DS Karen Hernandez and Ed Hernandez at Boise Pride 2022
The open table is central to my vision of the kin-dom of God. It’s expressed well in my favorite hymn, “For Everyone Born.”) Integrity also matters deeply to me. I never want to preach anything that I am unwilling to practice. If I’m not living what I say I believe, then I need to re-examine my beliefs. None of this is new for me, but at the same time, I’ve always got room to grow in this regard. Do you want to grow with me? Here are several ways that you can do just that:
- Black History Month Experience—This is a one-hour continuing education opportunity on zoom on February 21 for Sage clergy (active or retired) and lay pastors. Join me on this Unexpected Virtual Tour as we learn about the history of Black History Month. (Laity, if you are disappointed that this is for a limited audience, then urge your pastor to participate and insist that they tell you about it!) Registration is required.
- Online Lenten Bible Study: “Imago Dei”—This is one of the recommended anti-racism resources for this month, so there may be an opportunity to join or lead this study at your church. For anyone who wants to participate on zoom, join me at 8:30 a.m. MST/ 7:30 a.m. PST on Thursdays in Lent (February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6). It is part of my spiritual discipline this Lent, and I would be grateful to share it with disciples across the district. Join me at this Zoom Link - https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/94702920005.
- Reconciling Ministries Gathering (March 4 10 a.m. PT/ 11 a.m. MT - online)—Rev. Izzy Alvaran will join us and interested folks from Cascadia and Crest to Coast Districts for this event to consider next steps. If your church has been reconciling for years, what’s next? If you’re brand new to the reconciling movement, what is your next step? If your church is considering becoming reconciling, what should you do? If your church isn’t ready but a small group of disciples are passionate about this, how might you proceed? If you’re the only reconciling Methodist you know, what can you do? This will be interactive, and there will be opportunities for Sage participants to have a breakout room just for us. If you’re ready to join in the conversation, watch for the registration information coming out soon (or contact Etha in the Sage Office and she'll be sure to get the registration info to you). If you’re unsure but interested, you can register, too, or you can call me to talk about it.
“And God will rejoice when we are creators of justice—justice and joy!” Whether it’s through one of these opportunities or something else entirely, I hope that you constantly seek justice and always find joy along the way.
Peace of Christ,
PS. Pastors and clergy—If you ever experience conflict, could use an hour of delightful anti-racism education, or need easily accessible continuing education, scroll down to the “Sage Ministers’ Zoom Calls” article below for opportunities this month. Our February 21st event requires advance registration, so don’t wait!
In This Newsletter:
Celebrating Sage
Where is the DS?
Are You Becoming Anti-Racist?
Sage Ministers Zoom Calls
Reconciling Ministries Gathering
Northwest Leadership Institute - NLI
Training Opportunities
Lent Resources
Annual Conference 2023
Sage District Appointments
In Memory
Scholarships for United Methodist Students
Sage District Contacts
WHERE IS THE DS?
It’s appointment season, so DS Karen is frequently in zoom meetings with the appointive cabinet and with Staff-Parish Relations Committees at our local churches. Karen is reachable by phone, text, and email to karen@umoi.org.
Feb. 1 Oregon-Idaho DSs/DCM meeting (Portland)
Feb. 5 Attend worship @ Gooding UMC
Feb. 7 Sage Ministers’ Zoom @ 2 p.m. MST/ 1 p.m. PST
Feb. 8 DCOM/BOM Officers’ quarterly meeting (zoom)
Feb. 13 – 14 GNW Appointive Cabinet (zoom)
Feb. 13 – 17 Board of Ordained Ministry winter meeting (Portland area)
Feb. 19 Preach at King Hill Presbyterian & Glenns Ferry UMC
Feb. 21 Black History Month Experience with Sage Ministers (zoom)
GNW Appointive Cabinet (zoom)
Feb. 24 – 26 Work & worship with St. Paul’s UMC (Idaho Falls)
Feb. 28 GNW Appointive Cabinet (zoom)
ARE YOU BECOMING ANTI-RACIST?
February is Black History Month, which means that resources related to anti-racism tend to be readily available. Black history is American history, but there is need to especially focus on Black history this month because it is too often left out of the history books and classrooms. With the extra attention Black History Month gets, perhaps you and your church family are more eager or more intentional about this kind of learning. Here are some timely resources offered by the UMC’s General Commission on Religion and Race:
- 29 Ways You Can Participate in Black History Month – Try some (or all!) of these suggestions and you are likely to learn some Methodist history, see some good films, and be inspired! Bonus: Did you know that there is an Idaho Black History Museum in Boise? Perhaps you want to make a donation - which can be done with a link at their website.
- Imago Dei: A Lenten Bible Study of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – What if your spiritual discipline this Lent was part of your anti-racism work? (Remember: Anti-racism work is spiritual work.) This resource is accessible even to those without previous Bible study leadership experience. Lead a group, join a group, or use this for your individual Lenten practice (journal in place of group conversation). In fact, you can participate in this study with DS Karen on Thursdays in Lent at 8:30 a.m. MST/ 7:30 a.m. PST on Thursdays in Lent (starts February 23); just go to this Zoom link https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/94702920005.
- Clergy and lay pastors—Remember that you’re invited to our Black History Monday Experience (just for the Sage District!) on Tuesday, February 21! Registration is required. Find details in the “Sage Ministers’ Zoom Calls” section of this newsletter.
Looking for more resources? Each month we highlight a couple here and add them to the catalog of previously listed resources. Access that catalog here.
Still not sure how to start or what to do next? Just ask. DS Karen (karen@umoi.org or 208-697-4510) will readily work with you to create a plan.
SAGE MINISTER ZOOM CALLS
2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT on the following dates:
February 7 & 21
March 7 & 21
April 4 & 18
May 2, 16, & 30
These Zoom calls are almost always optional for clergy and lay pastors, but they are an excellent opportunity to be reminded of our connection as colleagues in ministry. We typically use this time for fellowship, brainstorming together, or other needs/ideas brought by those in attendance, but both of our February opportunities have guests coming to share their expertise:
On February 7, join in for a 30-min. learning opportunity with Genesis Christian Mediation’s Reverend Brian Shimer and Andrew Arthur. They will offer a quick session about conflict management with tips that you can easily begin using right away. (Genesis Christian Mediation has benefitted multiple Sage churches in the past year, helping congregations through an experience of struggle and into renewed hope and energy.) There will be time for general conversation among us after this presentation. Use our regular Zoom link for this call: Check out this Conflict Style Inventory before we gather.
To join online or from a smartphone, go to https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/93203301003
To join from any phone, dial 1 of the phone numbers below,
+1 346 248 7799
+1 669 900 6833
+1 312 626 6799
On February 21, check out this special Black History Month Experience that is just for the Sage District clergy & lay pastors. Unexpected Virtual Tours will take us on a 1-hour adventure that is part history, part trivial, and part tour (of DC and Atlanta neighborhoods)! Registration is required and costs $50. The district is covering half the cost, but clergy/lay pastors are asked to use their accountable reimbursement for their portion of the cost which is only $25. (Note that all of our clergy are welcome, including retirees and those who are on leave. If you do not have accountable reimbursement funds and need a scholarship, contact sage@umoi.org.)
RECONCILING MINISTRIES: WHAT'S NEXT
Has your congregation been a Reconciling United Methodist congregation for 20 years? Or has your congregation just become a Reconciling United Methodist congregation? Or perhaps you want your congregation to make that step, but they aren't ready yet. In all those situations you might be wondering, "What's next?"
There is an upcoming event on Saturday, March 4th at 10 a.m. PT/11 a.m. MT to help you answer that question.
This will be a hybrid, simulcasted event throughout the GNW Episcopal Area. Folks can join in person or on zoom. This 2 hour event will be a great way for clergy and laity to hear from one of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN)’s regional organizers, Rev. Dr. Israel (Izzy) Alvaran, and to build connections with other Reconciling United Methodists. More information, including locations and registration, will come out soon.
Everyone is invited to this event – those churches that are long time Reconciling Ministries, those churches that joined RMN in the past few years, those churches curious about RMN, those individuals who are in churches that will not join RMN for a variety of reasons, and those who are just curious to know more about Reconciling Ministries.
NORTHWEST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE - NLI
It's time! Let’s gather at the Northwest Leadership Institute in April in Boise, Idaho to worship, dream and strategize the church on the other side. In the midst of quiet quitting, denominational splintering, and generations deconstructing their faith, it’s time to dream about the opportunities of the church on the other side.
The pandemic shifted our reality of what it means to gather in-person and what it means to be the church. Our resources, methods and structures were all related to the pre-pandemic church.
Yet, this is a new day. We have new leadership. What if Bishops, Pastors, staff and laity gathered together to create the church on the other side? What if we discovered together the opportunity, the possibilities, and the pathway to be the church on the other side. What if we came together to champion a new day filled with energy, purpose and hope? Could it be that the Spirit is leading us to a new justice movement that is inclusive, passionate, and equipped for this time and place?
Get the best deal (early-bird special), and join us in Boise with four brand new Bishops of the United Methodist and Episcopal Church.
|
|
|
|
|
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Lay Servant Classes
Lay Servant classes are for anyone who wants to expand their understanding of faith, the church, or how to provide leadership or service in their local church or community. You can take classes whether you want to pursue becoming a Certified Lay Servant or for personal enrichment.
Two opportunities are coming up:
Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course is a study of the role of laity (non-clergy) in the church and an introduction to ways to serve and lead. This course is filled with great information for anyone serving on a church council. If you want to become a Certified Lay Servant, this is the required beginning course. Online classes begin February 13th. Register by Monday, February 6th. Click here for more information.
Lay Servant Ministries: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts Course is a favorite class which explores your unique gifts in the body of Christ. Identifying your gifts helps you identify your call to ministry within the church. Classes begin March 16th online. Register by March 9th. Click here for more information.
Local Church Leadership Training Online
On Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. to 12 noon PT/ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MT via Zoom, staff from across the Greater NW Area will offer training for local church leaders in the areas of SPRC, Trustees, Finance, and Administrative Board. The trainings will cover basic responsibilities and best practices, as well as dive deeper into human resources issues, using property and assets for ministry, the single board model, and managing conflict.
Save the date and watch for more information and registration coming soon!
Safe Sanctuaries Online Workshop in Spanish
This training will take place over four sessions:
February 18 from 10 am to 2 pm PT
February 19 from 3 pm to 6 pm PT
February 25 from 10 am to 2 pm PT
February 26 from 3 pm to 6 pm PT
Por favor reserven estas fechas para que participen de este importante evento sobre Santuarios Seguros.
Please reserve these dates to participate in this important event about Safe Sanctuaries.
Este taller virtual será totalmente en español para nuestros Pastores/as y líderes de sus Iglesias locales.
This virtual workshop will be in Spanish for our Pastors and Lay People from our Congregations.
Este taller es auspiciado por la Junta General del Discipulado y la Conferencia Anual del Pacifico Noroeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida.
This workshop is sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship and the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.
For more information, contact Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos at cesantos@pnwumc.org.
LENT RESOURCES
A Lenten Meditation presented by Reverend Linda Quanstrom is available through our Abundant Health Ministries. This Lenten meditation is loosely modeled after, Lectio Divina and is designed specifically for Lent based on the "I am" statements Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. Click here for more information. You can register here.
Coins for Lent 2023 - During Lent, many of us are reminded once again to examine our lifestyles and ask, "What can we do for others?" Part of faith formation at any age is compassion and offering a serving heart to our neighbors. One way to involve the whole family is to collect coins during the seaon of Lent and then following Easter, donate the money. Read more at Discipleship Ministries and download the "Coins for Lent" Calendar.
Local Church Lenten Resources Recommendations - With Ash Wednesday coming up on Feb. 22, Rev. Laura Beville, Oregon-Idaho Conference ministry resource specialist, offers her recommendations on Lenten resources from a variety of sources which can be used in the local church. | Learn more about these resources on the GNW News site.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023
Special Annual Conference Called Session Announced
May 6th agenda will be voting on disaffiliation requests
Clergy and lay members of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference membership will meet in a special called session pm Saturday, May 6 (in the morning) via Zoom to vote on requests from Oregon-Idaho congregations to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church under the provisions of Paragraph 2553 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.
All clergy and lay members of the Annual Conference are expected to attend this special called session. Details coming soon.
Regular Annual Conference Session Dates Announced
The 2023 Annual Conference Session dates have been announced!
The opening session will be a live-streamed Greater Northwest Episcopal Area event on Saturday, May 20th, which will include the installation service for our new GNW Area Bishop, Cedrick Bridgeforth. The bishop will be located in Juneau, Alaska for this event, but we can watch it via livestream from our own homes and offices all across the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference.
The Oregon-Idaho Clergy Session will take place on Zoom on Tuesday, May 23rd. Those who should participate in this will receive details on how to access the online link.
The Oregon-Idaho AC Session will be Thursday-Sunday, June 8-11. This will be a hybrid event, with in person and online attendance options. Lay and clergy members will be able to participate fully using either attendance option. The location of the in-person session will be announced soon.
The closing event of the GNW Area 2023 Annual Conference Sessions will be livestreamed on Thursday, June 15.
Watch for more details, the official invitation letter to members, and registration in the coming weeks.
SAGE DISTRICT APPOINTMENTS
Monday, January 30 - Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth announces the intended appointment of Rev. H. Buddy Gharring as pastor to Hillview United Methodist Church in Boise, Idaho, effective July 1, 2023.
Rev. Gharring, a licensed local pastor in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, is currently serving Twin Falls First UMC in Idaho. Hillview UMC is currently being served by interim pastor, Rev. Jane Shaffer, on a quarter-time basis through June 30, 2023
IN MEMORY
Announcements related to those who served the Sage District Churches
Robert (Bob) Andrews-Bryant January 27, 1948 – December 20, 2022
The reverend Robert (Bob) Andrews-Bryant died on December 20, 2022. Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth, and daughter, Hilary.
Reverend Bryant served Glenn’s Ferry, Woodlawn, Patton Central, Heppner, Tigard, Shoshone, Richfield, Middleton, Wilder, and Joseph. He has been on honorable location since 2007.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family suggests that contributions in memory of Bob be made to The Trevor Project. www.thetrevorproject.org
To extend condolences, friends may send cards to Hilary Andrews-Bryant, 2100 SE Belmont St. Apt 207, Portland, OR 97214.
Cedrick Bridgeforth, Bishop
Candace Clarke, Interim Treasurer and Director of Finance and Operations
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNITED METHODIST STUDENTS IN THE OR-ID CONFERENCE
Applications are now open for scholarships from the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference and from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation.
There are two general education scholarships available through the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. Applicants must intend to be a full-time student and must have been a member of a United Methodist church within the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference (or a baptized participant in a UM campus ministry or other UM ministry setting) for at least one year. Detailed information on these scholarships and four other specialized scholarships from OR-ID Annual conference related organizations can be found at our website.
Wait - there's more! Every year, United Methodist Higher Education Foundation awards $2+ million to students planning to attend one of the 100+ UM-related colleges, universities, and seminaries across the country. Don't let finances get in the way of achieving your dreams of a quality education! Apply by March 1.
.png?width=586)
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Our Greater NW Disaster Response Preparedness Team has been preparing new resources to share this important ministry with your local church.
Our Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) have a new newsletter to keep you up to date on the latest opportunities to serve -- whether by creating kits or going out to work on a site. See the first issue by clicking here. You can subscribe at that page as well.
Check out the webpage at greaternw.org/disaster-response to find:
- a 5-minute video
- a learning guide to engage in thoughtful discussion of the ministry of disaster preparedness and response, as well as climate justice
- worship resources
- links to ways you can prepare and help right now!
CESIE DELVE SCHEUERMANN JOINS HORIZON STEWARDSHIP
While continuing to write her popular blog "Inspiring Generosity" for our annual conference, Cesie Delve Scheuerman recently joined Horizons Stewardship as a Senior Ministry Strategist. More information can be found here. If you want to learn more about growing disciples and funding more ministry, Cesie can help! You can schedule a free 30-minute call with her here.
SAGE DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
|
|
Please check your records - anything sent to the conference office
will experience a significant delay in reaching us.
Email sage@umoi.org
Office phone 208-537-3683
Mailing address P. O. Box 642, Twin Falls, ID 83303-0642
Office hours Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. MT (8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT)
|
| |
|
|
|
.png?width=576)
