Using AI tools in the church: Nov. 6

Amazon bestselling author and consultant Jason Moore will guide a conversation about what AI (artificial intelligence) is and which tools are most useful for various aspects of ministry and will demonstrate how to use them. Best of all, most A.I. tools are free to use or are very affordable. Regardless of your church size, budget, and worship style, this AI primer will be helpful for you.

• The session is open to clergy and laity in the GNW Area
• It starts at 2:30 p.m AK, 3:30 p.m. PT, 4:30 p.m. MT
• Registration is now open

Camp staff positions available in Alaska and Washington

Birchwood Camp is looking for 2 people who either are already friends/family or would like to become friends/family in part-time, year-round staff positions. One position is for Food Services Manager and the other position is for Administrative Assistant. For more information or to apply visit www.birchwoodcamp.org.

Our sibling camps in PNW are looking for a year-round Site Director at their Indianola Camp in Washington. View the information here: https://umcrm.camp/blog/site-director-camp-indianola-indianola-washington

If you (or anyone you know) may be interested or a good fit please consider applying. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Emergency Response Team Training (ERT)

When disasters strike, United Methodists respond in many different ways. Our earliest responders are ERTs, who go in to help clean, sort, and prep homes for long term repairs or replacements. If you think you might be interested in knowing more, or receiving this training, please speak with Dan Wilcox, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at 907.414.7078, or AlaskaCDRC@pnwumc.org. 

The training will be Nov. 4^th from 9:00am-3:00pm, at Anchor Park UMC (2300 Oak Drive) in Anchorage. ERTs are required to be 18 years old and physically able to do the work.

Charge Conference assistance

Don't forget that Crystal in the Conference Office is available during work hours to help individuals get logged into their People Portal to work on the Charge Conference paperwork. Don't wait until the last minute!

Don't forget that charge conference reports should be complete one week prior to your date. You will need to have a hard copy of the reports for the Superintendent.

Charge Conference Info

Link to M.I.L.E. video

Birchwood Camp Board of Directors positions open

Birchwood Camp is owned by the Alaska United Methodist Conference and operated by an independent Board of Directors. The Board is a mix of pastors, lay people and community supporters. Board members are the visionaries, setting the direction for Birchwood today, tomorrow and into the future.

We are looking for persons with experience/interest in construction/project management, accounting/book keeping/finance and personnel/human resources. The most important experience/interest is a love of camping and outdoor ministries.

Board terms are 3 years in length. If you have served in the past and have been off the board for at least one (1) year, you are eligible to be on the Board again. You do not need to live in Anchorage to be a Board member. Terms begin in January 2024.

The Board meets 4 times a year and has been meeting by Zoom to include Board members from across the state.

To learn more or express your interest, contact Sandra Woods (Board President) surywoods@yahoo.com.

Anchor Park's UWF Annual Holiday Auction

Anchor Park's United Women in Faith will host their Annual Holiday Auction on

Saturday, November11th from 10:45am to 2:15pm! Lunch cost is $17 which includes salad, chicken, rice, vegetable, fresh baked bread, assorted desserts, coffee and tea. This is a great way to have fun and support mission

projects focused on women, children, and youth in Alaska, the United States, as

well as the world. Forty-three organizations have benefited from the profits of this event over the last 10 years. There will be a Silent and Live Auction

on Saturday. Following the event, they will have an online auction as well.

Invite your friends and join us for this fun event. Please call Jo Anne Hayden at 907-903-5025 to make a reservation.

We are looking for volunteers if you would like to help with the auction. Tasks include setting up on Friday November 10th. Saturday November 11th tasks include cooking, set up,

clean up, check-out table, and the famous other duties that arise. Any questions about the event can be directed to Jo Anne Hayden 907-903-5025 or Susan Williams 907-317-0406.

Opportunities for Native American month

The diverse cultures of Native American people will be featured during November, which is Native American Heritage Month. Bryan Tener, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, writes about joining one of four warrior societies and lists some resources to help better understand Native Americans.

Read the commentary

Bishop requests prayers for Maine

New England Conference Bishop Peggy A. Johnson called for prayers in response to the Oct. 25 mass shooting in Maine. She also joined United Methodist clergy from Maine in an online prayer service.



Read the bishop's statement

Watch the video of prayer service

AP: What we know so far about mass shooting in Maine

Bergquist to retire; Fernandes to lead GBHEM

The United Methodist boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries are moving toward greater missional and operational alignment with the announcement that the Rev. Greg Bergquist will retire next year and Roland Fernandes, top executive of Global Ministries, will assume leadership of both agencies. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, Higher Education and Ministry board president, described the decision not as a merger of the two agencies but a way to make each agency stronger, more resilient and more effective around the world.

Read press release

Bishop Stockton remembered for joyful spirit

Bishop Thomas B. Stockton, who died Oct. 18 at 93, is being remembered for his optimism and commitment to tending to the needs of underprivileged people. Services are set for Oct. 28 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem.

Read the story

Memorial service for Bishop Devadhar

The New England Conference will hold a memorial service for Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar on Oct. 28, beginning at 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern time. The service will be at Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord and will be livestreamed. Bishop LaTrelle Easterling will preach. Devadhar, the denomination’s first Indian American bishop, died July 18 at age 72.



For service details

Read UM News obituary

Retired Bishop Machado dies at 77

Retired Bishop João Somane Machado has died. He was 77. Machado was elected to the episcopacy in 1988 and assigned to the Mozambique Area, where he served until his retirement in 2008. UM News will have a feature obituary on Machado in next week’s Daily Digest. 

Read the press release

Scarritt Bennett honors women during 35th anniversary

On a bright fall day, Joyce Sohl and Barbara Campbell sat on the front porch of a historic house at the corner of 18th Avenue and Grand Street, under a sign designating it the Campbell Sohl House as part of the 35th anniversary of Scarritt Bennett Center. At the recent dedication, the Rev. Sondrea Tolbert, executive director of the United Methodist-affiliated center, said the house was being named for two women who made sure the naming and purpose of the center remained true to the values of those who came before.

Read the story

'The Recap' offers snapshot of denomination news

The latest episode of “The Recap” video series remembers those affected by war in the Middle East, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and highlights United Methodists putting their faith into action. Produced by United Methodist Communications, “The Recap” helps viewers gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world.

Watch the episode

Iliff School of Theology announces webinar for prospective students

Iliff School of Theology is hosting a 'Time to Apply' webinar on Friday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT for those interested in applying to Iliff for the fall or winter quarter. The workshop will provide an overview of the admissions process for applicants alongside resources to prepare a strong application, including how to write your essay and prepare your resume. Participants will receive an application fee waiver. Priority deadline for the fall 2024 term is January 31, 2024.

RSVP for this webinar on the Iliff School of Theology website.

Learn more about Iliff's degree programs on the school's website.

Funding Forward: Developing new revenue resources for your congregation

Grace Pomroy from Luther Seminary shares research findings on how congregations are developing new and creative funding sources. In this in-depth interview with Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff, she explains how congregations can lessen their dependence on Sunday morning offerings in ways that can bolster the bottom line, while also building connections with neighbors and advancing the church’s mission.

Read more of this story from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Conference camps honor clergy with rest

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and a great way of showing clergy appreciation and recognizing their tireless dedication is by giving them an opportunity to rest and recharge. Mississippi Conference campgrounds, along with other local participating locations, are providing free two-night retreats for clergy this season.

Read the story

Church creates affordable housing

After years of planning, Portsmouth Common apartment complex is open for business on the property of Portsmouth Union Church. On Oct. 18, members of the church were joined by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek in celebrating the development of a 20-unit apartment complex designed to provide veterans with much-needed affordable housing.

Read the story