July 20, 2012

Bishop Hagiya Gathers with Oregon-Idaho Delegation and New Area
As the jurisdictional conference winds toward a close, each episcopal area gathered for dinner with their new bishop. Bishop Grant Hagiya and his wife Jan took time to introduce themselves to the Oregon-Idaho delegates and visitors gathered for dinner. The delegations from Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska Conferences offered signs and gifts of welcome to the bishop.

Here are some useful links for following Jurisdictional Conference:

• Bishop Mary Ann Swenson’s sermon “Bringing Justice to Victory” given at the 2012 Memorial and Communion service

• The episcopal address from the College of Bishops, given July 19 by Bishop Minerva Carcaño:

• See news and photos of Jurisdictional Conference on the jurisdictional facebook page at www.facebook.com/wjumc.

Western Jurisdiction Conference Looks at Issues of Immigrant Hospitality
As part of celebrating the theme of “Extending Extravagant Hospitality”, the Western Jurisdictional Conference set on its agenda to recognize the plight of immigrant brothers and sisters during Thursday’s plenary session. Stories of the Mexican/immigrant experience, especially from the San Diego area, were shared. The difficult journey to “the Other Side” (United States) was told through the arts, family stories, and through stories of a complicated and conflicted immigration system. Listening to these testimonies reinforced the need to recognize immigrant people as members of our community who the Western Jurisdiction is determined to serve. Read more on the Pacific Northwest Conference website.