A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference |
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Phishing email, report
Friends, we got word last week that email messages have been received from someone pretending to be our Superintendent and using this email address: carlosalaskaumc@gmail.com. Please IGNORE THE EMAIL and DO NOT RESPOND. We are not doing any COVID gift card programs at this time and this is not his email address. Also his name is not Carlos. Please share this message with others in our Alaska network and if you are able, please report it to Google as a phishing email. Thanks!
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COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
It was announced by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services that they have broadened the eligibility of individuals allowed to make appointments and receive the COVID-19 vaccination. As a service to the community, we are sharing this with you.
You can read more here:
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Greater Northwest Area churches invited to join Holy Week/Easter virtual choir
As the Greater Northwest Area enters the season of Lent, again experiencing a time of physical distancing, one local church musician is inviting all United Methodists in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to celebrate Holy Week and Easter together through music.
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Where Love Lives: Personal Piety and Social Holiness
Faith leaders from across California-Nevada have come together to create compelling videos and webinars for the Western Jurisdictional campaign Where Love Lives. February’s theme is Committed to our Wesleyan roots: The inseparability of Personal Piety and Social Holiness.
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Scrutinizing the proposed hold on new bishops
United Methodist bishops explained in a webinar why they are urging delegates to delay electing any new U.S. bishops until 2024. However, some delegates say such a move is more drastic than needed.
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Delegation releases anti-racism statement
The Northern Illinois Conference delegates to General Conference and the North Central Jurisdictional Conference have released a statement against racism. "This is a critical time in both our church and our country. We cannot remain silent on these matters," said the Rev. Alka Lyall, delegation chair.
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Bishop addresses pastor's guilty plea
California-Pacific Conference Bishop Grant Hagiya released a statement after a former United Methodist pastor pleaded guilty to child molestation on Feb. 8. John McFarland was sentenced to 15 years to life for molesting seven girls ages 5 to 15. "As clergy, we need to remember our sacred vows of 'doing no harm,' and uphold our highest moral values in our personal and professional conduct," Hagiya wrote. "In this difficult time, let us be in prayer for the victims, their families, and all who are affected."
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Traditionalists urge protocol be taken up
An international coalition of traditionalist leaders announced its continued support for the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation. The coalition also urged that the Commission on the General Conference, working with the Council of Bishops, find a way for General Conference to take up the protocol legislation as soon as possible. The Commission on the General Conference met Feb. 20.
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Hymns can be healing
"The language of God" is what Karen Crenshaw Swenson calls hymns. The retired librarian and journalist says hymns inspired her to support civil rights in the 1960s and more recently cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
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Bishop discusses COVID-19 with White House adviser
Bishop Sharma Lewis spoke recently with nationally renowned scientist Dr. David Agus as part of the conference's COVID Connection video series. Agus, who advised the Trump administration about COVID-19 and is continuing to do so in the Biden administration, spoke with Lewis on the importance of vaccines, when things will get back to normal and safe worship practices.
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Texas church rallies after broken pipes, flooding
Many churches across Texas are dealing with broken pipes and flooding from freezing temperatures last week. Lindsay Peyton reports on members' quick actions to minimize the damage at Friendswood United Methodist Church, near Houston.
People can support recovery efforts by giving to UMCOR's U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery Advance #901670. Give now
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The Rev. Thomas Butts, civil rights veteran, dies
The Rev. Thomas Lane Butts Jr., an outspoken pastor who championed desegregation during the civil rights movement, died Feb. 15 at 90. Butts served United Methodist congregations in Florida and Alabama, including serving as pastor to famed novelist Harper Lee and her sister, Alice Lee, a pioneering lawyer. Kevin Robinson has an obituary.
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Saving Grace teaches Wesleyan financial practices
Wespath and Abingdon Press have partnered to produce a new six-part program titled "Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being." The resource leads United Methodists in a comprehensive journey through earning, saving, spending and giving, all taught from a Wesleyan perspective.
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Black clergy share their experiences
The East Ohio Conference Black Pastors' Fellowship and the office of Multicultural Vitality have produced a new video series aimed at creating discussion and moving all of us toward racial justice. Each video is accompanied by questions that can be used for personal reflection or small group discussions.
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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
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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