Annual Conference Update: Pacific Northwest

by Vince Hart, PNW-RMN Convenor

Pacific Northwest - Reconciling Ministries Network (PNW-RMN) made a deliberate decision not to sponsor legislation at the Annual Conference Session this year. Our efforts were focused upon the annual dinner meeting we have sponsored for the past eight or more years. It has been one of the best attended special-interest dinner meetings during recent AC sessions. We request the largest separate dining area and usually fill all available seats at the tables. This year we had about 140 in attendance. In order to accommodate those interested in attending when there is not unlimited seating, for several years we have prepared and distributed a free reservation ticket. (Attendees purchase their food in the conference food service facility on site.) In earlier years we used a sign-up sheet; but the tickets have worked very well and can be distributed by RMN representatives in several locations at the same time. The program this year featured several BOLD speakers, their personal stories focused on “Why RMN work is important to me.” Attendees were given the opportunity to register with RMN and consider pledging support. In addition, the offering for PNW work, invited at each annual dinner, brought in nearly $700.

Following the dinner, attendees and RMN leaders “adjourned” to the annual Conference Ministry Fair, a festive evening of music, ice cream sundaes, and displays of many forms of ministry by congregations and various UM service groups. RMN had a display in more limited space this year, but still featured resources about and from RMN, PNW-RMN, PRN, etc. Among the materials made available were three documents focused on the biblical and the Wesleyan foundations for inclusion, based upon God’s present work and witness in the lives of LGBT persons. It was a fun evening.

Next year, our focus will be more directly upon the 2012 General Conference, with legislation, efforts to assure a supportive General Conference delegation, and continuing witness to the urgent importance of being a fully inclusive church, lest we continue to hinder God’s purposes by excluding persons whom God has called, gifted, and purposes to include in the life of The United Methodist Church (see Acts 11:17).

One additional note: PNW-RMN is in the process of seeking to become an independent nonprofit corporation in the State of Washington and fully qualifying for 501.c.3 tax-exempt status under the IRS code. The step is being taken after careful exploration of other alternatives, all of which seemed to limit the scope and effectiveness of our work.