e~Aurora
A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference
Aurora
CONFERENCE NEWS
Birchwood Camp Jamboree
Birchwood Camp
On August 5, Birchwood Camp will hold their annual jamboree.  There will be a silent and live auction as a fundraiser for the camp.  You can enjoy camp activities like archery, boating, and the challenge course.  The event will conclude with a campfire cookout.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to 907-688-2734.
Ministry with the Poor stories
Ministry with the Poor
One of the four focus areas of the UMC is Ministry with the Poor.  The Board of Church and Society is collecting stories of how these ministries address the root causes of poverty and how God is using relationships to transform communities in our conference.  Fran Lynch will have a conversation with one of the Church and Society staff in the near future to share information about our conference.  She needs your stories.  Please email her ([email protected]) with a story and/or information no later than TOMORROW Wed. July 25 if your church has a story to tell.  Thank you.
Superintendent Rapanut out in July
Superintendent Carlo Rapanut will be on renewal leave for the month of July.  If there is an emergency, please contact Rev. Bob Smith who will be covering for Carlo.  You can reach Bob at 907-330-7770.  Crystal will continue to be in the office during normal business hours.
NATIONAL NEWS
Court docket details proposed plans for UMC
The first public details of proposed legislation setting out three proposals for resolving the denomination's differences over ministry with LGBTQ people, as well as the full report of the Way Forward Commission, are part of the United Methodist Judicial Council's October docket (1018-12). The legislation will go to the special 2019 General Conference.  Judicial Council will meet October 23-26 in Zurich, Switzerland. 
 
Full Judicial Council October docket
UMW initiates plan to reduce staff size
United Methodist Women has announced plans to reduce the size of its national staff through a voluntary severance offering. "The work toward building out our new operational structure is coinciding with market volatility and declines in other sources of income," said Harriett Jane Olson, UMW's chief executive officer.

Read the press release
GBHEM doubles amount students can borrow
The Office of Loans and Scholarships at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announced an increase in the maximum amount United Methodist students can borrow to pursue their education. Students can now borrow up to $10,000 per calendar year (January through December) with a lifetime maximum of $40,000 from the United Methodist Student Loan Fund.
 
Previously students were allotted $5,000 per calendar year with a maximum lifetime total of $20,000 during a four-year college career. With one of the lowest education loan interest rates in the U.S., GBHEM is offering students an opportunity to avoid more costly loans and decrease the amount of education debt acquired.

Fall loan applications are open now through November 15, 2018. Scholarship applications for the 2019-2020 academic year open January 3, 2019 - March 7, 2019.
 
For more information about the low-interest student loans and scholarships available through GBHEM, visit gbhem.org/loansandscholarships.
Ways to feel more United Methodist
This year, The United Methodist Church is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a denomination (#UMC50)! From serious to silly, here are 18 ideas to help you join the party.  Ideas range from riding a horse, standing up for one another, eating spicy food, and telling  your mom you love her.

Get started!
Summer UMFCU Newsletter
UMFCU Read about smart money moves for individuals, special promotions, church lending and more.  A wealth of additional information on credit union products and services can be found at www.umfcu.org.  To receive a membership packet for yourself or your church call 800-245-0433.
CONFERENCE CALENDAR
July
2-31: Carlo on renewal leave

August
25: Leadership Team meeting
Office Hours
Office Hours
The Conference Office hours are:
 
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 11:30 am 
happy_birthday_candles.jpg

Upcoming
Clergy Birthdays
 
July 21 -
Lisa Talbott



Conference Office
907-333-5050

Superintendent Carlo
907-854-8340
Submissions - If you have an article or event that you would like to share with the rest of the conference, submit it to the conference office by Monday evening for consideration.
AUMC Logo Mission Statement:
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  Held and supported by the transforming relationship with God through Christ, we of the Alaska United Methodist Conference seek to be a community that creates a home for all peoples, finds our hope through grace and journeys together into God's preferred future.
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