It was a smoky Thursday afternoon as members made their way through the Columbia Gorge toward Skamania Lodge for the Oregon Conference Executive Committee Retreat. On the agenda: worship, fellowship, and the business of the church in Oregon Conference as the group came together for the first time since its election.

Sunnyside Symphony Conductor Travis Hatton’s sudden passing in early October has left much of the greater Portland music community grieving. An accomplished musician, a father, a mentor, and a friend, Travis’s impact on others over the years cannot be overstated.

On October 23rd, PACS held its annual fundraiser in a brand-new way––a family friendly fall event at Rossi Farms!

If you grew up like me, we played "no ones home" on Halloween night with trick-or-treaters. What better time to share GLOW than the only day in the year when people expect you to come to their homes and when they will be coming to yours?

As I reflected on the incredible amount of ministry work done by Oregon Conference pastors each week, I wanted to hear from some local church members about what they appreciated about their pastors, so I reached out and asked.

More than 150 Pathfinder teens and staff participated in a three-day canoe trip, October 7-9, beginning at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds in Astoria.

What will the church look like in 2030, only eight years from now? Who will be serving as pastors, teachers, and administrators as more of our beloved community pillars retire? What will ministry look like in this ever-changing world, and how will we, the church, reach the coming generations with the message of Jesus' love and soon return?

As the new associate youth director, Jason will be focusing primarily on engaging with youth throughout the school year. “I think youth ministry has to be relational,” he said, “and that means that we don’t just sympathize, we empathize. We have to be willing to take the time to walk alongside students as they go through the grind of life.

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Recently the Outreach Ministries team found themselves serving alongside the Sandy Seventh-day Adventist Church at their community dental clinic.

At the most recent Constituency meeting, Dr. Kara Johnsson was elected to the position of Secretary/VP for Administration. As she gets started in the new role, we caught up with her to learn more about her approach to this leadership transition.