Bishop's Update

Commemorating the Reformation with Roman Catholics

The commemoration took place in anticipation of the 500th Reformation anniversary in 2017 in Lund, Sweden with Pope Francis and the leaders of the Lutheran World Federation. It highlighted the solid ecumenical developments between Catholics and Lutherans and the joint gifts received through dialogue.  Read more in ELCA News here.

This historic event is the result of years of dialog.  A Service of the Word used in Lund, Sweden is available for congregational use with your local Catholic parish.  We are hopeful that we will use that service with the Juneau Catholic community at our Synod Assembly April 28-30.  Conversation with the other two Catholic dioceses for additional services is underway.

"One Hope: Re: Membering the Body of Christ" is a rich ecumenical resource designed for Catholic and Lutheran communities in conversation.  Resource Details Here.

Caring for Shishmaref and all of God's creation

In his blog, Nathan Detweiler indicates that, prior to writing the article, everyone who was interviewed emphasized the importance of raising awareness of Shishmaref. As people of faith we are called by our social statements to recognize that "care for the earth [is] a profoundly spiritual matter."[1] In raising awareness of Shishmaref, we are both fulfilling our duty to love our neighbors and committing to care for all creation. This commitment to creation involves us as individuals, congregations, advocates and members of a larger community.  Read Full Blog Here.

RECTOR, Applicant & Nominee Invite- Full Consideration Deadline, Dec 2

California Lutheran University & Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invite applications & nominations for the position of Rector of PLTS.  The Rector will report to Cal Lutheran's Vice President of Mission & Identity & work alongside with the Dean of PLTS, who reports to Cal Lutheran's Provost. The Rector, who will be an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will oversee the life & administration of the Seminary on the Berkeley campus.  Invitation Details Here.

Day of the Dead- Family Festival.

El Dia de los Muertos is an important holiday celebrated in Mexico & across Latin America for remembering & honoring those who have passed.  This tradition is also celebrated in the church during All Saints Day.  Mission Developer, Hazel Davidson, coordinates these festivals.  The next festival will be Las Posadas Early Advent.  View photos here from this years recent celebration held at United Protestant Presbyterian in Palmer, AK.

New Synod Office Manager

Welcome to Teri Watkins who joins us as our Office Manager.  Teri brings experience in office and grant management.  As a lifelong Alaskan, Teri and her daughter are active with Alaska Native Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

Thank You for Winter Gear donations.

Every winter, temperatures drop below freezing.  In anticipation of the bone chilling winter months, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Nome, AK hosts an Annual Winter Gear Drive and accepts donations for winter gear distribution.  A warm 'Thank you' is extended to fellow donating congregations and individuals for participating in another successful year.  View Photos Here.

Yarn Donation Request - "Crocheting Their Way" Ministry

Christ Lutheran Church-Soldotna regularly accepts yarn donations for the "Crocheting Their Way" Ministry.  The women at the Wildwood Pre-Trail Facility in Kenai, AK continue to create fantastic articles for our community.  Yarn donations are accepted and gathered at 128 N. Soldotna Ave, Soldotna, AK, (907) 262-4757.  Thank you for your support.

Standing Together- Veteran's Program. 1st Tuesday, Monthly. Begins Nov 8

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.  This is made possible by a grant from the Humanities Forum. More Details Here.

Hungry HUNGRY Confirmation Fellowship: November 10th, 6 - 8pm

Is Belief in God Irrational? Christian & Secular Philosophers Discussion: Nov 10th, 6:30 - 8pm

The Veritas Forum event at UAA is designed to promote a fruitful discussion among a diverse set of members of the Anchorage community about questions of enduring philosophical and religious significance. Presentations by Dr. John Mouracade and Dr. Meghan Sullivan with Q&A to follow.  Follow-up lunchtime session, Nov 14.  Full Details Here.

Congregation Constitution: Free Workshop, Nov 12th, 9 - 11am

Every Congregation is updating their Constitution this year, adopting the amendments made at the 2016 churchwide assembly and honing bylaws unique to the congregation.  At Central Lutheran Church, our 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.

November "stewardTalk" on Crowdsource Fundraising: Nov 17th, 12 - 1pm AKST

Join a phone conversation with Adam Copeland, Director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary.  Adam has written two articles on the use of crowdsource fundraising related to ministry.  Adam's two articles ( here and here), along with your questions, will be the focus of this next ELCA Churchwide stewardTalk.  Anyone from congregations to non-profit organizations are welcome to participate.  As in the past, this talk will be recorded and available.  Find Dial-In Details here.

Kairos Webinar: "From Destination to Training Ground - Rediscovering Your Congregation's Vocation" - November 30

With Rev. Dr. David Lose, join us as we discuss some of the primary challenges and opportunities of vibrant ministry in this cultural moment.  Registration Details Here.

Joshua Grant Program.  Proposal Deadline Nov 30.

Joshua Grants are one year grants of $1,000-$5,000 to Lutheran congregations, organizations and agencies committed to launching new ministries of health and hope in their community.
Proposals for the Joshua Grant Program are accepted year-round with grants awarded quarterly.  Visit the website here for additional proposal information.  To view recent grant recipients with detail of awarded ministry, click here.

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries offers Curriculum Package for VBS

Did you know that Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM), a non-profit organization that supports the outdoor ministries of the ELCA, has a Vacation Bible School Curriculum for use by congregations?  LOM's curriculum from the last few years, including the 2017 theme, "The Water of Life," is available in a bundle for use in congregational VBS programs. Interested?  View Details Here.

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 & Registration are here.

Looking Ahead

2016
November 8: 1st Tues, Monthly. "Standing Together" Veterans Program Begins, Chugiak/ER
November 10: Hungry HUNGRY Confirmation Fellowship, Central-Anchorage
November 10: Christian & Secular Philosophers Discussion: "Is Belief In God Irrational" - UAA
November 12: Constitution Workshop at Central-Anchorage
November 14-17: First Call Theological Education-Seattle
November 19: Candidacy Committee meets at Synod office
November 30: Kairos Webinar: "From Destination to Training Ground..."
December 3: Lutheran Women's Advent Brunch - Anchorage/Mat-Su
2017
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

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.