Rev. Lowell Greathouse, Mission and Ministry Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference has announced his intention to retire at the end of the conference year, effective June 30, 2019. Greathouse has served in this role full-time since 2015. He has been a member of the cabinet since 2010 and was previously the Columbia District Superintendent. 

In his 30-plus years of ministry service, Greathouse also served in appointments to Filer, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Portland First United Methodist Churches, as well as to Catholic Charities of San Francisco, Community Action in Washington County, and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
 
Reflecting on his diverse ministry experiences, Greathouse said, “It has been a gift be able to serve the church in a variety of ways and find opportunities to connect the work of the church with the life of the community, especially around the pressing issues of our time. There is so much work still to be done, and people of faith have an important role to play. Over the years, I have learned that our connectional system creates helpful ways for us to collectively make a positive difference in the world.”
 
 “Lowell’s rich and varied career has given him a breadth of life experience, and a depth of spirituality that is rare.  Working alongside him, we have seen his measured approach to problems, the respect he brings to every person and every relationship, and his abiding confidence that God is at work in each situation and every moment,” offered Elaine Stanovsky, bishop of the Greater Northwest Area.  “The Oregon-Idaho Conference has been blessed by his wise and generous leadership.  We are eager to see what adventures lie ahead for him in retirement.” 
 
Greathouse will be among the retiring clergy celebrated at the 2019 Annual Conference Session in June.