e~Aurora
A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference
Conference News
Doors to a New Hope | New Hope Methodist Presbyterian Church
The ministry that is now known as New Hope Methodist Presbyterian Church began about 46 years ago when representatives of both the Methodist and Presbyterian denominations in Fairbanks decided to explore the possibility of establishing a main line Protestant ministry in the growing community of North Pole Alaska located about twelve miles east of the city of Fairbanks. Many of the existing area congregations at that time – and still today – were small nondenominational groups that interpreted the Bible and worshiped in a manner that did not appeal to those from a mainline protestant background. When one group of these representatives learned that the other group was engaged in a similar endeavor they met together and decided it was better to engage in this project jointly rather than seeking to establish two competing ministries. Soon a group of people began meeting for worship and shortly thereafter a congregation was formed. The first building consisted of two Atco trailers purchased from the Alyeska pipeline company after the construction of the Alaska pipeline was completed. A mathematical error on the billing statement – honored by the company – allowed the infant congregation to purchase them for several thousand dollars less than anticipated. Although only a handful of the founding members still remain, their legacy lives on. New Hope is one of three Methodist Presbyterian union congregations in Alaska with the other two being located in Anchorage and Juneau. Our pastor and congregation regularly participate in activities sponsored by both of the local Methodist and Presbyterian jurisdictions (Alaska Methodist Conference and Yukon Presbytery). Because of the name, many people who visit North Pole think that they are at the north pole. They are disappointed to learn that the north pole itself is actually several hundred miles north east of our physical location.

CrossOver to Life! · Week 46
Accept or Question?
by Dave Burfeind
CrossOver reflection for  Week 46 • Beginning October 20, 2019

I grew up going to church. It was a part of our family life to attend church every Sunday. I have even provided photographic evidence (zoom in, I dare you!). It shows the Bible I gave myself from birthday money I received when I turned nine along with a “Certificate of Attendance” for 13 quarters of perfect Sunday School attendance — over three years without missing a Sunday School class! I assume summers were exempt since we did go on a vacation each summer.

Youth Mission Immersion 2020
The Mission Immersion Weekend will offer opportunities to grow in our faith as we serve our local community. We will gather in fellowship with youth from across Alaska for this Mission Immersion Experience. Some of the places we've served at in past Mission Immersions include Habitat Restore, FISH, Pioneer Home, Anchorage Rescue Mission, Beans Cafe, and Habitat for Humanity. We'll meet on Friday night and have time of worship and fellowship. We stay overnight at St. John UMC and then go out into Anchorage and serve all day Saturday!

January 17th at 7 p.m. - January 18th at 4:30 p.m.

Register online starting November 1st at stjohneagle.com/youth

For more information, contact Robbie Brawner or Danna Larson.
Aleen Fison passes away
Aleen Fison died the morning of October 20 at 2:42 a.m. Two of her daughters were with her in the Arbor at Wesley: Lea Hill.

Please hold her family and friends in prayer as they mourn her passing.

There is no news about services at this time.
Anchor Park's Annual Holiday Auction
Anchor Park's Annual Holiday Auction organized by the United Methodist Women is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th! Join friends for this year's fun event from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The lunch cost is $17. Please call the church office at 277-0152 to RSVP by November 7.

They welcome donations of home crafted/baked items and want to encourage receipt of all donations by November 7th.

This is a great way to have fun and support mission projects focused on women, children, and youth in Alaska, the United States, as well as the world.
Are you an electrician?
Girdwood Chapel is looking for a volunteer electrician to help them troubleshoot a small exterior lighting problem. Lunch at the Bake Shop provided as a thank you! Contact Pastor Nico if you are willing to help.
First UMC Anchorage to celebrate 75th anniversary
Come and join the celebration of First UMC Anchorage and their 75 years of faith. Their special worship service will be at 10:00 a.m. on November 10th with Rev. John Tindell leading the service; followed by a potluck to celebrate at 11:30 a.m.

They could not be where they are today without the stories of all who have been there. Share your story! Please send copies of pictures and stories to the church office so they can have them on display to share.
United Methodist Federal Credit Union
Your United Methodist Federal Credit Union is offering 1.99% on Visa® balance transfers through November 30, 2019 with low rate applied until November 30, 2020. Now is a great time to consolidate credit card debt, bring your interest rates down and create a plan for greater financial wellness in the new year.
Birchwood Camp
Birchwood Camp Annual Auction
You are cordially invited to the Annual Auction and Dinner at Birchwood Camp, the Lodge, on Sunday, November 3, 2019 beginning at 5pm. Please feel free to invite friends and family. Please RSVP to info@birchwoodcamp.org
Winter Rendezvous date change
There has been a CHANGE in the WINTER RENDEZVOUS dates. At the recent Leadership Team meeting, the Winter Rendezvous meeting dates were officially set and have been changed to January 30 - February 1, 2020. We know that is a change from our previous announcement. This is one week earlier than initially announced. So please UPDATE your calendars to reflect the change. Again, the new dates are January 30-February 1, 2020.
National News
Black bishops demand voice in church future
The Ebony Bishops are calling for African American clergy and laity to have a voice in The United Methodist Church's future. "Our witness is grounded in our experience of deliverance from enslavement, Jim Crow, the exclusionary practices of the Central Jurisdiction and the ongoing discrimination in our world," said the bishops' statement.

General Conference organizers unveil GC2020 logo
The Commission on the General Conference has unveiled the logo for the 2020 General Conference to accompany the theme "…and know that I am God," based on Psalm 46:10. The denomination's top lawmaking body will meet May 5-15.

Volunteers needed for General Conference
Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles during the 2020 General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly, which will meet in Minneapolis, Minnesota from May 5-15, 2020.

At this time, volunteers are needed for the following positions: recorders, channel “B” identifiers and verbatim transcribers/copy editors.

Travel, double occupancy housing, and food per diem provisions will be provided. Those interested can apply here now through November 21, 2019.
Global Mission Fellows Program seeks applicants
The Global Mission Fellows Program is accepting applications through Jan. 7. This two-year program is a way for young adults — ages 20 through 30 — to engage with local communities outside of their home context, connect the church in mission and grow in personal and social holiness. The early access deadline is Dec. 2.

Conference Calendar
25: Charge Conference - UMC of Sitka
26: Charge Conference - Aldersgate UMC
26: Charge Conference - Douglas Community UMC
31: Halloween
3: Charge Conference - Christ First UMC
7: Charge Conference - Willow UMC
10: Charge Conference - Girdwood Chapel UMC
10: Charge Conference - Jewel Lake Parish
11-13: GNW Cabinet - Carlo attending
14-16: WJ Summit - Carlo attending
16-17: WJ Mission Cabinet - Carlo attending
18: Charge Conference - First Anchorage/First Samoan UMC
19: Charge Conference - Palmer UM Fellowship
20: Charge Conference - Turnagain UMC
21: Charge Conference - UMC of Chugiak
23: Charge Conference - Kenai UMC
23: Charge Conference - North Star UMC
23: Charge Conference - St. Peter the Fisherman UMC
24: Charge Conference - Homer UMC
26: Charge Conference - Anchor Park UMC
Upcoming Clergy Birthdays

November 6 -
Fa'atafa Fulumu'a

November 9 -
Murray Crookes
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.
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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.
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