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GNW AREA NEWS | Friday, Jan. 21, 2022

Calling forward generous disciples

In this week's introduction, PNW Communications Director Patrick Scriven shares the story of a local woman church who showed kindness to another church where she wouldn't necessarily be welcome. He compares her story with that of an interfaith group supporting each other during a hostage situation at a synagogue in Texas last week.

"We are called to love, even when we disagree. Friends, family, and enemies. People who look different and who see the world differently. Democrats and Republicans. Vaccinated and anti-vax. No category of person we can imagine is beyond God’s love, even if some remain beyond our ability to stretch toward. It is that simple, and yes, that hard."

Read more of Patrick's thoughts on the GNW News website.


GNW AREA NEWS

Bend Church's Central Oregon Villages to provide housing, hope

The city of Bend has tentatively approved two prospective lots where Central Oregon Villages – a non-profit established by members of Bend Church – can begin putting together two communities of small structures that will help to get houseless people off the streets and hopefully onto a path of stable housing. | Read more of this story on the GNW News site.

Reminder: WJ 'How we got here' seminar Sunday

With so much uncertainty about the future of the denomination, the Western Jurisdiction is working to be prepared for whatever comes. Your jurisdictional delegates from the Greater Northwest are eager to hear your feedback on the planning jurisdictional leaders have done so far. Join us for an online forum  this Sunday, January 23rd from 2-4 pm (Pacific Time).

Wespath offers Mental Health workshops in March

Two virtual seminars on mental health first aid will be offered on March 10 and 24. The free events will be led by Chris White, a hostage and crisis negotiator and mental health trainer. This training is offered to all UMC clergy and their spouses, church leaders, staff and congregation members – at no cost. | Spots are limited, register today.

Wilson-Fey to retire as Oregon-Idaho Conference Treasurer/Benefits Officer

After a career in ministry spanning more than 30 years, including time spent as a missionary in Honduras, and the last six years as the Oregon-Idaho Conference Treasurer and Benefits Officer, Rev. Dan Wilson-Fey has announced his intention to retire at the end of June. | Read more on the Oregon-Idaho Conference website.

Inspiring Generosity: Asking for money is scary

It's not polite to talk about money, especially in a church setting, so says society. That's why stewardship consultant Cesie Delve Scheuermann says it can seem like a nightmare to have to pick up the phone and ask for financial gifts. In this week's blog, though, she works through what some of those scary feelings might be and how to change your perception. | Read more on the Oregon-Idaho Conference website.


RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES

Lent 2022 small-group study on anti-racism

“Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Anti-racism” is a new Lenten resource for congregations to use in a small group setting. The purpose of the six-week study is to make explicit connections between the traditions of Lent and the work of anti-racism. | Check out the R2 (Religion and Race) website for more information.


GLOBAL NEWS

Distress signal prompts U.N. Concern after Tonga volcanic eruption

United Methodists and other faith leaders are calling for prayer and aid for Tonga, after a massive volcanic eruption and tsunami on Jan. 15 wreaked significant damage on the archipelago. | Read more of this story from Reuters News Service.
  • Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky issues special call to prayer + action across the GNW area for Tongan siblings in Christ. | Read more of the pastoral letter she issued on Thursday, along with guidance on making financial contributions of support, on the Greater NW website.

Claremont School of Theology ordered to sell (California) campus

Claremont School of Theology faces a court order saying it must offer its California campus for sale to The Claremont Colleges, a neighboring consortium of schools — and for a price likely to be millions below fair market value. Seminary leaders say they are considering an appeal. | Read more of this story from UM News Service.

Bishops, others denounce WCA's vaccination plan

The Wesleyan Covenant Association announced plans to raise funds to ensure General Conference delegates in Africa, Eurasia and the Philippines have access to vaccines. However, bishops and other United Methodist leaders challenge the ethics of that plan. | Read more of this story from UM News Service.

James Salley on growing tomorrow’s African leaders

On the occasion of being named president and chief executive officer of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc., James Salley looks back on the 30-year history of the United Methodist university in Zimbabwe and shares his hopes for the future. | Read more of this story from UM News Service.

 
The Greater Northwest Episcopal Area provides leadership for the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and the Pacific Northwest Conferences of The United Methodist Church.
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