Recent News

Microsoft Publisher is set to retire. What now?

Microsoft Publisher retires in October 2026, ending updates and support — a wake-up call for churches using it for bulletins and newsletters. United Methodist Communications offers replacement software options for every budget on ResourceUMC. PNW Conference Archivist Rev. Pam Osborne also flags a preservation risk: convert old .pub files to PDF or Word before they become unreadable.

National Preparedness Month gives PNW Churches several ways to help

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Pacific Northwest Conference is asking churches to act. Beyond making plans, building kits and staying informed, congregations can restock supplies distributed after this year's Washington floods and fires by assembling hygiene kits and period packs. UMCOR's Connecting Neighbors training, coordinated locally by Jeff Nichols, offers additional readiness resources.

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.

I care about indifferentism! Do you?

In a reflective column, Rev. Paul Graves explores "Indifferentism" — apathy toward others — as a root of division. Citing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and biblical parables like the Good Samaritan and Laodicea's lukewarm church, Graves calls on readers to reject indifference, embrace compassion, and speak up for marginalized and voiceless people amid today's political turmoil.

Somos Uno en Cristo: Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx heritage, diversity, and faith

Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos, Pacific Northwest Conference Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, calls congregations to mark Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) through worship, relationship-building and generosity. He urges churches to move beyond viewing Hispanic/Latinx ministry as "mission" toward shared leadership, and to practice acompañamiento—walking alongside immigrant families with safety resources, legal referrals and year-round commitment.
Missionaries

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.
Opinion/Editorial

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.
Pacific Northwest Conference

Pastor appreciation, done differently

Clergy Appreciation Month is a chance to go deeper than cards and gift baskets, writes Rev. Geoff Helton. He urges congregations to see their pastors as human, protect their rest and share ministry’s load. Helton invites churches to talk openly with their pastor about what’s working and what isn’t, and notes superintendents can help facilitate.
GNW Communications -

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

Pacific Northwest Conference

Pastor appreciation, done differently

Clergy Appreciation Month is a chance to go deeper than cards and gift baskets, writes Rev. Geoff Helton. He urges congregations to see their pastors as human, protect their rest and share ministry’s load. Helton invites churches to talk openly with their pastor about what’s working and what isn’t, and notes superintendents can help facilitate.
GNW Communications -

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