A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference |
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Bishop's COVID-19 notice #9
Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise across America in what one public health doctor called a “raging firestorm.” The highest number of daily new cases of COVID-19 since March occurred yesterday in Alaska. Idaho, Oregon and Washington and have been rising since September 8. This is not the time to let down our guard against this highly contagious, deadly disease.
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. Galatians 6: 9-10 NRSV
Although states have not always held religious organizations to the same gathering restrictions as other organizations, I have held United Methodists in the Greater Northwest Area to strict limits. For most of our churches, this is not the time to loosen these restrictions. Most churches have moved successfully to holding worship and other activities online, either live streamed, or pre-produced. If I were a pastor of a local church today, I would not move toward more and larger in-person gatherings at this time and I do not encourage our churches to do so.
Some, however, are located in areas without reliable internet, some do not have the technical ability, and some members and leaders simply will not and do not use online church options ...
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UPDATE on Me and White Supremacy book study
We just concluded the Fall 2020 Me and White Supremacy book study. We had 17 members who made a covenant to attend for all 6 weeks. During those weeks we had deep and meaningful discussion which has converted into an ongoing private Facebook group that continues to engage in anti-racism work and prayer beyond the class. That group decided they want to continue the work of becoming anti-racist by doing a 40-day racial justice prayer journey together!
The Fall group had so many registered that I had to start a waitlist for the Spring. Right now we have 15 registered for the session that begins February 12, 2021. Signing up does come with a commitment to be part of a covenant group and participants must be available to attend all sessions. We are looking for men to join; this is not a women's group. We also had 4 clergy in our Fall session; this is not only for laity. Also, UM and ELCA members were in attendance.
Based on the evaluation of the Fall session, I have extended the session to 7 weeks and each meeting will be 1.5 hrs to allow for more discussion.
Please advertise and invite people to attend this spring session if you know of folks looking for this kind of deeper engagement and a community to accompany them on the journey.
Peace to you all,
Kelly
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Moving for the Movement
On Sunday Nov. 1 the Deaconess/Home Missioner/Home Missionary program office of United Methodist Women organized a virtual 5K in which members and their friends and families walked, ran, cycled, or flew through the air. We then posted photos to social media and enjoyed each other’s accomplishments. In Alaska Deaconess Kelly Marciales, Home Missioner Candidate Caesar Marciales and their 4 children, Deaconess Candidate Chivi Crookes, Rev. Murray Crookes and their 2 daughters and Retired Deaconess Fran Lynch gathered at Fran and JD’s home in Willow for a brisk walk and bonfire with s’mores. As we walked through the woods and by the frozen lakes JD stayed at home to ensure that the bonfire was a blazing upon our return. The warmth was welcomed just as we welcomed the chance to visit with each other during this pandemic and isolation. The only person missing was Retired Home Missionary Pat Wise who lives in Homer.
D/HM are lay persons called by God to a life time of ministry in love, justice and service. You can find us all across the world serving God’s children in a wide variety of ministries and enjoying a community in which we lift each other up in prayer and friendship. Kelly works in community organizing, Caesar and Chivi work in public education, Fran worked in community outreach and Pat worked in education and community outreach. You can also find us as lawyers and fire fighters, in the medical field, in local church ministry of music, education and administration, as librarians and community center directors, and the possibilities go on and on. God may be calling you. Check out unitedmethodistwomen.org website for information. Or feel free to contact one of us for conversation. The movement is growing as evidence here in Alaska. And the fellowship is a blessing.
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Birchwood Camp Auction has begun!
Every year, in the Fall, people who care about Birchwood Camp come together to celebrate summer camp and our accomplishments for the year. We also come together to give our support and raise funds for scholarships, building and maintenance projects, and general operations of the camp. This year, Birchwood Camps Annual Auction will be online and you are invited! This will be a silent auction and will run for 9 days so you have enough time to bid.
This year’s proceeds are to match a snowplow fund through a grant, replace Caribou bunk beds, camp scholarships, and general operations.
Bidding started November 6 at 1am AKST and ends November 15 at 6 pm AKST. You will need to sign in or create an account to bid. You don’t need an account to view the items.
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Anchor Park UMW announces virtual auction
The United Methodist Women of Anchor Park UMC will not be slowed down by COVID in our mission to improve the lives of women, children, and youth both locally and around the world.
Though different than in past years, they will still be holding a Holiday Auction, but on-line from November 14th through noon on November 21st to raise funds for mission projects.
The first step is to register yourself as a bidder and then enjoy participating in this great fundraiser. The website includes auction items, as well as purchase items and items that can be pre-ordered by the 18th. So be sure to check it out and join in the fun!
All items will be ready for pick up by each bidder on the 21st between noon and 4 pm at Anchor Park UMC in a “drive through” manner. Should a successful bidder be from out of town, items will be mailed.
Anyone seeking any additional information can contact Jo Anne Hayden at 907-903-5025 or at hayden@alaskan.net.
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Have you felt God calling you to preach the Word?
Here are the registration links to the next offering of the CLM Basic and Preaching classes in Jan/Feb or 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Andy Bartel
BASIC
PREACHING
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Community relationships help small church do big ministry
Oak Grove United Methodist Church is too small to meet many community needs alone. But when PPE shortages occurred at the outset of the coronavirus and wildfires forced the evacuation of a homeless shelter, the 150-member church partnered with other congregations and community organizations to locate masks and convert its sanctuary into temporary housing. Terri Elton and Tessa Pinkstaff report.
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Where Love Lives: "Scripture has changed my life"
At 14 years old, California-Pacific Conference Bishop Grant Hagiya said the "bottom fell out" of his family when his mother passed away. It was the Bible he carried and various pieces of scripture that saved him during that difficult time and helped inform his faith.
"As the people of the Western Jurisdiction we are called to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called, and that starts with the primacy of scripture," Hagiya said.
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Council urges no new US bishops for 4 years
Faced with a financial crunch and a potential denominational split, United Methodist bishops want to postpone electing any new bishops in the U.S. and slow down adding more bishops in Africa.
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Vanco offers help with digital giving
Vanco, a digital giving platform, has renewed its longtime ministry partnership with the General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination's finance agency. All United Methodist churches that sign up with Vanco by Nov. 30 will receive personalized one-on-one onboarding with a Vanco eGiving specialist.
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Celebrate United Methodist Student Day
United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 29. Through giving on this Special Sunday, congregations help to provide scholarships for deserving United Methodist students. Last year, more than $370,000 was raised. For resources to help celebrate the special offering, download the United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leader's Kit.
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Congregations target racism
The deaths of Black citizens, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, have created a moment for United Methodists to make progress on racial issues, and congregations across the country are seizing the initiative.
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Church aids displaced Lumad families
United Methodists evacuated their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire between Filipino soldiers and insurgents. Of the 58 families displaced, 26 are members of Beho Omor United Methodist Church, a Lumad church. The Lumads are the largest indigenous group in the Philippines.
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Legal settlement means Glide leaves denomination
A battle for control of a landmark church in San Francisco has ended with a multimillion dollar settlement in which Glide Memorial leaves The United Methodist Church but retains its famed 330 Ellis St. building.
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Called Seminar on Educational Equity
Church and Society is excited to announce the speakers for its fifth annual Called Seminar, "Towards Educational Equity: Investing in the Beloved Community” from November 30- December 3, 2020.
The first two of the four-day series of seminars will feature discussions with experts on what an equitable education system for all can look like. We're thrilled to have these experts join us as part of the Called Seminar 2020.
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New leader for The Upper Room
The Rev. Kimberly C. Orr is the new top executive of The Upper Room, replacing the Rev. Stephen Bryant, who is retiring. The Upper Room publishes resources to help believers move to a deeper level of faith and service.
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Plans for World AIDS Day service
The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee plans to hold an online special service to commemorate World AIDS Day at 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Dec. 1. The worship service can be viewed on the UMC Global AIDS Facebook page and the denomination's website.
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Former bishop Hae-Jong Kim dies at 85
Former United Methodist bishop Hae-Jong Kim, who served the New York West and Western Pennsylvania conferences between 1992 and his 2004 retirement, passed away Nov. 3 at the age of 85. Kim was considered a pioneer of Korean United Methodism with a zeal for church planting. The Rev. Thomas Kim reports.
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10-12: GNW Cabinet meeting - Carlo attending virtually
10: Charge Conference - Girdwood Chapel UMC
11: Veteran's Day
16: Charge Conference - Soldotna UMC
18: Charge Conference - Nome Community UMC
19: Charge Conference - UMC of Chugiak
23: Charge Conference - Ketchikan 1st UMC
26: Thanksgiving - Office Closed
27: Office Closed
28: Charge Conference - Anchorage Korean UMC
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1-3: GNW Cabinet meeting - Carlo attending virtually
2: Charge Conference - Seward Memorial UMC
3: Charge Conference - Moose Pass UMC
7: Charge Conference - Turnagain UMC
8: Charge Conference - UMC of Sitka
9: Charge Conference - Willow UMC
11: Leadership Team meeting
11: Charge Conference - Ola Toe Fuataina UM Samoan Fellowship
14: Charge Conference - Anchor Park UMC
15: Charge Conference - St. John UMC
16: Charge Conference - Fairbanks 1st UMC
17: Charge Conference - Anchorage 1st UMC
24: Christmas Eve - Office Closed half day
25: Christmas Day - Office Closed
31: New Year's Eve - Office Closed half day
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Upcoming Clergy Birthdays
December 10 -
David Hall
December 23 -
Christina DowlingSoka
Curtis Matz
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Conference Office
907-333-5050
Superintendent Carlo
907-854-8340
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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.
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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. |
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