Call for Annual Conference from Bishop Cedrick

This past Friday, the Call Letter from Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth was sent out to all Clergy, Lay Members to Annual Conference, and those with voice during an Alaska Annual Conference session. It gave more detail about where Annual Conference will be held as well as where Bishop Cedrick will be Installed and have the Opening Session.

Read the Call Letter

Northwest Leadership Institute

Let’s gather at the Northwest Leadership Institute in April in Boise, Idaho to worship, dream and strategize the church on the other side. In the midst of quiet quitting, denominational splintering, and generations deconstructing their faith, it’s time to dream about the opportunities of the church on the other side.

Pastor Andy and at least 8 people from St. John UMC plan to attend this event. Are there more Alaskans who would like to join? If so, there is a specific Alaska discount! Use the code ALASKA for a reduced registration of $99.

Find out more information and register here.

Speak to Pastor Andy if you would like to join their group.

Local church leadership training online

On Saturday, March 18, 9 a.m. to 11 AKT / 10 a.m. to 12 noon PT via Zoom, staff from across the Greater NW Area will offer training for local church leaders in the areas of SPRC, Trustees, Finance, and Administrative Board.

The trainings will cover basic responsibilities and best practices, as well as dive deeper into human resources issues, using property and assets for ministry, the single board model, and managing conflict.

Save the date and watch for more information and registration coming soon!

Snow Labyrinth at Alaska Pacific University

Recently 3 staff, with the guidance of Chaplain Brian Anderson, created a snow labyrinth in front of Grant Hall on the APU Campus.

Come and experience the power of stepping into sacred space. Bring a friend (or several) for this experience or come alone.

All are welcome to this space, day or night.



If you would like to learn more or have Brian assist with individual or group labyrinth experiences, please connect with him.

***The snow labyrinth path is uneven, so please be careful as you walk.

Church leaders mourn Tyre Nichols, seek change

In the days since video was released showing police officers savagely beating Tyre Nichols, United Methodists have joined in grief and prayers for Nichols and his family. Some recalled their own experiences with police violence. All called for justice and the recognition of Black people’s humanity.

Read the story

Caucus, ministry plan call for action on gun violence

Following recent mass shootings across the U.S., the New Federation of Asian American United Methodists and Asian American Language Ministry are calling for action on gun violence. The groups also see Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of police as part of an epidemic of violence. “We raise our voices in prayer for increasingly vulnerable members of our communities who are immigrants and people of color,” the groups’ statement says. 

Read the statement

John Wesley's sermons available online

The Rev. John Wesley was a prolific writer and powerful preacher. His sermons are great teaching tools for people interested in better understanding Methodism. ResourceUMC now has a free database of Wesley's greatest sermons indexed by number, title and scriptural reference. Read the words of Methodism's founder and learn more about our unique beliefs and practices.

Explore now

Churches reach out after earthquake

As communities in Turkey and Syria are left reeling in the wake of an earthquake that has killed more than 2,400 people — and that figure is rapidly growing — churches are reaching out to check on those affected and praying for the safety of those missing. Aftershocks measuring as high as 7.5-magnitude have been felt across the region since the 7.8-magnitude quake initially struck on Feb. 6. “In the midst of death and trauma caused by this terrible event, let us bring our intercessions together,” said the top executive of the World Council of Churches.

Read the story

Church member inspired new movie

The new feature film "80 for Brady," starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sally Field and Rita Moreno, is based on a group of real-life friends who bonded over their love of football and especially "greatest of all time" quarterback Tom Brady. One of the film's inspirations is Elizabeth "Betty" Pensavalle, 94, a lifelong United Methodist.

Read the story

Remembering four chaplains

The American Legion and other veterans' groups are marking Four Chaplains Day, which commemorates the events of Feb. 3, 1943, when the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank during World War II. Four military chaplains, including the Methodist Lt. George L. Fox, gave their own life vests to others and helped as many men as possible to board the life boats. The four — who also included a Dutch Reformed preacher, Catholic priest and Jewish rabbi — then prayed together and went down with the ship. The U.S. Congress established Feb. 3 as Four Chaplains Day in 1988.

Learn more

Learn more about United Methodist chaplaincy