Greetings to my partners in Ministry!

It is hard to believe this snow-less winter that we are having.  But my prayer is that you are experiencing Spirit-filled days in your ministry.  Let me bring you up to date on several things around the district.  Please take careful note of all that is happening and is being planned.

Transitions—

• Pastor Barb Blanchard has announced her retirement effective at the end of February.  I've met the board in Naches and we are working toward the interim process.
• Zillah will be voting on a candidate this Sunday (January 15).
• The other open churches at this point are Chelan and Richland.  Norm Stueckle is providing interim work at Chelan as they are going through an all church assessment to prepare for their future.  Steve Elliott continues to lead Richland through their transition, and I will be meeting the board next week to start the search process.
• I will be installing Walt Wilkinson at Ephrata on January 22.

Notes—

• Jim Todd (father of Trish Millard—Pasco)  passed away last week.  Jim pastored on our district and would be known by some of you.  A memorial service will be held at the Pasco church on Saturday, January 21st, at 11a.m.  Keep the Millard’s in your prayers
• Pam Alexander is home and resting following her recent stroke.  Her eye sight is improving.  She and Ron appreciate your concern and continued prayers.

Events—

• We’ve begun our January Conversation in Moses Lake.  Robbie and I met the first group of pastors and spouses last weekend and had a great time together.  We look forward to seeing the rest of our pastors as this month unfolds.
• Our district coach, Lonnie Bullock, is coming at the end of the month and I want to make you aware of some dates and opportunities for ministry growth.  We are setting up a three stop tour and inviting the two clusters in each missional area to come together for a workshop.

Title: “Impacting Your World Through Missional Engagement"

Description:

- Sharing best practices on building bridges into your community

- Learning how to know your community

- Discovering practical models that are effective

- Interacting about what you are doing, learning and where you are stuck

Schedule:

- Tuesday, January 31st, at Spokane Bethel, 10-1:30, lunch included

- Wednesday, February 1st, at Walla Walla, 10-2, lunch included

- Thursday, February 2nd, at Yakima West Valley, 9-1, lunch to follow

Upcoming district events—

Just a reminder of some future activities:

• January 28 is the day our MITs meet with their regional teams
• January 31-Feb 2—Lonnie Bullock District tour (see note on previous page)
• February 17—Pre-assembly Finance meeting
• February 22—Ash Wednesday
• February 24-25—NYI District Main Event at Yakima West Valley
• February 29-March 3—MDB, DAB, and Nominating and Finance Committee meetings
• April 8—Easter
• April 18-21—Celebrating Generations
• May 7-9—Enrichment Days
• May 18-20—District Women’s Retreat

Encouragement—

• Grace and Peace: Let me encourage you to pick up the recent edition of “Grace and Peace,” a valuable magazine put out by our denomination.  Several of the articles are outstanding.

• Wesley Conference: NNU is hosting the annual Wesley Conference February 9-10.  This year’s theme is “A Cup of Cold Water: Christians in Compassionate Service.”  Pastor Steve Sjorgren, who has developed a philosophy of Servant Evangelism, and Jeff Carr, who is a leader in compassionate engagement, will be the featured speakers.  This event, the interaction with NNU faculty, the gathering of pastors and laity from across the region, is always a valuable experience.  I hope to see many of you there.

• Lent: You’ve just come through Advent and we are a month away from Lent.  I would encourage you to purposefully take your people on a journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter through meaningful engagement around the word, around community, and around spiritual disciplines.

• Prayer: Please know of my continual prayer for all of you.  May this new year bring joy in ministry, growth in your personal walk with Jesus, fruit as you work in the kingdom, and eyes to see where God is at work so you can join him.

Randy