Bishop Crosses Threshold in Eugene

1/26/2017

Bishop Elaine Stanovsky spent Saturday, January 21 in Eugene, Oregon learning and connecting with people of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. This is the fifth of eight Threshold Events she is holding across the Greater Northwest Area.

Stanovsky started her day by connecting with students and Wesley Foundation Board members from the University of Oregon. She was able to hear from students about their experiences in college and with the Wesley Foundation as well as express her support for this ministry with young adults that is a critical part of keeping them connected to the church.

While in Eugene she joined with United Methodists to participate in the Women’s March, a sister march to one happening in Washington D.C. and other locations around the world. She first joined with those gathered at Wesley United Methodsit Church to make signs and prepare for the march, then she walked with other United Methodists from the region in the rain to support the values of rights for all.

During the march she took time to share a short video message about why the church belongs at demonstrations related to human rights and civil rights.Click on the image below to see her message.

Eugene’s First United Methodist Church was the site of the afternoon Threshold event. Bishop Stanovsky, District Superintendent, Rev. John Tucker, and District Lay Leader Teri Watanabe welcomed the attendees from churches across the region. Stanovsky offered opening remarks after sharing Luke 10:26-28. She spoke with the group about mission, decline, and the generations that no longer look to the church for community, honesty, a safe space, or for a place to engagement.

She shared that she has three focuses to building vital ministry in the episcopal area; start new churches, revitalize existing churches when possible, and leadership development to help support the first two activities.

When asked about her view on civil disobedience she replied, "If you don't have something that you would be arrested for, you are not a follower of Jesus Christ!"

An earlier Threshold Event was held in Portland, Oregon, in November.
Future events will be:
Sunday, February 26 – Spokane Valley UMC, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 5 – Edmonds UMC, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 – Meridian UMC, Meridian, ID, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 8 – Moses Lake UMC, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.