Dear Oregon Conference Members and Stakeholders,

This past New Years Day found Pam and me driving a large U-Haul truck through a heavy, cold rain to get to our new home in Portland. The succeeding year has been a swift one. Nearing its end, we find our hearts full of praise to God and full of thanks to you, members of the Oregon Conference sisterhood of churches.

You’ve been kind to us as we have assumed our new duties. Many times you’ve welcomed us and assured us of your prayers. That has meant much to us. It has been an inspiration to watch your strong and personal support for some seventy Pentecost 2025 initiatives in our conference. You have, with energy and courage, participated in reshaped districts and reorganized services from the conference. Your engagement in public gatherings that have looked toward the future, especially area town hall meetings, has signaled your interest and commitment. You showed up for camp meeting, both with financial support and with the largest attendance in years.

Your faithful tithes and generous offerings have sustained our shared work, signaled that the mission of our church matters to you, and positioned us, in anticipation of a solid December of giving, to end the year on a positive financial note.

Your support for Christian education and our twenty-eight schools has been essential in a challenging year. Your attendance at a variety of events, all the way from various training sessions, to Pathfinder & Adventurer camporees and gatherings, to sending kids to Big Lake Youth Camp and junior high and high school students to Bible Camp, has underlined your belief in Christ’s return.

We have especially enjoyed the opportunity to engage with a wide range of churches and schools through the past year. There is a special sense of joy and wonder that comes from participating with you in a Sabbath of Bible study, worship, and service and departing with the sure and certain sense that God has been in our shared space and is blessing and nourishing in your part of His vineyard a faithful community of Christ-focused disciples.

I wish you days of inspiring worship and shared joy over this Christmas season and a blessed new year as we look forward to the Blessed Hope.

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– John McVay