A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference |
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From the Delegation - "The Alaska Omnibus Proposal"
The Alaska General Conference Delegation has been hard at work throughout these winter months. We have been listening to voices of those outside of Alaska and working with others who have put much effort into legislation already submitted to General Conference. We have been discussing what we might offer to help our church move beyond the conflicts that have divided us.
This is our attempt to offer a pathway so all of our churches - in the United States, around the globe, liberal, conservative, and centrist - can see a future for their congregation, for their conference, and for the larger church.
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Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky intends to appoint the Rev. Steve Lambert as Interim Pastor (1/2 time) of the United Methodist Church of Chugiak, Alaska beginning February 1, 2021.
Rev. Lambert is an ordained elder from the Texas Annual Conference and serves as a Chaplain for the US Army Reserve and for Providence Hospital in Anchorage. Steve is no stranger to the Alaska Conference, having served the Unalaska, Homer, Chugiak and Northern Light churches in the past. He will join Rev. David Hall who will continue to serve UMCC, now in half-time beginning February 1 until May 31, 2021. Notes to welcome Steve may be sent to: chaplainlambert@mtaonline.net.
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Foundation grant opening
The First United Methodist Church Foundation is accepting applications for grants to be used as educational benefits, scholarships, out-reach to the community and the world, and capital projects of First United Methodist Church, Anchorage. Applications should be a concise request using the form provided by First United Methodist Church, Anchorage and can be found on the FUMC website at http://firstumcanchorage.org/ or at the church office. Submissions must be received by February 26, 2021 at the street address given below. Award recipients will be notified in March 2021.
FUMC Foundation - Grants
725 W 9th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-272-2112
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Birchwood Camp offers Day Camp for kids
We know that a lot of families are still facing the challenges of the unfamiliar school year. Birchwood Camp is offering Day Camp that will help support the needs of parents and kids.
Days are packed with fun games, music, crafts, hiking, ice skating, sledding, roasting marshmallows, nature exploration, and more.
Campers can connect to online school and receive homework help from our amazing staff. Campers bring their own lunches and laptops.
For campers in grades 1-12
Registration Fee: $30 per day
Date: starting January 12, 2021
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
You may register for a day or several days at a time.
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Bishops congratulate Biden and Harris
As they have for previous new presidents, United Methodist bishops sent congratulations to new President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. "We pray that President Biden and Vice President Harris will embrace the core values of their election to serve all people regardless of their political views," the bishops said.
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De-Colonizing the Church
According to the 2020 census, forty percent of people in the U.S. identify with a race or ethnic group other than white. Currently, more than ninety percent of United Methodist churches identify as white.
What can we do to help our churches better reflect the diversity in our communities? What part does our history of colonization play? What part does racism play? Unless we dig deeper into these and other questions, we will not be able to reach the diverse people in our communities. We need to de-colonize our church.
This Discipleship Ministries webinar offers deeper understanding about the racism in our churches, both past and present, and offer tangible steps we can take to de-colonize our churches.
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PPP lending available through Interfaith Federal Credit Union
Churches and organizations with membership accounts at Interfaith Federal Credit Union (formerly United Methodist FCU) can apply for PPP lending. The IFCU blog provides updates on information regarding the PPP lending program. Any questions can be directed to SBAinfo@interfaithfcu.org or by contacting IFCU headquarters at 800-245-0433 weekdays between 9am-5pm Pacific Time. If your church or organization is not yet a credit union member you can request a membership application by contacting memberservices@interfaithfcu.org or calling the same 800 number.
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New People New Places: Godsend Incubator
Join Discipleship Ministries: Path1 on January 28 at 1:00 pm for a FREE Invitation Day webinar with Michael Moynagh and Michael Beck! They will talk about this incredible year-long experience where you and your team of laity will be equipped to start a fresh expression in your context! The incubator includes access to an app with modules for continued learning, three additional webinars, and ongoing cohort learning.
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A prayer in time of national crisis
In this prayer from The United Methodist Church's Book of Worship, 517, we seek God's direction and enlightenment for our nation as it experiences turmoil and conflict. Take a moment to say and reflect upon the prayer, and then share it with your congregation.
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Combining rock 'n' roll and scripture
The Rev. R. Scott Miller, of the West Ohio Annual Conference, fuses well‑known rock 'n' roll songs with Scripture during his radio program, "Music with a Message." His unique combination of technology, music and ministry is bringing hope to those who feel isolated during the pandemic.
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Easter outreach resources available for churches
Many people in your community will be searching for a place to find renewal and hope this Easter. United Methodist Communications sells a wide variety of customizable outreach resources to invite people to church, including postcards, banners and digital tools. Use code UMCEA21 to receive $150 off an order.
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Agency eliminates jobs under new structure
The church agency charged with leadership development has reorganized and will cut 25% of its labor force by the end of January. Budget decreases and falling collections made the cuts necessary, said the Rev. Greg Bergquist, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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Virtual worship is here for good
If there's a positive side to the coronavirus for churches, it's that many of them have dramatically upped their game online. Internet responsibilities have increased the workload of pastors, who will get even busier as churches return to normal after the pandemic eases.
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Africa University choir founder dies at 83
Patrick Matsikenyiri, song leader, hymn writer and world-renowned teacher of African music, died suddenly Jan. 15 of complications related to COVID-19. He was 83. Among other contributions, Matsikenyiri established Africa University's music education program and choir.
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Retired pastor starts online 'Doubter's Parish'
The Rev. Martin Thielen's retirement project after United Methodist ministry is a new website called Doubter's Parish, where skeptics and what he calls "thinking Christians with questions" can read his writings and get in touch. Thielen, a popular author and former megachurch pastor, is quick to acknowledge his own faith struggles.
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A less welcoming place for refugees
The United Methodist Church of the Redeemer (Germany) has offered a host of services to refugees and migrants in recent years. But the coronavirus pandemic has put a temporary halt to such ministries, and Europe is turning more people away as the migration crisis continues.
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29: Leadership Team IDI Session 2 |
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14: Valentine's Day
15: Presidents' Day
16-18: GNW Cabinet meeting - Carlo attending virtually
26: Leadership Team meeting
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Upcoming Clergy Birthdays
February 19 -
Steve Fisher
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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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