Laypersons serving on local church committees, especially those who chair administrative committees, are encouraged to register now for a Greater Northwest Area-wide training on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Interpretation will be offered in Spanish and Korean.

The two-hour training starts at 9 a.m. AKT (10 a.m. PT, 11 a.m. MT) with leadership provided by district superintendents, staff and laity with expertise across the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and Pacific Northwest Conferences. Those new to their roles or to the leadership of committees are strongly encouraged to attend.

During the first hour, attendees will receive words of encouragement along with training on decision-making processes. During the second, participants will separate into breakout rooms to focus the conversation on administrative teams and tasks. A Spanish-language cohort will also be available during this second hour.  

Kent United Methodist Church is receiving a $102k competitive grant from Puget Sound Energy to fully fund the installation of a solar panel system. This project, spearheaded by the congregation’s Creation Care Team, is part of the church’s overall emphasis on saving energy and reducing emissions from the church building. | Read more of this story on the GNW News site.

Opinion: It's time for a federal law against LGBTQ discrimination

Alaska is one of 29 states without an explicit and comprehensive statewide law prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people. The Rev. April Hall who serves as a United Methodist pastor on the Kenai Peninsula writes in support of federal protection as such discrimination is still far too common. | Read the thoughts she shared with the Peninsula Clarion News.

Speaking to our inner darkness is the way to the light

Frustration from a Buddhist friend on the relative silence of religious leaders on voting rights caused Rev. Paul Graves to remember words offered by MLK, Jr. on darkness and light. He writes, "Still, when we religious leaders are hesitant to speak to the darkness beyond us, I must consider the likelihood we’re only cowering before our fears/hates." | Read more on the GNW News site. Inspiring Generosity: 3 ways to make Valentine's Day memorable No, Cesie Delve Scheuermann is not deviating from her work as a stewardship consultant to offer romance tips for you and your special someone this Valentine's Day. Instead, she's offering three ideas to local churches on how to let their congregations know they are loved during this holiday. | Read more on the Oregon-Idaho Conference website.  RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES Resource UMC: Creating hybrid worship services Hybrid worship is becoming a norm for many churches. United Methodist Communications is offering a new course, Creating Hybrid Worship Services, designed to explore the best practices for offering worship services that engage participants that are both in-person and online.| Learn more on the Resource UMC website. GLOBAL NEWS Report: GBGM UMCOR response to COVID-19 “Since the early months of 2020, the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief have followed a broad, proactive course in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” writes Roland Fernandes, top executive. Through the “Sheltering in Love” campaign, about $4.5 million has been distributed to more than 300 partners in 57 countries. Global Ministries also participates in the interfaith “Love Beyond Borders” effort to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines worldwide, he said. | Read more of this report on the umcmission.org website. New science lab grows options for students Dreams of becoming doctors and scientists are within reach for students at United Methodist Hanwa Secondary School, thanks to a new state-of-the-art science laboratory. Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission helped fund the construction of a spacious science lab and library at the Hanwa Mission school. | Read more of this story from UM News Service. Debate about church future heats up United Methodists are gearing up to go in different directions. At the same time, disputes over church rules and the status of LGBTQ people continue to flare. | Read more of this story from UM News Service.