'Housing God's Beloved' event registration open

There is still time to register for the GNW Housing God's Beloved hybrid workshop Nov. 4 either in-person at Parkrose UMC in Portland or online. The training event is designed to inspire and equip ministries with resources to become advocates for housing in their individual communities.

Learn more about the event, speakers + register on the GNW site.

Apportionment and Insurance payment report

The Treasurer's office has sent out the latest Apportionment and Insurance payment report which goes through October 12. It was emailed out to the pastors, church treasurers, and church finance chairs.

View it here

M.I.L.E. + Eliminating Racism resources

As churches and ministry settings prepare for charge conferences, two new pages on the Greater Northwest Area website have been created to assist individuals seeking more information about Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth's vision for going the M.I.L.E. (including a video) and specific resources to begin the work of eliminating racism, cultivated by Kristina Gonzalez, GNW executive director for innovation and vitality. 

• Going the M.I.L.E.
• Eliminating Racism

Charge Conference assistance

Don't forget that Crystal in the Conference Office is available during work hours to help individuals get logged into their People Portal to work on the Charge Conference paperwork. Don't wait until the last minute!

Don't forget that charge conference reports should be complete one week prior to your date. You will need to have a hard copy of the reports for the Superintendent.

Charge Conference Info

Birchwood Camp Board of Directors positions open

Birchwood Camp is owned by the Alaska United Methodist Conference and operated by an independent Board of Directors. The Board is a mix of pastors, lay people and community supporters. Board members are the visionaries, setting the direction for Birchwood today, tomorrow and into the future.

We are looking for persons with experience/interest in construction/project management, accounting/book keeping/finance and personnel/human resources. The most important experience/interest is a love of camping and outdoor ministries.

Board terms are 3 years in length. If you have served in the past and have been off the board for at least one (1) year, you are eligible to be on the Board again. You do not need to live in Anchorage to be a Board member. Terms begin in January 2024.

The Board meets 4 times a year and has been meeting by Zoom to include Board members from across the state.

To learn more or express your interest, contact Sandra Woods (Board President) surywoods@yahoo.com.

Emergency Response Team Training (ERT)

When disasters strike, United Methodists respond in many different ways. Our earliest responders are ERTs, who go in to help clean, sort, and prep homes for long term repairs or replacements. If you think you might be interested in knowing more, or receiving this training, please speak with Dan Wilcox, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at 907.414.7078, or AlaskaCDRC@pnwumc.org. 

The training will be Nov. 4^th from 9:00am-3:00pm, at Anchor Park UMC (2300 Oak Drive) in Anchorage. ERTs are required to be 18 years old and physically able to do the work. 

Grappling with aftermath of bishop's trial

After being found not guilty of violating church law, United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño has returned to her leadership role. But questions remain about what comes next and how to avoid church trials in the future.

Read the story

Read the California-Nevada Conference story

Watch the "Welcome Home" service

A call to pursue peace in the Middle East

The United Methodist Board of Church and Society joins other faith communities calling for a ceasefire, de-escalation and restraint amid the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Citing the denomination’s stance that war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ, the board asks United Methodists to contact their representatives and urge the U.S. government to pursue peace in the Middle East.

Read the statement

Bishop Swenson honored for ecumenical work

At the 2023 Christian Unity gathering, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA honored retired United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson with the President’s Award for Excellence in Faithful Leadership. Her co-recipient was the Rev. Renita J. Weems, a Presbyterian biblical scholar who also helped start the United Methodist Women of Color Scholars program.



Read National Council of Churches newsletter

UM News: Women lead way in expanding church scholarship

Holy Land Christians call for day of prayer

The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem has called for Oct. 17 to be a day of prayer and fasting in support of all those who have suffered in the Israeli-Hamas war and for the war’s de-escalation. The Christian leaders also call for addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Council of Churches, which includes The United Methodist Church, is joining in the prayers and fasting.



Read Christian leaders’ statement (PDF)

Read World Council of Churches story

Agency aims to help delegates with useful data

The General Council on Finance and Administration launched a new campaign, "Data-Driven Discernment: Charting Hope at General Conference." Through the campaign, the denomination’s finance agency hopes to help delegates and members make data-informed decisions. The first educational video is “Strengthening the Episcopal Fund.” The fund supports the work of bishops.

Read the press release

See the video and more

See frequently asked questions

Spreadsheet provides copyright information for popular hymnals

Like many pastors, staff and volunteers, Rev. Lisa Connolley was frustrated with how much time she spent figuring out what songs were covered by which license holder for presentation and streaming. A document produced by Sharon Meeds, supporting the music ministry at Browns Point UMC, is something that may save her and others a lot of time! The two have also been meeting with staff at Disciple Ministries to perfect the work and share it more broadly. Thanks to Sharon for sharing her work!

Click here to download the current version of this document.

Annual report highlights new beginnings

United Women in Faith had a year of transition in 2022, and its newly issued annual report pulls it all together. The women’s organization took a new name, adopted a new mission statement and opened new pathways for membership. Sally Vonner, recently installed as the top executive of UWF, says the report reflects a renewed sense of purpose.

Read the annual report

Art exhibit spotlights Native Americans

More than 60 works by contemporary Native American artists and designers will be featured at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport beginning Nov. 6, as part of an exhibit spotlighting how ancestral homelands are integral to their lives. The exhibit, “This Land Calls Us Home,” is presented by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries in collaboration with the church’s Native American Comprehensive Plan. The show will be in the gallery space of Concourse T for a year.

Read the press release