A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference |
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An Attitude of Gratitude - The Examen
Tia Hollowood from Turnagain UMC is offering a Lenten Group study via Zoom, starting February 17 and occuring on Wednesday evenings through March 31.
The Prayer of Examen is a prayer form developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) as part of his work on “spiritual exercises.” It is often a prayer at the end of the day but may be used any time. It is a way of reviewing the day with God with the intent of examining our need for forgiveness and healing, reconciliation and recommitment.
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Foundation grant opened
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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Worship service being planned for the first Sunday after Easter
Preparations are underway to provide a pre-recorded worship service for use by United Methodist churches in the Greater Northwest Area on the first Sunday after Easter. The complete service and individual components – including musical selections, prayers, scripture reading, and message will be available toward the end of March.
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Where Love Lives
February’s theme is “Committed to our Wesleyan roots: The inseparability of Personal Piety and Social Holiness.” Three weekly video series and Wednesday webinars explore theological concepts with a current-day lens, examine our Wesleyan heritage, and engage children across the jurisdiction around timeless Wesleyan values.
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Save the date for an important webinar
Be a part of the upcoming General and Jurisdictional Conference Information Webinar, on February 13 at 2 p.m. EST. Delegates will participate via Zoom and others can watch a livestream on ResourceUMC.org. Expect updates from GCFA, the Council of Bishops, the Episcopal Fund and the Jurisdictional Study Committee, as well as a report on General Conference options.
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Clergy record free music videos for Lenten season
With COVID-19 forcing churches to move to online worship, many are concerned about finding music they can legally use on the internet. To help, two United Methodist clergy recorded and shared free hymns and special music that can be used during the Lenten season and on Easter Sunday.
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Black women who led the way in US Methodism
In celebration of Black History and Women's History months, Ask The UMC remembers four of the pioneering Black women in U.S. Methodist history in a two-part series. Part 1 celebrates Ida Bell Wells-Barnett and Mary McLeod Bethune, while Part 2 features the Rev. Sallie A. Crenshaw and Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly.
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World Methodist Museum closes
The World Methodist Museum, shut for almost a year because of the pandemic, plans to close permanently. The World Methodist Council announced on Page 6 of its First Friday Letter that the museum on the campus of Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is in the process of finding new homes for its artifacts.
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Churches inject energy into vaccine access
While supplies are still limited, United Methodist congregations are doing what they can to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccines, especially among underserved communities. That includes serving as distribution sites.
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Hen ministry helps fight poverty
Piney Creek United Methodist Church heads up Hens from Heaven, which aims to help people fly the coop of systemic poverty. Not only does the ministry use its eggs to feed hungry people, but it also aims to help people in the community start henhouses of their own.
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COSROW moves into shared space with conference
The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women has moved into shared office space with the Northern Illinois Conference in an effort to be good stewards amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The relocation to a smaller space within the Chicago Temple allows the agency to share the cost of equipment and services. "We are working to be a 'nimble' agency, with the bonus of getting to share space with colleagues in ministry," said Dawn Wiggins Hare, top executive.
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Denouncing the military coup in Myanmar
In a pastoral letter to the churches and people of Myanmar, the World Council of Churches and Christian Conference of Asia expressed alarm and great sadness after the country's military seized power in a coup. "We urge a swift and peaceful return to the path of democracy, and appeal for the human rights and freedoms," the letter says.
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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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14: Daylight Savings Time starts
15-18: GNW Cabinet meeting - Carlo attending virtually
17: St. Patrick's Day
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Upcoming Clergy Birthdays
February 19 -
Steve Fisher
March 21 -
Nico Reijns
March 23 -
Bob Jones Jr.
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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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