Transcription
Annual Meeting 2014Pacific Northwest Conferenceof the United Church of ChristReports & Resolutions
Table of ContentsChurches of Our Conference. 2Changes Around Our ConferenceMemorials . 5New Additions . 6Retiring Ministers. 6Specialized Ministers . 7Members in Discernment . 8Staff ReportsMike Denton, Conference Minister . 9Deeg Nelson, Managing Director of Pilgrim Firs . 11Mark Boyd, Managing Director of N-Sid-Sen . 12Board of Directors ReportsModerator . 13Treasurer . 14Committee ReportsChurch Development Committee . 14Committee on MinistryWestside . 14Eastside . 15Educational Ministries Committee . 15Outdoor Ministries Task Force . 16Youth and Young Adult Ministries Task Force . 16Global Ministry Committee . 17Personnel Committee . 18Stewardship Committee . 18PNC-UCC Representatives to National UCC Boards of DirectorsAnnuitant Visitors . 20Disaster Ministries . 20Minutes of Annual Meeting 2013 . 21Resolutions . 24
Churches of Our ConferenceAlaskaAnchorageNew Testament Church (Feagaiga Fou)Victorious Cross Church(Satauro Ole Manumalo)Rev. Niutunu FaiupuRev. Calvin SamueluLewistonCongregational-Presbyterian ChurchWallaceUnited Church of Christ-CongregationalRev. Steve WilbrahamRev. Josh BrunsRev. Alice Ling, Contracted PastorIdahoWashingtonAnacortesBainbridge Isl.BellevuePilgrim Congregational ChurchEagle Harbor CongregationalEastgate Congregational UCCFirst Congregational elahFirst Congregational ChurchUnited Church of Christ (Cong.)Tolt Congregational UCCCathlamet Congregational ChurchCheney United Church of ChristChewelah United Church of ChristColfaxColvilleDaytonDeer ParkEltopiaEverettFederal WayFerndaleForksFox IslandGuemes IslandKirklandLummi IslandMaldenMercer IslandMetaline FallsMonroeAffirmational UCC - Plymouth Cong.First Congregational ChurchFirst Congregational ChurchOpen Door Congregational ChurchEltopia United Church of ChristEverett United Church of ChristWayside United Church of ChristThe United ChurchFirst Congregational ChurchFox Island United Church of ChristGuemes Isl. Community Church, UCCKirkland Congregational Church, UCCLummi Island CongregationalMalden Community CongregationalCongregational Church on MercerIsland (UCC)Metaline Falls Congregational UCCFirst Congregational Church of Naselle Community CongregationalUnited Church of ChristCommunity for Interfaith CelebrationThe United Churches of OlympiaPeshastin United Church of ChristCommunity Congregational UCCIn TransitionRev. Dr. Dee EisenhauerRev. Marsha Williams, InterimRev. Kevin BrownRev. Lisa Horst ClarkRev. Alan Claassen, InterimIn transitionRev. Stephen HaddanRev. Dan SchnabelRev. David Krueger-DuncanRev. Judith HollowayMr. Ashley Watson, LicensedMs. Lynn Nelson, LicensedRev. Jim CastroLangRev. Marj JohnstonRev. Dan BergRev. Esther PfeiferRev. Becky WithingtonRev. Dennis Hollinger-LantRev. Bobbi VirtaLay LeadershipRev. Janet MatthewsRev. Sally BalmerRev. Ann Eidson, InterimRev. Dr. Cynthia BaulekeRev. Bob IngallsRev. Mark Miller, InterimRev. Tara LeiningerRev. Tom SorensonRev. Jane SorensonRev. Dan SchnabelRev. Russell ClarkMs. Kathleen Peppard, Lay MinisterRev. Elsa PetersRev. Ann HinzRev. Kristine ZakarisonRev. Chip Laird2
RentonRichlandUnited Christian ChurchShalom United Church of ChristCentral United Protestant Church*Rev. Ken ColmanRev. Stephen EriksenRev. David ParkerRev. Sharon WithersRev. Ray SmithRev. Ralph KieneckerRev. Faye SereneRev. Dan WodrichRev. Karel CoppockRev. Judith Rinehart-NelsonRev. David ShullRev. Kendall Baker, InterimRev. Lotomama KilionaRev. Diane DarlingRev. Penny Matthews, Pastoral CounselingRev. Greg TurkRev. Angela YingIn TransitionRev. Jeffrey Lee BarkerRev. Eric Dale, InterimRev. Topelagi SivaRev. Thom WertRev. Stephen LuttioRev. Richard GambleMs. Lauren Cannon, LicensedRev. Darrel GoodwinRev. Joy HeartigRev. Dr. Lon RycraftRev. Brigitta RemoleRev. Brandon DuranMs. Meighan Pritchard, Interim, LicensedRev. Tim DevineMr. Fili TogiRev. Lefeagai Ta’amuIn transitionRev. Peter IlgenfritzRev. Catherine FooteRev. Amy RoonRev. Paul AshbyMs. Marcia McLaughlin (Commissioned)Lay LeadershipRev. Andrea CastroLangMs. Jan Shannon, LicensedRev. Genavieve Heywood (begins June 2014)Rev. Tom ThresherRev. Tupulua TagaloaRev. Ulisese SalaNorthwest United Protestant Church*Westside United Protestant Church*RitzvilleSammamishSeattleZion Philadelphia Congregational UCCSpirit of Peace UCCAdmiral Congregational Church (UCC)Ala I Le Ola Church #5Alki Congregational UCCAll Pilgrims Christian ChurchBethany UCCBroadview Community UCCColumbia Lakewood CommunityFauntleroy Church UCCFirst Samoan Cong. UCC (#1)German United Church of ChristJapanese Congregational ChurchKeystone Congregational UCCLiberation MinistriesMagnolia United Church of ChristNormandy Park Cong. ChurchPlymouth Congregational ChurchProspect United Church of Christ (Cong.)St. Paul’s United Church of ChristSamoan Cong. Christian Church (#2)Samoan United Church of Christ (#4)Taiwanese Christian Church (UCC)University Congregational UCCShorelineRichmond Beach Congregational UCCSpokaneShalom United Church of ChristWestminster Congregational UCCSpokane ValleySuquamishTacomaVeradale United Church of Christ (Cong.)Suquamish United Church of ChristCong. Christian Church of Am. SamoaFirst Samoan Congregational ChristianChurch of TacomaNew Heart UCCRev. Jan SkaggsRev. Roberta Booth, Associate Pastor* Indicates an affiliated church that contributes to OCWM.3
TonasketUniversity PlaceWalla WallaWenatcheeWoodinvilleYakimaTonasket Community Church, UCCUnited Church in University PlaceFirst Congregational ChurchSunnyslope ChurchNorthshore United Church of ChristUnited Christian Church of YakimaRev. Leon AldenRev. Jennifer WaltersRev. Cecelia McKeanRev. Michael TitusRev. Cynthia RigginIn Transition4
Changes around Our ConferenceMemorialsMargaret GibsonAugust 13, 1927 – February 17, 2014Margaret Gibson passed away peacefully on February 17, 2014 in Seattle. Margaret was born to Furman andClara Kuhns Botwright in Altonna, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Dickinson College in 1949 and went on todo graduate work at Boston University. She was married to John in August of 1949. John served on the staff ofPlymouth Church, Seattle, and on the staff of our conference from 1955-1958.Margaret will be remembered for her kind, compassionate spirit, always willing to help anyone in need. Sheshowed leadership in organizations that supported children and women. She was passionate about traveling,the Seattle Storm, and music. She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church for over 60 years.Margaret is survived by her husband, John, children Kent (Kimberly), Kay Taylor (Mark), Scott, Sue Little(Rick), Alan (Kristin), and six granddaughters.Louise LaibAugust 29, 1923 – May 21, 2013Louise (Elbe) Laib passed away peacefully in Edmonds. Louise was a minister’s wife, nanny, real-estate agentand full-time mom. She enjoyed beach-combing, church-going, visiting the family cabin, and traveling. Aboveall, she loved her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Milton Laib (Dec. 18, 2007), whomshe married in 1944. Rev. Liab served churches in Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Washington, as well as serving onour conference’s staff. Louise is survived by her 4 children and 8 grandchildren.Ruben MaierOctober 14, 1925 – November 3, 2013Ruben was ordained on June 30, 1948 in Bayard, Nebraska. He was married to El Enora Maier. He lived inVancouver, WA.Ernest SprengerApril 7, 1924 – September 29, 2013Ernie Sprenger was born on the family farm at Elgin, North Dakota. He attended the Pacific School ofReligion. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Strobel on June 20, 1947 and together they had four children: Elizabeth,Mark, Scott and Cindy. They served parishes in South Dakota, Colorado. Betty went to be with the Lord in 1973.He married Thelma Jean Koch, and expanded the family with two more children: David and Darlene McCormick.Ernie served the Philadelphia Congregational Church and Zion Church in Ritzville WA until retirement in June1986. Thelma passed from this world in 2012.Ernie’s life was marked by his love and compassion for the people of Ritzville, his profound embrace of life,commitment to his faith, family and his passion for serving the Lord.Irma Jean TurnbullApril 11, 1924 – September 2013Irma Jean Turnbull arrived in the spring and departed in the fall. During her 89 years of life she welcomeddiversity into her world and transformed those with whom she interacted. She joined the United Church ofChrist in 1960 and for more than five decades sang, taught and worshiped in that fellowship, most recently atNorthshore UCC. She celebrated diversity in all phases of her life. She is survived by Rev. Robert Haertig towhom she was married for 18 years, and four generations of family. Her life was filled with music, art andlaughter.5
Clergy New to Our ConferencePaul Ashby is serving as pastor and teacher at Richmond Beach Congregational UCC in Shoreline, WA. HisM.Div. is from Southeastern Seminary. He has served in Oklahoma, Ohio, California, and Connecticut.Alan Claassen is serving as interim of First Congregational Church in Bellingham, WA. He received his M.Div.from the pacific School of Religion and has served churches in Oregon and California.Amy Furth is serving as a chaplain with University of Washington Medical Center. Her membership is with theUniversity Congregational UCC.Mark Miller returns to our conference to serve as interim pastor at Congregational Church on Mercer Island(UCC). His standing remains with the South Central Conference.Newly Licensed MinistersJan Shannon has been licensed to serve at Westminster UCC in Spokane. She is working with the middle schoolyouth and leading an adult class.Newly Retired ClergyCindy Bauleke retired after serving as pastor of Lummi Island UCC.Kathleen Morgan retired after serving multiple churches in our conference.Craig Rennebohm retired after serving the Mental Health Chaplaincy, an ecumenical outreach ministry ofProspect Congregational UCC.Mark Travis retired after serving as pastor of Congregational Church on Mercer Island (UCC).6
Specialized MinistersTara Barber is in transition.Tammy Bell is in transition.Mark Bonnema, a member of University Congregational UCC, is a minister of pastoral care.Ann Eidson is currently the interim at Kirkland Congregational UCC.Susan Cutshall, a member of Wayside UCC, is a hospice chaplain.Michael Denton, our conference minister, is a member of Plymouth Church, UCC, Seattle.Ben Files is in covenant with University Congregational UCC, where he is a member.Marie Fortune, in covenant with Universtiy Congregational UCC, is the founder of FaithTrust.Amy Furth is is covenant with University Congregational UCC, where she is a member.Andy Gill, a member of University Congregatonal UCC, is a chaplain at Seattle Children’s Hospital.Amy Hitchens, a member of Alki UCC, is a chaplain.Debra Jarvis is in covenant with University Congregational UCC.Beverly Jenden-Riedlinger, a member of The United Churches of Olympia, is in transition.Kizzie E. Jones, a member of Magnolia UCC, is a chaplain at Horizon House.Bill Kirlin-Hacket is in covenant with University Congregational UCC and The Interfaith Task Force onHomelessness.Jill Komura, a member of University Congregational UCC, is a chaplain.Penny Matthews, a member of Alki UCC, is a hospice chaplain.Best Plumbo, a member of Westminster Congregational UCC, is a chaplain at Sacred Heart & Holy Family.Linda Purdy, a member of All Pilgrims Christian Church, is a hospice chaplain.Rosemary Raynaud, a member of First Congregational Church in Everett, is a chaplain.Anthony Robinson, a member of Spirit of Peace UCC, is president of Congregational Leadership Network.Carol Scott-Kassner has a covenant with University Congregational UCC as a commissioned minister.Cameron Sharp, a member of Wayside UCC, is in transition.Cheryl Smith, a member of Bellingham, is a chaplain.Gary Southerton, a member of Plymouth Church, Seattle, is executive director of Plymouth HealingCommunities.Melinda Townsend is in transition.Susan Welsh, a member of Northshore UCC, is a hospice chaplain.7
Members In DiscernmentKevin Bechtold, is a gradutate of Seattle University and member of Plymouth Church, Seattle.Harold Bergmann, a member of University Congregational UCC, currently attends Pacific School of Religion.Muriel Gallo Chasanoff is a member of First Congregational Church in Bellingham. She attends the VancouverSchool of Theology.Andrew Conley-Holcum, a member of First Congregational Church in Bellingham, is attending Pacific School ofReligion.Denise Denniston, a member of All Pilgrims, Seattle, received her M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary.Susan Fairo is a member of University Congregational. She received her M.Div. from Seattle University.Christopher Hayward, a member of Veradale UCC, is commissioned at Greenacres Christian DOC, ordinationand installation dates are pending. He attended Eden Theological Seminary.Karen Hollis, is attending Seattle University. Her membership is at University Congregational UCC.Leslie Leasure is attending Pacific School of Religion. She is a member of All Pilgrim Christian Church, Seattle.Maureen McLain earned her M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion. She has been approved for ordinationpending call. Her membership is at Magnolia UCC.Leslie Moughty is attending Pacific School of Religion. She is a member at Northshore UCC in Woodinville.Lynn Nelson is licensed at Colfax UCC and is pursuing an alternative path to ordination.Nancy Polen is a member of Wayside United Church of Christ. She has been attending Eden TheologicalSeminary.Meighan Pritchard, a member of University Congregational UCC, was approved for ordination pending call, andis currently licensed to serve as Interim at Prospect UCC.Lynn Nelson is a licensed minister at Affirmational UCC-Plymouth Congregational in Colfax.Sam Rennebohm’s membership is at Prospect UCC. He has been approved for ordination pending call.Tamara Roberts, a member of University Congregational UCC, has been approved for ordination pending call.She attended Seattle University.Marci Weis, a member of Monroe UCC, is attending Seattle University.Irene Willis is a member of Shalom UCC in Richland and graduated from Boston University School of Theologyin 2013 and is working and living in Jordan.Bruce Wilson is a member of University Congregational UCC in Seattle. His M.Div. is from Garrett EvangelicalTheological Seminary in Illinois.8
Staff ReportsMike Denton, Conference MinisterI had high hopes for my sabbatical. As many of you know, I intended to focus on decision making as the topicand I was excited about it. My hope was to come out of the other end of this set aside time with a whole new setof tools that could be applied to most decisions we might make together. Need to make a financial decision? Usemethod A, of course. Need to do strategic planning? Method B is the best for you. In a conflict with your pastor?The problem is you were using method C and method D is really much, much more effective in situations like this.I had plans for conversations with a wide berth of decision makers. My pile of books was significant. My browserhad several web pages and online documents bookmarked and ready to study. I was all set.And it didn't take long to figure out that my sabbatical was going to take a turn in a direction I didn’tanticipate.Although, yes, I did learn more about methods of decision making the most important thing I learned wasthat the method doesn't matter nearly as much as the relationships between those who are the decision makers.I always knew the relationship between decision makers was important but I really didn't understand how muchmore important it was than any method or organizational structure used to reach a decision.If you'd like to see more of the pieces I studied let me know but here are a couple of the highlights. Severalof the studies pointed towards something called the 80/20 rule that, among other things, says that we have tospend 80% of our time building relationships in order to make good and lasting decisions with 20% of our time.Anything more or less than that just doesn’t work.Some more recent studies point towards how even a perceived relationship with others can change things.Essentially, these studies have made it clear that, when trying to change someone's opinion, the facts don'tmatter nearly as much as who presents the information. If the source of contrary information is someone yousee yourself somehow affiliated with, the strength of your opinion may be reduced by 3-4%. If the source of theexact same contrary information is someone you don't see yourself affiliated with, the strength of your opinionis increa
Plymouth Church, Seattle, and on the staff of our conference from 1955-1958. Margaret will be remembered for her kind, compassionate spirit, always willing to help anyone in need. She showed leadership in organizations that supported children and women. She was passionate about
