e~Aurora
A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference
Conference News
Many Doors | Jewel Lake Parish
Jewel Lake Parish   was birthed from the remnants of an earlier church plant. A union church of the  Alaska United Methodist Conference  and the  Presbytery of Yukon , our name reflects a planned union of three congregations called the “Tri-Anchor Parish.” Although those plans were eventually discarded, they represent the vision of an earlier generation to become “One Church with Many Doors.”

This new incarnation of JLP began in  February of 1971 . That first month, we opened our doors to provide space for community programs. Beginning with a scout troop, we have continued to open our doors. Today groups as diverse as Twelve Step programs and the Society for Creative Anachronism make use of our facilities, along with a scout group, quilters, and a Korean Presbyterian congregation.

PREFACE: Bishop Elaine invited people to join her in reading and praying their way through We Make the Road by Walking, A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation – beginning last December with Chapter 14. If you haven’t begun, this is a great time to start at Chapter 1. If you have been journeying with McLaren since January, this is a fresh reminder of the purpose of the book study – to revive our connection and love for the beauty and life God called into being at Creation and to join Jesus in his quest for aliveness.
CrossOver to Life! · Week 40
Awe and Wonder
Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky
CrossOver reflection for  Week 40 • Beginning September 8, 2019

The heavens are telling the glory of God. ---------

Life is not boring! When I become bored, or so busy I don’t notice the abundance of life that hums everywhere, I know it’s time to stop, look, and listen.  

Last month Clint and I were camped at the  Coal Banks Landing and Campground  on the Missouri River in north-central Montana. We went out of our way to get there by driving many miles on a dirt road to cross the Missouri River on the FREE! two-car cable ferry at Virgelle. On a mid-summer weeknight following region-wide thunderstorms, the campground was mostly empty.

The sunset that evening with a full moon rising, crickets chirping and a silent, relentless river flowing … flowing … flowing. About 3 AM, I imposed on Clint to accompany me to the outhouse. After fumbling with zippers, shoes, and flashlights, we finally emerged from our tent and started the long walk to our destination.

It's not too late: Alaska Conference Special Sunday
If you missed this past Sunday, it's not too late to donate to the Alaska UMC Special Sunday. Oregon-Idaho and Alaska both celebrated this Sunday last week but Pacific Northwest Conference is celebrating this Sunday.

This Special Sunday is being celebrated with an offering to support the continuing work of the Alaska Conference. Your gifts will help our 28+ churches and ministries continue to bring the love of Christ in some challenging and wonderful environments–spread over 650,000 square miles.

Donate to Alaska Disaster Preparedness and Response fund!
As the fires burn throughout our state, and recovery from the Nov. 30 earthquake continues, please remember Conference Advance Number 310 for Disaster Preparedness and Response established this year at Annual Conference. If your congregation would like to help earthquake or fire recovery and response, monies collected with this number will help support our training, deployment, and undergirding work for our Early Response Teams, the Shower Trailer, and other direct assistance offered throughout the state. If you have any questions about what work is happening, please contact Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Daniel Wilcox at either 907.414.7078, or danielpwilcox@gmail.com.
Climate, Energy & Anchorage
Come hear atmospheric scientist and evangelical Christian, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, talk about how Alaskans can meet their energy needs while responding to the challenges and opportunities that climate change raises.

There will be three opportunities to hear Dr. Hayhoe speak:
  • Shaping Alaska's Energy Future: September 11, 7-8:30 pm @ Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA
  • Faith, Climate and Loving Our Neighbor: September 12, 7-8:30 pm @ Faith Christian Community Church
  • Youth Pizza Party: September 12, 5:30-6:30 @ Faith Christian Community Church


There are also events happening in Fairbanks and Juneau so please look at the website or Facebook listed above for those details.
Lay Servant Ministries fall course offerings
Lay Servant Ministries is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs available within the United Methodist connection. Through this equipping and empowering system, lay servants have the opportunity to grow as
disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples.

Two courses will be offered at Christ First United Methodist Church in Wasilla this fall.

INTRODUCTION TO LAY MINISTRY: The BASIC Course. Cost $40.00 per person. Course is 6 weeks: Thursday’s 6:30 – 9:00 PM 9/26 through 11/7.

ADVANCED LAY SERVANT COURSE: Lay Pastoral Care Giving. Cost: $40 per person. Course is 6 weeks: Tuesday’s 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 9/24 through 10/29.

For more information or to enroll, contact Linda Haynes, Certified Lay Servant, Alaska UM Conference Lay Servant Course Facilitator
Lindahaynes87@gmail.com or 907-373-2975 or text only 907-355-8263
Fall Rendezvous meeting
Please find this reminder that the Fall Rendezvous meetings are scheduled for October 3-5, 2019. If you are in an appointed position or are on a conference committee, please put these dates in your calendar. You should have received an email with registration information Thursday, August 29. You can register here.
Looking for Housing Volunteers
With the upcoming conference meetings, we will be looking for home stays for some of our attendees. If you are able to house one or two people for a few days in early October, please contact the conference office. Thank you!
Charge Conference paperwork
Charge conference paperwork is already available for download on our website. All the forms are fillable electronically and it is highly recommended that this option be utilized.

We request that an electronic copy of your complete packet be submitted no later than one week before your scheduled charge conference to give time for the Superintendent to review them. Email the packets to carlorapanut@gmail.com and alaskaumc@gmail.com. Charge conference schedules and agenda are being finalized this week.
Victorian High Tea | September 18
Come celebrate United Methodist Women’s legacy with a Victorian High Tea at Anchor Park UMC September 18 th , at 5:30 to 6:30pm. The event will include fun foods, games, and a sharing by Shannon Priddy, United Methodist Women National President and Kenya Roberts, from UMW national office. Hear about what UMW is currently doing and ways to assure the mission work continues 150 years into the future. Bring your favorite teacup. Email your reservation to smwilliams@gci.net . If you have questions, contact Susan Williams at 317-0406.
Mission u coming to you!
Mission u events take place across every United Methodist Conference and are organized by conference United Methodist Women leadership. At our Mission u events in Alaska we will grow in our understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. Events include worship, singing, interest groups around current issues, audio visual presentations, food and fellowship! Please join in embracing the opportunity to grow, share and advocate for others!

Aldersgate UMC: October 4-5
Soldotna UMC: November 1-2
UMC of Chugiak: November 22-23

Annual Gathering registration open! September 20-22 - Solid Rock Bible Camp
“League of Extraordinary Women” is
our theme this year and the weekend will be
bursting with leadership development
activities, sharing time for local units, worship,
opportunities to engage in social action
activities, and best of all, we will be celebrating
our history and 150th Birthday! Rally the women
you know who are interested in bettering the
community and bring them with you for a
weekend of fellowship and discovery of the
resources United Methodist Women have to
offer. We will begin with our evening meal
together at 6 PM on Friday and end at noon on
Sunday. Check in will open at 4 PM.

National News
African bishops oppose separation plans
Bishops in Africa have resolved not to support any proposed legislation or plans that may result in a split or dissolution of The United Methodist Church. In a statement at the close of the Africa College of Bishops retreat Sept. 2-6, the bishops said the church would continue in Africa after the 2020 General Conference.

First church in Africa becomes reconciling
A United Methodist congregation in southwestern Kenya unanimously voted to work toward full equality of LGBTQ people in the life of the church.

UM News hosts Pre-General Conference briefing
United Methodist News will host a pre-General Conference news briefing Jan. 23-24, 2020, at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., in preparation for the 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The briefing aims to help delegates, communicators, agency and annual conference staff and other interested parties prepare for the denomination's legislative body when it meets in Minneapolis, Minn., May 5-15, 2020.

The cost of registration is $199 before Oct. 31 and $249 thereafter. A $100 rebate will be provided for each reserved room for people staying at the Omni Nashville Hotel. To register online, visit the registration website . Questions about the briefing can be emailed to PreGC2020@umcom.org .
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15! Celebrate the contributions of Hispanic-Latino individuals in your area with the help of customizable outreach tools.

Use the resources to invite your community to join you for worship and events, all while building awareness of Hispanic-Latino culture and traditions.

UMCOR starts efforts for Bahamas effort
Methodists in the Bahamas are among those who will be helping to meet basic needs after Hurricane Dorian decimated Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is partnering with them.

6 questions to ask about your church's investments
Ah, September: back to school. Home canning season. Pumpkin spice lattes. And for most endowment committee members or trustees, it’s also time to resume regular meetings, take inventory of your church’s investments, and make a report to your charge conference. Here are six questions to guide your conversation as you do this important stewardship work.

Groundbreaking chaplain for Africa University
The Rev. Maudy Muchanyereyi is the first female chaplain of Africa University, as well as a graduate of the United Methodist school. She's found her initial months in the job to be an adventure that's also enriching her Christian walk.

Native young people speak up at national gathering
Native American young people from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference raised their voices about Native-themed mascots and other issues important to their communities during the Youth 2019 national gathering.

Conference Calendar
10-12: GNW Cabinet - Carlo attending
20-22: UMW Annual Gathering - Solid Rock Camp
25-27: UMC Next - Carlo attending
30-Oct 4: Crystal on vacation
3-5: Professional Church Workers & Fall Rendezvous meetings
10-12: GBGM Board Meeting - Carlo attending
31: Halloween
Upcoming Clergy Birthdays

September 11 -
Emily Carroll

September 17 -
Autumn Krueger

September 22 -
Won Jea Keum

September 24 -
Selusi Tuiolemotu

September 28 -
Darla Bradley
Conference Office
907-333-5050

Superintendent Carlo
907-854-8340

The NEW Conference Office hours are:

Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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 Tuesday at 9:00 am 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 in God's preferred future.
FOLLOW US