Professional Church Workers' Retreat

In Alaska, we have a broad range of people engaged in professional ministry, so this retreat is open to all professional church workers - pastors, deaconesses, home missioners, LLPs, CLMs, elders, deacons, camp directors, and more, both active and retired. This retreat is specifically geared toward those who have been actively engaged in ministry during these challenging times and need space to breathe, process, and play. The purpose of this retreat is to embrace play as a sacred act, to offer an intentional respite to those who have been ministering in a variety of ways during this very difficult time, and to connect and build relationships with one another. See more information linked in the invitation letter and draft agenda. Please direct questions to Lisa Talbott.

Register here

The hotel block will be released 9/22 so get a room NOW if you need one.

Laity Sunday 2022

This year's Laity Sunday theme from Discipleship Resources is Rise Up! Reveal. God's love for us is revealed through Jesus Christ. This year, you may choose to celebrate Laity Sunday on October 9, while the clergy and professional church workers are on retreat. Attached are a draft bulletin and notes based on the theme. All you need to do is recruit volunteers and choose hymns! Also, there are additional resources from the Greater New Jersey Conference for your reference. Special thanks to David Means, Donna Singleton, and Betty Hertz who wrote and compiled these resources. We give God thanks for the priesthood of all believers!

Laity Sunday Notes

Laity Sunday Bulletin

GNJ Laity Sunday Preaching Resource

GNJ Laity Sunday Worship Resource

Charge Conference paperwork ready for download

Conference Superintendent Christina DowlingSoka is planning Church/Charge Conferences with all the Alaska churches. As those meetings get scheduled, now is the time to start filling out the paperwork. The superintendent is asking that the paperwork is completed and emailed at least one week prior to your scheduled meeting.  You can find the Church/Charge Conference page here.

Disaster relief for Western Alaska

As we have watched the devastating storms that have hit the western coast of Alaska over the weekend, many have wondered what they might do. Alaska Conference Disaster Response is actively involved with partnering agencies and state emergency response to help with response and have a view to recovery. 

We are inviting churches to hold special offerings this coming week, using the Conference Advance #310 to remit funds to the conferences. Anything collected will be used in state as we respond to the communities in need. 

In the coming weeks, we hope to announce some training opportunities for those interested in being part of an Early Response Team. These are short-term teams that go into disaster areas to help with muck outs and clean ups. While we do not have specific plans to deploy these teams, this training will prepare you to be ready when we are able to determine the need. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dan Wilcox, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, [email protected], 907.414.7078.

Youth event postponed

This event has been postponed until January 7th. Please watch for advertising for it in December. Thank you!

Webinar: Are you prepared for a disaster?

Are you prepared for a disaster? September is National Preparedness Month, so there is no better time to learn how you can be personally prepared for natural disasters in the Greater Northwest.

Abundant Health Ministries is offering a presentation on the topic on Tuesday, September 27, from 6-7 p.m. PT (5 p.m. AKT/7 p.m. MT). The presentation will discuss:

• The natural disasters common in the Greater Northwest and their effects on our communities.
• Steps you and your family can take to prepare for such events.
• Ways you can help your church and community be prepared.

Learn more and register today on the GNW event calendar.

Disaffiliation process

Have you been wanting to know more about the process that is being followed in the Greater Northwest area, including here in Alaska, when a church inquires about disaffiliation?

Below are important links including the paragraph in the Discipline that relates to this process and the timeline that we will be following in the GNW as well as FAQ's related to Clergy and Disaffiliated Churches. 

• Disaffiliation FAQs Related to Clergy & Disaffiliated Churches
• GNW Disaffiliation Timeline(s)
• Reference: ¶2553 Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality

Help Centennial Campground

As many of us in Anchorage know, as of September 30^th the campground at Centennial will be closed. This was planned from the beginning, as this campground is not suited for use in the winter and closed every year on Oct 1 for use. Closing the camp has sent waves of stress though those who are currently living in the space. Salvation Army staff and volunteers are working to help individuals navigate the system to find suitable houses before the closure date. They are still in need of volunteers to help with this navigation until the end, and then after they may need help with clean up.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! I have been talking with Captain Delgado and she is just as unsure of what will be needed for closing and clean up, but has asked for me to reach out and see if there are groups of people (or individuals) who would be willing to step up and help with the closing process. Again we don’t know what that looks like at this point in time, or if the muni will be taking on the responsibility of cleaning the space. If you would be interested in receiving information on what we can do to assist, please contact me via email ([email protected]) or my cell phone (907)351-0274 . If you have any questions, I may or may not be able to answer, please feel free to reach out.

Jenn Miller

United Women in Faith Annual Gathering

"Finding Joy in Faith and Action: Changing the World from Where We Are" is our theme for the hybrid meeting (live and zoom) at St. John UMC in Anchorage on September 30 - October 2. 

Our very own retired Deaconess Fran Lynch will be doing a 2-part Bible Study.

Our scripture focus is Romans 15:4-6 and James 2: 14-17.  While we would love to have everyone physically present, we are offering ZOOM as well. Masks are encouraged and we will make every attempt to provide safe space for us all. 

Showered in Grace is a mobile shower trailer which is used to offer showers to the homeless in and around the Anchorage area. They will be the recipient of the tangible giving with supplies such as soap, shampoo, etc. There will also be a silent auction and an online auction with proceeds going to AK Child and Family and Nome Community Center.

Hoping to see you in September where we can spend time to get acquainted, get revived, educated, inspired and sent home with joy to change the world. 

Register here

Susie Smalley, AUWF Vice President

[email protected]

Legacy Tea

Let's spill the tea by sharing the good news about the Legacy Fund. As a permanently invested endowment, the Legacy Fund will be an ongoing source of income, providing the assurance that our important work can always continue. Giving to the Legacy Fund will support United Women in Faith in perpetuity. That’s why gifts to the endowment fund are such a vital way to sustain and grow our capacity to serve and advocate. Join in on September 30th from 2:30-3:30 pm at St. John UMC.

RSVP to Bonnie Miller by September 26th.

Housing needed

United Women in Faith are looking for Anchorage area homes for out-of-town ladies to stay in while they attend the upcoming Annual Gathering, September 30 – October 2. If you have space and would like to host someone, please reach out to Co-President, Debbie Pintsch at [email protected].

Update on BSA bankruptcy

The Center for Scouting Ministries, part of United Methodist Men, has issued an update on the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy restructuring plan after a judge's key ruling. As part of the plan, The United Methodist Church — a major sponsor of Scouting troops over many years — has agreed to contribute $30 million to a fund for survivors of Scouting-related sex abuse. Local United Methodist churches continue to provide meeting space and other support for troops and to join in stepped-up child safety protocols. The center also has a new conference resource page that helps with answering questions about the current BSA and United Methodist Church relationship.



Read the update

See the resource page

UM News: New era for church and Boy Scouts of America

Kuan to step down as Claremont president

The Rev. Jeffrey Kuan has announced that he will step down as president of Claremont Theological School. He is in his 10th year of leading the United Methodist seminary. Kuan will begin a six-month sabbatical on Jan. 1, 2023, and officially end his presidency on June 30. Claremont trustees have named Bishop Grant Hagiya, who will retire as an active bishop Dec. 31, to serve as interim president. Kuan plans to remain on the faculty and resume teaching.



Read the press release

Read Kuan's letter

Laity Sunday sermon series available

Laity Sunday is observed each year on the third Sunday in October — Oct. 16 this year. The United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service. The Greater New Jersey Conference's Breakthrough Worship ministry is offering a Laity Sunday sermon series, complete with worship and preaching suggestions as well as graphics for social media.

View the resource

Religion and Race announce new grant cycle funding initiatives

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is proud to announce a new cycle of the CORR Action Fund (CAF) grant program that will support creative initiatives that will transform the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the world. The 2022-2023 grant program will provide up to $10,000 to fund projects that increase intercultural competency and support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity, and systemic equity leading to action.

UMC churches and other UMC entities are invited to apply for funding by submitting a proposal that:

• demonstrates bold and innovative thinking, 
• reaches more people, younger people, and more diverse people,  
• results in long-term change that could be replicated in other local churches, districts, conferences, or other entities within the UMC, and  
• utilizes existing GCORR resources.

Read more

#StillInMission Episode 47

United Methodist Missionaries are #stillinmission and we hope that you will join us to learn more!

We are excited to invite you to join us for #StillInMission Episode 47!

To register, click here. Registration is required.

World Communion Sunday - Oct. 2

The United Methodist Church (UMC) bishops in Africa have condemned the Africa Initiative group and the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) for spreading falsehoods about The United Methodist Church in Africa.

At the close of their meeting at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, the bishops declared that they would have nothing to do with both the Africa Initiative and WCA as those two groups are now working for and promoting Global United Methodist Church, a denomination that has not been approved by the General Conference of the UMC. 

The four-day meeting had been bathed in devotions and prayers including a visit to Chinando, a special prayer center in the mountains that was created by Methodist women.

Click here to read the statement from the African bishops.

Hillary and Chelsea Clinton talk faith in series

In the new AppleTV+ series "Gutsy," Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea take time to talk about their United Methodist faith, including their formative experience at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. The two also highlight the faith of the women they feature in the series based on their bestseller, "The Book of Gutsy Women."

Read the story

Do you know what generosity means in the UMC?

When we work together to combine our physical, spiritual and financial gifts, we can amplify our impact across the world as we change lives in sustainable and strategic ways. Use this simple one-page document to learn about the multiple giving opportunities in the United Methodist Church and share with your congregation!

Discover more about generosity

New Global Mission class forming

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 1 for the Global Mission Fellows program, US-2 track, which puts 20- to 30-year-olds to work in social justice ministries in the United States. Those selected for the next Global Mission Fellow cohort will begin service in August 2023.

Read press release

Apply

Don't miss discounted Advent resources!

Invite your community to worship with you this Advent with the help of customizable outreach resources. Choose from banners, signs, postcards, invitation cards, posters and more. All are available in a wide variety of designs, languages and messaging. Get up to $250 off these resources by using code UMCA22. This code is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted, so don’t delay!

Resources in English

Resources in Spanish

Pastor answers call, despite cancer battle

Emery United Methodist Church recently celebrated the Rev. Angela Ford’s licensure as a local pastor. Ford continues to serve as the congregation’s pastor even as she battles an incurable cancer. “I know that I have a purpose, and I believe every day that I have some type of ministry opportunity in my life,” Ford said.

Read the story

Celebrating 50 years of advocacy for women

The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women marked its 50th anniversary on Sept. 15, celebrating a half century of advocating for the full inclusion of women in church life as well as helping to promote sexual ethics. The agency is offering five ways to join in the festivities including encouraging its annual conference counterparts to plant a tree.

 

See five ways to celebrate

Watch video on agency's work

15-30: Lisa out of the office

30-Oct 2: United Women in Faith Annual Gathering

7-9: Professional Church Workers Retreat

10: Indigenous Peoples' Day

13-17: GNW DCM Retreat

18-20: GNW Cabinet Meeting

31: Halloween

Upcoming Clergy Birthdays

September 22 - Won Jea Keum

September 28 - Darla Bradley

October 8 - Andy Bartel

October 10 - Luke Jones

October 18 - Dan Wilcox