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Board begins search, reviews constitution changes

Since Phil Hodson, designated PNW conference minister, announced by email on Dec. 3, that he withdrew his candidacy for the settled conference minister, the PNC Board of Directors formed a Search and Call Committee to develop a profile and receive nominations.

Sandy Wisecarver, moderator

Sandy Wisecarver, moderator, said that they hoped to have seven people for that committee by the end of January.

Phil wrote: “I celebrate all that we have accomplished together these past 20 months. A ministry of presence is key to conference ministry, and I appreciate the ways congregations have welcomed me and the many talented clergy of this conference who have engaged with me.

“As you look forward, I pray the Spirit will give you clarity. You must discern who God is calling you to be in this moment—in keeping with the polity of the United Church of Christ—and be able to clearly articulate and share that vision,” he wrote, expressing confidence “God is up to something in the PNC.”

As Phil continues with the conference through June 30, 2026, the Board in a letter reviewed successes under his leadership of building the PNC staff team, setting N-Sid-Sen on a path for its full potential, helping churches through pastoral transitions and crises, walking with Samoan churches and pastors to full communion with the PNCUCC and creating a draft for a new constitution and bylaws.

The letter from the Board expressed the need for meaningful efforts in community-building and asked for churches’ to embrace the gifts God wishes for the future of the PNC-UCC.

Sandy said the 12th edition of the constitution and bylaws was ready for discussions on Zoom Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 20 and 21, with a final version to be released in February for the Annual Meeting, March 13 and 14 in Seattle.

“The vote will be an up or down vote. No changes will be made at the annual meeting,” said Sandy.

 

Pacific Northwest Conference United Church of Christ News © January 2026

 

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