Follow the Money. Where Does My Offering Go? Video

Lisa Smith Fiegel, DEM
It's been said that Generation X and Millennials are more generous in their financial giving when they can "follow their money." This means we (I'm Gen X!) want to see what our money is doing and what difference it's making in the lives of those the organization serves. ( Read more here.) For years the churchwide office of the ELCA has distributed handy posters called "Where Does My Offering Go?" Now there's another way to get that information out: this informative and fun video from churchwide on the same topic, which you can view here.

Teens and Food Insecurity: A Message from Cherish All Children

Federal programs like the National School Lunch Program offer free or discounted meals to children from low-income families. But two reports out this month from the Urban Institute and Feeding America suggest one group is falling through the cracks: teenagers. Roughly 7 million children in the U.S. aged 10-17 struggle with hunger, according to one report. Dogged by hunger, teenagers may try a wide range of solutions, from asking friends for meals to bartering sex for food. What can be done to improve the plight of food-insecure teenagers? Learn more here.

Woman of Achievement: The Rev. Julia Seymour

Congratulations to The Rev. Julia Seymour, who is one of ten women to receive the 2016 YWCA Alaska/BP Women of Achievement Award for her accomplishments and ability to inspire others.  The Rev. Seymour will be publicly recognized for her achievements at the November 3rd YWCA Alaska/BP Women of Achievement Awards Ceremony in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Discovery Theater. A congratulatory letter to Pastor Julia, along with words on the mission of the YWCA is here.

Portico Annual Enrollment

Between Oct. 3 and Oct. 28, your congregation will need to select one ELCA-Primary health benefit option to offer your plan members for 2017 ( details here). Share these resources with the people who make your congregation's benefit and budget decisions:
*     Webinar: A Closer Look at 2017 Health Benefits and Rates
*     Custom Comparison Report and Spreadsheet- Use this to review your options and estimate your 2017 costs.

Synod Office Manager

Alaska Synod Office Manager David Dunlap has announced his resignation effective September 26.  UAA has increased his students for voice lessons to the point that, with serving as choir director at Grace Christian School, he can make full use of his training in vocal performance while making a living.  We will miss him greatly.  You are invited to bless him on his way at [email protected].

Social Media Sunday. September 25, 2016

September 25th is Social Media Sunday. This is an ecumenical effort to build community with social media. Visit the Facebook page here. (#SMS16). Follow this link for a litany uniquely crafted for this Sunday.

Standing Together- Veteran's Program. Monthly on 1st Tuesdays. Begins Oct 4th.

Joy Lutheran, in partnership with the Chugiak- Eagle River Library is launching "Standing Together," an effort to reach out to those veterans who may be positively connected through the reading of selected literature and discussion regarding the reading. The program will launch October 4th at the library with a viewing of "Hunting in Wartime." This is made possible by a grant from the Humanities Forum. Learn more here.

Rooted in Christ: Connected in Community- workshops across Alaska

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. Visit elcaalaska.net/rooted for more details.  Workshop dates-
Juneau: October 7-9
Anchorage: October 9
Fairbanks: October 10

Rostered Leaders Collegium Registration

Fall Collegium: The Forgotten Luther with Dr. Ryan Cummings, October 25-27 at Mountain Springs in Palmer, Alaska. Learn more and register.

Fair Labor Standards Webinar - October 18

New Overtime Rules: The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted new overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which go into effect on December 1, 2016. Does it apply to churches? What about pastors? Youth workers? Sextons? How about schools? Or camps? Join us for a free webinar; register by Oct 14.

Preaching Stewardship: Oct 23-24 & Nov 20-21. Dewitt, MI

Want to be more bold in preaching about stewardship? Looking for new ways to enhance conversation about mission support?Join two overnight trainings gleaning the best of Bishop Satterlee's D. Min. teaching about preaching stewardship. The program will consist of presentations and then sharing and critiquing sermons about stewardship. Cost $75 per session. Learn more.

Need Help Updating Your Congregation Constitution? Free Workshop, Nov 12

Now is a prime time to update your congregation constitution, adopting the amendments made at the 2016 churchwide assembly and honing bylaws unique to your congregation. On November 12, 9-11am, at Central Lutheran Church, local Congregation Constitution experts will help you update your ELCA congregation's governing documents. Learn more here. The workshop is free, but registration is required for materials prep.

National Conference for Sacred Music. Jan 4-7, 2017

First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
Featuring Robert Hobby, Allen Hightower, Craig Mueller, Tom Shelton, Stephen Mitchell, and Mark Lawson. National Conference for Sacred Music is a unique conference designed to provide the practicing church musician with fresh new ideas to help create a vital, growing music ministry. Learn more.

The Experience at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS)

The name "The Experience" was chosen because Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary believes what you, as a prospective student, experiences is the most appropriate and influential way to determine which seminary is the right place to earn your theological education. Choose a date and learn more: November 13-14; January 29-30; March 26-27.

Congregations' Model Constitution

The churchwide division has completed the Model Constitution for Congregations 2016. This resource is a splendid tool for updating your congregational constitution, so now is the time to act. Also, for a concise view of only the portions that have changed, view the Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations 2016 .

Administration Matters: Index of the September 2016 Issue

To read more on any of the following, visit the Administration Matters Blog here.
Time to update your congregation's constitution
Webinar on new overtime rules
HR Series - applications for employment
Two common misunderstandings about workers' compensation insurance
Don't let hazardous materials go down the drain
Gutenberg to Google - effective use of technology for congregations

Worship: Reflection and Engagement

The ELCA's Executive for Worship is sharing two new resources with the hope of enhancing worship and forming people of faith. An introduction to these resources is here. Each resource is available at the following links: Can We Talk? Engaging Worship and Culture. And Worship Care: A guide for reflection and connection.

Discover New Worship Matters Handbooks from Augsburg Fortress

Welcome One Another: A Handbook for Hospitality Ministers
Praying for the Whole World: A Handbook for Intercessors
Leading Worship Matters: A Sourcebook for Preparing Worship Leaders.

Refugee Sunday- Resources from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Today, for the first time since World War II, there are more than 60 million people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, and persecution. Whether your congregation is new to assisting refugees, has a history of newcomer ministry, or you are newcomers yourselves, you can observe Refugee Sunday and create a meaningful experience with LIRS's Refugee Sunday worship materials and Stand for Welcome newsletter. Learn more at refugeesunday.lirs.org

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.

Sep. 22. 10-11am AKDT. Creating a Trauma-Informed Faith Community. Trauma-informed faith communities understand and recognize the impacts of trauma.

Looking Ahead

October 8, 9 ,10: Rooted in Christ and Community Workshops
October 15: Ventures Cohort meets at UAA
October 21-22: Alaska Synod Council meeting
October 25-27: Fall Collegium in Palmer
November 2: El Dia de los Muertos Service
November 5: Candidacy Committee meets at synod office
November 6:  Festival commemorating El Dia de los Muertos at United Presbyterian-Palmer
November 12: Constitution Workshop at Central-Anchorage
November 14-17: First Call Theological Education-Seattle

February 24: Congregation Council Workshop 101 (for those who haven't attended previously) Anchorage area
February 25: Congregation Council Workshop 201 with Linda Babbitt on Congregational Vitality Anchorage area

Prison Fellowship Volunteer Conference September 24, 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.