Bishop Cedrick’s Blog – Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church

Closer to the Ground: A team approach to Superintendency

The Greater Northwest Area is transitioning to a team-based model of superintendency. Rather than relying on individual district superintendents to meet every need, superintendents will now serve collaboratively under the resident bishop's direction. Each congregation has a designated primary superintendent for support, pastoral care, and appointment conversations. The shift is designed to strengthen connection and sustain healthier patterns of ministry.

GNW Opening Session

The shared Greater Northwest Area Opening Session features an Episcopal Address from Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth and updates on area-wide ministries and initiatives, all delivered with thoughtful worship elements. Members of the 2026 Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and Pacific Northwest Conferences were invited to watch this together on May 20, 2026.

Columbia and Sage District Superintendents team

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Duane Anders, Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr, Rev. Melissa Harkness and Rev. Dr. Rob Walters to a superintendency team overseeing the Sage and Columbia Districts in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, July 1, 2026. Rev. Karen Hernandez will continue to serve as Columbia and Sage District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending her tenure in the role.

Epiphany Message: Faith demands another path

In this Epiphany reflection, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth draws on the Magi’s refusal to return to Herod to call the Church toward faithful disruption. Encountering Christ reshapes our path, compelling believers to reject fear, resist harmful power, and choose courageous public witness that protects neighbors and honors human dignity.

A pastoral message from Bishop Cedrick amid violence in Portland, Minneapolis

A pastoral message from Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth amid reports of two individuals shot by federal agents in Portland, 24 hours after one woman was killed by ICE in Minneapolis.

Showing up for our neighbors

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth offers a timely message of compassion and action as the federal government shutdown begins to affect families across the Greater Northwest and beyond. Pastoral leaders are encouraged to share this message with their congregations as a call to open hearts and respond to community needs.

Staying true to our mission beyond politics

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth has issued a pastoral letter to United Methodists in the Greater Northwest. In light of a recent IRS ruling on political endorsements, he reminds us: the Church’s mission is not aligned with parties or candidates, but rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our pulpits are not platforms for partisanship — they are spaces where love, justice, and grace are lived out.

Inland and Seven Rivers Superintendency Team

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Geoff Helton, Rev. Cody Natland, and Rev. Hubert Rigor to a superintendency team overseeing the Inland and Seven Rivers District beginning July 1, 2026. Rev. Daniel Miranda will continue to serve as Inland and Seven Rivers District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending his tenure in the role.

Puget Sound District Superintendency Team

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Joel Aosved, Rev. Pat Longstroth, and Rev. Joe Kim to a superintendency team overseeing the Puget Sound District beginning July 1, 2026. Rev. Mark Galang will continue to serve as Puget Sound District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending his tenure in the role.

Crest to Coast Superintendency Team

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth has announced the future appointment of Rev. Katie Ladd and Rev. Bruce Smith to a superintendency team serving the Crest to Coast District beginning in 2026. He also announced an appointment for Rev. Smith to new ministry settings in 2025. The superintendency appointments are part of a broader shift toward collaborative, part-time superintendency — an innovative model designed to bring leadership closer to local churches while supporting continuity and care.