Introducing the Hidden Heroes Organization (Support for Military Caregivers)

ELCA Chaplain, Lt Col. Keith Muschinske (retired)
Hidden Heroes  is a national non-profit established by Elizabeth Dole to raise awareness and seek solutions for military caregivers. Bishop Eaton affirmed the need for and value of the resources Hidden Heroes provides. Learn more about this program here.

Congregational Transitions

Christ Lutheran Church-Soldotna announces that Pastor Meredith Harber has accepted their call to serve as pastor.  Her first Sunday will be September 10; an installation will be scheduled for October.  Pastor Harber currently serves as pastor of Eben Ezer Lutheran Church/Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Oklahoma.  She is a graduate of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. A sister lives in Alaska and their mother will move up also.
Resurrection Lutheran Church-Juneau is ready to receive names of pastors for their consideration. They seek a pastor with four to nine years of experience with skills in preaching and worship leadership, pastoral care, evangelism, stewardship and an openness to youth and families. You can nominate a pastor by contacting the bishop at aksynodbishop@gmail.com.

Lutheran Men in Mission- BOLD Conference Report- dc George

LMM held their conference July 21-23 in Minneapolis. David "dc" George of St Mark Lutheran- Anchorage, reports: The vision of Lutheran Men in Mission is, "To become bold and daring followers of Jesus Christ." That goal was never more evident than at this year's national conference... read on here.

Alaska Native Lutheran Church Bazaar & Silent Auction July 29, 10-3

See the amazing items and support Alaska Native Lutheran Church at their annual bazaar and silent action on Saturday, July 29, from 10am-3pm at 1420 Cordova St. Anchorage. Items include hand-made crafts, gift certificates, a Tiffany Chandelier and more. Visit their page for more details, or just drop by.

Good 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.

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.

Construction progress in Juba, South Sudan

Thanks to support from the ELCA community and our local and international partners, the Lutheran center and clinic in Juba, South Sudan, is nearly complete! When finished, the center will provide both health and educational services to the community. However, this important project is only half funded. Watch this video to learn more, and to find out how you can help.

A Mission for Global Health

Are you a retired or active health care professional interested in serving the Global Church? Join Lutheran Global Health Volunteers and spend one to three months providing care for our global neighbors in Liberia, Tanzania or India.

Syria in the Bible and in the Early Church: A Heritage at Risk.

Adult Study Opportunity: We hear about the war in Syria almost every day, but many of us don't know a lot about the history of this country and especially how it relates to the early church. Pr. Tom Lee, a retired pastor and Old Testament Scholar spent time on archeological sites in the middle east and for one summer in Syria. Access his class on antiquities in Syria and what they can tell us about our history as Christians. $25 provides year-long access. Learn more here.- From the Northern Rockies Institute of Theology.

Administration Matters. An ELCA Resource

Index of the July 2017 Issue
Congregational Ethics Policy
Independent Contractor or Employee?
Legal resources
Church Mutual Insurance free sensors program
Financial best practices for congregations
ELCA Federal Credit Union

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.

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.

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.

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.