ALASKA SYNOD NEWS
August 9, 2017

Juneau sunset, photo by Laura Anderson
Not fair!
In her August column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on Jesus' parable about the laborers in the vineyard. While the story raises questions of fairness, she reminds us that "grace is not something we deserve or earn or can work for." Read her column here. Reprinted with permission.
A Letter from Church Leaders in Alaska
By Bishop Shelley Wickstrom
The Alaska Synod has a rich partnership with full-communion partners. Out of our shared awareness of the impact of climate change on Alaska, and undergirded by the theological commitments we share, we have submitted a statement that reflects our conviction that this moment is an important one for deciding the economic and environmental ethics of our state. A version of this statement is being published in the Alaska Dispatch. Read more here.
Mission Moment: Faith-based Community Organizing in the Mat-Su
By the Rev. Lisa Smith Fiegel, DEM
ELCA Lutherans in the Mat-Su Valley are connecting with their neighbors in new and powerful ways through faith-based community organizing. Trinity-Palmer and Good Shepherd-Wasilla are members of Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) which works to address quality of life issues and act for change. Members of Trinity's Local Organizing Ministry held a public meeting on housing in the Mat-Su on August 7 as part of their work with VIA. See the results of the meeting and how faith-based organizing could work in your congregation here
ACEs: Part 6: Developing Your Resilience. by Jan Adasiak
In the sixth and final article of this series on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Jan Adasiak explains: You can learn from other communities that have already discovered the ACEs phenomenon and are implementing ways for people to understand it and bounce back. Read more here.
God's Work. Our Hands. with Friends in Wrangell, AK
By the Rev. Nancy Olsen Gradwohl; Island of Faith Lutheran Church, Wrangell, AK
Tuesday, July 28, 2017. Twelve members of Edmonds Lutheran Church and Pastor Mary-Alyce Burleigh from Holy Spirit in Kirkland, WA arrived in Wrangell, AK.  Their mission:  fellowship and service.  The group flew back to Seattle, August 1--mission accomplished. These congregations partnered for worship services and community service. Read about both and see photos here.
From Conflict to Communion | Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017
Anchorage-area Lutherans and Catholics will join in a prayer service on October 29, 3pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Anchorage, 3900 Wisconsin.  We'll use From Conflict to Communion, the liturgy being used around the world and the one used at our synod assembly last April in Juneau.  Archbishop Etienne and Bishop Wickstrom will preach.  Lutherans will provide the reception.
The people of Epiphany Lutheran Episcopal Church and St Francis Xavier Parish will join in that service on September 10.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church will join in that service on October 29.
Please let the synod office know if your congregation is planning a service with your Catholic neighbors.
CONGREGATION CONCEPTS
Six Small Tweaks That Make Big Differences for Your Church Website
By Jonathan Howe
Earlier this week, I spoke with a worship pastor about his church's website... What I found on the site was good information, but poor presentation... The more I thought about it, the more I realized these are problem areas for other churches as well. So, here are six little changes you can make to your church website that can make a big difference.
This article was originally published at ThomRainer.com on August 3, 2017. Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam,  Art, and Jess; and ten grandchildren. Dr. Rainer can be found on Twitter @ThomRainer and at facebook.com/Thom.S.Rainer.
Instant Church Directory Online
Looking for a way to access congregation member contacts online and from mobile? Instant Church Directory is a service some congregations are using to have an online directory that can also easily be printed. See if this product is useful to your congregation and learn more here. Instructions for member access are here.
Is a Building Project on Your Horizon?
Is your congregation considering a building project?  Consider working with the Mission Investment Fund (MIF), the ELCA's lending ministry. MIF loans finance a variety of capital projects-from new construction to additions and renovations, as well as land and building purchases and refinancing existing debt.  And the Mission Investment Fund offers expertise in church building and capital campaign consulting. For information on MIF ministry loans and investment opportunities: Contact Joel Wudel, your MIF Regional Manager, at (773) 682-1765 or email him at joel.wudel@elca.org.
JOB OPENING
Nursery Attendant Position Job Opening
Central Lutheran Church is currently interviewing for a Nursery Attendant.
DESCRIPTION: Central Lutheran offers nursery care during services of worship on Sunday mornings. The Nursery Attendant is part of the Central Lutheran Church staff, reports to the Office Manager and is supervised by the Senior Pastor. If interested, please contact Kathy Freeman or Lynn Soiseth at 907-277-1622, or centluth@gci.net for further details.
NATIONWIDE AND GLOBAL
Wheat Ridge Ministries Awards $40,000 in Emerging Leader Grants
Wheat Ridge Ministries recently awarded four Emerging Leader Grants totaling $40,000. Emerging Leader grants are offered at $5,000 for one year or $10,000 over two years for a new health or human care program led by young adult leaders in the Lutheran community. The next deadline for Proposals for the Emerging Leader Grant Program  is August 31, 2017. Read about recipients and see how to apply here.
Global Church Sunday
This October, as we observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, join us for Global Church Sunday by celebrating and supporting our church's missionaries! No matter who they are or where they serve, every missionary needs your prayers, support and gifts to live out their ministry. Each year, more than 225 ELCA missionaries serve in more than 40 countries around the world. They are sent by the ELCA in response to invitations from our companion churches and serve in a variety of roles. Learn more here.
God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday, September 10
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is Sept. 10, but if it's not possible for your congregation to participate on that day, please consider another day for your service activities. As we observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we consider the words of Martin Luther: "A Christian is lord of all, completely free of everything; a Christian is a servant, completely attentive to the needs of all." To help you plan, please visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for helpful resources.
RESOURCES
 A Radio Program Series:  "Martin Luther's Musical Legacy"
In September, October and November, 2017, Sacred Concert will present a 7-part series of 3-hour programs celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. "Sacred Concert" can be heard Sunday mornings from 6 to 9 on KLEF-FM 98.1 or klef98.com.  Dates and program subjects are here.
Campus Ministry Referral Time!
If you are a young adult, or if you know of a young adult who is looking for a community of friends and a way to express faith, consider campus ministry. The campus ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) welcome everyone into their loving and accepting communities. Go here to make the referral. For students headed to PLU, please reach out to University Pastor Jen Rude at rudejl@plu.edu.
ELCA500 Anniversary Planning and Promotional Tools
Visit ELCA500.org for details about the 500th anniversary celebration event and resources to plan announcements and activities.
Congregation Constitution Updating.
The 2016 model constitution for congregations is located at elca.org.  Send your draft to the Alaska Synod office e-mail for our review team to review & return to you.
OPPORTUNITIES
GSLCGolfTourneyGood Shepherd Lutheran Church Golf Tournament Saturday, Aug. 12. 1pm
Join GSLC's nine-hole scramble (best ball) golf tournament, Aug, 12, 1pm at the Palmer Golf Course. $32.00 per person includes riding cart! Finish by 3:30, plus beverages and food if so desired afterward at the club house. Get a team together, or just join us yourself! You do not have to pay ahead of time; pay at the course when you arrive. But please let Rich Stouff (907) 746-4595, know if you are going to be playing so he can set up the teams and let the course know the number of players.
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing: Course August and October 2017
August 26- 27, 2017 & October 14-15, 2017 8:30 am - 5 pm. Providence Alaska Medical Center. Foundations of Faith Community Nursing. This course will provide basic knowledge and skills needed to initiate a faith community nursing ministry. Learn more here.
Alaska Synodical Women's Organization Convention Sept. 22-24; Fairbanks
Join the women of the Alaska Synod at Fairbanks Lutheran Church, Sept 22-24, 2017 for their annual convention. Travel and Registration Scholarship available. Details here.
Looking Back & Called Forward: ELCA 500. Oct. 31, 2017
Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton as she co-hosts a commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C. The event is open to the public and will be available online via livestream. Learn more here.
SOCIAL STATEMENT COMMENTING PERIOD
Human Rights Social Message- Join the Discernment by Aug. 31
Don't miss your chance this summer to contribute to the development of an ELCA social message on human rights. The public comment period for the Draft of a Social Message on Human Rights runs through Aug. 31. Read and comment here.
Final call for responses to Faith, Sexism, Justice:
Conversations toward a Social Statement- respond by Aug. 31
As the Women and Justice: One in Christ Task Force prepares to release the draft of the upcoming social statement on gender justice, they want to hear from you. Review the statement and share your thoughts here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2017

August 11-12
Free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinic, Seattle
August 12
Good Shepherd Lutheran Golf Tournament at Palmer Golf Course
August 26-27 & Oct 14-15
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing
September 10
God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday. - ELCA Churchwide
September 22-24
ASWO Convention- Fairbanks Lutheran
October 14-15
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing
October 29
From Conflict to Communion | Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017
October 31
Looking Back and Called Forward. ELCA 500
2018

February 16-17
Discipleship Workshops at Rooted 2018 Cohort Launch and Congregational Council workshops (concurrent events)
Lifetree Cafe. Tuesdays, 7pm, St. Mark Lutheran Church - Anchorage
Join upcoming discussions: * What's Right With You? * Mormons * Curing Healthcare *
Chair Yoga - Get Fit Where You Sit.   Tuesdays, 11am & Thursdays, 10am.
St. Mark Lutheran Church - 3230 Lake Otis Parkway, Anchorage - Ph:  (907) 276-6231
Join with others as yoga instructor Cat Kabira helps participants reconnect with their bodies every day through carefully designed yoga sessions.  Details here.
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.
Suicide Prevention
Click Here for information and resources from the Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry.