Patty Marsh, Upper Columbia Conference director of women’s ministries, children’s ministries, urban ministries, disaster relief and Adventist Community Services, announced her retirement in May 2025 after 25 years of service at UCC.
When announcing her retirement, Marsh acknowledged the numerous people she has been privileged to work alongside throughout her career.
“Anything valuable that has been accomplished during this time is because I have worked with other talented individuals. Much can be accomplished when we collaborate!” said Marsh.
Before working at UCC, Marsh was a full-time mother and an active member of her local church, volunteering with women’s ministries, ACS and teaching Sabbath School for several decades.
In 1992, Marsh took a position at Upper Columbia Academy, initially working in communications, tutoring and alumni relations before serving as registrar until 2000. Then, in 2008, Marsh returned to UCC as a ministry director. Marsh brought a vision for expanding community outreach in UCC, as well as developing a robust disaster response program.
“When I first began as a UCC director, I lamented to my husband that I was concerned about being bored because my job description was only a half page. I need not have worried — the job description now encompasses several pages!” said Marsh with a smile.
In time, God opened the door for Marsh to engage in an ambassador role, especially in the Greater Spokane area. Opportunities opened for Marsh to attend council meetings, board meetings and engage with other non-profits connected with communities in the conference. Over time, Marsh has built relationships with city officials, religious leaders and philanthropists, representing what Adventist churches are currently doing and identifying areas where churches can meet community needs.
“ACS is an external ministry; we build relationships with the community and let Jesus shine through,” said Marsh.
A passionate pioneer of community outreach for the conference, Marsh has debuted several programs and initiatives during her service, including the development of UCC’s urban ministries department, Renew Spokane, His Travelers, S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, VBS in the Park and the yearly Children’s Leadership Expo. Throughout her years of dedication, Marsh has secured millions of dollars' worth of grants to support conference initiatives.
“Little did I realize that training in the area of writing taken early in my new position would be of great assistance — we’ve been able to do so much more because of the grant funds God has brought our way,” said Marsh.
Marsh began the UCC urban ministries program, which has so far primarily focused on addressing the large urban population of Spokane. Because urban populations are largely secular or unchurched and have different needs than other areas in the conference, urban ministry requires a different approach. Better Living Center has been one of the key focal points of urban ministry in Spokane.
Marsh and her husband, Larry, plan to spend more time with their children and grandchildren and look forward to having more time to appreciate God’s creation. Marsh still plans to be active in her community during her retirement.
Marsh shared, “With faith, openness to new methods in meeting the needs of our ever-changing world and courage to face inevitable challenges, there is no limit to what God can do through us!”
