Annual Meeting 2026
COME AND JOIN US!
March 13-14, 2026 in Seattle, WA
Jesus replied, “Come and see!” – John 1:39 CEV
The Pacific Northwest Conference Annual Meeting’s theme this year is “Come and See.” Come and See what the churches in the PNC have been up to. Come and See what the PNC youth of our conference think and want from church. Come and See what the PNC has been up to. You will not want to miss this year’s Annual Meeting! COME AND SEE!
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Our keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, the Conference Minister for the Michigan Conference. Rev. Daniel is a nationally recognized preacher, teacher and writer who cares deeply about clergy and congregations.
Originally from Anderson, South Carolina, she spent her childhood in Asia, London, and Washington, D.C., as the daughter of a UPI journalist.
She holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College, an MDiv from Yale Divinity School (honored in 2010 for “Distinction in Congregational Ministry”), and a Doctor of Ministry from Hartford Seminary.
Dr. Daniel has served as pastor in four congregations—most recently at the First Congregational Church in Dubuque, Iowa—and is now Conference Minister for the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. She has also taught preaching at Yale Divinity School, Chicago Theological Seminary, and the University of Chicago Divinity School.
An accomplished writer, she is author of Tell It Like It Is, When Spiritual But Not Religious Is Not Enough, Tired of Apologizing for a Church I Don’t Belong To, and This Odd and Wondrous Calling. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, PBS, Christian Century, HuffPost, Christianity Today, and more. She’s also an editor-at-large for Christian Century and a contributing editor for Leadership Journal.
Dr. Daniel speaks widely at prestigious venues such as the National Cathedral, Duke Chapel, the Festival of Homiletics, King’s College London, and Queen’s College, Ontario.
Click the link below to register. It is important that you reserve your spot! (Registration Deadline is February 8, 2026.) The welcome table will open at noon on Friday, March 13, 2026. The Opening Gathering will be at 1 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026 in the main ballroom. Workshops begin at 1:30 pm Friday afternoon. You won’t want to miss a moment of this unique, interactive Annual Meeting!
Annual Meeting 2026 Registration Link
Annual Meeting 2026 will be at the Doubletree Suites at Southcenter in Seattle, WA. A block of rooms has been reserved especially for our group at a special rate that includes breakfast each morning. You can reserve your room for three days before and three days after the meeting to visit the Seattle area. Click Here to reserve your room. If you have any trouble with the link or have special room requests, please ask contact Rebecca Hoffman at (206) 777-3395 or rebeccahoffman@dtseattle.com
For more information about the Doubletree Suites at Southcenter, click here.
Annual Meeting 2026 Hotel Booking Link
Some more helpful information:
Helpful Information for Annual Meeting 2026
Annual Meeting 2026 Volunteer Form
Here’s a special invitation from PNCUCC youth to PNCUCC youth to attend this year’s Annual Meeting:
To sponsor youth and help more youth attend the Annual Meeting, click here and choose “Annual Meeting Scholarships for Youth.” Any amount is greatly appreciated.
Join Us for Four Very Special Workshops!
You will have the opportunity to attend two of the four workshops offered on Friday afternoon. The first workshop opportunity is at 1:30 pm after our Opening Gathering. The second workshop opportunity is at 3:45 pm.
“Embody the Story”
How do we sense the story of Jesus saying to the disciples “Come and See” in our bodies? We’ll use gentle movement and a variety of music to explore the Scripture. This workshop is adaptable for all bodies, and includes an option to walk a canvas labyrinth.
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel is pastor of Alki United Church of Christ in West Seattle. Emily writes, teaches, preaches and leads from a foundation of embodied spirituality, expansive theology and wonder. She is trained in Nia, a holistic movement practice, and is a Veriditas-trained labyrinth facilitator. Learn more about Emily at https://emilytanislikkel.com
“Church as a Community Hub”
This workshop explores how churches can become vibrant, welcoming centers of connection, service, and hope within their communities. Participants will examine practical ways congregations can open their spaces, share resources, and build meaningful partnerships that respond to local needs. Through examples, discussion, and guided reflection, the session will highlight how churches can move beyond being places of worship alone to becoming trusted hubs for gathering, learning, care, and collaboration. What does it mean to work together as churches in the Pacific Northwest Conference and still meet the needs of the local community? What does it mean to be a covenantal church and support one another? Attendees will leave with ideas and inspiration to strengthen community relationships and expand their church’s impact in everyday life.
Rev. Warren Johnson is the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Forks. His small church has grown over the years by engaging with the community.
Rev. Gen Heywood is the pastor of the Veradale United Church of Christ in the Spokane Valley. As the recipient of hate crimes in the area, Rev. Gen and her congregation have become a voice in their community for justice and inclusiveness.
“Voices Rising: What do the Youth of Today Want for the Church of Tomorrow?”
This workshop centers the voices, hopes, and questions of young people as they imagine the future of the church. Participants will listen to youth perspectives on faith, belonging, justice, and community, exploring what truly matters to the next generation. Through conversation, reflection, and shared storytelling, the session invites adults and youth alike to consider how the church can grow, adapt, and respond with authenticity. Attendees will leave with deeper insight into youth experiences and practical ideas for creating a church that is welcoming, relevant, and shaped by the voices rising among us today.
Facilitated by Rev. Va’a Alaelua, Roselynn Savani Gatoloai and Demontrice Bigham with the PNCUCC Youth.
“Emergency Preparedness for Individuals and Congregations”
How do we prepare for disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods? What should be in your Go Bag, and what should you be storing in case you have to shelter in place for a while? Come get tips and add insights about how we can prepare our congregations to be resilient in such times.
Facilitated by Rev. Meighan Pritchard who is the pastor of Prospect UCC in Seattle and lives on Whidbey Island. She facilitates the Pacific Northwest Conference Environmental Justice Team and belongs to South Whidbey Prepares, a group organizing residents of South Whidbey for disaster response.
For information about the Annual Meeting including Resolutions, Bylaws and the Agenda, check back here regularly.