Summer 2018
Discipleship School Partners with Ten Congregations Acts29, the three-month Covenant international discipleship school, proved to be a mutual blessing for the 23 participants and ten congregations involved in hosting the group. Students and staff—representing Alaska, Georgia, Canada, Thailand, Sweden, Chile, and Ecuador— invested three months in close community together to grow in their relationship with God and learn about discipleship and disciplemaking. The school was based at the Lazy Mountain Interact campus where the team was housed, fed and learned together. Week-long courses were taught by various instructors from Alaska, the lower-48, Sweden, and Ecuador on topics such as cross-cultural ministry, mission, evangelism and healthy relationships, among others. Additionally, the group served in three roadsystem churches during five of the weekends, building significant relationships with the families that housed them. Dave Dahms, retired Covenant pastor who served as the school elder, expressed, “Acts29 was a tremendous cultural experience of trying to live out in close community what the early church experienced in the first years after Pentecost. I found myself asking the question, ‘what part of my Christianity that I’m living out is informed by my cultural context, and what part is led by my Bible?’ ” On three different occasions, the group was divided into smaller teams and spent five consecutive days in a road-system or village church for a “practice week.” Each student had at least one opportunity to travel and serve in a rural community. The groups did service projects, shared in schools, participated in Sunday worship gatherings, assisted with youth outreach, and lead worship nights, among other things. Mat-su Covenant, Mountain View Hope, Community Covenant in Eagle River, Chugach Covenant (C3), and Peninsula Grace Brethren Church (in Soldotna) were the road-system congregations that hosted teams. Mountain Village, Mekoryuk, Shaktoolik, Hooper Bay and Nome were village locations where the school interacted with church ministries as well as with the (Continued on page 6)
Gustav, of Sweden, leads Mountain Village kids in a group exercise. Pastor Mark Murchison, of Mountain Village, took Acts29 students to visit the elementary school where they presented on their respective countries. Daniel Gallahorn, of Anchorage, shared a testimony at the graduation ceremony. Two Swedes, both named Louise, became friends in Alaska. C3’s practice week group poses at the worksite for the church’s ministry house where they served.
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. Ephesians 4:16
I remember the days of old, I think about all your deeds, I meditate on the works of your hands. Ps. 143:5
We recently concluded hosting the Acts29 discipleship school in partnership with our sister church in Sweden. The motto of Acts29 is “the story continues.” The book of Acts has only 28 chapters, so the name “Acts29”calls us to see ourselves as part of that continued narrative of God’s mission at work in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. I’ll share a few reflections from the Acts29 experience. The Acts29 school connected us to our past. I have a deep appreciation for “doing history,” as it is so important for us to remember. It has been 130 years since two men came from Sweden to Alaska and began planting seeds of the good news in Alaska. There were ten Swedish students here for three months. They ate in our homes, learned from our people and grew in discipleship on Alaska soil. It felt like a significant “come-full-circle” moment in the history of our The Story Continues... church. Psalm 43:5 was by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent recounting the Exodus, but it is also an encouragement for us to remember what God has done. I am reminded of those who sacrificed, those who gave, those who took steps of faith and established our churches. And so as I remember days of old, I reflect on what are we being called to now. We have heroes of faith among our people here in Alaska today—people who daily take steps of faith to follow God’s call. Acts29 purposed to work in close fellowship with the local church. God has called the church, right now, to be Christ’s ambassador in sharing the good news. One essential part of the vision of the Alaska Conference, in response to God’s heart, is the care and establishing of flourishing churches. I pray for this and we work towards being faithful to God’s heart for our churches. Acts29 mission points us to the whole gospel of Jesus. This means that as a church, we strive to minister to every aspect of human need: spiritual, emotional, and material. We endeavor to incarnate and interpret the gospel so that its power will bring holistic transformation and justice to society. I remember how our church and our people cared for orphans many years ago. There were children’s homes in White Mountain, Golovin and Unalakleet that sought to provide care for those children without parents. A friend recently shared with me their concern about the shortage of Office of Children Services (OCS) workers, the overload of cases and the abuse and neglect they see of children. “I wonder if it is time to reintroduce children’s homes,” they remarked. That question reflects a concern that is very near to the heart of Jesus, being concerned for children, for those on the margins. Recently I responded to an invitation to participate in an event that was designed to raise awareness about human trafficking in Anchorage and the world. It was called the “Barefoot Mile,” and more than 500 concerned people gathered in the city square of Anchorage, took of their shoes and walked barefoot for one mile. Signs were posted all along the way to educate and inform. One stated that in a survey of homeless youth in 10 cities, Anchorage had the highest reported prevalence of human trafficking. Another quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., saying: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” May we hear the heartbeat of God for our time, in our communities, and respond to “what matters.” May we listen to the Holy Spirit for his guidance on how he is calling our churches and ministries in advancing his kingdom work. After all, the story continues—WITH US.
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Interim Ministry Encourages the Body Two Norton Sound villages, currently without full-time pastors, were the beneficiaries of short-term interim pastor ministries this Spring. Bob Johnson, of Chicago, IL, and Chip and Joanne Swanson, of Unalakleet, AK, served in White Mountain and Golovin, respectively. Bob connected with the Alaska Conference through Merge Ministries, and he spent the month of March encouraging the church, preaching and loving on kids. He also officiated a home dedication for one of the families. Bob has served in lay leadership in church and para-church ministries, but enjoyed the opportunity to serve in the pastoral role.
Chip and Joanne Swanson have served for many years and in various ministries across the conference. Their most recent interim assignment took them to Golovin. Chip especially enjoyed teaching confirmation and leading a healing service. Laura and Vince Eben, of Anchorage First Covenant Church, are anticipating serving in an interim call in the fall. Churches or individuals interested in serving in a short-term interim ministry in a village church are invited to contact James Barefoot, associate superintendent, at the Alaska Conference office.
Pastor Chip and Joanne Swanson ministered in Golovin for Easter Sunday celebration. Bob Johnson is pictured at top of the page with congregants and children in White Mountain.
Prayer, Teaching, Healing in the Midst of Deep Grief & Pain By Heather Smith, Community Covenant Church
WAMT participants spent time studying, sharing and praying during the 4-day class session in Shaktoolik. Students pictured in bottom photo: Levi Cross (Shaktoolik), Simon Bekoalok (Shaktoolik), Patrick McClean (Hooper Bay), Gary Bekoalok (Shaktoolik), Jack Brown (Golovin), Kenny Takak (Koyuk), Craig Willoya (Golovin), Charis Erhardt (Unalakleet), Heather Smith (Anchorage). Associate Superintendent James Barefoot, also attended the class.
Last Spring, I received a invitation from the Shaktoolik church board to come to travel to the village and teach on healing prayer. This was an invitation that I had been praying for over the last several years. I have a understood that learning and doing healing prayer is a call from God for our churches and villages. I have been active in teaching and mentoring in the area of healing prayer for many years. At the present time, I am a member of Community Covenant Church in Eagle River, teaching classes to many folks who want to learn and be discipled. Although I wanted to accept the invitation immediately, there was a caution in my spirit as I prayed, and I felt that the Lord was saying “Wait.” So, I declined the invitation for the time. Very shortly after that, my family entered into a very difficult time. In June, my 14-year-old grandson, Ian, was sent to Seattle in need of a kidney transplant. His mother, Shannon, (my daughter-in-law) was a perfect match. The surgery went well, and after three months, they were released to come home without complications. I was needed to help with many things during that time. In August, my son, Marty, (Ian’s dad) had some tests run related to a little pain he had in his side while in Seattle—just a few days before they were headed home. After tests, CT scans, and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with liver cancer, stage 4. On September 1, the entire family came home as Marty entered a saga of chemotherapy, consults at Virginia Mason and Mayo Clinic, and a cancer fighting, natural food regimen. Of course, there was also lots of prayer. In the middle of his battle with cancer, I had asked Marty if he thought it would be okay if I scheduled my trip to Shaktoolik in March. He thought for awhile, prayed and eventually said, “Yes Mom, I should be okay by March.” So I made plans to serve in Shaktoolik in February and March. We experienced many ups and downs, hopes and dreams, but in the end, Marty went home to be with Jesus on February 18. He was completely healed, but not the way we were asking. In the midst of intense grief and sorrow, I had peace that I was still to go teach in Shaktoolik. In the arms of Jesus, I left for Shaktoolik on March 15, 2018. When I arrived, I was introduced to the board and welcomed to the well-prepared parsonage. I was invited to preach on God's healing, and I started with forgiveness and unity in the body from John 17. Throughout the week, folks from the community came for prayer in the afternoon. In the mornings, I had good quiet time for my own healing—a very beautiful intimate time with Jesus. The next week, we started the Western Alaska Ministry Training (WAMT) with students coming by air and snow machine. I believe that this was the first training that has been offered in one of the smaller villages. I had the privilege of teaching and mentoring nine students: six from surrounding villages and three from the village of Shaktoolik. The topics ranged from physical healing, emotional and inner healing, intercession, forgiveness, generational healing, and healing of trauma and abuse. We also had sessions of praying for each other and practiced what we were learning. This was a very full and challenging schedule. We sought God’s covering of spiritual protection. I am excited to see how all this will be used in their respective village churches. We finished the class just in time for the Easter get-together, attended by people in surrounding villages. There were two services daily that were scheduled through the Easter weekend. We had wonderful praise music, testimonies and fellowship. The WAMT students were asked to provide the messages for the Easter celebration. This was wonderful opportunity to use what we had been learning throughout the week. It was a full and challenging time away, but I do believe that seeds were planted, and God was honored. I look forward to see healing prayer moving throughout our villages and our state.
Summer 2018/ 3
2018 Annual Meeting Develop Leaders
Nome Covenant Church April 25-28
Jack Brown Honored with Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award The Alaska Conference Executive Board awarded Jack Brown of Golovin Covenant Church the Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award for many years of volunteer service. The intent of this award is to annually recognize local Covenant lay persons who have made significant contribution to ministry in Alaska over many years of faithful service. The award is named after Daniel Savetilik, Sr., who himself was a faithful leader and servant for many years in the Shaktoolik Covenant Church. Jack has served churches in both White Mountain and Golovin in many ways over many years, including extensive time serving on the churches’ boards. He has also contributed with music, prayer and worship in many different settings. Each year, Jack also donates earrings he has made for craft sales supporting Covenant Women and other conference needs. “Jack has been a presence of encouragement and edification to church members and communities,” Pastor Harvey Fiskeaux, of Nome Covenant and conference executive board chairperson explained. “Jack has also attended Bible school training and is a capable minister of the gospel.” “Jack has been such a faithful servant for so many years and is someone that exudes the joy of Christ,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff expressed. “Who has not been blessed by Jack Brown's music at many gatherings and in the local church throughout western Alaska?”
Tr a n s i t i o n s Adam (Shirleen) London, of CYAK, has accepted the call to pastor Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church, beginning August 1. The London’s will be moving in early July. Jeff (Cheryl) Siemers, of Alaska Christian College, is now serving as Executive Vice President of the college. Jeff has been serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and has been on staff since ACC opened in 2001. Lindsay (Steve) Hallam, of Alaska Christian College, will assume the Vice President of Academic Affairs position in mid-July. She had previously served as Director of Learning Resources and Registrar. Max (Helen) Cepero retired as pastor of Anchorage First Covenant Church on June 1. They are residing in Berkley, California. Tia (Justus) Eben, of CYAK, will conclude her service in July and will move to Arizona where she will be attending Indian Bible College. Tricia Ivanoff, of CYAK, will conclude her service as Aarigaa-UAF director in July. She will begin seminary training in the fall at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Pastor Nathan (Sandra) Hanna, of Mekoryuk, will complete service as pastor in August. He will be moving to Bethel where he will be working in the public school system.
6 // the Sinew
Acts29 International Discipleship School in AK (Continued from page 1)
communities-at-large. “We are grateful for the Acts29 team who blessed us during our hosting of the Annual Meeting in Nome. This team served with servant hearts,” Pastor Harvey Fiskeaux said. “They quietly went about assisting in behind-the scenes tasks that resulted in our guests being well cared for. We would welcome Acts29 back to Nome in a heartbeat.” “I want to express my deep joy and gratitude for the way God moved among our people and our churches as we stepped out in faith to host this school,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff said. “I am convinced that we will see fruit from this for years to come.” Chugach Covenant pastor Ben Schoffman expressed, “C3 Anchorage was so blessed to be a weekend practice host for AKts29. They jumped right into the life of C3, enjoying times of fellowship and planning, helping with set-up, kids ministry and worship on Sunday mornings and coming alongside us as we did ministry in Muldoon. They even rolled up their sleeves to help us remodel our new ministry center—not a job for the fainthearted!” The May graduation ceremony was held at Community Covenant Church in Eagle River. Many families, pastors and children who had come to love the students gathered to eat together, worship and say farewell. Pastor Ben, of C3, likened the goodbye to Paul’s goodbye to his beloved Ephesian church family in Acts chapter 20. “Though there were tears shed, the joy in knowing these young leaders are following God’s call on their lives, helped C3 to send them off with hopeful prayers and encouraging words.” “Acts29 gave us a little taste of heaven—where one day every people, tribe and tongue will be worshipping the Lamb,” Curtis expressed. “I have a deep appreciation of the focus on connecting with the local church in mutually edifying relationships.” Svea Southall, of Unalakleet, plans to attend the fall Acts29 discipleship school being held in Ecuador. Tricia Ivanoff, of Unalakleet, will continue to serve on the Acts29 global forum, an internationally represented group that considers future locations for the school.
Congratulations
Alaska Christian College Graduates
Top row: Daniel Gallahorn (Anchorage), Adam Begay (Leupp, AZ), Alexzander Tsakos (Livonia, MI); Bottom row: Christie Nelson (Anchorage), Tia Eben (Flagstaff, AZ), Gabby Jaelyn (Anchorage), Danielle Anaruk (Kipnuk)
Executive Board Remember the women and men who serve on the Executive Board. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they seek to lead the conference through oversight and visioning. • • • • • • • •
PRAYER MATTERS
Churches seeking pastors Golovin Covenant Church Elim Covenant Church Shaktoolik Covenant Church White Mountain Covenant Church Mekoryuk Covenant Church Unalakleet Covenant Church Community Covenant, Fairbanks First Covenant Church, Anchorage
Mountain View Hope Covenant Pray for the church plant as they have begun weekly services. September 9 will be the official grand opening. Pray for connections with people in the neighborhood and that God would grow their congregation in diversity and in love.
Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High
Western Alaska Ministry Training Pray that God would call more men and women to grow in their knowledge of the Bible and how to minister as lay leaders or in vocational ministry. Lift up the fall class, “Church Leadership,” to be taught by James Barefoot and Rick Millikin.
CHIC students and leaders More than 100 students and leaders travel to Knoxville, TN, July 15-20. Pray for travel mercies and for the Lord to make himself known to our group. Pray also for the health of our group as the heat can be overwhelming for some. The theme is “Unite.” Pray that our team will be united in spirit and truth and that they will return, continuing to grow in their faith. May our churches be encouraged and enriched as a result of their participation. We also pray A bi-weekly listing of individual churches can be found on the website. that God would call some our young women and men to vocational Email info@alaskacovenant.org if you would like to serve on the ministry during this time. intercessory prayer team for the conference.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5:17
Executive Board Members Elected to Serve Three–year Terms
Nick Bruckner Unalakleet Covenant Church
Nick Bruckner is an ordained Covenant pastor currently serving as Norton Sound Regional Coordinator for CYAK. He has served youth and young adults for the past six years in Unalakleet. Nick also led Covenant Bible Camp as director, served as interim pastor and board member for Unalakleet Covenant Church. He believes the Lord is working throughout the state and that reaching the next generation for Christ is vital to the mission of the church. Nick has been elected to his first term.
August 23-26 September 6 September 9 September 28-30 September 28-30 October 8-10 October 22-26 November 2 April 10-13, 2019
Jason is beginning his ninth year as pastor of Scammon Bay Covenant Church. He is a graduate of North Park Seminary, class of 2008. Jason serves as camp pastor each year at Covenant Bible Camp. Jason Stromstad Jason has had Scammon Bay opportunities to grow Covenant in faith as he has served Church in many ways in the Roseau Covenant Church in his home town of Roseau, Minnesota. This will be Jason’s second term on the Executive Board.
Sam Trotzke C3 Fairbanks
Sam Trotzke has been a member of the Fairbanks Community Covenant Church for 20 years. Sam graduated from the University of Alaska— Fairbanks and has been a CPA since 1994. He holds an MBA from UAF. He served for three years on the board of the Alaska Society of CPAs and is currently the Board Secretary of Hope Counseling Center. Sam is a partner at RJG, Certified Public Accountants. This will be Sam’s second term on the Executive Board.
Conference-wide Upcoming Events & Dates Alaska Christian College Fall Semester Orientation (Soldotna) Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life Mountain View Hope Covenant Church Grand Opening (Anchorage) Statewide Women’s Retreat, North Star Bible Camp (Willow) CYAK Young Adult Retreat, Camp Maranatha (Big Lake) Pastor & Leader Retreat, Camp Maranatha (Big Lake) WAMT Course “Church Leadership” (Mountain Village) ACC Vision Fundraiser Dinner (Changepoint, Anchorage) Annual Meeting Conference (Mountain Village) Summer 2018/ 7
New President of ECC Elected at Annual Meeting in June John Wenrich was elected to be the new president of the Evangelical Covenant Church by delegates to the denomination’s 133rd Annual Meeting. After the vote, Wenrich, who has served as executive minister of Start and Strengthen Churches since 2016, said he was humbled by the election and committed to leading with humility. “I was a servant before, and I am a servant now. So in one sense everything has changed and in another deeper sense, nothing has changed.” In his initial remarks, Wenrich, 56, said that when he joined the Covenant, “I felt like I found a pearl of great price. I want you know that I still feel this way.” He added, “That phrase ‘mission friends’ is not something I just lifted from the history books; it is right here in my heart.” Prior to the election, in response to delegate questions, Wenrich affirmed the Covenant position on sexuality and vowed to strengthen the relationship between North Park University and local churches, as well as be a strong advocate for women in ministry. Several delegates asked him about his views on sexuality and willingness to allow conversation on that topic. Wenrich said he held firmly to the denomination’s stance against same-sex marriage and expects clergy to abide by the guidelines. But, he said, there still is a lot of room for discussion within the Covenant’s position, which he said is theologically sound, pastorally sensitive, in alignment with 2,000 years of church history, and witness of the global church. “It is a real concern for me,” Wenrich said. “My word to describe the future of the Covenant is ‘flourish’…. Even though I want to see every affiliate and every ministry and every initiative flourish in the Evangelical Covenant Church, I’m particularly interested in women flourishing in ministry. I want to be the number one advocate for women in ministry in our denomination. And I would not be here today if it were not for strong, confident, godly women building into my life.” Asked about his commitment to evangelism, Wenrich responded, “The greatest challenge facing the ECC today is not human sexuality; the greatest challenge facing the Evangelical Covenant Church today is evangelism.” He added, “This is my heart. It’s the most important Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff congratulates friend and colleague John Wenrich for his election to thing that we do.” This article was reprinted from www.covenantcompanion.com.
serve as president of the ECC.
The Alaska Conference invites you to
FAST and PRAY for LIFE
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Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Ministry Priorities
Start & strengthen churches Make & deepen disciples Develop leaders Love mercy, do justice Serve globally Superintendent: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@alaskacovenant.org Associate Superintendent James Barefoot james@alaskacovenant.org Ministry Associate Aune Carlson aune@alaskacovenant.org Financial Assistant Cory Alverts cory@alaskacovenant.net
for HEALING
Sinew Editor
for RESTORATION
September 6, 2018 is one day set aside for individuals and churches to seek God together for deliverance from the epidemic of suicide in Alaska— and for a new work of God in our midst. A daily prayer guide will be available at www.alaskacovenant.org and on our Facebook page.
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 website www.alaskacovenant.org Donations to the Alaska Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to the office directly.