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Transitions announced

The Committee on Ministry has approved Kerri Berlin to serve as the lay minister at St. Paul’s UCC in Seattle/Ballard.

Melanie Childers was installed as pastor of Shalom UCC in Richland on Oct. 12.

Adina Mairin Meyer was ordained Oct. 19 by the PNCUCC at Keystone Congregational UCC and was installed to serve the church as designated pastor.

The Christine Tata is being installed Sunday, Nov. 9, at Chewelah UCC to serve as pastor of the Chewelah and Colville UCC churches.

PNW Conference Minister Phil Hodson joins more than 20 conference ministers from across the UCC to spend the week of Oct. 29 in Washington DC for a time of advocacy, witness and truth-telling under the theme, “Love Knows No Borders.” He joined others in bringing messages and stories from conference congregations and members. He is gathering stories of the impact of federal policies on members and on neighbors to share them with policymakers in Congress. He joins in a public witness and prayer service on Oct. 29 to proclaim a message of love and justice.

Carson Hawks, covenant minister of spiritual growth and healing at Magnolia UCC in Seattle since 2017, died recently. Carson was also an interfaith spiritual director with Carson Hawks LLC, which led spiritual retreats, healing services, grief groups and book studies. Carson, who earned a master of divinity degree at Pacific School of Religion, a master of education from Old Dominion University (VA) and a bachelor’s degree in physical education/recreation from the University of South Carolina, was ordained minister in the United Church of Christ in July 2022.

Group helps with bylaws

Sandy Wisecarver, conference moderator, is starting a group for small churches who want to rewrite their constitutions and bylaws that don’t fit their needs any more.

For information, email pastorsandywisecarver@gmail.com.

Preaching workshop set

The Byberg Preaching Workshop on “The Road as Church: Preaching to our Fellow Travelers” will be offered Jan. 26 to 28 in Seaside, Ore.

The leaders are ELCA Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee, Rick Steves of public television’s “Rick Steves’ Europe,” and Deacon Clare Joseph-Maier will lead the session.

For information, visit bybergpreachingworkshop.com.

Men’s Retreat is scheduled

The Pilgrim Firs Camp and Retreat Center’s annual Men’s Retreat will be held from 5 p.m. Friday to 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 and 30 and Feb. 1. There is an option of a Silent Retreat that statrts at 7 p.m., Thursday.

It’s a weekend for deepening connection, exploring faith, fellowship and fun, focusing on the experiences of men.

For information, visit pilgrim-firs.org.

NY conference plans sessions

Cindy Bauleke, Committee on Ministry Westside chair, announced that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) requirement for all PNC ministers (who do not have Exempt Standing) is being offered exclusively for PNC clergy by the New York UCC Conference (Culture and Race).

There are plans for two identical trainings offered by the NY UCC Conference on Nov.18 and Jan. 10.

For information, visit https://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=367&campCode=nss&idSession=536241 or email cindybauleke@gmail.com.

Youth retreat is Feb. 6 to 8

The Pacific Northwest Conference United Church of Christ Midwinter Youth Retreat will be held for youth in grades 6 to 12 from Friday to Sunday, Feb. 6 to 8, at Pilgrim Firs Camp and Retreat Center in Port Orchard. The retreat gathers youth for meaningful conversations, times of laughter and time in nature for reflection, renewal and connection. It’s a chance to make new friends, deepen faith and be in a welcoming community.

Registration opens in November at n-sid-sen.org/retreats-events.

Youth have role in AM 2026

Pastor Va’a Alaelua, a member of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, announced that PNC-UCC youth will have an active role in worship services for the 2025 Annual Meeting. Three youth groups will take part in the Friday evening service, presenting the Gospel in creative, artistic ways around the theme, “Come and See.” On Saturday, three other youth groups will share the Gospel through dance and celebration on the theme, “Go and Tell.”

Individual PNC youth may also participate in leading prayer, testimonies, worship, music and other ways.

“It’s an opportunity for our young people to shine, share their faith and use their gifts to inspire the conference,” Va’a said.

Interested youth groups or individuals may contact him at blessedmusic580@gmail.com.

Podcast topic is investing

Cornerstone Fund chief relationship officer, Courtney Stange-Tregear, is featured on an Oct. 10 United Church Funds “Just Investing” podcast.

They dive into what is meant by “God Math” and how it can transform churches and communities for the better.

For information, visit ucfunds.org/just-investing-podcast/.

Church holds art show

Guemes Island Community UCC makes its well-lighted main rooms available to island artists as part of their covenant to support island residents, particularly more than 50 identified artists, from children through retirees.

Samples of local artists’ works are on display at the “Guemes Island Art Initiative” website—guemesislandart.org—and click on any art piece with artist name, to see about 15 of their works, and how to contact the artists.

Their new show, “Masks” with about 70 masks from Halloween, Seasonal, Cultural, Indigenous, Religious, Personas and Decorative genres just opened.

“The aim of the show is to provoke thinking about the ‘Masking’ we do to hide, reveal and try on new personas,” said Bob Anderson, gallery coordinator, show curator and retired UCC pastor. “The language of hiding and masking is appearing more recently in news reports.”

The show runs through holiday events, which often use masks and end on Epiphany, Jan. 6, 2026. Those near Guemes Island can arrange a private showing with Bob or visit the show when the church is open 9:30 a.m. to noon Sundays or when the Gallery is open sign is in front of the church.

For information, call 360-293-3770 or email earthspiritcircle@myyahoo.com.

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