United Methodists march for nuclear-free Arctic

While in Alaska for the installation service of Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, members of the Greater Northwest Area cabinet had the chance to meet and march with individuals seeking peace and care for creation in the Arctic. Bridgeforth, a U.S. Air Force veteran, sees a common cause between The United Methodist Church and veterans working to make the Arctic free of nuclear weapons.

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UMCOR Disaster Case Management Training

We will be holding a virtual Disaster Case Management Training from June 7-9. It will be for anyone interested in helping our long-term recovery efforts in Western Alaska, or other times we respond to disasters in the state. 

Below is the schedule and registration link for the upcoming DCM training. The registration deadline is 12noon Alaska Time - June 2, 2023

Schedule:

June 7 - 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm

June 8 - 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm

June 9 - 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm

Registration Link:

http://tiny.cc/umcordcmreg 

If you have any questions, please message Dan Wilcox at AlaskaCDRC@pnwumc.org, or call 907.414.7078. 

St. John is hiring!

St. John UMC is hiring a Children’s Ministry Coordinator! Part-time or full-time negotiable. If you have interest in serving this population, please submit a cover letter and resume to office@stjohnanchorage.org.

Alaska disaster responders find hope repairing basketball court

Recently, two disaster response team members from the California-Pacific Conference traveled to remote Alaska with the idea they were going to focus solely on assessing damage caused to homes by last fall’s Typhoon Merbok, when they stumbled upon a pick-up game of basketball with kids and an opportunity arose.

Read more of this story on the GNW News site.

COB president shares message with annual conferences

This week, Council of Bishops President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton released a brief video message for annual conferences and local churches. The presentation is intended for use at their gatherings and/or via their communication channels. It was filmed and produced by United Methodist Communications and is available for viewing at UMC.org/future on the denomination’s official website.

The message builds off of points included in Bishop Bickerton’s Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church Address and his address to the Council of Bishops in which he encouraged members to " reclaim, revive and renew” the beloved United Methodist connection.

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Vonner elected as chief executive

United Women in Faith will welcome a new chief executive on June 1. Sally Vonner has worked in various positions for the women’s organization since 2010. A graduate of Perkins School of Theology, Vonner said her focus will be “to continue and expand the mission and reach of United Women in Faith” and “work to improve the lives of women, children and youth around the world.” She follows Harriett Jane Olson, who retired earlier this month.

Read the press release

Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural ministry toolkit

The work of cross-racial/cross-cultural (CRCC) ministry requires one to juggle a variety of mindsets, heart sets, and skill sets. This work requires one to root one’s identity in a spirit of openness and humility as one journeys with others across differences. This can be complex and nuanced work that oftentimes necessitates additional care and support.

The General Commission on Religion and Race has developed a variety of different resources to empower, prepare, and equip CRCC ministry leaders across diverse ministry contexts to do their best work. Use this toolkit to familiarize yourself and your local faith community with practical resources for forming a healthy, sustainable CRCC ministry partnership.

View the CRCC tookkit

Caucus requests fair, transparent church trial

In a May 24 letter to the Council of Bishops, The United Methodist Church’s Hispanic/Latino caucus asks that the council take over the church trial process against Bishop Minerva Carcaño “to guarantee a fair, equitable, and transparent church trial for all parties.” Carcaño, who has been suspended for more than a year, is facing a church trial after a Western Jurisdiction committee brought charges under church law. The charges are undisclosed. MARCHA also requests that the church trial be open to the public and held in one of the other four U.S. jurisdictions.

Read the letter (PDF)

Caucus urges support for Indian Child Welfare Act

The Native American International Caucus of The United Methodist Church is calling for supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act as a Supreme Court decision looms that could weaken it. The act ensures that priority is given to place orphaned Native American children with extended family or communities that maintain a connection to their culture. The court is considering a lawsuit by a white Texas couple who adopted a Native American child despite the Navajo Nation’s wish for placement in a more culturally relevant setting.

Read the press release and call to action

Carlton 'Sam' Young was United Methodism's maestro

The Rev. Carlton R. “Sam” Young is best known as the editor of The United Methodist Hymnal, but his contributions to church music and the denomination went well beyond that. Young died May 21 at age 97 and was working until almost the very end.

Read feature obituary

Six ideas for congregations on Father's Day

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are great times for honoring parents, but these occasions can be painful to some people for various reasons, such as the loss of a parent/child or because of unstable family situations. Here are some ways congregations can support and acknowledge those in need of special care during these holidays.

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Ways for Christians to observe Juneteenth

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the date in 1865 when African Americans were freed from slavery by the Emancipation Proclamation. On Juneteenth, we celebrate the historic eradication of slavery while also recommitting ourselves as Christians to fighting oppression and injustice wherever we find it. Religion and Race has recommended resources for Christians to observe this holiday respectfully.

Learn about Juneteenth