Issuu

“

a whole new level—and experiencing comradery, growth and belonging that comes comes2016 through the2016 hands of December December with actually playing on the team. the “pullers” that grab on “Team 49” is what we are calling the expressed effort to increase giving through to do their part. individual financial partners for the work of the Alaska Conference. And yes, you are being invited to invest Your hand matters. significantly as part of the team. You may be familiar with Alaska Airlines “Club 49” promotion that recognizes and rewards Alaskan —Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent patrons. They understand the benefit of establishing a solid base among their local customers residing in the 49th state. Likewise, “Team 49” seeks to increase giving partners from within our home state. The article on page six tells the story of this growing edge over the years. We have many committed partners from across the lower-48 and welcome more as God calls, so this is not just for Alaskans. However, I am convinced that

m Special 49” Edition:Launch “Team 49” Launch

“

g the same Recently I posted a photo on Facebook of my youngest son wearing the same nded his basketball jersey his older brother wore last year. Though he has attended his The The blanket the is not the the stands, school for a few years and enthusiastically cheered forblanket the team from the stands, is not is invested nowat he is actually on the team. He issource so excited to be a “Grizzly”. He is invested at lift,source of the but of theit lift, but it by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent ng that comes a whole new level—and experiencing comradery, growth and belonging that comes comes through thecomes hands through the hands of of with actually playing on the team. the “pullers” that the grab “pullers” that on grab on ving through “Team 49” is what we are calling the expressed effort to increase giving through to do their part. to do their part. nvited individual financial to partners invest for the work of the Alaska Conference. And yes, you are being invited to invest Your hand matters. Your hand matters. significantly as part of the team. God is calling Alaskans to take more ownership and s Alaskan You may be familiar with Alaska Airlines “Club 49” promotion that recognizes and rewards Alaskan responsibility by giving more from our own resources— —Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent —Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent s residing patrons. They understand in thethe benefit of establishing a solid base among their local customers residing in the e. 49th The state. Likewise, article “Team 49” on seeks to increase giving partners from within our home state. The article on from individuals and churches—in order to expand and page six tells the story of this growing edge over the deepenWethehave workmany donecommitted at the conference level.across years. partners from theThe lower-48 welcome more God calls, is Alaskaand Conference is at aaspivotal pointsointhis mission not just for Alaskans. However, I am convinced that

“ “

Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High

and financially. I wholeheartedly believe that together we can meet the need before us in order to fulfill the Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High ministry to which we have bybeen called. Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent Last year, representatives from churches and ministries all across thetoconference engage God is calling Alaskans take more gathered ownershiptoand responsibility by giving more from our own resources— in strategic ministry planning for this unique season of ministry. from individuals and churches—in order to expand and In those days, ourconference vision andlevel. mission statements emerged, as well as five new ministry priorities. deepen theinspiring work done at the The Alaska Conference is at a pivotal point mission This issue of the Sinew is dedicated to helpinginyou understand these priorities and what the staff of the and financially. I wholeheartedly believe that together Alaska Conference does with to thefulfill fundstheentrusted to us within those priorities. Each page also we can meet the needcurrently before us in order The blanket toss originated wit ministry to which we have been called. expresses “Team 49 Dreams” that we see becoming a reality as more people partner with us. Last year, representatives from churches and Inuit hunters. Being lifted high We oftenallhear from “I read the Sinew cover to cover—every issue!” If you are one of those ministries across the readers, conference gathered to engage in strategic ministry planning for this unique season of ministry. readers, please stay the course with this issue, though it is different in content. If this is your first look at the allowed one to spot animals off istry In thosepriorities. inspiring days, our vision and mission statements emerged, as well as five new ministry priorities. Sinew,of please readSinew to understand vision God has entrusted to priorities us. And for please pray ofabout aff This issue of the the is dedicatedthe to helping you understand these andall, what the staff the investing the distance. This Team 49 edit h page Alaska Conference also currently does with the funds entrusted to us within those priorities. Each page also in the vision and how you can personally contribute to “Team 49”. The blanket toss originated The blanket toss originated with with expresses “Team 49 Dreams” that we see becoming a reality as more people partner with us. is hunters. aimed toBeing raise your sights The symbol havereaders, chosen“Itoread identify withcover “Team 49” is the blanket toss. It isareanone incredible sight to Inuit hunters. Being Inuit lifted high lifted high to of We those often hearwefrom the Sinew to cover—every issue!” If you of those first readers, look please stay reached theat course with person this issue, though it by is different in content. If this is to yoursurrounding first look at the the animals allowed one spot allowed renewed one to spot animals off off in in watch the heights asthe one is launched the collective strength of those vision for Alaska about Sinew, pleaseinvesting read to understand the vision God has entrusted to us. And for all, please pray about investing 49 edition 49 edition the distance. This Team the distance. This Team blanket. Theand photo thiscanpage remindscontribute us that theto blanket is not the source of lift, but it comes through in the vision howonyou personally “Team 49”. Conference within is aimed raise your is aimed sights to raiseministries yourto sights a to a ea ble The sight symbol we “pullers” have tochosen tograb identify with “Team 49” Your is the hand blanket toss. Itto is an incredible sight tohold, the hands of the that on to do their part. matters. So I invite you—take lift unding watch the heightsthe reached as one person is launched by the collective strength of those surrounding the renewed vision forrenewed Alaska vision for Alaska of the five ministry priorities. strong and raise high of Jesus us through work isofnot his the church andofthe Conference. mes blanket. The through photo onthe thisname page reminds thatConference thethe blanket source lift,Alaska but it comes through ministries Conference within ministrieseach within each

DREAMS

DREAMS DREAMS

—take the hands of hold, the “pullers”lift that grab on to do their part. Your hand matters. So I invite you—take hold, lift of ministry of priorities the five ministry priorities . . erence. strong and raise high the name of Jesus through the work of his the church and five the Alaska Conference.

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work

s and From Him the builds whole body, joined itself and held up togetherin by every love, supportingas ligament, each grows andp builds art itselfdoes up in love, asits each part work. does its work. Ephesians Ephesians 4:164:16

START START & STRENGTHEN

CHURCHES

The serve mainstream culture.” culture.” Theministry ministryofofthe theAlaska AlaskaConference Conferencespans spansaa280,000 280,000square-mile square-mile serve as as our our advocate advocate as as we we interface interface with with mainstream region, snowmachine, is is another another unique unique region,much muchofofwhich whichcannot cannotbe beaccessed accessedby byroad. road.Within Withinthis thisexpanse, expanse, In-person In-person visits visits to to village village churches, churches, via via snowmachine, communities part Traveling to to rural rural villages villages by by communitiesand andchurches churchesvary varygreatly. greatly.Hence, Hence,giving givingattention attentionto tothe the part of of the the care care strategy strategy for for rural rural churches. churches. Traveling “start “startand andstrengthen strengthenchurches churchespriority” priority”requires requirescreativity, creativity,fiscal fiscal resourcefulness and informed cultural awareness. resourcefulness and informed cultural awareness.

air when James James flies flies to to one one of of air can can cost cost up up to to $1200 $1200 per per ticket. ticket. However, However, when the there to to surrounding surrounding the regional regional hubs, hubs, and and snowmachines snowmachines from from there

“Each “Eachofofour ourteam teamhas hastheir theirown ownway wayofofcontributing contributingto tothis thispriority priority whether whetherititisisthrough throughcommunication, communication,event eventplanning, planning,processing processing

villages, Beyond the the financial financial stewardship stewardship villages, the the cost cost decreases decreases significantly. significantly. Beyond benefits, way increases increases the the relational relational benefits, James James finds finds that that traveling traveling this this way

financial financialsupport, support,ororworking workingwith withdenominational denominationalresources resourcesfor for developing depth.” Curtis explained. “Rural churches can be the developing depth.” Curtis explained. “Rural churches can be themost most

ministry ministry opportunities. opportunities. “The unique happen on on these these trips trips builds builds “The unique relational relational interactions interactions that that happen

difficult difficulttotoconnect connectwith withand andsupport, support,but butJames JamesBarefoot’s Barefoot’sattention attentionto to these theseneeds needshelps helpsbridge bridgethe thedistance.” distance.”

trust explains. “When “When II consult consult with with aa trust and and enriches enriches relationships,” relationships,” James James explains. village and they they give give aa word word of of village elder elder about about trail trail or or weather weather conditions, conditions, and

From Fromthe theAnchorage Anchorageoffice, office,Associate AssociateSuperintendent SuperintendentJames JamesBarefoot Barefoot reaches out to pastors and church board leaders through weekly reaches out to pastors and church board leaders through weekly

caution, that we we understand understand caution, II listen. listen. This This builds builds trust trust and and communicates communicates that they traditional and and they are are aa vital vital part part in this ministry that happens in many traditional

communications communicationsvia viahis hiscell cellphone. phone.

non-traditional non-traditional ways.” ways.”

“This “Thisweekly weeklycheck-in check-inseems seemsvery verysmall smallininthe thebig bigscheme schemeof ofthings, things,

This Village and and This winter, winter, James James will drive from Nome to Mountain Village

but butI Ioften oftenhear hearfrom fromthese thesepastors pastorshow howvaluable valuableititisisto tohave havesomeone someone

deliver pastor, as as he he has has deliver aa basket basket sled sled that he made himself to their new pastor,

totocheck checkininon ontheir theirneeds, needs,families, families,and andconcerns,” concerns,”James Jamesexplained. explained.

done done on on other other occasions occasions when needed.

“We “Wepray praytogether togetherand andthey theyare areencouraged encouragedtotokeep keepserving, serving,knowing knowing they theyare arenot notalone.” alone.” “Brother “BrotherJames Jamesexemplifies exemplifieswhat whatpastoral pastoralcare careis,” is,”expressed expressedElim’s Elim’s

Basket using air air cargo cargo Basket sleds sleds are are expensive expensive to purchase and transport if using but James explained. explained. but so so important important for for anyone living in a village to have,” James “If essential “If II deliver deliver one one in in person, the pastor will have access to an essential

pastor, pastor,Bob BobCurtis. Curtis.“He “Hehas hasaadeep deepunderstanding understandingfor forvillage villageculture culture and and transportation subsistence transportation and and hauling convenience that can be used in subsistence lifehaving havinglived livedamong amongmy mypeople peoplefor for27 27years. years.We’ve We’veentrusted entrustedhim him to to life

theSinew Sinew 22////the

and ministry ministry activities.” activities.” and

James Barefoot, Barefoot, Associate AssociateSuperintendent, Superintendent,makes makesin-roads in-roadstotovillages, villages, James churches, and and hearts heartsas ashe hebrings bringsencouragement, encouragement,teaching teachingand andsupport support churches, to rural rural village village pastors pastorsand andcongregations. congregations. to

Jamesdelights delightsininthe thediscipleship discipleshipopportunities opportunitiesthat thatsnowmachine snowmachinetravel travel them themthrough throughmuch muchofofwhat whatthey theyareare facing,” James said. James facing,” James said. hascultivated. cultivated.“I “Ihave haveinvited invitedlocal localmen menand andlay layleaders leaderstototravel travelwith withme me For Forthe thepast pastthree threeyears, years,James Jameshas has made a fall trip Nunivak Island has made a fall trip to to Nunivak Island to to betweenchurches,” churches,”James Jamesexplained. explained.“When “Whenwe wearrive, arrive,we wehold holdmen’s men’s assistMekoryuk MekoryukCovenant CovenantChurch Churchwith with these very issues. Mekoryuk is the between assist these very issues. Mekoryuk is the ministrymeetings meetingsinviting invitingChristian Christianmen mentotoshare sharestruggles strugglesand andvictories victories ministry witheach eachother, other,offering offeringprayer prayerand andsupport. support.Each Eachtime timeI Ihear hear with

onevillage villagenot notaccessible accessiblebybyroad roadororsnowmachine, snowmachine, James flies one soso James flies outout to to guidethe thecongregation congregationthrough throughpreparation preparation their annual guide forfor their annual

overwhelmingappreciation. appreciation.One Oneman mantold toldme, me,‘This ‘Thisisisthe thefirst firsttime timeI’ve I’ve overwhelming everexperienced experiencedanything anythinglike likethis.’ this.’”” ever

congregationalmeeting. meeting.HeHehelps helpswith with board member election process congregational thethe board member election process andthen thentrains trainsnew newboard boardmembers members understanding their ministry and inin understanding their ministry andand

Anadded addedbenefit benefitoccurs occurswhen whenEvelyn, Evelyn,James’s James’swife wifeofof4040years, years,travels travels responsibilities. responsibilities. An withhim himon onthese thesetrips. trips.Having Havinglived livedininrural ruralAlaska Alaskafor formany manyyears years “Jamesis isa acritical criticalteam teammember memberinin leadership Mekoryuk with “James thethe leadership ofof Mekoryuk herself,she sheisiswell-acquainted well-acquaintedwith withsnowmachine snowmachinetravel traveland andwelcomes welcomesthe the Evangelical EvangelicalCovenant CovenantChurch. Church.James James has provided church board training herself, has provided church board training opportunityto toencourage encouragewomen womenininthe thevillage villagewith witha alistening listeningear earand and opportunity

usingthe the“Ten “TenMarkers Markersofofa Healthy, a Healthy, Missional Church” a guide. using Missional Church” as as a guide. HeHe

Bibleteaching. teaching.Evelyn Evelynisisalso alsoaaprofessionally professionallytrained trainedcounselor, counselor,which which Bible

hasvisited visitedususa anumber numberofoftimes timesand andhas has brought wife Evelyn work has brought hishis wife Evelyn to to work

enablesher herto tominister ministerthrough throughindividual, individual,marriage marriageand andfamily, family,ororgrief grief enables

withour ourladies ladiesministries,” ministries,”Pastor PastorNathan Nathan Hanna expressed. “As a pastoral with Hanna expressed. “As a pastoral

counselingthat thatisisnot notreadily readilyavailable availabletotopeople peopleliving livingininthe thevillages. villages.The The advisor advisortotome, me,hehehas hasbeen beenalways alwaysavailable, available, always praying, always counseling always praying, always conferencedesires desirestotoincrease increaseopportunities opportunitiestotocare carefor forspouses spousesand and conference

truthful.I have I havecome cometotorely relyononmymyweekly weekly communication with him truthful. communication with him to to

familiesmore moredirectly directlythis thisway. way. families

maintainmy myfocus focusand andpriorities prioritiesboth both personally and ministry.” maintain personally and in in ministry.”

Jameshas hasconcentrated concentratedmuch muchofofhis hisequipping equippingfocus focuson onhelping helpingchurch church James

James’swork workis isaugmented augmentedininmany many ways through Ministry Associate James’s ways through Ministry Associate

boardleadership leadershipnavigate navigateunderstanding, understanding,implementing implementingand andupdating updatingthe the Aune AuneCarlson’s Carlson’sleadership leadershipasasministry. ministry. She effectively communicates with board She effectively communicates with churches’constitutions constitutionsand andby-laws. by-laws. churches’

leaders,develops developstools toolsand andplans plansevents events meet ministry needs many leaders, toto meet ministry needs onon many

“AsIIlisten listento topastors pastorsand andchurch churchmembers membersshare shareabout aboutdifferent different “As

fronts.Together, Together,the theconference conferenceteam team spends time prayerfully considering fronts. spends time prayerfully considering

conflictsand andissues issueswithin withintheir theircongregations, congregations,I Iexplain explainthat thatfollowing followingthe the how conflicts howtotocreatively creativelyand andeffectively effectivelysupport support work established churches, thethe work ofof established churches, governing planting initiatives as as well. governingstructure structureestablished establishedinintheir theirconstitution constitutionand andby-laws by-lawscan canguide guide while whilediscerning discerningGod’s God’swork workforforchurch church planting initiatives well.

DREAMS DREAMS  Hold structures Holdboard boardleadership leadershipsummit summitfor formaintaining maintaininghealthy healthyorganizational organizational structures  Plant inin 2018 Plantaanew newchurch churchininthe theMountain MountainView Viewarea areaofofAnchorage Anchorage 2018  Develop currently without pastors Developitinerant itinerantpulpit-fill pulpit-fillteam teamfor forencouraging encouragingvillage villagechurches churches currently without pastors  Host and missional Host“Navigate” “Navigate”conference conferencetotohelp helpchurches churchesbecome becomehealthy healthy and missional  Explore and counseling through Exploreand andexperiment experimentwith withways waystotodeliver deliverteaching, teaching,edification, edification, and counseling through technology innovations to supplement “in person” delivery technology innovations to supplement “in person” delivery

Team Team4949Edition/ Edition/3 3

MAKE & DEEPEN

DISCIPLES

When Michelle Sanchez, ECC Director of Make and Deepen Disciples, landed in Scammon Bay for the May annual meeting conference, she found a receptive and engaging group who responded wholeheartedly to a renewed call to “make disciples who make disciples.” Likewise, the Alaska Conference seeks to come alongside the local church to help encourage and support its members to pursue Christ and grow as his disciples, inviting others to join in the journey. Discipleship ministries look different across the state, but here are a few “snapshots” to celebrate. Covenant Women’s Ministries—Each fall, the Covenant Women’s Retreat is held at North Star Bible Camp. Speakers are chosen from Alaska’s churches and ministries to represent different age groups and ethnic backgrounds to call all women to support one another in their call as disciples. More than 100 women have participated in the last few years, and more and more women in rural churches are attending, making the event more reflective of our overall population. Women from different churches serve in the planning, and the conference appointed advisor to Covenant Women serves as a resource in the planning and implementation process. The Covenant Women’s Council designates funds to help with expenses related to a regional YK Delta Women’s conference that was birthed in the heart of a Scammon Bay church lay leader. Community Bible Experience—The conference is wholeheartedly supporting and investing in the ECC’s Community Bible Experience emphasis. Five church communities as well as the CYAK and conference staff participated in the fall drive where participants read and discussed the whole of the New Testament in 8 weeks. A second 8-week session will occur beginning in mid-February and will run through the Lenten season. Conference staff are working to encourage 100% church participation over the course of the year. Young Adult Ministries—CYAK continues to introduce 18 to 25-year-olds to the call of discipleship. With the conference staff and CYAK staff sharing an office, efforts for disciplemaking among youth and young adults is more collaborative than ever. Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff prioritizes the young adult retreats, leadership week at Bible Camp and impromptu outreach and discipleship opportunities in his schedule. Serving on the KICY board, Alaska Christian College board and CYAK board, Curtis stays deeply invested in the aspects of evangelism and discipleship of the institutional ministries of the conference.

DREAMS

4 // the Sinew



Host an Acts 29 Discipleship School for young adults from Alaska, the lower-48, and international students to promote learning, growing and serving as disciples



Expand regional Covenant Women discipleship events



100% church participation in ECC/Biblica Community Bible Experience by end of 2017

DEVELOP LEADERS

“When

he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’ ” As a young college student, God impressed these verses from Matthew 9 on Curtis Ivanoff’s heart, and it became his regular prayer for Alaska. It is not surprising that, just a few years later, God called Curtis himself to serve among his own people.  Now as superintendent of the conference, Curtis’s passion for seeing ministry leaders called, equipped and serving has only grown. Moreover, the priority to look within Alaska’s communities and churches to identify people that God is calling forth to ministry is intensifying. Western Alaska Ministry Training (WAMT) and Pastor/Leader Retreat are two initiatives at the heart of the “develop leaders” priority.  WAMT utilizes seminary professors to teach and train pastors and lay ministry leaders. Located in Bethel or Nome, at least two courses are offered each year with the intent to teach, deepen biblical knowledge and equip lay and vocational leaders in our churches and communities. These 5-day courses are rich with learning as well as deepening relationships. Ministers who complete the curriculum track are able to candidate for ordination without having to leave Alaska.  The “Pastor/Leader Retreat” happens each fall and is designed to provide fun, encouragement and equipping for contemporary issues in ministry for ministry personnel. Additionally, Curtis works with search committees and various contacts to help identify pastoral candidates well-matched to serve churches needing pastors. There is ongoing work to connect pastoral candidates from outside Alaska to appropriate cultural orientation.

DREAMS Develop and offer Sunday School teacher training and resources for lay leaders Increase lay-leader participation in Western Alaska Ministry Training and increase course offerings Expand pastor/leader retreat programming to minister to spouses and families

Team 49 Edition/ 5

GROWING GROWING GROWING GROWING byby

GIVING GIVING 2.0 2.0 GIVING 2.0 GIVING by by

Giving” Giving” intricately intricately illustrates illustrates andand de- detailstails important important landmarks landmarks in the in the growth growth of the of the church, church, beginning beginning withwith the the arrival arrival of Swedish of Swedish missionaries missionaries in in n Superintendent Curtis Iv 1887.1887. n Superintendent Curtis Iva Names Names suchsuch as A.E. ascardboard A.E. Karlson, Karlson, L.E.L.E. tube with a rust OstOst andand PaulPaul Carlson Carlson can can be found be found in intube with a rusti cardboard theperched the pagespages as well as well ason significant as significant dates as a protective c thedates top perched on the top like like whenwhen the the village village of Golovin of Golovin waswasas a protective c you find flip chart containing a ri founded founded and and the the yearayear that that Unalakleet Unalakleet you find a flip chart containing a ric Covenant Covenant Church Church tooktook an offering an offering to to work of the Covenant Church in Al help help support support the the first first Native Native missionmission- Church work of the Covenant in Ala ary to aryMountain to Mountain Village. Village. TheThe record record This hand-drawn treasure would rival any modern day Powershows shows thatand that thewas the 1919created 1919 offering offering waswould was $80 $80presentation This hand-drawn treasure any modern Point in 1981 as arival to day spurPoweron Point was created in 1981 as a to presentation to role spurin onfinancin fish inAlaskan fish andand and $280 $280 raised raised byandthe bychurches the women’s women’s individuals take a larger Alaskan individuals churches to take a larger role in financing circle the circle work of the and Covenant in Alassewing sewing group. group. ing the work of the Covenant in Alaska. The 20 pages, titled “Growing by 20 pages, by Flipka. Flip theThethe page, page, andand youtitled you learn“Growing learn thatthat by by Giving” intricately illustrates and deGiving” intricately illustrates and details important landmarks in the the tails the 1940s 1940s there there werelandmarks were 11 Covenant 11beginning Covenant important in the with growth of the church, growth church, beginning with churches, churches, allofinallthe inSwedish rural Alaska, Alaska, manymany lead lead the arrival ofrural missionaries in the arrival of Swedish missionaries in 1887. by Alaska by Alaska Native Native pastors. pastors. TheThe storystory of of 19811981 1887. flip flip chart chart remin re Names such as A.E. Karlson, L.E. TheThe Names such astold A.E. Karlson, L.E. financial financial growth growth is is told in those in those pages pages Ost and Paul Carlson can be found in havehave come come as well as weas Ost and Paul Carlson can be found in the pages pages well as significant dates as well. as In 1955, Inasas1955, the the churches churches joined joined to to thewell. well as significant dates like when when the the village village of ofGolovin Golovinwas was challenge challenge to “carry to “ca formlike form the the ACC: ACC: Alaska Alaska Covenant Covenant founded and the year that Unalakleet founded and the year that Unalakleet Covenant Church took anoffering offering Churches. Churches. TheChurch The budget: budget: waswas $3,000. $3,000. By toByto Covenant took an help support support the the first firstNative Nativemissionmissionhelp 1960,1960, ECC ECC Department Department World ofrecord World Mission Mission waswas sending sending arythe to the Mountain Village.of The ary to Mountain Village. The record shows that the 1919 offering was $80 $48,000 $48,000 tothat fund to fund the1919 the workwork herehere andwas and Alaskans Alaskans werewere giving giving roughroughshows the offering $80 in fish fish and and $280 $280 raised raisedby bythe thewomen’s women’s in ly $15,000. lysewing $15,000. By 1971, Bygroup. 1971, withwith 14 churches, 14 churches, Covenant Covenant HighHigh School, School, circle group. sewing circle Flip the page, and you learn that by andand KICY KICY Radio Radio Station, Station, ECCAK ECCAK was was formed formed and and the the work work of of Flip the page, and you learn that by the 1940s there were 11 Covenant 1940s there 11 came Covenant the the the Covenant Covenant inall Alaska inwere Alaska came under under Home Home Missions. Missions. churches, all in rural rural Alaska, Alaska,many manylead lead churches, in Alaska church church giving giving stayed stayed atThe $15,000, atstory $15,000, however however denominadenominabyAlaska Alaska Native pastors. The story Alaska Native pastors. ofof The 1981 flipchart chartrer The 1981 flip financial growth is told in those pages financial growth is told in those pages tionaltional support support increased increased to $150,000. to $150,000. By 1978, By 1978, ECC ECC Home Home have come w have come asaswe In 1955, 1955, the the churches churchesjoined joinedtoto as well. In challenge to “ challenge Missions Missions was allocating allocating almost almost halfhalf of their of their entire entire budget budget to to to “ca the was ACC: Alaska Covenant form the ACC: Alaska Covenant Churches. The The budget: was$3,000. $3,000. By Churches. budget: was By Alaska—more Alaska—more thanthan $301,000— $301,000— withwith Alaska Alaska churches churches contribcontribthe ECC ECC Department Departmentof ofWorld WorldMission Missionwas wassending sending 1960, the uting$48,000 uting $20,000. $20,000. $48,000 to fund fund the the work workhere hereand andAlaskans Alaskanswere weregiving givingroughroughto ly $15,000. with Covenant High School, $15,000. By By 1971, with14 14churches, churches, Covenant High School, Understanding Understanding the1971, the imbalance imbalance and and implications implications against against sustainasustainaand KICY KICY Radio Radio Station, Station,ECCAK ECCAKwas wasformed formedand andthe thework workofof the Covenant Covenant in in Alaska Alaskacame cameunder underHome HomeMissions. Missions. Alaska Alaska church church giving givingstayed stayedatat$15,000, $15,000,however howeverdenominadenominational support support increased increasedto to$150,000. $150,000.By By1978, 1978,ECC ECCHome Home Missions Missions was was allocating allocatingalmost almosthalf halfofoftheir theirentire entirebudget budgettoto Alaska—more Alaska—more than than $301,000— $301,000—with withAlaska Alaskachurches churchescontribcontributing uting $20,000. $20,000. Understanding Understanding the the imbalance imbalanceand andimplications implicationsagainst againstsustainasustaina-

Where Where areare conference conference funds funds coming coming from? from?

Where funds coming from? Where are are conference conference 13%funds 13% coming from?

51%51% 51% 51%

13% 13%

36%36% 36% 36%

to continue to increase in ownership of the mission, vision and provision of God’s call to what is now called the Alaska Conference. anoff ’s a worn vanoff ’s office office sits sits At theaendworn of the last fiscal year, indiic MJB givingCoffee fell short bycan $8,168, meanic metal metal greenvidual ing that only 81% of projected individual over. Remove that can, and inside cover. Remove gifts were realized. The Team 49 launch is designed to help raise ch growth of awareness the ch history history of the among the people we serve to the need aska. aska. AND the vision. AsDon our Bruckner mission statement expresses the bility, bility, then then Field Field Director Director Don Bruckner commissioned commissioned the the production of this presentation to ask the question, “How can production of this presentation to ask the question, “How can work of the conference as “churches eminds us how farCarry we Our Alaskans Help Alaskans Help Carry Our Share?” Share?” 36 out the andNow ministries throughout Alas-ofof Now 36 years yearsworking out from from the creation creation ell as the ongoing this this masterpiece, masterpiece, Alaskan giving has ka to cultivate disciples so thatindividuals families, increased steadily. Currently, increased steadily. and churches within Alaska can be credarry our share.” and churches communities, and the world are transited ited with with 51% 51% of giving. Denomination appropriations account for of inappropriations formed byLower-48 the gospel.” We 36% are asking come come and and Lower-48 individuals share 12% giving So, we you to seek how God would youincome. participate . rejoice in 12% of ofhave giving the the shift. shift. Yet Yet the call remains for Alaska “At the strategic planning session,toIincrease found great inspirationofas to in ownership to continue continue the mission, vision and provision of the mission, the team representing ministries from across the state discerned God’s God’s call call to to what is now called the Conference. Alaska Conference. four phrases to captureAlaska the heart of our vision for mission,” At At the the end end of the last fiscal year, indiCurtis explained, “flourishing churches, vibrantbyministries, vidual fell short $8,168, meanvidual giving giving ing ing that that only only 81% of projected individual transformed communities and restored lives. We give of our gifts gifts were were realized. realized. The Team 49 launch is designed to help raiseour awareness is designed to time, our talents, our financial resources, and devotion to among among the the people people we serve to the need AND AND the the vision. vision. that end.” As As our our mission mission statement expresses the Would you far askwe God how have you grow by giving the as “churches workheof ofwould the conference minds us eminds ushow how far we work and and ministries ministries working throughout Alasll as ell astothe the ongoing thisongoing vision and mission hecultivate has givendisciples the Alaska Conference? ka so that families, ka to to cultivate

arryour ourshare.” share.” arry

communities, and the world are transcommunities, formed by by the the gospel.” We are asking formed you to to seek seek how how God God would would have have you you participate . you “At the the strategic strategic planning planning session, session, I found great inspiration as “At the team team representing representing ministries ministries from from across the state discerned the four phrases phrases to to capture capture the the heart heart of of our vision for mission,” four Curtis explained, explained, “flourishing “flourishing churches, churches, vibrant ministries, Curtis transformed communities communities and and restored restored lives. We give of our transformed time, our our talents, talents, our our financial financial resources, resources, and our devotion to time, that end.” end.” that Would you you ask ask God God how how he he would would have you grow by giving Would to this this vision vision and and mission mission he he has has given given the Alaska Conference? to

DREAMS 

49+ committed intercessors to pray weekly for the ministries of the conference

AMS DREAMS 49+ new individual donors or increased givers How many individuals currently give?

ray ray

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weekly  49+ committed for intercessors the weekly intercessors to to pray pray weekly for for the the weekly for the  ministries of the conference

How many many individuals individuals currently give? 45 How

10+ $4,900 gifts in 2017

creased  givers 49+ new individual donors or or increased increased givers givers 55 creased  givers  10+ $4,900 gifts in 2017 45 45

All conference staff salaries provided through general budget rather than support-raised through All conference staff salaries provided provided through through

ided55  ided through or t-raised general budget rather than support-raised support-raised or t-raised

Eleven Alaskans Participate in Journey To Mosaic Just one day after the polls closed on the national election and racial issues in our country seemed more divided than ever, eleven Alaska Conference representatives embarked on a “Journey to Mosaic (J2M),” a five-day interactive learning experience that explored the stories of various ethnic groups in order to address racial and ethnic barriers that exist in the body of Christ. By intentionally creating space for conversation, story-sharing, and listening to new and different perspectives, J2M participants grew in knowledge and deepening understanding, as they wrestled with the reality of injustices against others. “We seek to build up a Christian community that embodies the diversity of the kingdom of God as reflected in Revelation 7:9,” said Curtis Ivanoff, superintendent and J2M participant. “We experienced how transformation happens when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable and enter deeply into the story of another.” The Alaskan contingency traveled to Seattle one day prior to the scheduled start date in order to pray together and prepare their hearts and minds for what was to come. Participants had been assigned various readings to introduce different race-related issues which helped to create a common framework for examining the subject of racial reconciliation. On the second day, 29 other individuals from a variety of ethnic groups arrived, and the J2M participants began the collective journey at the Nisei Cultural Center to hear from Japanese Americans. The internment camps of WWII were the primary focus of

conversation. The following day, the group traveled to Tacoma to learn about the Chinese Relocation Crisis and then on to Portland, OR, to learn of community efforts toward improved race relations with the police department and people of color in that city. Day three was devoted to the story of Native Americans as the group spent the entire day on the Yakama Indian Reservation. Lenore Three Stars of the Lakota Sioux Nation was the primary facilitator for the day’s discussions around the plight of Native American groups. Lenore’s father and step-mother formerly served in Unalakleet at Covenant High School. The plight of Hawaiian Americans was also introduced. The day concluded with a Veteran’s Day powwow. The final day began with worship at Radiant Church in Renton, WA. Radiant is a multi-ethnic church plant in mission “serving the city, illuminating the love of Christ, instructing the Church, and impacting the culture.” The day concluded with a heart-felt sharing time and the celebration of communion with the J2M team. “I believe wholeheartedly that the church has been called to be at the forefront of reconciliation work,” Curtis expressed. “As I listened to story after story of oppression and acts of injustice against people of color, I found myself asking, where was the church? It is hard to sit in conflicted conversations with others and listen, truly listen. But I sense this is imperative in our call to walk humbly as we love mercy and do justice. I pray that our church would be a voice of hope and change in the work of racial reconciliation.”

LOVE MERCY DO JUSTICE joining God to make things right in our broken world

DREAMS

8 // the Sinew

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Raise awareness and equip the church to be a voice of reconciliation as we model God’s grace within our ministries

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Send annual contingency of Alaskans to J2M; host a racial reconciliation event in Alaska

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Deepen relationships and explore partnerships with other organizations and churches engaged in justice ministries

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Bring “Advocacy for Victims of Abuse” training to Alaska

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Increase participation in the annual “Day of Prayer for Life”

“The LORD has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God.” Micah 6:8

“Through sharing and hearing one another's stories—personal, true, joyful and painful— barriers of division start breaking down, and we can learn to better walk alongside one another in love.” —Lauren Rurik, J2M participant “As a girl who is a blend of Yup'ik and Caucasian, I tried to fit into the Western ways in society and the church, but felt my puzzle piece just did not fit. I'm now able to see how I am a piece of a beautiful mosaic, not a one-colored mosaic, but a diverse mosaic, and I have a place.” —Brenda Dock, J2M participant

mo·sa·ic something resembling such a picture of decoration in composition especially in being made up of diverse elements

SERVE

GLOBALLY

This priority derives its source from the Lord’s very heart that all peoples may know him. Currently it is the least developed of the five strategic priorities, yet is clearly in view. In recent years, the conference has given funds to assist young adults to travel, learn and serve overseas and will continue to do so as God calls.  Significantly, the number of lower-48 Native American students at Alaska Christian College has increased, and relationships have been growing with ministries seeking to serve among indigenous  populations in the lower-48. Conversations related to exploring more partnerships and exchange trips are developing. Our churches are geographically and culturally poised  for connecting with other indigenous groups in the circumpolar region. We pray for God’s leading to be clear as to how we can follow him into all the world.

DREAMS Partner with CYAK to assist young people to learn and serve overseas; connect with Acts 29 discipleship training Explore partnerships with First Nations tribes and ministries in lower-48 AK Conference to be a voice in denominational initiatives related to reconciliation and healing within Native American race relations

Team 49 Edition/ 9

Prayer

Cory Alverts Financial Assistant

Hooper Bay Covenant Church

22 Covenant Womenâ€™s Council

Koyuk Covenant Church

Kristi Ivanoff Publications Editor

Mekoryuk Covenant Church

New Song Covenant Church

Covenant Youth of Alaska

Unalakleet Covenant Church

Chugach Covenant Church

Nome Covenant Church

Anchorage First Covenant Church

AK Conference Executive Board

Shaktoolik Covenant Church

The River Covenant Church

Matters

Curtis Ivanoff Superintendent

Golovin Covenant Church

Mat-Su Covenant Church

â€œTeam 49â€? to increase Individual giving

Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church

Covenant Bible Camp

James Barefoot Associate Superintendent

White Mountain Covenant Church

Mountain Village Covenant Church

Community Covenant, Eagle River

Alaska Christian College

Aune Carlson Ministry Associate

Elim Covenant Church

Scammon Bay Covenant Church

KICY Radio

Community Covenant Church, Fairbanks

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537

Take Hold

Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church

Lift Strong Mission Statement

Churches and ministries working together throughout Alaska to cultivate disciples so that families, communities, and the world are transformed by the Gospel

Raise High

Superintendent: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@alaskacovenant.org Associate Superintendent James Barefoot james@alaskacovenant.org Ministry Associate Aune Carlson info@alaskacovenant.org Financial Assistant Cory Alverts cory@alaskacovenant.net

Photo by Sam Towarak

Here’s How 

Visit the Team 49 page: www.alaskacovenant.org/Team49

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Give using the enclosed envelope

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Set up a monthly automatic funds transfer through your bank

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Send an email to info@alaskacovenant.org and tell us how you would like to become more invested in Team 49 Be a Team 49 intercessor

Sinew Editor

Kristi Ivanoff kristi@alaskacovenant.org P.O. Box 200446 Anchorage, AK 99520 Office: 907-222-6348 Fax: 907-222-6390 e-mail info@alaskacovenant.org Team 49 individuals will receive a magnetic clip to display quarterly prayer request cards that can be hung in a convenient place for a reminder to pray for the work of the Alaska Conference.

website www.alaskacovenant.org Donations to the Alaska Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to the office directly.