Affiliations
Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference
The Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference is dedicated to promoting individual spiritual development, nurturing healthy congregations, making strong connections with our conference and connecting to God's mission in the world. Formed in 1994 the conference consists of 39 congregations located in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and western Montana, seven of which are Spanish-speaking. Served in a pastoral capacity by three Conference Ministers, it has five standing committees under a Conference Board. These include the Concilio de Iglesias Hispanas Anabautistas del Noroeste (CIHAN), the Congregational Nurture Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Outreach Development Committee, the Pastoral Leadership Committee and the Peace and Justice Committee. The PNMC also has several Board-appointed committees, including the Mexico Transitional Committee and the Structure & Vision Task Force. It publishes a quarterly periodical, The Evangel, has its own web page (www.pnmc.org), as well as an historian and an archivist. The conference holds its annual meeting in June. Its office is located at 19532 NE Glisan Street, Portland, Oregon 97230. Phone: 503-492-4216. Fax: 503-492-8967. E-mail: officepnmc.org.
Mennonite Church USA
Mennonite Church USA is one of nearly 20 formally organized groups of Mennonites in North America that vary in lifestyle and religious practice but all stem from the Anabaptist movement. Though their streams of faith may differ, Mennonite groups hold common beliefs: Jesus Christ is central to worship and to everyday living. Behavior is to follow Christ's example. The Bible is considered the inspired word of God. Membership continues to be voluntary, with adult baptism upon declaration of faith.
Mennonites are known for their peace stand, taken because they believe Jesus Christ taught the way of peace. Many members choose not to participate in military service. Some take their belief further by objecting to government military expenditure; a few choose not to pay the percentage of their annual income tax that would go for military purposes.
Mennonites are also known for their strong commitment to community; interest in social issues; voluntary service to those who have experienced hardship and loss in floods, tornadoes and other disasters; and mission outreach.
You can find out more about about Mennonite Church USA at their website. You can also learn more about Mennonite history and beliefs at Thirdway Cafe.