Recent News

Missionary Katherine Parker shares update on Nepal disaster response

United Methodist missionary Katherine Parker, supported by more than 90 PNW and nearly 30 Oregon-Idaho churches, reports on Nepal's deadly flooding near Kathmandu. The death toll stands at 359, with 910 unaccounted for. United Mission to Nepal is joining relief efforts for over 1,000 families and planning school recovery. Parker is safe abroad.

Invited to a Holy Conversation

In a reflective column, Rev. Paul Graves reexamines "holy" and "conversation," noting both words carry root meanings of "different" and "to live with." He argues a "Holy Conversation" isn't just dialogue but a sacred, humble way of living alongside others—family, neighbors, congregation members. Drawing on 1 Peter 1:13-16, Graves invites readers to consider how holiness might reshape everyday relationships.

Disability justice event draws clergy and laity from ten western states

"Repent and Repair" brought together disability ministry leaders across the Western Jurisdiction for worship, workshops, and a documentary screening 36 years after the ADA. Topics ranged from biblical healing narratives to accessible church architecture. Missed it? Recordings of all sessions are shared with another gathering planned next summer.

Goetze stepping down from Shared Services role

Changes are coming to the GNW Shared Services Office as Sara Goetze steps down to take a role with GCFA.

El Dios Viviente UMC: A living witness of faith, community, and hope

El Dios Viviente UMC in Seattle recently celebrated baptisms at Seward Park and its annual Family Camp at Twinlow, strengthening faith and family bonds. PNW Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos writes that under Pastor Gerardo Guzmán's leadership, the congregation continues offering welcome and hope to Hispanic/Latinx families, including immigrants, modeling vibrant ministry through worship, discipleship, and community engagement.
News

A slice of reality on 4th & Main

In this week's Faith and Values column, Rev. Paul Graves explores which slices of reality people are standing in when it comes to our call to stand in solidarity for one another when we don't agree with one another.
Opinion/Editorial

History is complicated. We prefer simplicity.

Reflecting on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch's call for Americans to embrace ambiguity when facing complex history, Patrick Scriven connects it to his own seminary journey of reconciling faith with historical scholarship. He critiques a White House report accusing the Smithsonian of "radical, activist ideology," arguing that ideological pressure toward simplicity, whether nationalistic or partisan, distorts our understanding of history and faith alike.
Disaster Preparedness & Response

United Methodist Early Response Team serves Spokane families after wildfires

Eight United Methodist Early Response Team volunteers from three annual conferences spent Aug. 28-30 in Spokane's Old Trails area, sifting ash to recover ceramics, coins, medals and keepsakes for four households after the Spokane Complex fires. Covenant and Audubon Park UMCs fed the team daily. Gifts to PNW Advance #352 support the recovery ahead.
Patrick Scriven -

Alaska Conference

Oregon-Idaho Conference

Creation Care

Caring for God’s creation: 17 EarthKeepers commissioned across the Greater Northwest

Recently commissioned Global Ministries EarthKeepers completed training in environmental stewardship and faithful action. This cohort included EarthKeepers from both the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences, who are now developing community-based creation care projects. A recording of the commissioning service is now available for congregations and individuals to watch.
Patrick Scriven -

Pacific Northwest Conference

Disaster Preparedness & Response

United Methodist Early Response Team serves Spokane families after wildfires

Eight United Methodist Early Response Team volunteers from three annual conferences spent Aug. 28-30 in Spokane's Old Trails area, sifting ash to recover ceramics, coins, medals and keepsakes for four households after the Spokane Complex fires. Covenant and Audubon Park UMCs fed the team daily. Gifts to PNW Advance #352 support the recovery ahead.
Patrick Scriven -

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