me hayas escuchado decir gracias antes. Esta ha sido una temporada incómoda, difícil, agotadora y ustedes se han mantenido vivos y sanos, la mayoría de ustedes. Y lamentamos aquellos que no han superado esta pandemia por razones de COVID u otras circunstancias de la vida y de salud que les han quitado la vida.

Pero aquellos de ustedes que están escuchando este mensaje, que están escuchando este mensaje hoy, están vivos, están sirviendo, se preocupan y están luchando. Gracias! Dios obra a través de nosotros. Aunque nos sintamos preparados para la tarea o no. La gente encuentra bendición en nosotros. Y así, nos levantamos cada mañana, saludamos al sol, y seguimos adelante de la mejor manera que podamos, contagiando amor, esperanza y ternura a las personas que nos encontramos. Así que gracias!. Gracias, que Dios los bendiga y los guarde.

Sin embargo, es una época extraña y desorientadora, ¿no? ¿No te parece así? Ciertamente lo es. Hay tantos asuntos urgentes a los que prestar atención, a los que abrir nuestro corazón, aprender sobre ellos, responder con compasión y comprensión. Cada vez que pienso en traerte una buena palabra, me encuentro atrapada.

¿Les hablaré sobre el clima, las inundaciones, los incendios forestales y la necesidad de alejarnos de los combustibles fósiles y encontrar nuevas fuentes de energía sostenibles?

¿Les hablare del COVID, de las muertes, los peligros, las pruebas, de no poder reunirnos y cantar juntos?

¿Les hablare del 6 de enero y de las divisiones que parecen separarnos como pueblo, como nación y amenazar los cimientos mismos de una sociedad civilizada?

¿Les hablare sobre el racismo y los juicios de Rittenhouse y las personas que mataron a Ahmaud Arbery y Charlottesville y el peligro de perder el derecho al voto?

Cada vez que pienso en qué hablarles, creo que, si hablo una palabra, esas otras palabras no se dicen, y lo llevamos todo, todo al mismo tiempo. Y, sin embargo, no podemos hablar de todo al mismo tiempo. Y así, me he encontrado en una temporada de silencio. No porque no tengo un sentimiento profundo, no porque no esté en sintonía con lo que estás luchando, con lo que el mundo está luchando. Pero me encuentro incapaz de hablar porque es tan amplio y profundo y hay que tanto de que hablar, que es difícil saber por dónde empezar.

Busque en las Escrituras, en la oración, profundamente en las últimas dos semanas para prepararme para este mensaje y lo que encontré fueron dos grandes historias en el Evangelio de Lucas de personas que se sentían atraídas a la quietud.

El primero es de Lucas 1 y es el cántico de Zacarías. Recuerda que Zacarías está casado con Isabel y ella queda embarazada del bebé que se convertirá en Juan el Bautista. Y Zacarías recibe este anuncio y está desconcertado y no confía del todo en él. Zacarías e Isabel son mayores y no están seguros de poder tener hijos. Y entonces, cuestiona al ángel que le trae esta noticia. Y el ángel lo calla, le quita la voz por dudar de la palabra de Dios.

Y Zacarías espera en silencio, hasta que Isabel da a luz y nace el bebé. Lo van a llamar Zacarías en honor a su padre, y María dice: “No, su nombre es Juan”. Y la gente se vuelva hacia Zacarías y les dicen: “¿Qué dices acerca de esto? ¿Qué piensas? ¿No debería el bebé llevar tu nombre?” Y Zacarías recupera su voz, su voz regresa. Y él responde, no dice que quiero nombrarlo, Juan. No dice que lo llamo Juan. Dice: “Su nombre es Juan” como si viniera del más allá. Este es un momento poderoso en las escrituras.

Y luego también me atrae María. Y todo lo que ella meditaba en su corazón mientras el mundo giraba a su alrededor, ella había dado a luz a este nuevo bebé entre, pastores, ángeles, el cielo se abrió, los profetas estaban hablando, y ella habla una palabra. Pero luego reflexiona sobre todo en su corazón.

Los escritores de la Biblia saben por lo que estamos pasando: el miedo, la desorientación, el peligro, el desplazamiento, la exclusión, la traición, las plagas. Lo saben todo, está todo en la historia. No es una historia feliz de Nochebuena con bebés, animales en un corral. También es una historia de profundo desplazamiento, indiferencia, huida. Y, sin embargo, es una historia que nos invita a esperar, a encontrar nuestro propio silencio, a anticiparnos, no a esperar pasivamente, sino a anticiparnos, a estar atentos, a prepararnos y a vivir con esperanza.

Porque el núcleo de las Escrituras es el mensaje de que lo que sucede a nuestro alrededor, lo que vemos con nuestros ojos, lo que escuchamos con nuestros oídos, lo que experimentamos en las complejas e impredecibles vidas sociales que llevamos no lo es todo, es lo que esta debajo de eso, el lugar donde hay un espíritu. Hay un lugar donde viven nuestras almas, hay un lugar donde Dios que observa y atiende toda la complejidad de nuestras vidas, nos atiende, planea un buen futuro y nos invita a asociarnos en la creación de ese futuro.

Aquí estamos. Estamos invitados a esta temporada de Adviento que está a punto de llegar. Adviento significa venir. Se trata de la venida de Dios al mundo, sí, en el niño Jesús. Pero Dios viene todos los años cuando celebramos el Adviento, todos los días, cuando nos despertamos al amanecer, para guiarnos por nuevos caminos, para enseñarnos cosas nuevas, para invitarnos a participar en nuestras propias vidas en el mundo con los ojos abiertos, y nueva conciencia.

Quiero leerles el Salmo 46 esta mañana. Puedes escuchar esto como un optimismo limitado, una ilusión superficial, o puedes escucharlo como una invitación a buscar dónde está viva y naciendo en el mundo la bondad y la esperanza que Dios promete.

Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza,
Nuestro pronto auxilio en las tribulaciones.
Por tanto, no temeremos, aunque la tierra sea removida,
Y se traspasen los montes al corazón del mar;
Aunque bramen y borboteen sus aguas,
Y tiemblen los montes a causa de su ímpetu.
Selah

Hay un río cuyas corrientes alegran la ciudad de Dios,
El santuario de las moradas del Altísimo.
Dios está en medio de ella; no será conmovida.
Dios la ayudará al clarear la mañana.
Braman las naciones, se tambalean los reinos;
Lanza él su voz, y se derrite la tierra.
Jehová de los ejércitos está con nosotros;
Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob.
Selah

Venid, ved las obras de Jehová,
Que ha puesto asolamiento en la tierra.
Que hace cesar las guerras hasta los confines de la tierra.
Que quiebra el arco, rompe las lanzas
Y quema los carros en el fuego.
Estad quietos, y conoced que yo soy Dios;
Seré exaltado entre las naciones; enaltecido seré en la tierra.
Jehová de los ejércitos está con nosotros;
Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob.

Y así, en la temporada de adviento, esperamos, anticipamos, nos preparamos. Esperamos que lo que nos dicen las Escrituras sea la verdad que a veces no podemos ver.

Estate quieto. Quédate quieto con Zacarías. Quédate quieto con María. Quédate quieto con Job. Quédate quieto con Jesús en el huerto.

No se deje consumir por lo que ve en la televisión o en las redes sociales. Busque ayuda en medio de los problemas. Fíjense en dónde se alegra nuestro mundo, nuestra ciudad, nuestros vecindarios.

Únete conmigo en esta oración de respiración. Ven, Jesús, nace en nosotros hoy. Ven, Jesús, nace en nosotros hoy. Ven, Jesús, nace en nosotros hoy. Y fíjate si puedes levantarte alrededor de las siete de la mañana o un poco más temprano y mirar hacia afuera, encontrar un lugar que mire hacia el este y ver si puedes ver salir el sol.

Que sea así para usted, para su congregación, para su vecindario y para el asombroso mundo de Dios.

Amén.

Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky

Translated and Adapted by: Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministry
December 6, 2021