UM Connector | Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Dear Reader,

We MADE it through Annual Conference! Phew! As Conference staff, we are grateful to those of you who carved out so much time to help us do the important work that keeps our collective ministry going throughout the year. You are deeply appreciated!

I know some of you receiving this monthly newsletter of the Oregon-Idaho Conference may not actually be members of the Annual Conference gathering. Never fear, all of the reports made from Annual Conference are available on our website and the livestream videos are also available for your review. So if you really want to feel like you were there, options abound for your viewing pleasure!

But this wouldn't be the monthly Oregon-Idaho Conference newsletter without some other items to report, including the hiring of a new conference treasurer/benefits officer, an upcoming retreat opportunity, information on health benefits and more.

The temperatures are warming up and a lot of us are looking forward to some vacation time (including yours truly), but it's heart-warming to know that our ministry continues no matter what the temperature or time of year!

Be well and well-rested (I hope)!

Kristen Caldwell, Conference Communications Manager

AC REVIEW

Catch up on the reports made during plenary

The Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference voted on a lot of legislation having to do with finances, pensions, nominations, clergy compensation, adopted a racial justice strategy and more. Members heard reports from departments such as Camp and Retreat Ministries, Communications, and Abundant Health. In addition to that, we shared inspiring stories of mission and ministry happening in various places across the Conference and a devotion from Rev. Charles Brower of the Alaska Conference. All of these videos are available for your review now at www.umoi.org/ac.

To download any of these videos you'll need to click on the "Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference 2022" showcase on Vimeo and then use the download feature on individual videos if you'd like to present them somewhere.
To watch any of the Legislative Assembly gatherings, plenary session, or ordination, check out this playlist on our YouTube channel.
Read wonderful biographies on our 2022 class of retirees compiled by our Conference finance and benefits office.

GNW Annual Conference reports, affirmations

Not only did the Oregon-Idaho Conference meet, but so did the Alaska Conference and PNW Conference in separate plenary session. Together, though, the Greater NW Area received an Episcopal address from Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky, the appointment of Home Missioners and Deaconesses, reports on Disaster Response, the Circle of Indigenous Ministries and more.

View the GNW sessions video showcase on Vimeo as well.
Affirmed a statement of support for reproductive rights
Received several names – and lifted them up in prayer – as they are sent to the Western Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy for discernment as potential episcopal candidates in a new process adopted by WJ leaders.

CONFERENCE NEWS

Clarke named new interim treasurer, benefits officer

At last week’s Annual Conference, clergy and lay members approved the hiring of Candace Clarke as the Oregon-Idaho Conference Interim Treasurer and Benefits Officer. Clarke has been serving alongside current treasurer and benefits officer, Rev. Dan Wilson-Fey since June 1. Wilson-Fey is retiring effective July 1. | Read more of this story on the Conference website.

Candidacy summit scheduled for July 19-20

Anyone interested in exploring a potential call into ministry is welcome to attend an online Candidacy Summit, sponsored by the Oregon-Idaho Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, July 19-20. The event is designed to give an overview of the different types of set-apart ministry in The United Methodist Church (deacons, elders, local pastors). It also serves as a kick-off for a year of group mentoring for persons who are either in the process or considering the process of becoming a certified candidate for ministry. The Summit is a requirement for certified candidacy, but it is also an excellent resource for those who may still be in the discernment phase of exploring a ministry call. Simultaneous language interpretation will be offered in Spanish and English.

The Summit will be held over zoom in four two-hour sessions (participation in all four sessions is required): July 19 from 10am to noon and from 1:30 to 3:30pm, and July 20 from 10am to noon and from 1:30 to 3:30pm (all times Pacific). There is no cost for the Summit itself, but advance registration is required to receive the zoom link. To register or ask questions, send an email to bom@umoi.org.

Reminder: Blueprint for Wellness, health check survey deadline is Aug. 31

HealthFlex participants and covered spouses must complete the Health Check Survey by August 31 to avoid higher deductibles next year. Register and complete the Blueprint for Wellness Screening through virginpulse.com/login by August 31 to earn $100 in Pulse Cash. Contact Conference HR manager Meg Kau at meg@umoi.org with questions.