Hispanic/Latinx Ministries of The Pacific Northwest Conference

09/01/2026

Somos Uno en Cristo: Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx heritage, diversity, and faith
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos, Pacific Northwest Conference Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, calls congregations to mark Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) through worship, relationship-building and generosity. He urges churches to move beyond viewing Hispanic/Latinx ministry as "mission" toward shared leadership, and to practice acompañamiento—walking alongside immigrant families with safety resources, legal referrals and year-round commitment.

Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos, Pacific Northwest Conference Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, calls congregations to mark Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) through worship, relationship-building and generosity. He urges churches to move beyond viewing Hispanic/Latinx ministry as "mi...

08/29/2026

From the Border to the Pulpit | De la Frontera al Púlpito
English

Today was a wonderful and inspiring day as we gathered with Hispanic/Latinx leaders and individuals exploring God’s call to ministry in The United Methodist Church.

We were blessed with great participation and representation from several Hispanic/Latinx churches across the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. Together, we created a space to listen, learn, share stories, ask questions, and discern how God may be calling new leaders to serve our Church and our communities.

Throughout the day, participants explored important topics including listening to God’s call, our United Methodist Social Principles, scholarship opportunities, conversations with mentors, and personal discernment. We concluded our gathering with a devotional of sending, encouraging everyone to continue prayerfully discerning where God is leading them.

A very special thank you to El Dios Viviente UMC and Rev. Gerardo Guzmán for their wonderful hospitality and for preparing delicious snacks and lunch for everyone.

We are also deeply grateful for the leadership and support of Aurora Calix-Pavón, President of our Hispanic/Latinx Leadership Team; Rev. Joel Rodríguez, Rev. Zulma Tifre, Rev. Wilma Reyes, and Andi Villar. Thank you for sharing your experiences, wisdom, and commitment to developing new leaders for the Church.

Special thanks also to Lourdes Tifre for helping us at the registration table, and to Joshua Santos and Alma Santos for supporting us with photography and the tech team.

Today reminded us that God continues to call, equip, and raise up new generations of Hispanic/Latinx leaders. Our responsibility is to create spaces where that call can be heard, nurtured, and supported.

From the Border to the Pulpit — cultivating the call of immigrant pastoral leaders!

Thank you to everyone who made this beautiful day of fellowship, discernment, learning, and hope for the future of our Church possible!



Español

Hoy vivimos un día maravilloso e inspirador al reunirnos con líderes Hispanos/Latinx y personas que están explorando el llamado de Dios al ministerio en la Iglesia Metodista Unida.

Fuimos bendecidos con una excelente participación y representación de varias iglesias Hispanas/Latinx de la Conferencia Anual del Pacífico Noroeste. Juntos creamos un espacio para escuchar, aprender, compartir historias, hacer preguntas y discernir cómo Dios puede estar llamando a nuevos líderes a servir a nuestra Iglesia y nuestras comunidades.

Durante el día conversamos sobre temas importantes como escuchar el llamado de Dios, nuestros Principios Sociales Metodistas Unidos, oportunidades de becas, conversaciones con mentores y discernimiento personal. Concluimos nuestro encuentro con un devocional de envío, animando a cada participante a continuar discerniendo en oración hacia dónde Dios le está guiando.

Un agradecimiento muy especial a El Dios Viviente UMC y a su pastor, Rev. Gerardo Guzmán, por toda su hospitalidad y por preparar deliciosas meriendas y un excelente almuerzo para todos nuestros participantes.

También agradecemos profundamente el liderazgo y apoyo de Aurora Calix-Pavón, presidenta de nuestro Equipo de Liderazgo Hispano/Latinx; Rev. Joel Rodríguez, Rev. Zulma Tifre, Rev. Wilma Reyes y Andi Villar. Gracias por compartir sus experiencias, sabiduría y compromiso con el desarrollo de nuevos líderes para nuestra Iglesia.

Nuestro agradecimiento también a Lourdes Tifre por ayudarnos en la mesa de registro, y a Joshua Santos y Alma Santos por su gran ayuda con las fotografías y el equipo técnico.

El encuentro de hoy nos recordó que Dios continúa llamando, capacitando y levantando nuevas generaciones de líderes Hispanos/Latinx. Nuestra responsabilidad es crear espacios donde ese llamado pueda ser escuchado, cultivado y acompañado.

De la Frontera al Púlpito — cultivando el llamado de líderes pastorales inmigrantes.

¡Gracias a todas las personas que hicieron posible este hermoso día de compañerismo, discernimiento, aprendizaje y esperanza para el futuro de nuestra Iglesia!

08/29/2026

ENGLISH | Mount Vernon First UMC Hispanic/Latinx Ministry — Serving Our Community

What a beautiful example of the church opening its doors and connecting with its community!

On August 15, 2026, the Hispanic/Latinx Ministry of Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church hosted its Back-to-School Clothing Program, providing brand-new clothing for children from low-income families as they prepared for a new school year.

Thanks to the dedication of Pastor Zulma Tifre and many wonderful volunteers:

60 families were welcomed
148 school-age children were served
More than 590 pieces of new clothing were distributed

For months, volunteers collected clothing for boys and girls, organized the inventory, prepared the space, and connected with community organizations and families. Because of concerns within immigrant communities related to the current immigration enforcement climate, outreach was intentionally done through trusted relationships, word of mouth, phone calls, and direct connections with families and community programs.

The ministry continues to provide clothing during August and September to families who need additional support.

We celebrate and give thanks for Pastor Zulma Tifre, the Hispanic/Latinx Ministry, and every volunteer and supporter at Mount Vernon First UMC who helped make this ministry possible.

This is what it means to be a church connected to its community—sharing God’s love in practical ways and bringing hope to our neighbors.

May we continue working together to bring the Kingdom of God a little closer to the communities we serve.



ESPAÑOL | Ministerio Hispano/Latinx de Mount Vernon First UMC — Sirviendo a Nuestra Comunidad

¡Qué hermoso ejemplo de una iglesia que abre sus puertas y se conecta con su comunidad!

El 15 de agosto de 2026, el Ministerio Hispano/Latinx de Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church celebró su Programa de Regreso a Clases, ofreciendo ropa completamente nueva a niños y niñas de familias de bajos ingresos mientras se preparaban para comenzar un nuevo año escolar.

Gracias a la dedicación de la Pastora Zulma Tifre y de muchos maravillosos voluntarios:

60 familias fueron recibidas
148 niños y niñas en edad escolar fueron beneficiados
Más de 590 piezas de ropa nueva fueron distribuidas

Durante varios meses, los voluntarios recolectaron ropa para niños y niñas, organizaron el inventario, prepararon el espacio y establecieron conexiones con organizaciones comunitarias y familias. Debido a las preocupaciones que existen en nuestras comunidades inmigrantes ante el actual ambiente relacionado con las leyes y acciones de inmigración, la promoción del programa se realizó intencionalmente a través de relaciones de confianza, recomendaciones de persona a persona, llamadas telefónicas y contacto directo con familias y otros programas comunitarios.

Durante los meses de agosto y septiembre, el ministerio continuará ofreciendo ropa a familias que necesiten apoyo adicional.

Celebramos y damos gracias por la Pastora Zulma Tifre, el Ministerio Hispano/Latinx y cada voluntario y colaborador de Mount Vernon First UMC que hizo posible este ministerio.

Esto es lo que significa ser una iglesia conectada con su comunidad: compartir el amor de Dios de maneras concretas y llevar esperanza a nuestros vecinos y vecinas.

¡Que continuemos trabajando juntos para acercar un poco más el Reino de Dios a las comunidades que servimos!

08/27/2026

Last night we had a great meeting with Rev. Laura Baumgartner and Rev. Drew Hogan from the Commission on Environmental Stewardship. We opened an important conversation about how we can partner together to advance the work of climate justice.

The conversation was very engaging, with active participation from Hispanic/Latinx leaders from both the Pacific Northwest and Oregon-Idaho Conferences.

Some of the needs and opportunities identified by our Hispanic/Latinx community included:

Resources in Spanish: Existing resources are primarily available in English. Translation alone is not enough; we need materials that are also culturally contextualized and relevant to our communities.
Community gardens: Several congregations already have, or are interested in developing, community gardens to grow food for vulnerable families and local food banks.
Safety and inclusion: Some immigrant communities do not always feel welcome or safe using land connected to predominantly white churches. In addition, fear of immigration enforcement can limit people's access to grocery stores and other public spaces.
Equitable access to church buildings and facilities: Many Hispanic/Latinx congregations do not own their buildings and worship under the umbrella of predominantly white congregations. This can sometimes create unequal relationships regarding access, decision-making, and the use of church property.
Accessible education: We discussed the need for greater education about climate change and environmental justice in Hispanic/Latinx communities. Misinformation, long working hours, and limited financial resources can make access to reliable information and opportunities for engagement more difficult.

Thank you, Laura and Drew, for creating this opportunity to listen, learn, and begin imagining how we can work together. This conversation was an important first step toward building stronger partnerships and ensuring that Hispanic/Latinx voices and experiences are part of our shared work for climate justice.

Blessings!

08/25/2026

CWJFON IS HIRING!
Central Washington Justice for Our Neighbors (CWJFON) is currently seeking passionate and committed leaders to join its important work alongside immigrant communities.
We are hiring for two key leadership positions:
🔹 Executive Director
🔹 Legal Director
This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals who are committed to immigrant justice, community empowerment, and expanding access to quality legal services.
Please help us spread the word! If you know someone who may be interested or would be a great fit for either position, please share this opportunity with them.
Learn more and apply: https://www.cwjfon.org/hiring
Thank you for helping us connect CWJFON with strong leaders who can continue advancing this vital work in our communities.
Please share!

We Are Hiring CWJFON is seeking new leadership staff to carry us into our next phase of development. Please click below to see the job description for each position. Executive Director Legal Director

08/06/2026

English | Español

We are so grateful and excited to celebrate two wonderful events at El Dios Viviente Hispanic/Latinx United Methodist Church in Seattle!

We give thanks to God and to the leaders of this congregation for their faithful commitment to the mission of the Church.

The first event took place at Seward Park, where the congregation joyfully celebrated several baptisms. The other photos are from their Family Camp held this past weekend at Twinlow Camp and Retreat , a beautiful time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.

We are honored to be partners in ministry and to support these meaningful opportunities for families and the community to grow together in faith.

A special thank you to Pastor Gerardo Guzmán for your outstanding leadership and faithful ministry. You are an inspiration and a model for all of us.

May God continue to bless El Dios Viviente UMC and everyone who serves in this important ministry!

Blessings!

────────

¡Estamos muy contentos de celebrar estos dos hermosos eventos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida Hispana/Latina El Dios Viviente en Seattle!

Damos gracias a Dios y a los líderes de esta iglesia por su fiel compromiso con la misión de Cristo y de la Iglesia.

El primer evento se celebró en Seward Park, donde la congregación vivió la alegría de celebrar varios bautismos. Las otras fotos corresponden a su Campamento Familiar, realizado el pasado fin de semana en Twinlow Camp and Retreat, un tiempo especial de adoración, compañerismo y crecimiento espiritual.

Nos sentimos muy agradecidos de ser compañeros en el ministerio y de apoyar para que estos eventos puedan llevarse a cabo, fortaleciendo a las familias y a la comunidad de fe.

Un agradecimiento muy especial al Pastor Gerardo Guzmán por su excelente liderazgo y dedicación. ¡Usted es un modelo e inspiración para todos nosotros!

¡Que Dios continúe bendiciendo abundantemente a El Dios Viviente UMC y a todo su ministerio!

¡Bendiciones!

08/02/2026

What an awesome Marcha Assembly we had this weekend!

We began with a powerful opening worship service, where Bishop Lissette Gabriel Montalvo preached an inspiring and Spirit-filled sermon that set the tone for our gathering.

On Saturday, we held our business session, which was very productive and well attended. It was encouraging to see such strong participation and commitment to the mission of our National Hispanic/Latinx Caucus.

I am especially grateful for the wonderful representation from the Pacific Northwest. Thank you, Rev. Zulma Tifre and Rev. Caleb Encinas Cortés, for your participation and leadership.

Please continue to keep our National Hispanic/Latinx Caucus in your prayers as we move forward together in ministry. Great job, everyone! May God continue to bless this important work.

07/30/2026

We had a wonderful GNW Hispanic/Latinx Leaders Meeting! I am grateful for our leaders and for the meaningful conversation as we continue planning our upcoming event on August 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at El Dios Viviente UMC in Seattle.

This special gathering will be focused on young Hispanic/Latinx leaders who are exploring God’s call to ministry within The United Methodist Church.

We look forward to creating a space where emerging leaders can learn more about their calling, explore pathways into ministry, ask questions, and connect with pastors and leaders who can accompany them on their journey.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our meeting and continues to support the development of the next generation of Hispanic/Latinx leaders in the GNW!

God continues to call—and we are committed to listening, encouraging, mentoring, and walking alongside those who say YES!

Many blessings!

07/21/2026

Dear Pastors and Ministry Leaders,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Pacific Northwest Conference Hispanic/Latinx Ministries Office warmly invites the youth of your congregation to participate in "From Border to Pulpit: Nurturing the Call of Immigrant Pastoral Leaders," a gathering created to inspire and equip the next generation of Hispanic/Latinx Methodist leaders.

This event is designed to strengthen young people's identity, leadership, and sense of vocation while introducing them to meaningful opportunities for ministry formation, leadership development, higher education, and scholarships available through The United Methodist Church.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Iglesia Dios Viviente
9001 9th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98106

Throughout the event, participants will reflect on their God-given gifts and talents, explore God's calling in their lives, learn about Christian leadership, discover educational and scholarship opportunities, and deepen their understanding of Methodist identity and values. They will also hear inspiring stories from pastoral leaders and participate in interactive activities designed to help them take meaningful next steps in their leadership journey.

We kindly ask for your partnership in identifying and encouraging youth and young adults (ages 15–25 approx) from your congregation to attend. By investing in their growth today, we are investing in the future leadership of our churches and communities.

Thank you for your partnership and for your faithful commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us:

Hispanic/Latinx Ministries
Pacific Northwest Conference
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 755-7710

Spanish +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Estimados pastores y líderes,

Reciban un cordial saludo en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

La Oficina de Ministerios Hispanos/Latinos de la Pacific Northwest Conference tiene el gusto de invitar a los jóvenes de su congregación a participar en "De la frontera al púlpito: Cultivando el llamado de líderes pastorales inmigrantes", un encuentro diseñado para inspirar y equipar a la próxima generación de líderes metodistas hispanos y latinos.

Este evento busca fortalecer la identidad, el liderazgo y la vocación de nuestros jóvenes, mientras les presenta oportunidades concretas de formación, desarrollo ministerial y recursos educativos disponibles dentro de la Iglesia Metodista Unida.

Fecha: Sábado, 29 de agosto de 2026
Hora: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lugar: Iglesia Dios Viviente
9001 9th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98106

Durante la jornada, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre sus dones y talentos, discernir el llamado de Dios para sus vidas, conocer diferentes formas de liderazgo cristiano, aprender sobre becas y oportunidades educativas, y profundizar en la identidad y los valores metodistas. También escucharán testimonios de líderes pastorales y participarán en dinámicas diseñadas para ayudarles a dar un siguiente paso en su crecimiento personal y espiritual.

Nos gustaría pedirles su apoyo identificando e invitando a jóvenes de entre 15 y 25 años aproximadamente que puedan beneficiarse de esta experiencia. Creemos firmemente que invertir en ellos hoy es fortalecer el liderazgo de nuestras iglesias para el futuro.

Agradecemos de antemano su colaboración y el compromiso que tienen con el desarrollo de la próxima generación de líderes.

Si tienen preguntas o desean más información, no duden en comunicarse con nosotros.

Hispanic/Latinx Ministries
Pacific Northwest Conference
Email: [email protected]
Teléfono: (800) 755-7710

07/20/2026