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Workshops set for Annual Meeting April 27-29

Gathering for Annual Meeting of the Pacific Northwest Conference April 27 to 29, delegates, leaders and friends of the PNC will reflect on the theme, “Breaking Forth,” which celebrates the PNC ministry of building deeper relationships and growing vitality in PNC churches and communities.

“We’ll gather this year at a familiar setting for some of us, the Conference Center in Yakima, but we will break out of some familiar patterns for meeting and carrying out the business of the conference,” said Wendy Blight, vice moderator.  “We will bring forward some of the unique ways that we gathered at our camps last year and provide more opportunities to connect with new people and address issues using the power we experience in community.”

The guest presenter in Bishop Dwayne Royster, who has served in pastoral ministry for 20 years and is the minister emeritus and founding pastor of Living Water United Church of Christ in Philadelphia. 

He is currently serving as political director for People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO).  PICO believes in building a more just world by teaching people of faith how to build and exercise their own power to address the root causes of the problems they face. 

At the center of PICO’s model of faith-based community organizing is a belief in the potential for transformation—of people, institutions and the larger culture.

As an advocate for preparing congregations for the ministry of availability, Bishop Royster often says that, “ministry should not be limited to Sunday mornings. Sunday is a time of worship. Ministry should be done Monday thru Sunday on the bus stops, at the supermarkets, in workplaces, at soccer games and wherever people are.”

A passionate speaker and preacher, he will share his knowledge in both dynamic and practical ways.

Participants—official delegates and others—will experience forging new relationships, building power and promise in their local church, and transforming institutions official.

Friday afternoon workshops support this year’s theme of “Breaking Forth” in building an deepening relationships, cultivating spiritual vitality in ourselves and among our communities.

Jill Komura announced that those workshops are the following:

• Rev. Joy Haertig and Marci Scott-Weis will facilitate “Moving from Church 2.0 to 3.0: Visioning to Action.”

• Sophie Morse, conflict consultant and trainer with the Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County, will facilitate “Engaging Conflict Across Communities.”

• PNC minister for church vitality Courtney Stange-Tregear and the Stewardship Committee will lead a discussion on “Burdens to Blessings: New Life Through Church Buildings.”

•  Paul Benz of Faith Action Network will lead “Social Engagement Opportunities for Your Congregation.”

• Justice and Witness Ministries will facilitate “Justice Potpourri,” a multi-part conversation based on Matthew 25, about providing sanctuary and welcoming immigrants and refugees, and exploring more economically just choices in banks and taxation systems.

Annual Meeting business will include a discussion about whether or not the Conference wishes to ratify the UCC Constitutional Amendments passed at last year’s General Synod, which, among other things, alter the denomination’s governing structure, include gender-neutral inclusive language, reiterate support by local bodies over ordained clergy and recognize the UCC’s full communion relationship with the United Church of Canada.

For information, call 206-725-8383.

 

Pacific Northwest United Church News © April-May 2018

 

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