PNWC Leadership Summit - Conference Booklet by Pacific Northwest Conference

Leadership Summit 2021 June 10-11th

THURSDAY, JUNE 10th 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:30pm 5:00pm 7:00pm

Registration Open Opening Session Business Session Dinner Ordination Service

FRIDAY, JUNE 11th 8:30pm Opening Session 9:35pm Final Session 12:30pm Conference Ends

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Ministry Tables

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

BUSINESS SESSION

2021 Local Church Lay Delegates

Welcome to our new...

2021

Conference Ministerial Candidates (CMC)

ALICIA BATE Alicia is passionate about all things “Creative” inside the church, creating an

atmosphere for the Spirit to move through visuals and music. She loves theology, music, songwriting, leading worship and participates in the preaching team. In 2019, Alicia moved to Sydney, AU where she attended Hillsong College and got a Cert. in Songwriting and Church Leadership. There, she met her Australian husband, Josh. They together moved to Longview, WA where they now lead the Creative Team at Exodus Church and love serving alongside each other.

Alicia Bate

ANDY BRIONES

I am married with two children and we all serve the Lord with great love. I have been congregating in the Church Las Americas for 14 years. Our vision is to be a multicultural, biblical, and healthy community of a Holy People…. That reproduces disciples, leaders, groups, and churches. I am part of the church leadership and a member of the worship team. I really like serving in the church and witnessing to new people what God has done in my life and transmitting to them that there is hope and a new birth in Jesus Christ.

LAURA BRIONES

I am married, and we have two children, and we all serve God together. 13 years ago, I received Jesus Christ into my life and since then I have served God faithfully. God transformed my life, restored my marriage, and we have received healing and deliverance. One of my greatest passions is witnessing for Christ and serving people. I am part of the leadership in the Church Las Americas. And our mission is to contact, integrate, train, and appoint people for the service of God. I feel happy and grateful to God for being part of this ministry.

NIKKI ROSSITER

I’m Nikki Rossiter and my husband Scott and I have been married for over 30 years. We have been blessed with three children and a calling to serve others in ministry. We spent 20 years working in Christian Camping ministry and now the Lord is calling us to launch a ministry to reach people for Him, to disciple and equip them to disciple and equip others, and to bring His family together in healing and restoration.

SCOTT ROSSITER

Married for over 30 years, Nikki and I are blessed with three children now in their 20’s. I am currently at CrossView Church and have also served at Hillcrest CF and Arlington FM. During more than 20 years in Christian Camping ministries, I also served in local churches as an Associate Pastor and Elder, led Small Group ministries, taught adult and family Sunday schools, and provided Sunday messages in the Pastor’s absence. I love to see people discover their place in God’s kingdom as they step deeper into following Jesus as a disciple.

BRANDON LABONTE Helping people, encouraging reconciliation, and connecting people to

the local Church under crisis has been Brandon’s mission since becoming the Exec Director of Serve Moses Lake. Formerly a firefighter for 13 years, crisis response is familiar territory. With a degree in Leadership and Ministry from Multnomah Univ., Brandon’s ambition is to inspire growth from an individual disposition as well as an organizational framework. Encouraging, strategizing, and challenging people to see themselves in the eyes of Christ is what motivates Brandon.

Welcome to our new...

2021

Conference Ministerial Candidates (CMC)

hasBATE been married Replace to with Scott text(Lead Pastor of Exodus Church) for ALICIA NIKKI HEMBERRY Nikki Hemberry

25 years. They have 4 girls, ages 19-24 years old. In the last year, they have welcomed 2 sons-inlaw, and 1 beautiful granddaughter. Nikki is the Director of the Early Learning Center Ministry (Smart Start ELC) located in Exodus Church for the last 12 years. Smart Start ELC was just voted one of the three top private schools in Cowlitz County for 2021. Nikki is also passionate about teaching women tools, through the Genesis Process, to help them experience God’s healing in their life. thankful to be the mother of 4 amazing kids between the ages ANDY BRIONES CAMILLE POOK I am incredibly

of 14–21, and the wife to Jonathan for 27 adventurous years. Ever since I was an SPU student, God has given me passion and opportunities to serve people on the margins in Seattle. As FFMC Set Free Director, my focus has been on equipping and encouraging foster youth, families, and social workers so that areas of vulnerability are strengthened, and the love of Jesus is expressed. I also enjoy worship planning, coordinating community events and leading neighborhood prayer walks. in Sedro-Woolley, Washington with his wife Sussan and two sons, KIRK RUTTER Kirk Rutter livesLAURA BRIONES

Roland and Luther. Kirk currently serves as a worship and tech pastor at North Cascades Christian Fellowship in Sedro-Woolley, where he has been attending since Spring 2018. Kirk has been doing ministry in Skagit County for over a decade, and he is passionate about fostering a worshiping and loving culture within the church. He also loves preaching and teaching in the church. Kirk and his wife Sussan, both spend most of their free time playing music and reading. Guatemala to the United States in 1994 looking for a better life. IRENE SEBASTIANI moved from NIKKI ROSSITER But, I started to hang out with the wrong crowd, made some bad choices, and ended up in prison a few times. In 2012, I met Jesus in prison and my life has never been the same. Since I found the goodness of Jesus and was born again in his love and forgiveness, I’m driven by the Holy Spirit to help and share the gospel to others. I feel called to minister in Hospice, Seniors, Hospital, and prison Chaplain. I've been serving in a Free Methodist Church in Anchorage, AK for over 6 years. Deborah SCOTT Lara is aROSSITER creative communicator of the Gospel and does this most visibly by loving her husband Abraham and their six daughters. She has a long history in childcare and food service as she’s been a stay-at-home mom for two decades. She has homeschooled her kids since 2010 and taught many classes including drama, Bible & oral communication in various co-ops. She enjoys playing the piano and leading others in worship. As a CMC at Mountainview CF in Yakima, Deborah looks forward to meeting and being a blessing to many more people.

DEBORAH LARA

AMANDA HANSEN Amanda graduated from APU in 2016 with

an MDiv and has a BA in counseling. She spent several years working in higher ed. and student ministry before training as a healthcare chaplain. She currently works as a Spiritual Health Clinician/Chaplain at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Her interests include end of life support and palliative care, interfaith chaplaincy, education, grief, compassion, and moral distress. Amanda lives in Seattle with her husband, James, and their new baby, Arlo. After living out of state for a decade, Amanda is grateful to be back.

JOSEPH JAMES After serving the FMC as a pastor/church planter,

a superintendent of three conferences and a bishop in the US, Bishop Emeritus Joe and his wife Marilyn have retired to Warm Beach Senior Community to be nearer family. Joe loves to volunteer and is passionate about Umri Christian Hospital in India. He is a liaison between Bishop Gollapalli/Agape Conference in India and the FMC USA. He is honored to serve as board chair of Oakdale Christian Academy in KY. He continues to support Christian camping ministries wherever he has served.

BRIAN LUGIOYO

Rev. Dr. Brian Lugioyo is currently an elder in the FMC and the new dean of the School of Theology and Professor of Theology and Ethics at SPU. He is Cuban-American from a family of Presbyterian ministers and theologians. His wife Nicole is Dutch and lived in Holland during her youth. Together they have three children: Linden (12), Liesel (11), and Luca (8) and a golden retriever named Pax who loves the water. His research focuses on neuroscience and Christian anthropology, the role of liturgy and ethics, and the life & work of the protestant reformer, Martin Bucer.

Brian Lugioyo

MARK MILLER Mark and Risa Miller have been pastoring in the

greater Seattle area for the past 16 years. Mark has served in roles as youth pastor, connections pastor, and now lead pastor at Oasis Home Church. He has a BA in pastoral ministry and recently wrapped up his MA in Bible & Theology from Northwest University in Kirkland. Mark and Risa have two kids, a son-Judah (9), and a daughter-Joy (7). They are passionate about seeing the church thrive in the greater Seattle area and believe in the opportunities that home churches and co-vocational pastoring provide!

ABE LARA 3 things you should know about me: 1) I am thrilled to

be appointed as Co-Pastors with my wife and friend, Deborah. What does Co-Pastoring look like? We don't really know, we're making it up as we go along. But I can tell you that our church is stronger as we co-lead together. Our marriage is better as we learn to communicate in a new way. And I am a better pastor and leader having her as my equal. 2) I’m most energized when developing future pastors and leaders. 3) I like playing/winning at Fortnite (join me @abe_lara76)

WES MCGARRAH I am currently an Associate Pastor at Eastmont Community Church in East Wenatchee, WA. I have been married to my best friend for the last 11 years and we have three beautiful kids together. My passion is to build relationships with people as we study the Scriptures and walk towards Jesus together one day at a time. God has faithfully led myself and my family in pastoral ministry for the past ten years and we pray that we will recognize His faithful call and answer it for many years to come. Soli Deo gloria.

CRAIG PELISSERO Craig has served in ministry for nine years,

working primarily in discipleship, outreach, and as a Chaplain. He is married to Jennifer, who is also his ministry partner, and they have four children – Victoria (11), Eleanor (10), James (6), and Abigail (2). Being a lifelong learner, Craig loves immersing himself in education. He holds an M.Div. from Duke and is currently working on his Doctorate in Ministry at Emory. Craig currently serves at First Free Methodist in Seattle but will be transitioning to church planting this summer in the Bothell area.

SCOTT SWENSON Scott is a pastor of Toutle Christian Fellowship

in Toutle, WA. As a fourth generation Free Methodist, who grew up in rural Northeast Oregon, Scott has a passion for serving the local church in rural areas. From an early age, Scott served in leadership of the local church and in doing so found his passion for music ministry. This led him to Seattle, where he met his wife, Serena. In 2017, Scott graduated with a degree in theology and music from Seattle Pacific University and together, Scott and Serena now minister to the greater Toutle community. 21

In Loving Memory "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15

Roger Ensign

Jesus follower, pastor, bush pilot, outdoorsman, father, grandfather, husband, and brother. Roger was a man's man who left a legacy of receiving "ALL" who allowed him into their lives. He loved others as Jesus did! A disciple to the last, loving his family and others to the final hours of life. His physical suffering became chronically overwhelming and with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. his departure rang as follows, "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at last."

Wesley Nelson

Wes and his wife, Leona, served God for over 50 years in active ministry in the United States and around the world. Throughout his life, Wes was a lover of peace, a seeker of the contemplative way, a constant example of service and kindness. He influenced all those he encountered without needing to say a word. And when he did speak, he spoke from a depth of wisdom and learning that helped many in their own spiritual journeys. He and his great smile will surely be missed.

Dallas "Ike" Timm 22

Ike was a Free Methodist Pastor for 45 years and most recently served as the Chaplain of Warm Beach Senior Community until July of 2020. He was dearly loved by his family, friends, and a large community of people who were touched by his ministry around the world. He was an adventurous traveler throughout his life, traveling to Europe twice, and serving on mission trips to The Philippines, Chile, Uganda, Kenya, and Colombia, where he joyfully served and shared the love of Jesus to communities in need.

2021 PNWC Board of Administration (BOA) Ballot

SAMPLE BALLOT - NOT FOR VOTING

Nominated by the PNWC Nominating Committee

PNWC Board of Administration (BOA) The BOA serves as the primary leadership board for the conference and acts on behalf of the Annual Conference between conference sittings. They work closely with the Superintendent and Conference Office staff to implement vision and manage resources and property. Qualities of effective BOA members: 1. People of Biblical knowledge and prayer 2. People with financial, business and institutional board expertise 3. People with gifts of faith, wisdom, knowledge and administration 4. Local church leadership experience and demonstrated ability to deal with complex situations There is one open position for a lay representative. Please vote for ONE. If you choose to write in a candidate, please choose a like candidate. (i.e., clergy for clergy, lay for lay). Terms for all positions are for three years and expire in 2024. JANET RICHARDS (Lay)

Janet Richards, her husband (Colin Richards), and their children (Janeen, Jason and Jada) moved to the Seattle Eastside area in 2009 due to a job transfer. Colin and Janet met in 1991 at a church convention in Orlando, FL. They were married in 1994. Janet is active in social service as the Co-Chair of the Seattle Children’s Family Advisory Council, Redmond Human Services Commissioner, and community advocate with Right To Breathe. Finding a home in Rainer Avenue Church has been a tremendous blessing, experiencing healing from their fundamentalist past. Their family enjoys participating in different aspects of church life with a healthy new attitude of gratitude—instead of one of only duty and obligation.

2021 PNWC MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE (MAC) Ballot

SAMPLE BALLOT - NOT FOR VOTING

Nominated by the PNWC Nominating Committee

PNWC Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC) The MAC deals with pastoral appointments in local churches, church health, and other issues related to the strength and vitality of PNWC congregations. Qualities of effective MAC members: 1. People of Biblical knowledge and prayer 2. People with gifts of faith, wisdom, knowledge and administration 3. Human Resource or related experience 4. Knowledge of PNWC congregations 5. Local church leadership experience and demonstrated ability to deal with complex situations There is one open positions for a clergy representative. Please vote for ONE. If you choose to write in a candidate, please choose a like candidate. (i.e., clergy for clergy, lay for lay). Terms for all positions are for three years and expire in 2024. DELIA NUESCH-OLVER (Clergy)

Delia Nüesch-Olver, Ph.D., has been a ministerial member of the Pacific Northwest Conference since 1998. She is a former professor of Global and Urban Mission at Seattle Pacific University and has recently retired after 12 years as Area Director for Latin America with Free Methodist World Missions. She currently serves as Ambassador for Impact Latin America. Both in the US and in Latin America, Delia has mentored many men and women in the discovering and development of their ministry gifts. Delia and her husband Paul live in Seattle and are part of Rainier Avenue Church.

2021 PNWC MINISTERIAL EDUCATION & GUIDANCE BOARD (MEG) Ballot

SAMPLE BALLOT - NOT FOR VOTING

Nominated by the PNWC Nominating Committee

PNWC Ministerial Education & Guidance Board (MEG) The MEG Board oversees the ordination process for all Conference Ministerial Candidates, recommends the transfers of pastors’ credentials into the PNWC from other Free Methodist conferences, from other denominations, and from independent churches. The MEG Board, along with the Conference Office staff, is responsible to provide guidance for the emotional, spiritual, and relational health of the PNWC pastoral team. Qualities of effective MEG Board members: 1. People of Biblical knowledge and prayer 2. People with gifts of faith, wisdom, knowledge and administration 3. Human Resource or related experience 4. Local church leadership experience and demonstrated ability to deal with complex situations There are three open positions - one lay and two clergy. Please vote for THREE. If you choose to write in a candidate, please choose a like candidate. (i.e., clergy for clergy, lay for lay). Terms for all positions are for three years and expire in 2024. EMILY FALEY (Clergy)

Emily Faley is the pastor at Cooks Hill Community Church in Centralia. She has a Bachelor’s in Theology and has worked in ministry for 10 years in various roles. In addition to ministry she enjoys outdoor activities, hanging out with her family and long walks!

LAURENCE IDOS (Lay)

Laurence Idos graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Christian Theology degree and Reconciliation Studies minor. He serves on staff at Rainier Avenue Church for the last four years in various roles and is now their Communications & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator. Before being on staff, he first served at RAC as a PNWC Intern in 2016 and later worked for the conference to manage the internship program for two years.

EMILY NORTON (Clergy)

Emily Norton is an associate pastor of Church of the Americas in Northgate. Her ministry focus is as worship director, events planner, women's ministry and coordinator for our spiritual retreat weekends called Encounters. Emily is passionate about Multicultural Ministry, seeing families restored by the power of the Gospel, and sharing her own story so that others may experience the Abundant Life that she has been given in Christ. 25

2021 PNWC NOMINATING COMMITTEE Ballot

SAMPLE BALLOT - NOT FOR VOTING

Nominated by the PNWC Board of Administration PNWC Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee is nominated by the Conference Board of Administration and generally meets once a year and determines names for possible nominations to the Ministerial Education and Guidance (MEG) Board, Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC), Board of Administration (BOA) and, when needed, General Conference delegates. Qualities of effective Nominating Committee members: 1. Biblical knowledge and practice of deep prayer 2. Understanding of the function of conference boards and committees 3. A knowledge of many people across the conference 4. Discernment of the spiritual giftedness and awareness of the skills of others There are three open positions - one lay and two clergy. Please vote for THREE. If you choose to write in a candidate, please choose a like candidate. (i.e., clergy for clergy, lay for lay). Terms for all positions are for three years and expire in 2024. DERYL DAVIS-BELL (Clergy)

Deryl has served the denomination both regionally and nationally. He has been Lead Pastor of House of Oaks Ministries for the past 13 years and is Board Chairman of Northwest Urban Ministries, their non-profit 501(c)3 arm. Deryl works with his wife Debra, at Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship, where she serves as Lead Pastor. Deryl is also a member of the denomination’s African Heritage Network. In the combined 23 years that he has worked at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission (SUGM), Deryl has served in numerous roles, and is currently in the process of developing and implementing a residential co-occurring disorder program at SUGM where he will serve as Program Director.

FRED SAFSTROM (Lay)

Fred Safstrom serves on the Leadership Board at RockCreek Church (formerly Marysville Free Methodist Church) where he has been a lay leader for 40 years. He served Seattle Pacific University for nine years beginning in 1997 as a Trustee and Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee. Fred was a member of the PNWC Superintendent Selection Committee in 2019. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer for Housing Hope, a Snohomish County not-for-profit, low-income housing developer and services provider. He has previously served as the President of Cascade Bank and Executive Director of the Everett Public Facilities District.

RITA NUSSLI (Clergy)

RITA

NUSSLI

Rita has a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington as well as continuing theological education through Fuller Theological Seminary. Rita provides spiritual direction and mentoring to Christian leaders and teaches at seminars, retreats and conferences. Rita is married to Ron. They have one son and 2 grandchildren.

2021 PNWC WARM BEACH CAMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ballot

SAMPLE BALLOT - NOT FOR VOTING

Nominated by the PNWC Nominating Committee

PNWC Warm Beach Camp Board of Directors This is one of our institutional boards. The nominees provide representation on the Warm Beach Camp Board of Directors on behalf of the PNWC. There are three open positions. Please vote for THREE. If you choose, you may also write in a candidate. Terms for all positions are for three years and expire in 2024. DEBRA DAVIS-BELL

Debra serves as lead pastor of Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship, as well as on the Board of Administration of the Free Methodist Church USA. Her background in social services, counseling, and crisis intervention has given her a heart to compassionately minister to hurting and broken people, and she has done significant work in developing healthy communities. Debra and her husband have three adult children.

JOE JAMES

After serving the Free Methodist Church as a pastor/church planter, a superintendent of three conferences and a bishop in the US, Joe and Marilyn have retired to Warm Beach Senior Community to be nearer family. Joe loves to volunteer and is passionate about Umri Christian Hospital in India. He is a liaison between Bishop Gollapalli/Agape Conference in India and the FMC USA. He is honored to serve as board chair of Oakdale Christian Academy in KY. He continues to support Christian camping ministries wherever he has served. Joe and Marilyn are honored to join you in serving Jesus in the Pacific Northwest Conference.

BRIAN SMELSER

Brian has served on the Warm Beach Camp Board for 6 years and is being nominated to serve a third term. He grew up coming to Warm Beach Camp and worked on staff in a variety of positions within the Horsemanship Program. He, his wife Kim, and their children attend Warm Beach Free Methodist Church and regularly walk the camp property, praying over the ministry. He is a Forensic Scientist for the Washington State Patrol. He loves the outdoors and has a tender heart for the work of God’s kingdom.

SAMPLE BALLOT - NOT FOR VOTING

2021 PNWC WARM BEACH SENIOR COMMUNITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ballot

Nominated by the PNWC Nominating Committee

PNWC Warm Beach Senior Community Board of Trustees This is one of our institutional boards. The nominees provide representation on the Warm Beach Senior Community Board of Trustees on behalf of the PNWC. There are two open position. Please vote for TWO. If you choose, you may also write in a candidate. Terms for all positions are for three years and expire in 2024. CATHY TASTAD

Cathy Tastad is the Assistant Superintendent of the Pacific Northwest Conference. Cathy is the chair of the Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, a gifted strategic leader, and so much more. Before serving the PNWC, she served as the Executive Pastor at LifePoint Church in Lake Stevens for 17 years. Cathy and her husband, Steve, live in Lake Stevens and have been married for 39 years, with two children and five adorable grandchildren.

KEN DIXON

Ken Dixon has served on the Warm Beach Senior Community Board since 2014. His past role has been treasurer and he currently serves as president of the board.

PNWC Conference of Free Methodist Church USA Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2020

PNWC Conference of Free Methodist Church USA Profit & Loss As of December 31, 2020

PNWC Conference of Free Methodist Church USA Balance Sheet As of March 31, 2021

PNWC Conference of Free Methodist Church USA Profit & Loss As of March 31, 2021

PNWC BUDGET 2021 EXPENSE BUDGET ALLOCATIONS

16%

20%

21%

41%

The 2021 budget aligns with the implementation of our 5 strategic initiatives: Groundbreaking Prayer Multiplication Incubator Ministry Labs Learning Communities Collaboration Centers 2020 EXPENSE ACTUALS

Administration & Operations $228,100

Equal Participation Strategic Initiatives Program (EPP) $293,000 FMC USA $282,480

Personnel $563,170

Administration & Operations $100,664 EPP $254,232 Strategic Initiatives $118,381 Personnel $426,596

2021 REVENUE PROJECTIONS EPS Revenue $734,500 Interest Revenue $0 Other Revenue $0

2020 REVENUE ACTUALS EPS Revenue $945,414 Interest Revenue $21,172 Other Revenue $828,742 * *sale of Conference Office

Rod Brown Rod grew up in Columbus, Montana. The summer after graduating from high school, he received farrier training in Texas. In the fall, he began attending George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon, where he went on to graduate with a degree in Christian Ministries. After his first year at George Fox College, he spent the summer as the wrangler at Clydehurst Christian Ranch in Montana. He and Kathy (Johnson) were married during Spring Break of their Sophomore year and both worked at Clydehurst Christian Ranch the following summer. He returned to George Fox and worked as youth minister at the Newberg Free Methodist Church while completing his college degree. After graduating, he was able to combine his horsemanship skills and ministry gifts by working at Warm Beach Christian Camp in Stanwood, Washington, starting their Horsemanship Program. This is where their three children, Zach, Tim, and Katy were born and raised. Over the years at Warm Beach, he took on oversight of several other departments and eventually became the Associate Director. He served at Warm Beach Camp for 30 years until he was called to pastor at the Oroville Free Methodist Church. He has been blessed to serve there for the last 15 years. In February of 2020, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that ended up as brain cancer and underwent a year of treatment which affected his decision to retire. Rod and Kathy are moving back to Stanwood in July to be near family, which includes 15 grandchildren, and many opportunities for impact. 38

Mitch Dietz

Mitch and DeLynne have been married 37 years and have three married sons and six grandchildren. They began ministry in 1985 in Harlem, Montana. After 3 years in Montana, they served three years in Beach, North Dakota. The first six years were with the Evangelical Church of North America. In 1991, they became part of the Free Methodist church and served for 6 ½ years as associate pastor at the Auburn Free Methodist Church. In 1997 they moved to Centralia, WA and served as lead pastor at Cooks Hill Comm unity Church for 23 years and retired in January after 36 years of ministry. 39

Delia Nuesch-Olver Delia Nüesch-Olver, Ph.D., has been a ministerial member of the Pacific Northwest Conference since 1998. She is a former professor of Global and Urban Mission at Seattle Pacific University and has recently retired after 12 years as Area Director for Latin America with Free Methodist World Missions. She currently serves as Ambassador for Impact Latin America. Both in the US and in Latin America, Delia has mentored many men and women in the discovering and development of their ministry gifts. Delia and her husband Paul live in Seattle and are part of Rainier Avenue Church.

Click to watch...

Watch Delia's Retirement Video Here 40

Harvey Vander Griend Harv Vander Griend got his start in youth ministry in 1980 getting involved with the youth group at his church. In time he began leading worship and filling in for the Youth Pastor. He connected with the FMC in 1984 when he was a counselor at Warm Beach Camp / Chinook Indian Village. It was in 1985, as Dean of Chinook, that he met a particularly cute female lifeguard by the name of Mari Gerken. Their friendship began the beginning of that summer. As they continued to see each other, Harv would attend Cascade Vista FMC with Mari at her church in Renton. They were married in August of 1986. He began the ordination process and was mentored at Cascade Vista by Pastor Erle Wirth, then Pastor David Hicks, and Pastor Greg Kanehen, volunteering in worship and youth ministries, even preaching once in a while at the evening service. After graduating from Northwest University('91), Harv and Mari moved to Omak for a full-time ministry position in 1993 and served there for 6 years. Their next ministry position was from 1999-2018, at Marysville FMC in youth and worship ministries. He served alongside Pastor Victor Rodriguez, associate Greg Kanehen, and volunteer Erle Wirth. Harv felt that his life calling was youth ministry. Mari and Harv have 3 boys. Alex 29, Caleb, 24, and Isaac 22. After his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2018, he and Mari made the decision to go ahead and retire at the beginning of 2021.

Some highlights and joys in ministry -

Harv loved just hangin' out with youth, and still does. Leading the Warm Beach Youth Retreats planning team for 15 years. Being the PNWC liaison to the FM National Student Ministries Team for a number of years. Playing in the FMYC worship band in 1997. Baptizing youth from our group. Starting and running an auto ministry at Marysville FMC Leading worship weekly at church, especially on Easter Sunday. Going to India to speak at a youth conference at the request of Bishop Matt Whitehead. Mission Trips to Africa to assist the Wilsons, and to Mexico several times.; Fall Retreats at Warm Beach Camp. Playing bass for worship at Warm Beach family camp for many years. 41

Harv continues to serve his family, and volunteer at RockCreek Church, volunteering with Housing Hope, and going on work trips to Rancho Betania.

Don Williams Kathy continues to network with opportunities in Asia with Community Bible Study International in Thailand and Vietnam and with internationals who have left these two countries returning to their passport countries. My project is to work with TeachBeyond helping them with Strategic Planning for their global ministry. We have settled stateside in Bellingham, WA and plan on being in Chiang Mai, Thailand for several months each year. We’re enjoying being much closer to family including seven grandchildren. Being Nana and Pops is the best! After fourteen years with FMWM and six years with Ethno 360 (formerly New Tribes Mission), and two years with TeachBeyond, both bookending our time with FMWM, we are grateful to the Lord for twenty plus years of ministry in Asia. A big thanks to Bishop Matt Whitehead who formerly served as the PNWC Superintendent. His words of encouragement over the years, especially in the early years of transition from Associates to becoming Career Missionaries and for his and other PNWC leaders who visited us in Thailand over the years had a huge positive impact and remain highlights of our being sent out from the PNWC. Also a big thanks to Eric Spangler as the Asia Area Director for giving us the opportunities to re-define ministry opportunities a couple different times and for being generous each step of the way.

Both leaders are a huge witness and testimony to the goodness of the Lord, raising up impactful leaders for the FMC and out of the PNWC.

May your leadership summit experience remind each of you of the important role you have serving the Body of Christ. Never underestimate your timely and powerful words of encouragement and generous actions in coming alongside. Our prayers are with each you as you press on in your callings to follow Christ. What an adventure lies ahead.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

PARTNERSHIP REPORTS 43

PNWC MINISTRY PARTNERSHIPS links to all ministry partners can be found here: https://www.pnwc.org/leadershipsummitresources-2021

The Free Methodist Foundation Financial Services is here to help you with your financial goals. Provides Christ-centered environments, experiences, and resources that draw people to God through camping ministries, conferences, and events. Warm Beach Senior Community provides quality housing and supportive services in a serene, natural setting. To preserve FM heritage and transmit it faithfully to each generation in order to assist the FMC in fulfilling its mission. A grass-roots, volunteer-led group of people dedicated to loving our neighbors who are poor and homeless on the streets of Seattle. A Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. A Christ-centered academic and boarding school serving boys and girls in grades 7-12 with a 12-acre campus located eight miles from Jackson, KY. 44

PNWC MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIPS links to all ministry partners can be found here: https://www.pnwc.org/leadershipsummitresources-2021

Free Methodist World Missions makes disciples by mobilizing the global church and empowering international leaders to establish transformational churches. Mobilizing servant partners for life-changing, uncontainable hope in Asia.

Eric & Virginia Spangler - Asia Area Director Impact Latin America mobilizes resources to equip Latin American leaders to multiply disciples, leaders and churches to participate in God’s transformation of people and communities. FMWM Latin America: Spreading and Growing the Church in Latin America.

Together we can protect the vulnerable — fighting trafficking one neighborhood at a time.

Impact Middle East empowers national leaders to proclaim the grace and truth of Jesus and plant reproducing house churches among the underserved. 45

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

RESOURCES

Warm Beach Camp Ministries Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center | Black Diamond Camp | Rainier Camp

May 31, 2021 Thank You… Here are some ways we want to say “thank you” to the appointed pastors of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church: For you and your immediate family: 1.

Free personal retreats for you and your family any time that we have space available and any of our three camps, Warm Beach Camp, Black Diamond Camp, and Rainier Camp. In addition, if we are serving meals during your stay, you may purchase meals at the staff rate. 2. ½ price for you and your immediate family at the following camps/retreats: a. Warm Beach Camp: Oasis Family Camp b. Black Diamond Camp: Day Camp, Group Summer Youth Camp

For you and your church: 1.

Free leadership retreat of one night and three meals provided at no expense to you and your staff or board/leadership team (one per year). 2. 20% off standard rates when bringing your own group to any of our three camps. This applies to any available lodging and time frame. Restrictions may apply. 3. Kids 2 Camp Scholarship Program: Matching scholarships to help kids come to camp: a. Available when you schedule your own event at one of our three locations. b. Available for Group Summer Youth Camp at Black Diamond Camp, if you want to bring a group to youth camp but don’t want to do all the programming. c. Call our Registration Department to make arrangements and find out more about the matching scholarship program.

Thank you for a life of ministry and service. Thank you for the ministry of the church you are serving at. We offer these gifts to bless and encourage you because we want to support you and your ministry. If you have any questions, contact our Guest Service staff at 800-228-6724 or guestservice@warmbeach.com. God Bless. In Christ’s Service,

Ed McDowell Executive Director Warm Beach Camp Ministries

20800 Marine Dr.  Stanwood, WA 98292  www.warmbeach.com 360.652.7575  800.228.6724

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PASTOR'S WALLS CHILDREN SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP The Paul T. & Vera E. Walls The Pacific Northwest Conference Pastors' Children Scholarship Endowment has been funded to assist FM Pastors with the tuition for their children's higher education. This is a $500 per semester scholarship that is available to the children of ordained elders who are appointed in the Pacific Northwest Conference. The student is required to attend an eligible college. See the online application for more information and to apply for the scholarship:

https://pnwc.formstack.com/forms/p astor_s_children_scholarship_app 48

Foundation was the dream of Paul Walls, a dedicated layperson in the Free Methodist Church. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist with the completion of an MDiv. Recipients of Foundation grants are expected to serve in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church in some ministerial capacity for a minimum of five years following completion of theological studies. For more information and to apply online, click here: https://pnwc.formstack.com/forms/w alls_scholarship

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PNWC PASTORS CHANGE OF STATUS first-time pastoral appointment church or conference transfer discontinued appointment retirement leave of absence housing and/or salary change address changes marital status changes

If you have had any of the above changes, we need you to complete a change of status form. https://freemethodist.wufoo.com/ forms/change-of-status/

PENSION If you are ordained and appointed to a local church AND receiving any sort of compensation, you are required to be enrolled in the denominational pension plan.

LTD/LIFE INSURANCE

If you are ordained and appointed to a local church AND working 40 hours per week, you are required to be enrolled in the PNWC long-term disability and life insurance plan.

Please contact Assistant Supt Cathy Tastad at the Conference Office for assistance. 49

206.281.5003 OR cathy.tastad@pnwc.org

Clergy Housing Allowance The clergy housing allowance is an important tax benefit available under the Internal Revenue Code Section 107 to ministers who own or rent their homes. It is important to note that the benefit cannot be retroactive and must be approved by the local church board before the benefit can take effect. In order to qualify for the clergy housing allowance, you must meet the IRS guidelines. The clergy housing allowance includes housing-related expenses and should include the cost of maintaining a home including mortgage payments, taxes, repairs, insurance, furnishings, utilities, etc. The church must designate the value of the clergy housing allowance in advance. There are three common types of clergy housing allowance: Parsonage allowances: Ministers who live in a church-provided parsonage do not pay federal income taxes on the amount of their compensation that their employing church designates in advance as a parsonage allowance. Housing allowances (minister rents a home or apartment): Ministers who rent a home or apartment do not pay federal income taxes on the amount of their compensation that their employing church designates in advance as a housing allowance. Housing allowances (minister owns the home): Ministers who own their home do not pay federal income taxes on the amount of their compensation that their employing church designates in advance as a housing allowance. Housing-related expenses include mortgage payments, utilities, repairs, furnishings, insurance, property taxes, additions, and maintenance. For federal income tax purposes, the clergy housing allowance is limited to the lesser of: The amount designated by the church; The amount actually spent on housing for the year by the minister, or; The fair rental value of a house, furnished, plus utilities such as gas, electricity, oil, telephone and water. A minister cannot exclude more than the church designates. Any amount a minister spends on housing that exceeds what the church designates must be reported as taxable income. If audited by the IRS, it is the responsibility of the minister to document actual housing expenses. A minister must pay Social Security/Medicare taxes on the dollar amount designated as clergy housing allowance. Important for church boards regarding the housing allowance: For ministers that own/rent their home, it is required that you include each pastor's housing allowance in your board's minutes for tax/audit purposes. It is important to note that the housing allowances must be approved by the local church board in advance of providing this benefit. We also recommend that you use the following perpetuity clause when approving the housing allowances each year in the event that the board does not approve the housing allowance before January 1 of the following year: 50 designation of $15,000 as a housing allowance shall apply to calendar year 2020 and all Example: The future years unless otherwise provided.

Church Health Report

We are asking all our PNWC churches to fill this form out monthly (or quarterly, if you notify us).

Church Health Report Form

CLICK ONE FOR TUTORIAL Facebook Numbers 51

Engagement Tips

YouTube Numbers

To download a fillable PDF: click here

Rev. 4-22-2021

Plan

Purpose

Plan

Review

The purpose of the FMCUSA Defined Benefit Pension Plan is to support the Free Methodist Church — USA by providing retirement and death benefits that will enhance the lives of ministers and church employees in recognition of their years of service, and their beneficiaries. The FMCUSA Defined Benefit Pension Plan began in January 1981 for the purpose of providing a beneficial and collective benefit to church-related workers and their beneficiaries. It is a community plan that enables individual participants and their beneficiaries to have a stable income upon retirement and in many cases continue to serve the Free Methodist Church — USA in their later years. This document is intended to help church leaders and all plan participants to understand the process that is followed to assure that your retirement benefits are being well cared for. The plan is reviewed thoroughly, and intentional steps are taken to add value for all participants including the use of the following: • • • • •

Actuaries are utilized to verify the plan is on a reasonable funding path. Legal experts are consulted to certify the plan is in alignment with regulatory requirements. Investment advisors are consulted to ensure the funds are managed effectively. Auditors review the financial practices to assure that the plan adheres to the highest accounting standards. Administrative support for compliance and overall functions of the plan.

Through this plan a substantial and meaningful value is provided to those who serve the Free Methodist Church— USA. The FMCUSA Board of Administration, the Benefits Committee and Free Methodist Foundation (FMF) are committed to enhancing the lives of our church pastors and employees, wise stewardship and to maintaining a healthy pension plan. Assistance pertaining to the plan may be gained through the World Ministries Center (WMC) Human Resources Department of the FMCUSA at 800.342.5531, email hrdept@fmcusa.org, or our website https://hr.fmcusa.org. 54

Plan

Description

The following description details how benefits are calculated, funded, earned, and paid out through the plan. The rest of this document explains how the plan’s actuarial, legal, investment, administrative, and audit functions work together to safeguard the value of these benefits.

Benefit Formula - Vested participants are offered a monthly benefit that will continue to pay through their lifetime for as long as the plan is in place. The monthly benefit paid to participants is based on a predetermined (defined) formula that takes into consideration years of service and average monthly compensation. This formula is 1.5% x lifetime average salary x years of credited service (when contributions are paid into the plan). Funding - The FMCUSA Defined Benefit Pension Plan is a community plan where collectively each church or organization pays into the plan on behalf of the employee. There are no personal contributions, only employer funds. Churches and organizations are currently assessed a 13.5% contribution based on a participant’s compensation, including housing for appointed and ordained pastors. No rollovers or transfers are allowed from other pension plan accounts. Each local church or organization has a monthly automatic withdrawal for the level of the pension contribution required for their employee(s). There are no minimum contributions set. Since the plan started in 1981, the following has been charged for pension contributions: • • • • •

January 1, 1981-December 31, 2003 January 1, 2004-December 31, 2004 January 1, 2005-December 31, 2005 January 1, 2006-December 31, 2017 January 1, 2018-Present

8.5% 9.5% 10.0% 10.5% 13.5%

The FMCUSA Board of Administration and Benefits Committee are committed to evaluating a reduction in the contribution rate per active participant once the plan is believed to be adequately funded. As of January 1, 2021, the plan is funded at approximately 89% and is ahead of the actuary’s original projected timing of reaching 100% when the contribution rate was adjusted in 2018. 55

Plan

Description Continued

Enrollees - Each appointed and ordained pastor, along with conference ministerial candidates that serve as lead pastors who receive compensation/housing, conference offices, WMC, and FMF employees are required to be enrolled in the plan. Others who may enroll voluntarily include VISA employees, local church and organization staff inlcuding conference ministerial candidates, and licensed pastors (with board approval), and ordained FM pastors released for service outside the denomination. Throughout the time of employment, all participants are responsible for ensuring changes in annual compensation are updated accordingly. Vesting Years - This is service, based on full 12-month periods beginning with the employee’s date of hire, while the employee remains active. A vested benefit is the portion of an accrued benefit to which a participant has a non-forfeitable right. If a participant terminates employment and is rehired within five years, their prior vesting and credited service years will continue to accrue. If a person is rehired after five years have passed, they will start over with a new vesting schedule. The previous vested portion of their accrued benefit remains, if they met the minimum vesting percentage to entitle them to a benefit. Vesting for the Defined Benefit Plan is based on the following schedule: Years of Credited Service

Vested Percent of Accrued Benefit

Less than 5 years of vested service 5 years, but less than 6 years of vested service 6 years, but less than 7 years of vested service 7 years, but less than 8 years of vested service 8 years, but less than 9 years of vested service 9 years, but less than 10 years of vested service 10 or more completed years of vested service

0% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Early Retirement Age - Early retirement benefits can begin as early as the first day of the month following the participant’s 62nd birthday, if the participant has completed ten years of vested service. If one retires early, they may not continue to be employed by the Free Methodist Church until they have reached the plan’s normal retirement age. 56

Plan

Description Continued

Normal Retirement Age – The normal retirement date is the first day of the month following the participant’s 67th birthday. A participant may continue to be employed by the Free Methodist Church if they take their benefit on or after the normal retirement age of 67. Retirement Options – Active participants will receive an annual benefit statement that shows the accrued benefit to date and projected benefit amounts based on a life only option. Upon a participant’s request, the Human Resources Department provides benefit estimates showing all options and amounts based on whatever date is desired. Individuals may also generate estimates at Nyhart’s online portal. Contact hrdept@ fmcusa.org to access the portal. Defined Benefit Plan Options 1. Life Annuity: This option provides a monthly income for life only. A monthly benefit will be paid during the participant’s lifetime and no further benefit payments will be made after death. 2. Life Annuity With Period Certain: This option provides a monthly life income with payments guaranteed for 120 months. A monthly benefit will be paid during the participant’s lifetime, and if 120 payments have not been paid at the date of death, the remaining guaranteed payments will be paid to the designated beneficiary. 3. Joint and Survivor Annuity: •

Joint-and-one-half (50%) -to survivor income - A monthly benefit will be paid during the participant’s lifetime, and after death, an amount equal to one-half of such payment will continue to the surviving joint annuitant during his or her lifetime.

•

Joint-and-two-thirds (66 2/3%)-to survivor income - A monthly benefit will be paid during the participant’s lifetime, and after death, an amount equal to two-thirds of such payment will continue to the surviving joint annuitant during his or her lifetime.

•

Joint-and-full (100%) -to survivor income - A monthly benefit will be paid as long as either the participant or their joint annuitant survives.

A participant who has terminated employment for five or more years may withdraw their accrued benefit as a lump sum amount if it is valued less than $25,000.

Plan

Description Continued

Death Benefits Before Retirement – If a participant dies before retirement payments begin, the designated beneficiary will have two options: 1. A monthly benefit beginning at the participant’s earliest retirement age, or 2. A lump-sum actuarial equivalent payment in lieu of the monthly benefit option. Death Benefits After Retirement – A $2000, lump sum death benefit will be paid to the participant’s designated beneficiaries or their estate. This is in addition to any monthly options selected. Disability Benefits – If a participant, while still employed, becomes disabled prior to their early retirement date, they may be eligible for disability benefits. Payments will equal the accrued benefit calculated as of the termination date and will be reduced to allow for the early retirement factor.

Plan

Governance

The governance structure ensures the plan is reviewed regularly and utilizes the elements of actuarial, legal, investment, administrative, and audit functions collaboratively to ensure that the plan’s stability and appropriateness are maintained.

FMCUSA Board of Administration – This board retains fiduciary responsibility for the plan which includes: 1. Establishing a Benefits Committee of the Board to assist in more direct oversight of the actuarial, legal, investment, administrative, and audit elements of the plan. 2. Setting the Investment Policies and reviewing these policies annually. 3. Retaining an Advisor to manage the investment portfolio. Benefits Committee – As an extension of fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility, the FMCUSA Board of Administration has delegated administrative responsibility for monitoring the plan’s actuarial, legal, investment, administrative, and audit elements to the Benefits Committee. Actuarial — Engage with a qualified and credentialed actuarial firm and systematically evaluate their calculations, processes, and recommendations. •

Since 2012 the Benefits Committee has had a consulting agreement with Nyhart for providing actuarial calculations. Nyhart is a nationally recognized actuarial and retirement firm who provides premier consulting services for over 300 plans including 21 church affiliated plans. The Benefits Committee works with Nick Meggos, Principal/Actuarial Consultant to conduct regular and ongoing plan assessments and valuations.

Legal — Engage with a qualified and credentialed legal expert and systematically evaluate their advice. •

Since 1997 the Benefits Committee has engaged G. Daniel Miller, an attorney and partner at Conner and Winters LLP in Washington, D.C, as the plan’s legal counsel. He is recognized nationally as an expert on denominational benefit plans and a longtime contributor to the Church Benefits Association. He also is actively engaged in policy formation and legislative work on regulatory issues involving church benefit programs.

Plan

Governance Continued

Investment — Engage with a qualified and credentialed investment firm and systematically evaluate their processes, recommendations, and performance. •

Since 1991 the Benefits Committee has engaged The Free Methodist Foundation (FMF) as the plans’ investment manager and advisor. FMF shares fiduciary responsibility with the FMCUSA Board of Administration. FMF’s highly qualified specialists and their board, with assitance from their third-party counsel Syntrinsic, provide recommendations to the investment policy, help the Benefits Committee set the target asset allocation and select/monitor a wide range of fund managers. FMF provides performance reports at least quarterly for the Benefits Committee and as needed to the FMCUSA Board of Administration. FMF’s subsidiary GuideStream Financial also provides initial financial planning consultations to all plan participants free of charge.

Administrative — Ensure the plan is in compliance and systematically maintained for all participants. •

The Human Resources Department of the FMCUSA provides the day-to-day administration of the plan which includes managing the budget, monitoring the collection of contributions, calculating all benefits utilizing Nyhart software with independent and internal controls, working with Nyhart’s actuarial staff, disbursing benefit payments, and responding to frequent calls and emails regarding the plan from individual plan participants, churches, and conference offices.

Audit — Monitor the plan for areas of risk, internal controls, financial statement amounts, and disclosures. •

Since 2002 the services of BKD have been retained. BKD is a national CPA and advisory firm which provides consulting, tax and accounting solutions to businesses, government entities and not-for-profit organizations. BKD provides assurance services by reporting on the plan’s financial accounting under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and auditing standards. The plan received a clean audit in 2020.

Plan

Investments

Investment advisors are consulted to ensure the funds are managed effectively. As the investment advisor and manager, the Free Methodist Foundation conducts a layered evaluation when implementing the investment strategy that involves ongoing collaboration with the Benefits Committee and outside input from Syntrinsic which includes social screens on many fund investments.

The specific investment strategy includes: 1. Defining the portfolio investment objective which is currently 6.75% investment return. 2. Considering the long-term capital market forecast for each of the primary asset classes and evaluating whether there are any material tactical opportunities. 3. Developing asset allocation targets including private equity, credit and real estate. 4. Diversifying globally. 5. Selecting specific managers and accessing both active and passive strategies. 6. Systematically reviewing and modifying as deemed appropriate. Each quarter every fund manager is evaluated for appropriateness. A detailed recommendation of “retain,” “monitor” or “release” is provided that empowers the Benefits Committee to be active in fund manager evaluations.

Plan

Assessment

Actuaries are utilized to verify the plan is on a reasonable funding path. There are three key factors that drive the assessment process: the benefits the plan is paying out, the level of contributions made to the plan, and investment returns.

These key factors are impacted by: • • • •

Number of active participants contributing to the plan Number of retired participants receiving benefits from the plan Rate of contribution per active participant Return on investment of accumulated pension funds

There is not a linear relationship between these assessment components and there is a significant impact in terms of compounded interest in relation to the accumulated pension funds. As part of the assessment process, data is provided to Nyhart and assumptions are formulated to calculate valuations and projections. It is important that the Free Methodist Church understands the potential impact to the plan should these assumptions prove not to be met and possible ways that the risks could potentially be assessed or mitigated. Demographic Risk – The plan’s liabilities represent the present value of the benefits expected to be paid to participants in the future. Those expected payments rely on assumptions about salary increases, when participants will separate from employment, commence payment, their form of payment, and how long they will live, as well as the overall active population growth or decline which affects contribution revenue. The assumptions are periodically reviewed by the Benefits Committee and FMF with Nyhart to ensure they are reasonable for our population. Investment Risk – Currently the plan assumes assets will return approximately 6.75% annually, net of expenses. To the extent asset returns out-perform/under-perform this expectation, the funded position of the plan will increase or decrease. Denominational Risk – Since the plan is a non-ERISA (Employment Retirement Income Security Act) church plan, the FMCUSA is not liable beyond the funds available in the plan to make benefit payments to participants. Benefits are available as long as the plan is in place.

Plan

Assessment Continued

Valuation and projections provided by Nyhart effective January 1, 2021: •

•

Currently there are 924 active participants contributing to the plan and 1,215 retired participants and beneficiaries receiving benefits. It is important for the long-term health of the plan to maintain and grow the number of active participants contributing to the plan. As of January 1, 2021, the plan was funded at approximately 89% which is similar to other church benefit plans. This funding level is impacted by the benefits paid out, the level of contributions, and investment returns. Management procedures are in place to pursue fully funding the plan at 100%. Based upon the contribution rate of 13.5% per active participant, the plan is projected to be fully funded within 10 to 15 years under the current assumptions. As noted above, investment returns, in particular, can make this objective easier or harder to reach. The FMCUSA Board of Administration and Benefits Committee will continue to be committed to evaluating a reduction in the contribution rate per active participant once the plan is believed to be adequately funded.

Plan

Summary

After careful review as outlined above, the most recent assessments and projections provided by our actuaries and ongoing evaluation by the Benefits Committee indicate the plan is on a healthy trajectory. Maintaining a healthy plan enables us to enhance the lives of those who serve the Free Methodist Church — USA, along with their beneficiaries, and provides a significant and meaningful value. With active participation in the plan by ministers and church employees, and ongoing oversight, the plan will be available and sustainable for all FM participants.

Plan Assistance

The FMCUSA Human Resources staff is here to assist you. Contact us at 800.342.5531 https://hr.fmcusa.org email: hrdept@fmcusa.org

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE

UPCOMING EVENTS 65

PNWC EVENTS 2021-2022

Pastoral Formation Courses

These courses are required for those in the ordination track as an LMC, CMC, or transfer. If you are in a leadership role in your church, or are curious about the Free Methodist Church, you are welcome to take these.

History & Polity

October 14, 21, 28, Nov 4 (4 weeks)

Wesleyan Theology

January/February/March (8 weeks) - Dates TBD

History & Polity

March/April (4 weeks) - Dates TBD

Resourcing Days

Fall In-Person Locations September 28: Warm Beach September 30: Lynnwood October 12: Shoreline October 14: Quincy October 23: Alaska October 26: Centralia October 27: Auburn

Winter Online Meeting January 13

Spring In-Person Location March 1: Snohomish

The Elements inward prayer

worship

word

WAITING

to hear how God wants us to pray for this ZIP

DISCUSSING

what individuals are sensing from the HOLY SPIRIT

PRAYING

along those lines and TRUST GOD

HOW? To cultivate corporate abiding.

ZIP PRAYER MEETINGS. Weekly we will engage in prayer online. The

engagement will be to abide together in a corporate setting for an hour. Because our focus is on prayer, we will encourage catching up at the end where individuals can hang out and swap stories, if they desire. Leaders will be sent the weekly update and the focus “Zipcode” for prayer before the meeting.

Contact Joan for the Zoom link: joan.foster@pnwc.org

2022 Holy Land Trip January 30 - February 12, 2022 WELCOME

We are so excited to share some details for our upcoming trip to Israel and Jordan next year.

Our purpose of leading this trip is to offer a unique experience of travel to the Holy Land through the lens of a Christian perspective. We will have the opportunity for daily devotions, prayer, communion at the Garden Tomb, and baptism for those who would like to be baptized in the Jordan River. We are praying that your experience on this trip will be life-changing for you!

Upon arrival in Israel we will begin our trip in Tel Aviv near the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. We will spend the majority of our trip traveling throughout Israel and journeying to places in the life of Jesus and visiting historical biblical sites. The last couple of days we will travel to Petra, Jordan and then onto Amman where we will have the opportunity to connect and pray with pastors and churches doing significant ministry to refugees.

Included in this brochure are costs, a proposed itinerary (all locations and destinations subject to change due to Covid-19 restrictions, inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances), and a list of what is included in the cost of the trip. Your place on the trip will be secured upon receipt of the Traveler Registration form and initial deposit. Registration deadline is August 1 or until the group is full.

After reading through this information, please feel free to contact Cathy or Dean with any questions.

Cathy Tastad, Tour Logistic Coordinator | 360.474.7502 | ctastad@icloud.com

Dean Kato, Tour Logistic Coordinator | 206.510.2400 | dean@kato.com

Dr. Matt Whitehead, Bishop FMCUSA, Tour Host

COST

Economy roundtrip airfare Seattle to Tel Aviv | Amman to Seattle

* $4,400 Double Occupancy; * $5,225 Single Occupancy Premium Economy roundtrip airfare Seattle to Tel Aviv | Amman to Seattle

There are very limited seats available in premium economy on a first come-first served basis.

* $5,850 Double Occupancy; * $6,650 Single Occupancy * Cost of trip based on payment by check. Additional 3.5% transaction fee will be added for use of credit card.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT DEADLINES

Initial Deposit

- Deposit due with sign up form: 50% of total trip cost per person - Final balance due by October 1, 2021 After August 1, 2021 there are no refunds available, unless a refund qualifies under your trip insurance. Credit card fee of 3.5% is non-refundable.

NEXT STEPS

If you are interested in joining us on this trip, please complete the Traveler Registration form HERE. After we receive your registration form an invoice will be sent to you. Please note, there is limited space available on this trip. Registration deadline August 1, 2021 or until the group is full.

Day 1

Day 2

JANUARY 30

JANUARY 31

Depart Seattle on Lufthansa airlines to Frankfurt

Arrive in Frankfurt for 4-hour layover before departing to Tel Aviv.

Transportation to the airport and meals are on your own.

Evening arrival at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. We’ll be met and assisted with transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

We will arrange a time and place to meet at the airport.

Day 3-5 FEBRUARY 1-3

Depart Tel Aviv after breakfast at the hotel. We will drive from Tel Aviv to Tiberias.

Sites to visit while in Tiberias:

Caesarea Maritima

Mount Carmel

Tel Megiddo

Arbel Lookout

Nazareth - Holy Family Church

Mt. Precipice

Yardenit Baptismal Site on the Jordan River

Sea of Galilee - Wooden boat ride Magdala Village along the Sea of Galilee

Canaan

Mount of Beatitude

Tabgha

Capernaum

Breakfast & dinners served buffet style at the hotel. Lodging is at the Caesar Hotel in Tiberias. 70

Airport meals are on your own. We will remain at the airport.

Breakfast & dinners served buffet style at the hotel. Lodging is at the Grand Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv.

Day 6-9 February 4-7

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel from Tiberias to Jerusalem.

Sites to visit while in Jerusalem:

Bet Shemesh

Megiddo

Bethlehem - Church of Nativity

Mt. of Olives

Garden of Gethsemane

Communion at the Garden Tomb

Temple Mount

Western Wall

Old City of David

Masada

Kalia Beach - opportunity to float in the Dead Sea

Mt Temptation

Optional: Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum and the Davidson Centre which takes us to the original Temple Steps and then walk the Drainage Tunnel to Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Breakfast & dinners served buffet style at the hotel. Lodging is at the Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 10-11

Day 12-14

FEBRUARY 8-9

FEBRUARY 10-12

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel from Israel to Petra, Jordan across the Allenby bridge.

After breakfast at the hotel in Petra we will travel to Amman.

Sites to visit while in Petra:

Mt. Nebo

Meet with local pastors/churches in Amman.

UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rose City of Petra

Petra by Night evening candlelit walk to the Treasury gate

Sites to visit:

Leave the hotel in Amman early in the morning of February 12 to board our flight back home to Seattle

Breakfast & dinners served buffet style at the hotel. Lodging is at the Petra Guest House.

Depart Amman to Frankfurt on Lufthansa airlines for 4-hour layover before departing Frankfurt to Seattle

Breakfast & dinners served buffet style at the hotel.

Lodging is at the Olive Tree Hotel in Amman.

Meals at the airport and transportation from the airport in Seattle are on your own.

All locations and destinations subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances

INCLUDED IN COST OF TRIP PACKAGE:

Round-trip economy airfare Seattle, WA - Tel-Aviv, Israel | Amman, Jordan - Seattle, WA All airport transfers and border assistance for arrival and departure in Israel and Jordan 4-star hotel accommodations Buffet breakfast and dinner daily at hotels and 10 lunches at local restaurants Professional, English speaking Christian guides throughout our time in Jordan and Israel Deluxe bus with wifi (Israel & Jordan) Entrance fees to the sites visited as part of our itinerary (with the exception of those listed as optional) Visa fees to Jordan and exit tax from Jordan Tips in general (guides, drivers, hotels, and restaurants for included lunches) Hotel porters Exit Tax - Allenby Bridge from Israel side Limited travel health insurance - RECOMMEND purchase of additional travel health insurance and trip cancellation insurance on your own. NOT INCLUDED: Trip cancellation insurance, personal expenses, meals not mentioned, transportation costs to & from Seattle before and after trip, additional lodging nights, and optional site entrance fees. -