May 18, 2017
Dear Reader,
Weather reporters are predicting sun across most of the Oregon-Idaho Conference for the next week. So before you go enjoy the weather, take time to register for the June Annual Conference Session. Clergy and Lay members need to pre-register before June 6 to avoid a $75 late fee.
As part of Annual Conference, on Saturday June 17 there will be a series of workshops and information sessions called Ministry Alive! While part of theconference, anyone may attend. Learn more on the AC2017 website.
Greg Nelson, Director of Communications
CONFERENCE NEWS
Methodist's recognized for economic impact
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Travel Portland, the destination marketing organization for the city of Portland, Oregon, recognized the United Methodist Church for its economic impact on the city in 2016. The United Methodist General Conference, under the organization of the General Council on Finance and Administration, booked 17,813 room nights, and created an economic impact of $12.9 million to the city. The Twin Spires Award honors an individual or association that has made a significant contribution to the promotion of convention business in Portland.
The award was presented at the 38th Annual Tourism & Hospitality Industry Awards Celebration on May 15 at the Oregon Convention Center. When presenting the award, KGW-TV news reporter Stephanie Stricklen also recognized the Imagine No Malaria campaign to end death from malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the work done by conference volunteers at the Bethlehem House of Bread in Tigard and the Oregon Food Bank.
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AROUND THE CONFERENCE
Employment
Director of Music and Arts Ministry - Olympia, WA: First United Methodist Church in Olympia, Washington is seeking to fill a full-time music position.
Learn about this, and other employment opportunities at www.umoi.org/classifieds.
Communications checklist for pastoral transitions
This communications checklist was compiled for a recent workshop for pastors who are expecting to transfer into a new appointment this summer.
While these are good things to consider during a transition, it's good to keep many of these items in mind throughout the course of one's ministry with a local church.Read more on the conference website.
Assignment Announcement
Columbia District Superintendent, Rev. Erin Martin has announced her intention to assign Taylor Gould as a Lay Person Assigned to Faith United Methodist Church in Troutdale, Oregon. Gould has just completed her Masters of Divinity at Garrett Evangelical Seminary, and she will be seeking licensing as a Local Pastor in the Columbia District.
A summary of appointment announcements can be found on the conference website at www.umoi.org/appointments.
AROUND THE GLOBE
A new approach to disciple-making
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries is starting a grass-roots effort called #SeeAllThePeople, aimed at inspiring a disciple-making movement across The United Methodist Church. The agency will shift its focus to provide resources, events and a discipleship system that stresses congregations forming relationships with those outside church walls. Read the press release about the initiative, and watch an introductory video.
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Bringing back peace in Congo
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Reconciliation between indigenous pygmy tribes and another ethnic group is part of a larger goal for a new United Methodist episcopal leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The denomination has been at the forefront of peace, reconciliation and development work in the African nation, said Bishop Mande Muyombo. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.
Bishops consider full communion with Episcopal Church
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United Methodist Church is studying a draft proposal to establish full communion relationship with The Episcopal Church, a significant step toward bringing the two churches into a closer, visible unity. Read the full press release.
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Step One offers discernment
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Step One is a Western Jurisdiction event open to all who are curious about starting a new church, a new faith community, or a new place for new people. This may be a traditional church, a house church, or even a messy church. Existing pastors are welcome. Those discerning a call to vocational ministry are welcome. Lay people who want to lead something new are welcome. The event will be hosted by the Pacific Northwest Conference in Seattle, WA. September 18-20. Go to greaternw.org/step-one-2017 for more information and registration. Contact Rev. Bill Gibson to learn more at wgibson@greaternw.org.
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Leadership institute 2017
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection invites you to Leadership Institute 2017 at the Leawood, Kansas, campus September 27-29. Registration is now open!
Join clergy, church staff, and volunteers from across the nation for one of the largest mainline training events in the country. If you are ready to be challenged, motivated for a renewed commitment to ministry, and seeking Christ-centered inspiration, you will find all this and more at Leadership Institute 2017. Start making your plans and getting your group together for a conference which has the power to transform the way your church does ministry. Learn more on the Leadership Institute website. Register today for best rates and availability.
Resource addresses Trump order on religious liberty
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An online resource regarding President Donald Trump’s May 4 executive order on religious liberty is available from The United Methodist Church’s finance and administration agency. The General Council on Finance and Administration encourages caution in interpreting the order and adds that “the law prohibits churches from campaigning for or against a candidate for public office.” Learn more on the GCFA website.
COMMENTARY
William O. “Bud” Reeves
... Over the years our best attempts to discern the mind of God have yielded a spectrum of options, and faithful United Methodists—yes, Wesleyan Christians—have found themselves with differing opinions. ...
