commentary and family advice on the local Spanish radio station. We feel that we have turned a corner for attendance and are now ready to direct our attention toward financial stability and leadership reproduction.

New Sanctuary in Abilene

Abilene, Northside The congregation of Northside FMC recently built a new sanctuary. Senior Pastor Jean Ely writes, "The dedication service for our new sanctuary was very inspiring. Former PNWC Supt. Erle (Grace) Wirth delivered a wonderful message and officiated at this special service on December 8."

Assessment Teams
Local Church Assessment Teams are beginning to minister in our conference. Under the leadership of Pastor David Banks (Lakeview), the team completed its first assessment in November. The teams are charged with the responsibility of looking at the total scope of church life, talking with leaders, and making specific recommendations for ways to increase ministry effectiveness. These assess- ments are available by request of the

local church. For more information, contact Pastor Banks.

Welcome New Senior Pastors!
Paul and Joan DeMerchant. Paul DeMerchant is the new senior pastor of our Bellingham Light and Life congregation. Paul and Joan DeMerchant come to our conference from the Missionary Church where Paul was District Superintendent in Michigan and headed the denominational missions program. Most recently, Paul and Joan pastored an independent church in Huntington, IN.

Mick and Linda Green. Mick has been appointed as the new senior pastor at Omak, Cornerstone CF. Mick is a member of the Genesee Conference. Most recently, Mick has been Vice President for Development at OMS Headquarters in Indianapolis. The Greens moved across country during Christmas break and are living in an apartment in Omak while doing some house-hunting. Mick is Pastor Lucia Delamarter's brother.

Dale and Frankie Shillington. Dale Shillington has been appointed as the new senior pastor at Eagle River, Skyline Family Fellowship. Dale and Francis (Frankie) are moving to Alaska from Ottawa, Ontario, where Dale has been the pastor of the Chapel Ridge Free Methodist Church. The Shillingtons have previous ministry experience in Alaska and are excited about the move to Eagle River in early March.