|
|
|
Called to Mission,
Relationship,
Empowerment and
Abundant Living
| February 7, 2024 |
| |
|
The 2024 Bishop Election Process
Bishop Election Committee
If there was ever a year to doubt the work of Easter and Spring, this would be it. It might seem impossible for Anchorage’s 3+ feet of snow to give way to green or for the ground in the Interior (frozen by -50 degree temperatures) to thaw, but we know it will.
Likewise, it may seem that the Alaska Synod’s election of a new bishop at our 2024 Assembly is daunting. But we can have confidence that God has and continues to prepare us for this important work. We’ve completed a year of discernment, prayer, and listening (to God and to each other) which has already granted us a better understanding of ourselves as a synod. We’ve identified our Synod’s Guiding Principles as ‘epiphany’ statements of what we believe God is calling us to do and be. Now we need to use these principles in the coming months to discern who God is calling to be our next bishop.
| |
|
First Fruits Grants 2024 are Open
Office of the Alaska Synod
Here's a great way to invite a non-profit that you know and love to receive grant money from the Alaska Synod. First Fruits grants are just that -- money taken off the top of our received undesignated gifts, and offered back to non-profits and ministries that align with one or more of our synod values. Please invite non-profits you know to apply.
Applicants should have a connection to one or more ELCA Alaska Synod congregations and must be a not-for-profit organization.
Please see here to apply. The deadline is Feb 29. Funds available are variable based on offerings received to the synod from congregations.
| |
|
Congregational Insurance
ELCA
Is your congregation’s insurance up-to-date? When was the last time your church council looked at the policy? Synod Treasurer Tami McHugh reported at the January synod council meeting that congregations around the country are being dropped because many buildings are aging. We write this only to encourage due diligence in looking at your policy regularly and, when still possible, maintaining a relationship with a local agent. Check out this document on the ELCA’s website: Guidelines for Purchasing Insurance.
Another resource is a bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings. Administration Matters
| |
|
Annual Report Time
Office of the Alaska Synod
Good news - there is now only form (A) to fill out!
Please submit your report online. Your online submission is automatically provided to the Office of the Alaska Synod.
Your congregation ID and password are included in the paper packet mailed to your church office by the ELCA. If you do not have this packet, you can also call the Office of the Alaska Synod for the login information.
If you must complete your form on paper, please remember to first download a copy to use as a worksheet. Please mail the original, completed form to the synod office.
Additional instructions and resources here.
Whether you respond electronically or by paper, please submit the form by March 1.
| |
|
Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer
Lilly Endowment
We seek to support highly promising and creative endeavors that help children come to know and love God and grow in faith.
Eligible charitable organizations are invited to submit proposals for up to $1.25 million that may be used for up to a five-year period to establish new and/or enhance existing programs that support congregations as they design intergenerational corporate worship services and prayer practices that more intentionally and fully engage children and nurture their faith.
The Endowment is especially interested in supporting programs that help congregations address one or more of the following objectives:
- Strengthening worship and prayer practices that attend to and respect how children experience God and express their faith.
- Enhancing worship and prayer practices that are more fully inclusive of all children, including children with disabilities.
- Drawing more fully on the arts (e.g., music, visual arts, drama, etc.) to enhance the experience of worship and prayer for children.
- Creating opportunities for Bible storytelling that help children hear and tell stories of faith through worship and prayer practices.
- Enhancing worship and prayer practices that more intentionally connect worship with the daily lives of children and their families.
| |
|
New Works to Download and Share
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM)
Lutheran Music Program transforms lives and connects people through faith and music. The three values which we embrace are musical excellence, Lutheran faith, and a nurturing community. Our vision is to see churches and communities renewed through music for the sake of the world.
As a laboratory for musical artistry and learning, LSM continues to develop new resources during each summer’s academy and festival. We are pleased to share these free downloadable resources for students, teachers, and congregations.
| |
|
How can we build social and emotional skills
and create places where everyone feels valued and connected?
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
Weave the signature practices throughout the day, every day, as a regular part of planning and facilitating lessons, meetings, and professional learning. These research-based practices can be part of a systemic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL). They help us build and practice social and emotional skills and create a climate of belonging for everyone, building strong, equitable, effective learning and working environments.
| |
|
Open each class period, meeting, or professional learning experience with an inclusive welcome.
An inclusive welcome is culturally and linguistically respectful, builds community, and connects to the work ahead. When planning and facilitating activities, educators are always thinking, “What’s my purpose?” The inclusive welcome is an opportunity to bring that purpose to life. What to a casual observer might appear to be an icebreaker or time-filler can be an intentional, effective educational strategy.
Learn from some examples.
| |
|
Embed engaging strategies throughout the experience.
Engaging strategies offer opportunities for participants to more fully grasp content and to connect learning to their own contexts. Build in a balance of interactive and reflective experiences that vary in complexity and style to meet the needs of all participants and your intended outcomes for the time together.
Learn from some examples.
| |
|
Close each experience in an intentional way that builds a bridge to a next step.
An intentional close highlights an individual and shared understanding of the content and purpose of the engagement, illuminates the intellectual and emotional experience just shared, can provide a sense of accomplishment, and supports forward-thinking. The closing activity may be reflective of the process or the content, help identify next steps, make connections to one’s own work, or show appreciation for one another.
Learn from some examples.
| | |
|
2024 Mohrenweiser Lecture
PLTS
One day, you will likely be asked questions about medical treatments and tests that you are unable to answer—perhaps you are sedated for surgery, or unconscious after a car crash, or in the clutches of dementia. Who will answer these inevitable questions and what will they say? You might assume that your family and friends will know what you would want them to say but, often, they do not. Why? Because few of us have talked about our wishes in the face of life-limiting illness or severe injury with those who are likely to be asked to make choices for us when we are unable to do so.
Research indicates that we are more likely to get the care we want and the death we desire if we talk about future medical choices and the dying process and have a plan. Conversations and plans may also smooth the grieving process for our loved ones. It’s past time to get the conversation started. Register to attend on Zoom.
| | |
|
Come rediscover balance and renewed purpose in your ministry by taking a fresh look at faithful pathways to spiritual, emotional, and relational health. This workshop isn’t going to add to your burdens with Band-Aid fixes that promise to banish burnout in three easy steps. What it will do is guide you through sustainable practices and proactive strategies for addressing the challenges of your context and preventing burnout before it sets in. | | |
|
|
Glacier Bible Camp
Sponsored by Lutheran Southeast Alaska Camping Association
Eagle Valley Boy Scout Camp, Juneau
For anyone entering grades 5th - 12th!
Those entering 5th - 9th grades will participate in the traditional in-camp experience. There will be crafts, games, gifts of the spirit, Bible studies, campfire and all your favorite activities. This camp is not exclusively for Lutherans so feel free to invite friends. This is an inclusive camp where all youth are welcome without judgment.
Those entering 10th - 12th grade may participate as Counselors in Training or come as campers. CITs will work with the primary counselors to help with a cabin of campers. They will also assist with leading different activities.
You will make new friends, grow in your relationship with God and have fun!
| |
|
Cyril and Methodius
February 14
| |
|
The brothers, Cyril and Methodius, born in Greece in the 9th Century are known for influencing the religious and cultural development of all Slavic peoples. They invented a written alphabet to provide a vernacular translation of the Bible, and designed a Slavonic liturgy that was approved for use by religious leadership.
To this day, the liturgical language of many Slavic Christians reflects the work of the brothers.
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. (ELW)
| |
|
Behold, my brother, we have shared the same destiny, ploughing the same furrow; I now fall in the field at the end of my day. I know that you greatly love your Mountain; but do not for the sake of the Mountain give up your work of teaching.
— Cyril, on his deathbed, to Methodius
| |
|
Domestic Violence Help
Click here for contact information on crisis teams across Alaska and to find programs in your area that can help.
Click here for resources from the ELCA about helping to nurture families dealing with domestic violence.
-
One in three women and one in four men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). On average, 20 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States—more than 10 million women and men a year, according to the NCADV.
Suicide Prevention
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call the Alaska CARELINE (1-877-266-4357), or reach out to someone you love and trust. You can also text 4HELP to 839863, 3 - 11 pm Tuesday – Saturday.
Careline treats callers with respect and listens without judging. Careline also provides information for those concerned about someone else. Advice is tailored to Alaskans.
Suicide prevention works. People can and do put suicidal thoughts behind them.
| |
|
l Spread the News! l
Please share this newsletter with your friends, family and colleagues.
To subscribe, click here, then verify your subscription in your email inbox.
| | | | |
