Appointment Announcement

I am pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Laura Krauss has become the pastor of Ḵunéix̱ Hídi Northern Light United Church in Juneau, Alaska, as of September 1. This is a shared United Methodist/Presbyterian congregation, whose pastors, historically, alternate between the two denominations. Rev. Amy Delaney, Acting Executive Presbyter of the Northwest Coast Presbytery, assisted in identifying Rev. Krauss, who has been selected by the Pastor Nominating Committee and the Leadership of the congregation.

I took her name to our United Methodist bishop, Elaine Stanovsky, who affirms this selection and, welcomes her to her new position, serving this ecumenical congregation. We also celebrate and give thanks for the ministry of the Rev. Faith McClellan who served the congregation these past three years.  

Rev. Krauss has served a wide variety of Presbyterian (USA) churches across America. Her last position was as a Southern Californian hospital chaplain in the midst of the Pandemic. This will be her fourth Interim/Transitional Pastoral position. In a familiar twist, her paternal grandparents served at Stika in the 1930-40’s. She is very much looking forward to this calling.

Welcome, Pastor Laura to the Alaska Conference of the United Methodist Church!

Alaska UMC Superintendent, Rev. Christina DowlingSoka

Alaska Conference Special Sunday

The Alaska Conference Special Sunday is traditionally observed the 2nd Sunday of September, but churches may celebrate it any time this fall. This year, our focus is on our three mission churches: Nome, Unalaska, and Willow UMCs. You may give in two ways: either make a donation to your local church designated for one or more of the mission churches and your treasurer will write a check directly to that church, or you may give using the Advance numbers listed below. Please continue to pray for these three churches and their pastors!

Professional Church Workers' Retreat

In Alaska, we have a broad range of people engaged in professional ministry, so this retreat is open to all professional church workers - pastors, deaconesses, home missioners, LLPs, CLMs, elders, deacons, camp directors, and more, both active and retired. This retreat is specifically geared toward those who have been actively engaged in ministry during these challenging times and need space to breathe, process, and play. The purpose of this retreat is to embrace play as a sacred act, to offer an intentional respite to those who have been ministering in a variety of ways during this very difficult time, and to connect and build relationships with one another. See more information linked in the invitation letter and draft agenda. Please direct questions to Lisa Talbott.

Rev. Dr. Barber stepping down from the IV team

After four-and-a-half years of working with the Greater Northwest Area’s Innovation Vitality (IV) Team as the director of innovation for an engaged church, Rev. Dr. Leroy Barber is moving on to a new position as executive director of a national non-profit. His last day will be Sept. 26.

Barber, who began as part of the IV Team in February 2018, has based his work out of the Oregon-Idaho Conference offices in Portland, but his impact has been felt far and wide as we seek to become innovative, anti-racist, inclusive, justice-seeking United Methodists in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alaska. Barber is well-known for saying “Innovation happens at the intersection of difference.”

Read more

United Women in Faith Annual Gathering

"Finding Joy in Faith and Action: Changing the World from Where We Are" is our theme for the hybrid meeting (live and zoom) at St. John UMC in Anchorage on September 30 - October 2. 

Our very own retired Deaconess Fran Lynch will be doing a 2-part Bible Study.

Our scripture focus is Romans 15:4-6 and James 2: 14-17.  While we would love to have everyone physically present, we are offering ZOOM as well. Masks are encouraged and we will make every attempt to provide safe space for us all. 

Showered in Grace is a mobile shower trailer which is used to offer showers to the homeless in and around the Anchorage area. They will be the recipient of the tangible giving with supplies such as soap, shampoo, etc. There will also be a silent auction and an online auction with proceeds going to AK Child and Family and Nome Community Center.

Hoping to see you in September where we can spend time to get acquainted, get revived, educated, inspired and sent home with joy to change the world. 

Register here

Susie Smalley, AUWF Vice President

asusansmalley@gmail.com

70th Anniversary - Fairbanks First UMC

This September 17th and 18th FUMC Fairbanks will be celebrating 70 years of ministry at one of America’s northernmost United Methodist churches. It promises to be not just a celebration of what has been accomplished, but a celebration what we continue to do and will be doing into the future.

Back in 1952, some may have been skeptical about planting a Methodist congregation this far north. An earlier attempt in 1905 at having a Methodist congregation in Fairbanks had failed by 1918. Who would have imagined in 1952 that 70 years later, in 2022, in the wake of a global pandemic that First United Methodist Church of Fairbanks would be thriving? Today we continue welcoming new families and new faces, and meeting the needs of local people.

The celebration is for those that have been here for generations, for years, and those that have just arrived. The Alaska United Methodist Conference Superintendent, the Reverend Christina DowlingSoka, plans to attend and deliver the message at worship on Sunday. We are reminded by the words of our anniversary motto, "Through faith, we have come this far; with faith, we will journey on.” We will gather for dinner on Saturday September 17, worship together on Sunday September 18, and continue our journey together as America’s northernmost United Methodist Church. For tickets or more information, call the church office at (907) 452-2956.

Housing needed

United Women in Faith are looking for Anchorage area homes for out-of-town ladies to stay in while they attend the upcoming Annual Gathering, September 30 – October 2. If you have space and would like to host someone, please reach out to Co-President, Debbie Pintsch at dpintsch@gci.net.

Apportionment Report

We have received the August apportionment report from the Treasurer’s office. You can view it on our website here.

Certified Lay Servant classes

Rev. Andy Bartel will be offering the Certified Lay Ministry BASIC and PREACHING courses again this fall on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m., both in-person and via Zoom. Basic will run Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, and 12. Preaching will run Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16. Space is limited, and is open to all Alaska United Methodists. In person will meet at St. John UMC. Register here for the Certified Lay Ministry BASIC Class. Or Register here for the Certified Lay Ministry Preaching Advanced Class  Please note that the BASIC class is a prerequisite to the Preaching class.

Resource aims to help church conversations

A new resource from United Methodist Communications aims to help congregations learn more about the shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. "We are the church. Together" is a slide presentation that aids leaders in answering members' questions and walking their church through what it means to be United Methodist.

Read the press release

Download 'We are the church. Together'

Bishops call for rejecting 'idolatry of guns'

To address the crisis of gun violence in the U.S. and around the world, bishops are urging United Methodists to raise their prayers and contact their elected leaders. The Council of Bishops released a letter to the wider church Sept. 1. Heather Hahn reports.

Read the story

Read Council of Bishops letter (PDF)

Read the press release

Bishops plan for the election of new colleagues

The United Methodist Council of Bishops concluded its meeting preparing to welcome new episcopal leaders early next year. The new bishops will be coming aboard as the denomination deals with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and undergoes a fracturing unseen in any current United Methodist's lifetime.

Read the story

United Methodists reach out amid water crisis

About 180,000 residents of Mississippi's capital city are struggling to have clean drinking water, and some do not have water at all. United Methodists of Mississippi are rallying around their neighbors, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief has approved a $10,000 grant. The Rev. Vickie White writes about what the church is doing and how others can help.

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Register today to wake up in an ocean-facing room!

Thinking about attending the 2023 Youth event?

Well, the housing block is OFFICIALLY OPEN and those that register early will be able to take their pick of an ocean-facing room, cabana, or suite. Also, as an added bonus the event room rate will be extended up to 3 days before OR after YOUTH 2023!

You and your group will be able to enjoy weekend concerts, fireworks, and more!

Learn More & Book Your Room Today!

Luau fundraiser is ministry in action

Who says youth fundraisers must be limited to car washes and doing odd jobs? More than 400 people crowded into the Holy Cross United Methodist Church parking lot to attend the multiracial congregation’s luau. Some 50 youth performed traditional Pacific Islander dances and helped raise $17,000 for the youth program.



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Retired Bishop John Russell dies

Bishop John Russell, a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, died on Friday, September 2, 2022, at the Reunion Court of the Woodlands, Texas. He was 96.

“We give thanks to God for the special calling placed upon Bishop Russell’s life and are grateful for the ways in which his ministry was a blessing to many. We extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to Bishop Russell’s family and friends in the midst of their loss,” said Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, president of the Council of Bishops.

Bishop Russell was elected to the episcopacy at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in 1980 and he was assigned to the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. In 1988 he was assigned to the Fort Worth Area where he served until his retirement in 1992.

Read more

Join Church and Society in conversation with U.S. based voting rights advocates

This webinar prepares people of faith for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

In these polarizing times, United Methodists across the connection are being called to faithfully participate in civic engagement as a witness for divine peace and justice.

In the U.S., mid-term elections are approaching in just a few months, people of faith are needed to help communities to be equipped, active and engaged citizens.

Join Church and Society on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, at 1pm EST in conversation with U.S. based voting rights advocates on how to prepare, educate and engage people of faith for the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

Click here to register for the webinar.

All registered participants will receive a follow-up email that will include a recording of the presentation.

African churchgoers train to write devotionals

United Methodists were among interfaith leaders trained to write daily devotions during a two-day writers' workshop and listening pilgrimage hosted by Africa Upper Room Ministries. The goal is to expand resources and encourage disciple making across the continent.

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Tackling disaffiliation questions

In the third installment of the "Is The United Methodist Church Really…?" series, Ask The UMC addresses questions related to the future of the church and disaffiliation, including the recent Judicial Council ruling on what the Book of Discipline allows. These include recurring questions that reflect misperceptions or misinformation that some congregations are receiving as they discern their next steps.

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Read Part 1 on theology and pensions

Read Part 2 on human sexuality

Deacon to lead training, resource development

The Rev. Meg Lassiat has joined the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women as the director of resource development and training. Lassiat previously collaborated with the agency on the creation of the Do No More Harm resource for United Methodists in responding to sexual misconduct. An ordained deacon and member of the Indiana Conference, Lassiat most recently served as the assistant general secretary for ordained ministry at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Read the press release

Moving church outside the building

Two congregations are following up on a conference directive to find new and fresh ways to do ministry outside the walls of the church. Brett Hetherington checks in with the "Bowling and Bibles" and "Burgers and Bible" ministries at Mentor United Methodist and Mount Tabor United Methodist churches, respectively. One key to remember is not being afraid to fail, organizers say.

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9: Cabinet meeting - Christina & Lisa attending

15-30: Lisa out of the office

30-Oct 2: United Women in Faith Annual Gathering

7-9: Professional Church Workers Retreat

10: Indigenous Peoples' Day

13-17: GNW DCM Retreat

18-20: GNW Cabinet Meeting

31: Halloween

Upcoming Clergy Birthdays

September 11 - Emily Carroll

September 17 - Autumn Krueger

September 22 - Won Jea Keum

September 28 - Darla Bradley

October 1 - Andy Bartel

October 10 - Luke Jones

October 18 - Dan Wilcox