What is the Western District Church Extension Society?

The WDCES is composed of the churches of the Western District working together to help those churches which have special needs that they alone cannot (financially) meet. In other words, “churches helping churches.”  These needs may be to the physical facility (church or parsonage), may involve strengthening current ministries, or may involve developing new ministries. 

Western District congregations are eligible to apply for grants or loans to work on physical plant or start new ministries.  For more information see the genearl WDCES brochure and/or the New Ministry Grant brochure.  Contact Steve Long regarding physical building needs or Rev. Joyce Sluss regarding new ministry funding. 

You can download the By-Laws of the WDCES here.

Thoughts from the President of the WDCES

November 2011 

Thanks are extended to everyone who attended the 2011 WDCES Annual Meeting held on October 23rd  at McMinnville Cooperative Ministries.  We especially want to thank the Co-op congregation & Paul Adams who were wonderfully welcoming as our hosts.  This was the first time we had returned for the Annual Meeting in several years.

It’s always a good opportunity at the Annual Meeting for getting together to renew acquaintances, share experiences with other Society members, & celebrate our common work in District ministry. This was a time to worship, review the past year, elect Board members, enjoy a wonderful catered meal from Harvest Fresh Market.  We also heard our featured speakers, Paul Adams & A2B Kate Conolly, who shared a dialogue reflection on “Building Healthy/Vital Congregations.”      

We began with brief introductions followed by Rev. Anne Weld-Martin leading us in a worship experience.  We reviewed our excellent financial status, including the transition of Treasurers that will be underway.  We also received reports on projects that took place during the past year including: Astoria First  (Media Presentation by the Congregation), Stayton (Rev. Lura Kidner-Miesen),  & The Partnering with God/Reggie McNeal Event.  

A presentation by the President encouraged our Member Churches to fully participate with WDCES  as ministry partners for the creation of healthy/vital congregations.  The Society offers information on a variety of financial & consultation supports which are downloadable through our Webpage.

The Western District Hispanic Ministries Council was approved for the final year of the three year grant commitment currently underway.

The Society elected the three Directors for the class of 2014:  Rev. Gary Langenwalter (Dundee/McCabe UMCs); Bill Wood (McMinnville Cooperative Ministries) & Rev. Anne Weld-Martin (Mountain Home UMC.)  We also expressed our appreciation for two outgoing Directors, who have served us with distinction during their terms:  John Heilbronner (Stayton UMC; Building Projects Manager) & Ed Luckman (Tillamook & Portland 1st UMCs, Treasurer & Past-President). Thanks to both for their incredible contributions to the Society during a period of both ministry & financial expansion.

We also adopted an updated version of our By-Laws, reflecting new responsibilities & procedures for being good stewards of our ministry.

Following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, the Board met in Executive Session to elect these officers:  Rev. Rand D. Sargent, President; Preston Henry, Vice-President; Marilyn Carr, Secretary; & Bill Wood, Treasurer.   The Board set the date of our next meeting for Monday, January 16th @ McMinnville Cooperative Minstries from 9AM to Noon.  Anyone is welcome to attend our Meetings.

By Grace Alone,

Rev. Rand D. Sargent                            

WDCES President

WDCES Application Forms

Physical Plant Grant-Loan Application, Word doc

Physical Plant Grant-Loan Application, .pdf format

New Ministry Grant Application Word doc

New Ministry Grant Application pdf format

WDCES Contacts

Steve Long, Project Manager for Physical Plant applications

Rev. Joyce Sluss, Project Manager for New Ministry applications

Rev. Rand Sargent, President, WDCES Board

Preston Henry, Vice-President, WDCES Board,

Bill Wood, Treasurer

Marilyn Carr, Secretary

Gary Langenwalter, WDCES Board Member

Anne Weld-Martin, WDCES Board Member

Paul Adams, WDCES Board Member

Frequently Asked Questions 

Where does the WDCES obtain their funding?

We are funded through an “asking” requested of all Western District Churches through the Conference Treasurer’s office, and through investment interest and dividends. In addition, we invite individuals throughout the district to join our $50 Club.

Who Belongs to WDCES?

Membership consists of the Bishop, Western District Assistant to the Bishop, District Lay Leader, all pastors serving in the District, and the lay leader plus one additional lay member from each congregation. The role of both the pastor and lay members of each congregation is to act as a liaison between the Western District Extension Society and the local church, to be knowledgeable about sources and type of support available, and to attend the annual meeting of the society which is held each Fall.

You can read the minutes of the last Annual Meeting, October 23, 2011, here.

Who serves on the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors are elected by the society membership at the annual meeting, typically in October. Each director serves a three year term and may be re-elected. Directors are nominated by the board with consideration given to maintaining a balance between clergy and laity.