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SAMs and a Unified Roster. Bishop Shelley Wickstrom
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The 2016 Churchwide Assembly voted to combine our three lay rosters into one for Ministers of Word and Service. The fourth roster is Ministers of Word and Sacrament, also known as pastors. Folks have wondered how Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs) fit into this. To find out and learn more about SAMs in the Alaska Synod,
click here.
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Rooted in Christ: Connected in Community- workshops across Alaska
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Special guest Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger and synod leaders are presenting workshops in October that will provide a "tool kit" to help your congregation re-imagine and rediscover your purpose and plans for ministry. There will be a special focus on deepening faith and connecting to your community. Travel expenses will be provided for one lay person from each congregation. Contact the synod office by
Sept 16th for travel assistance. Visit
elcaalaska.net/rooted for more details. Workshop dates-
Juneau: October 7-9
Anchorage: October 9
Fairbanks: October 10
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Save the Date, Rostered Leaders!
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Fall Collegium: The Forgotten Luther with Dr. Ryan Cummings, October 25-27 at Mountain Springs in Palmer, Alaska.
Learn more.
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Pastor Ben and Rhonda Bohart and brother Justice on the birth of Pax, Friday, September 2nd weighing in at 7lb 11oz. Pastor Bohart serves Resurrection Lutheran in Seward.
Christ Lutheran Church-Fairbanks which celebrated 40 years of ministry on August 28.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church-Anchorage which celebrates 50 years of ministry September 11.
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| National Suicide Prevention Week is September 5-11, 2016. |
Lift up a prayer every Sunday for the mentally ill, those who struggle with suicide, those who have attempted, and those we have lost . Offer strength and peace to those who help and love individuals who struggle. Offer a display with resources, awareness bulletins, and ideas for church communities to embrace and support those who have lost hope. Resources are
available here. A video on the role of faith and helping
is here.
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| Bishop Eaton Message on Suicide Prevention |
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers a message on suicide prevention. Click above to watch video.
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Apply for a Vital Worship Grant
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The Vital Worship Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks to foster vital worship in congregations, parishes and other worshiping communities in North America. This grants program is especially focused on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship.
Learn more.
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| "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 |
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are: one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. This year's date also marks the 15-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. As you continue to share God's love with your neighbors, consider thanking and praying for the emergency responders in your area. A prayer from Presiding Bishop Eaton and reflections on service are
available here. Worship Resources for the day of service are
found here.
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| Religion and Politics. Church Mutual Insurance |
In an election year, religion and politics are often part of the same conversation. As a leader in your ministry, make sure you know what to say and do to protect yourself, your congregation and your nonprofit status. Learn from an expert in our latest webinar: Religion and Politics. Visit
info.churchmutual.com/religion-and-politics.
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| Kids Care Through Cards- INSPIRE Project |
Wheat Ridge Ministries is excited to announce: "Kids Care through Cards." This new INSPIRE project offers students the opportunity to bring hope to thousands of cancer patients all across the country while also sharing the love of Christ through their handmade cards. Great for schools and Sunday schools, the Kids Care through Cards project includes five days of lessons and activities.
Learn more about this free resource.
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| Sparkhouse Family Book Fair Hosting |
Why host a Book Fair?
1. It's easy
2. Kids will love it
3. Parents will thank you
4. Your church gets free books
5. Christmas is right around the corner
Tell me more
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Respecting Choices First Steps®
Advance Care Planning (ACP) Facilitator Certification Course |
Respecting Choices® First Steps® ACP Facilitator Certification is designed for professionals and others involved in assisting patients and residents in making end-of-life treatment decisions. This course yields 15 C.E.U. hours.
Details and registration are here.
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Wasilla seeks a part-time administrative assistant. Details and application instructions are
available here.
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| Updating the Congregation's Constitution 2016 |
Each Churchwide Assembly takes action on a variety of issues, some of which necessitate constitutional changes. The summary of
constitutional amendments is HERE. Before your congregation votes to update the constitution, please send a draft to the synod office at
elcaalaska@gmail.com. Our review committee has expertise in reviewing constitutions with an eye toward a smooth incorporation of the congregation's bylaws and amendments.
A workshop on updating the constitution will be offered this fall in Anchorage and will be filmed for use for those outside of Anchorage.
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Prison Fellowship Volunteer Conference September 24, 2016
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This year's Conference theme is "A Chosen Instrument." We live in a culture that fears and despises prisoners. But could it be that God has plans for them that would bring Him honor and glory? Workshops will be offered to help you sharpen your ministry skills and understanding.
Learn more here.
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2016 Anchorage CROP Walk. September 25
The 2016 Anchorage CROP Walk will be held on September 25, 2016 at First Congregational Church, 2610 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Registration begins at 12:45 p.m. and the Walk starts at 1:30 p.m. The Post-Walk Celebration begins at 2:30 p.m.
Learn more here.
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Alaska Synodical Women's Organization Fall Retreat. Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2016.
North Star Bible Camp, Willow AK. Theme: Comfort as you have been Comforted, 2 Cor 1:3-5.
Registration details here.
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Life Tree Cafe. Tuesdays, 7pm, St. Mark Lutheran Church
3230 Lake Otis Parkway, Anchorage. Join the September conversations. How a Homeless Teen Rose to the top of Her Class. Media Bias. Confronting Bullies. Hurt By Church.
See more here.
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| Strong Center. Open Door. |
In this 10th anniversary year of the publication of "Evangelical Lutheran Worship," you are invited to attend an event focusing on Lutheran worship in our current context. Pastors, musicians, lay leaders, and worship committees: whether you have extensive experience with ELW, are exploring it for the first time, or use other materials for your community's worship, you will find a place at these gatherings.
Learn more.
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Holy Land Study Tour. January 6-20, 2017
Visit Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and more! Join Pastor Gabi Aelabouni, Dr. Rod Schofield, and Sara Wilson on a 15 day study tour of Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and more! Pastor Gabi was born and raised in the Galilee area, near Nazareth. Learn more about the
trip, leaders and costs here.
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Domestic Violence Help
Click Here for contact information on crisis teams across Alaska and to find programs in your area that can help.
Click Here for resources from the ELCA website for helping nurture families dealing with Domestic Violence.
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her September column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wonders how people will learn about the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and how we will make the event's actions and experiences part of our life together. She says the work belongs to all of us-participants and those who watched the event online or read about it in
Living Lutheran.
Alaska Synod, ELCA | 907-272-8899
