News

 The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has released a request for grant applications from community and faith-based organizations that are partnering – or are willing to partner with – marginalized communities within Oregon to help the OHA reach its strategic goal to eliminate health inequities by 2030. Specifically, OHA names the need for community-based and faith-based organizations who will work with: communities of color, tribal communities, disability communities, immigrant and refugee ...

Physical distancing and days filled with zoom calls and/or virtual school have given way to more and more in person gatherings, but for many something still seems to be missing.  As many businesses reopen and activities resume, there is a common longing among our communities for true connection.  The sacred spaces of our camp and retreat ministry sites are a powerful space to connect with others, the natural world, and God.  Are you and your ...

Camp Latgawa is nestled in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Southern Oregon, surrounded by magnificent mountains, towering trees and two year-round creeks. This natural environment offers a spirit of healing and calm. You are invited to make the journey to Camp Latgawa and experience the wonder of God in Creation. You can walk the labyrinth, wade in the pool, slide down the natural waterfall (a short walk from camp), sit in the shade, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you....

Since 1957 Valley United Methodist Church in Veneta, Oregon has been a beacon of light and hope for the community.  The Church was founded to welcome all without judgment for study and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and reach out to human need.   The Church founded the Fern Ridge Community Dinner to serve a hot meal every Sunday evening to anyone who needs a meal and the Community Warm Shelter to shelter those in need, during an emergency or freezing weather.   Pastor Rev. Deena Wolfe ...

For Rev. Julia “Jules” Nielsen she sees her gift as a deacon in ministry to be an interpreter of the church language. She said she always knew her leadership qualities would be most effective as a deacon where she could “shake the sandbox” when she sees a need for systemic change. Being a deacon, rather than an elder she said, allows her to “focus on people outside of the church and on the margins.” A deacon in the United Methodist church goes through the same or similar seminary education and ...

Judy Halverson and Debbie Mallis participated in the Boise Crop Walk during the pandemic/Photo provided by Debbie Mallis   Judy Halverson, a member of Hillview United Methodist Church in Boise has coordinated Hunger Crop Walks since 1987. In October of 2020, faced with the COVID-19 pandemic concerns, and realizing the growing strain on food pantries, she needed to reimagine the annual event to be safe for all participants.   What is a Hunger Crop Walk? Church World Service, an ...

  Appointments for the OREGON-IDAHO ANNUAL CONFERENCE effective July 1, 2020 Elaine Stanovsky, Presiding Bishop The Greater Northwest Area, The United Methodist Church   CONFERENCE RELATIONSHIP CODES:   AM--Associate Member DC--Deaconess DM--Diaconal Minister DR--Retired Diaconal Minister FD--Deacon in Full Connection FE--Elder in Full Connection FL--Full-time Local Pastor LM--Certified Lay Minister OA--Associate Member, Other Conference OE--Elder Member of Other Annual Conference or Other ...

By Sally Blanchard Being a houseless youth is dangerous. For the approximately 500 without stable housing in Eugene/Springfield, it can mean long days with exposure to the streets that come with hunger, drug use, fear of assault and sexual assault.  Some feel the need to carry and sleep with a weapon like a knife or machete to protect themselves. Though young in years, they make adult decisions every day about how to survive. Day shelters around town and the public library used to offer relief...

  Newman United Methodist Church in Grants Pass, Oregon, took another step in their journey to be a welcoming and inclusive congregation to LGBTQ+ people. The Church council at NUMC was in unanimous agreement after General Conference 2019 that the church needed to be clear in its welcome to all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Beginning Feb. 4, 2020 Newman UMC began flying a rainbow pride flag from its main entrance. There was concern among some church members ...

Already in her work as the Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop, Laurie Day has learned what “other duties as assigned” really means in her job description. In just her second week in the office, Day found herself putting garbage bags over her legs and wading into a plumbing and sewer situation that temporarily shut down the office. “When you jump in with both feet you never know what you’re going to get into,” Day said with a laugh. “I appreciate the great team of ...