A mosaic of churches working interdependently together to transform lives and communities
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Spiritual directors, Pastor Chris Eltrich and Cindy Reed, take time this week to share with us a little bit about what spiritual direction is and about the amazing network of directors in the PacNWC. They also give us some information on free spiritual direction for pastors and spouses, and church staff made possible by the conference.
To give to disaster relief (Pasedena Covenant Church)
By Greg Yee, Superintendent
The awe-inspiring Nā Pali Coast of Kauai called out to me as my plane descended into Lihue Airport, stirring a deep sense of familiarity within my soul. It had been a long travel day, yet it was only a blink in time compared to what must have been at least a three-week journey by schooner for my great-great-grandfather back in 1877. He arrived on Kauai as a young, single merchant during the Qing Dynasty and at the height of the island’s sugar industry boom.
I felt drawn to return to the land that had been my family’s port of entry. This intentional pilgrimage marked the culmination of a grant I received from Duke Divinity to engage in “balcony time,” a period of focused reflection for Christian organizational leaders.
In1877, Kauai was still part of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the same year Queen Liliʻuokalani assumed her role after the passing of her brother. The intertwining of Hawaii’s history with my family’s story prompted me to reflect on the Seventh-Generation Principle, attributed to the teachings of the Iroquois People: What decisions are we making today that will positively affect seven generations from now?
I wandered through old Chinese cemeteries and strolled through Kapaa, the town where my great-great-grandfather had established his business. In the archives, I uncovered an old 1900 census ledger that recorded his name, along with those of his wife and son. Standing on the beach at sunset, I found myself wondering if he, too, had stood in this very spot. What were his dreams? His fears?
There in Kapaa, as the golden hue of the setting sun painted the horizon, I imagined his hopes carried on the same waves that now lapped gently at my feet, five generations later. Then it struck me. My grandchildren will be the seventh generation. What are my dreams? My fears?
Just before Thanksgiving, our executive board voted to nominate me for my fourth, four-term serving our region of 69 churches and all of our ministers. I continue to be humbled by this call and am deeply appreciative for the privilege it’s been to serve you. With this as an important part of our agenda for our conference annual meeting May 2-3 at Bellingham Covenant, I want to introduce our theme for this year – Generations.
We come into this focus from multiple angles. We continue to experience a notable shift of generations, as evidenced by the vast majority of our churches being Baby Boomer dominant. What needs to shift and change as we think of our work with Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha and even Beta? We all desire for our ministries to be multi-generational. How do we continue to keep our collective commitments high in our ministries to children and youth? Most importantly, how do we continue to focus and grow in our main work of disciple-making?
I am desperate for my kids and their kids and for seven generations from now to love and serve Jesus with their heart, soul, mind, and strength. My dream is that the decisions we make today would send forth sold-out followers of Christ, who we just celebrated at Christmas as our Emmanuel and Savior. I dream about the ripples of our commitments today and how they may go forward to produce powerful waves of gospel work.
Happy New Year, conference family! I look forward to this new year in anticipation of the light of Christ to shine ever more brightly.
…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:21 (NIV)
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Wellspring House church in Corvallis, OR has welcomed a family from the Ukraine who have experienced miraculous blessings along their journey. Among these blessings are a a tiny church in Corvallis and it’s families willing to sponsor and help establish the family into the community.
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Jill Riley sits down with Pastor David Greenidge as he reflects on 20 years of ministry in Tigard, OR. God’s hand and the Holy Spirit have been present as the church has consistently opened its doors to the community and invited them in to receive food, love and care. We thank David and Trish for their ministry and for their long obedience in the same direction.
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Pastor Erik Cave and Encounter Church Youth Pastor Christian Griffith give us highlights of this fall’s youth retreats, Mudd and Thunder. Enjoy their conversation and celebrate the life change these youth found while enjoying their time at Cascade Camp and Convention Center.
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Superintendent Greg Yee encourages the conference in this season of Advent to celebrate with the hope of the Gospel, wisdom that acknowledges the woundedness around us and to offer grace to all who enter our lives. Even as you serve, may this season be one of renewal and great joy for each of you.
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Recently Revs. Mark and Doreen Olsen had the opportunity to participate in an immersive Indigenous experience led by Randy Woodley and sponsored by the ECC. Mark recounts the experience and encourages people to understand the value of these in-person experiences that allow us to understand our world and neighbors better.
Love Mercy Do Justice invites you to participate in our new Indigenous Immersive Learning Experience: Weaving Justice and Peace in a Wounded Land. This experience will empower participants to pursue reconciliation with the land, creation, and our Indigenous neighbors. May 15 – 18, 2025 Apply Here>>
Click Here to learn more about Weaving Justice and Peace in a Wounded Land
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Michael and Sanetta Huntere have been at Emerald City at just over a year. We are blessed to be able to introduce them to the conference as Emerald City’s Pastoral leadership team. Take a minute and get to know them. You’ll be glad you did! Welcome Hunters! We are thrilled you are here.
Welcome Michael and Sanetta to the PACNWC!
Click Here to learn more about Heart to Heart Connection Couples Ministry (scroll to the bottom of the page)
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
This year Midway Community Covenant Church in Des Moines, WA received a grant from Puget Sound Energy. This grant allowed them to drop their energy bill down to practically nothing, freeing up money to go towards ministry and furthering the Gospel. Ruth Hill, Chair of the leadership team, shares with us what that process was like and their passions for future ministry
By Jill Riley, Assistant Communication Director of the PacNWC
Superintendent Greg Yee and Associate Superintendent Dawn Taloyo talk about a couple of very important topics in this video. First of all, they discuss how we can help our sister conference in the SE conference as they struggle with clean up after the hurricanes. Next, they talk about the Discipleship pathway that Rev. Dawn and Rev. Nancy Sugikawa have been working on for our conference. These tools are created for our church’s use, as we work together to encourage Christ’s followers to go and make disciples.
To speak with Dawn about the Discipleship Pathway
To give to the Southeast conference or find more information on how you can help.