e~Aurora

A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference

Conference News

Bishops COVID-19 Notice #7 - Cautious permission for Phase 2 With words of caution, Bishop Elaine Stanovsky loosens restrictions on in-person worship and building closures to allow transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of Reimagining Life Together for ministries that have developed approved plans. Read Bishop’s COVID-19 Notice #7 here:  https://greaternw.org/bishops-covid-19-notice-7-june-16-2020/

Not an Outside Problem: Racism in Alaska Last Thursday a group of Alaskan Churches hosted a virtual event to listen and learn about the roots of racism in Alaska and how racism and colonialism continue to affect our Alaskan Native siblings. Follow the link to watch a recording of the event and access resources compiled by the speakers and attendees. "Not an Outside Problem" resources and video An Open Letter to White Pastors, Preachers, Priests, and Ministers in America The Rev. Erin Day urges her fellow white clergy to no longer be silent about racism and repent. She writes that "silence is complicity."  Read her commentary

Virtual Camp at Birchwood We know you may be missing your camp experience this summer. We are excited to announce quality programming on-line available every week Monday through Saturday; June 15 – August 1, 2020. Continue to learn about Virtual Camp! You can also get Camp in a Box! Order one here To register online for Virtual Camp, click this link Reimagining Life Together Linked below is a new document titled Reimagining Life Together. It aspires to provide guidance on the requirements and recommendations for local churches and ministry settings to reopen buildings and return to in-person ministry activities during the COVID-19 crisis. An overview of the guiding principles behind this document and its intent was shared by Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky  during the Wednesday, May 20 webinar . Reimagining Life Together guidelines

National News

Panel discussion on crisis leadership Two United Methodist bishops will discuss ways clergy can lead during difficult times during a Facebook Live and YouTube event at 11 a.m. Central time on June 17. The discussion between Bishops Grant Hagiya and Kenneth Carter will be moderated by the Rev. Shannon Conklin-Miller of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Read the press release

United Methodists set to unveil "Dismantling Racism" initiative United Methodist Church leaders will launch a plan of action to galvanize church members and others to actively stand against racism in the wake of the death of George Floyd and protests across the U.S. Read the press realease

Celebrating all men on Father's Day The Center for Men's Ministries urges United Methodist congregations to declare U.S. Father's Day on June 21 as their annual Men's Day. The goal is to avoid the unintended consequences of making some men uneasy on Father's Day. Read the story Ideas for Men's Day

Filipinos speak out against anti-terrorism bill Filipino United Methodists' outcries against human rights violations have intensified during the coronavirus pandemic, including expressing outrage over the passage of a new anti-terrorism bill that one bishop said "will suppress our rights to protest and speak against evils of the society." Read the story

Conference Calendar

21: Father's Day 26: Leadership Team meeting 28-30: GNW Cabinet Retreat

4: Independence Day 13: WJ Mission Cabinet meeting 15: Tax Day

Upcoming Clergy Birthdays July 11 - Joseph DowlingSoka Bob Smith July 21 - Lisa Talbott

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Conference Office alaskaumc@gmail.com www.alaskaumc.org 907-333-5050 Superintendent Carlo carlorapanut@gmail.com 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 Tuesday at 9:00 am for consideration.

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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