Fall 2018
Pastor Shares Story of God’s Provision for New Sanctuary by Marc Murchison, Mountain Village Covenant Church
The new Mountain Village Covenant Church sanctuary was dedicated in early September. Samaritan’s Purse provided volunteers and materials for the project that was completed in 12 weeks. The Alaska Conference Annual meeting will be held in Mountain Village in April. The former building was renovated into a fellowship hall with a full kitchen.
Elise and I attended a cross-cultural training at Alaska Christian College, put on by Send North in 2016, as part of our orientation to potential ministry in rural Alaska for the Alaska Conference. As is usual at most conferences, some of the best times are in casual conversations with participants. One morning at breakfast, I sat down next to a tall guy with a decidedly southern accent. He said that he worked with Samaritan's Purse doing ministry and building churches in rural Alaska. His name was Luther Harrison. I explained why we were at the training, and if things work out, I might be giving him a call someday. That was the end of that, or so it seemed at the time. Later that summer, Elise and I went to candidate for five weeks in Mountain Village and ended up being called to serve there. At the New Year's Eve service, with the church full of people, we realized that the building had shifted and that we were unable to get out of either of the doors. Fortunately, we were able to get one door open so that we could exit. Jokingly, we called it our unintended lock-in. We met together as a church board to try to decide what to do. We had saved a little bit of money for a future extension of the sanctuary, but this was an emergency. Our foundation was failing badly. Nathan Nagaruk, of Nome,
designed a plan that involved placing a new heavy -duty foundation under the existing building. Of course, we also thought about doing an extension at the same time, but the project was much more expensive than originally estimated. Later during the summer of 2017, we got the foundation put in and built a small 16 x 20-foot classroom. In the meantime, I contacted Luther Harrison to see if they could help us with an extension of our sanctuary. All we were hoping for was about 30-ft of extra space and perhaps a small apartment above. Luther explained that the donors would not be interested in extending our sanctuary but might be interested in building us a new one. I thanked him and thought little more about it. One day in November, I got a call from Luther. He explained that a group of Samaritan's Purse folks wanted to come out to Mountain Village to evaluate our situation to see if we might be eligible for one of their projects. Their plane arrived two days later. Over a lunch of moose soup and sandwiches, we talked about the church's needs. After surveying the community and our property, they loaded up in their plane and headed back to Soldotna. Initially, Samaritan's Purse decided that of three pressing projects, we were number two on the list, and they would assist us in building a new
sanctuary in 2019. I thanked Luther, and we began to plan towards that date. However, in early March, Luther called and explained that their project was delayed and our church had been bumped to first on the list. Once again, Samaritan's Purse folks came out, but this time they had an architect with them. From that time on, it was a race to get materials, housing and logistics set in place to begin building in June. When the first members of the team arrived on the June 1, we still had no gravel. The barge carrying materials was delayed, and things were not looking very good. Thousands of people all over the country were mobilized to pray, and suddenly we had enough gravel to get started. We still had challenges with getting building materials on the barge, but those were eventually overcome. Three full-time staff people stayed the entire project, and 84 volunteers from all over the country came in and out of the village every Monday in teams of 8 to 12 at a time. In 12 weeks, we went from a partially-levelled lot to a 2400-square-foot worship center. We dedicated the new sanctuary on September 9. People were excited in the village and the church was packed. Dennis and Danny Agajanian came in as our special musical guests. Visitors from nearby (Continued on page 8)
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
Scripture exhorts us more than 50 times in specific ways that we are called to relate to one another as a response to God's love for us. Among these are to love one another, accept one another, forgive one another, serve one another , bear with one another, and honor one another. Much of the time, we do not get to choose who the “others” are around us. Even when we do get to choose, following these exhortations daily brings us to a new awareness of our need for God’s help to live these out. Moreover, when we are called to live these out with people who are different from ourselves, have different values or different beliefs, being faithful to live out the “one anothers” can be daunting. As individual Christ followers, and collectively as a church, I am convinced that we have a lot to learn in interacting with, and walking alongside our friends, family members, neighbors and acquaintances who identify as LGBT+. This month, I’ve invited my wife, Kristi, to write in my place around insights she has been learning and sharing related to this important area of life and ministry. She also reviews a resource she highly recommends. On the opposing sidebar, you will notice a listing of other resources that you may find helpful in understanding and growing in skill in loving well. I’ve always had a weak-spot for infomercials. Yes, I’ve Kristi Ivanoff serves the bought the miracle mop and a collection of other “must Alaska Conference as editor for the Sinew, have” items usually costing somewhere around $19.95. advisor to the Covenant Recently, my attention was captured by a host of Women’s Council, and advertisements on my Facebook newsfeed for “posture conference support to correctors.” These handy little harness-like strappings are AVA 907. “adjustable to all body sizes--for men and women” and purport to improve bad posture. They are “for anyone who suffers with bad posture or is known for slouching.” It is hard to pass up something that claims “back pain and bad posture could be a thing of the past,” but I’ve managed to hold out so far. However, in early August, I had the opportunity to attend a 3-day intensive and leadership training event titled, “Posture Shift.” Along with approximately 20 other ministry leaders, pastors, counselors, and family members of LGBT+ individuals, we explored the call for Christ-followers, and the church, to adjust attitudes, actions, and words to more accurately represent the heart of Christ toward people who identify within the LGBT+ community. We examined some Bad posture—a thing of the past? history, listened to stories, and wrestled with by Kristi Ivanoff, guest columnist complexities within compassion, mercy, truth, faith, love and the interconnection with God’s call to the church. Though division, fracture, pain and slouching is often the church’s story around LGBT+ concerns, Christ’s radical, unconditional grace calls all of us to common ground in response within that grace. The training was led by Bill Henson, founder of a ministry called Lead Them Home. This organization’s mission “is to reflect Christ’s love for LGBT+ and same-sex attracted persons in the church.” Lead them Home’s vision is to “create sustainable support systems within local churches that wisely guide families of LGBT+ loved ones, while enhancing care and compassion for LGBT+ and same-sex-attracted (SSA) persons.” The ministry also “specifically works to minimize suicidal risk factors and cultivate faith identity in non-heterosexual persons.” Through ten years of counseling ministry, and seven subsequent years in lay-pastoral ministry, I’ve been graced to walk along-side both men and women that identify as gay, lesbian or queer. They have shared their deep desire to know and love God--to follow Jesus as a disciple. I have been invited into their personal stories and their walk with God. Though I would consider myself caring and responsive rather than rejecting, I’ve discovered that this journey is fraught with continual tension. Though I affirm what is called the “traditional view” of sexual design and heterosexual marriage (as I understand it presented in Scripture), I also assert the dignity of ALL humans as bearing God’s image, regardless. I know that Christ’s compassion is for every person, as we all fall short of God’s design no matter where we fall in the gender identity spectrum. I want to love well and walk humbly, without compromising within my conviction. And then I reflect on Christ’s admonition for all us to take care of the “log” in our own eye before dealing with the “speck” in someone else’s. I often wrestle with how to relate openly and honestly with people who disagree, aware of the fracture that has happened in the church around these issues. The invitation to attend “Posture Shift” training, was a direct answer to prayers I’ve been praying for many months in wrestling with these and other tensions. It stretched me in unexpected ways as my eyes were opened to ways that my attitudes and actions needed posture correction, that I may more closely resemble Christ’s heart and ministry. Attending the training was not only a catalyst for some personal awareness and growth, the practical application and tangible ideas for growing in expression of compassion and welcome within our church ministries was so helpful. We were introduced to amazing, candid, and thorough resources for continued learning. I found Bill Henson’s book Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones (2nd edition) so helpful, I brought back a stack to make available through the Alaska Conference office. I’ve been telling anyone and everyone I can about this resource, and I’d like to share a bit about it here in this column. The cover advertises that the book was written for “every pastor and parent and all who care.” It is a comprehensive, visually appealing, and easy-to-read collection of brief chapters on a wide-variety of topics. (Continued on page 6)
2 // the Sinew
Recommended Resources This 140-page illustrated guide is a treasure trove of practical insight on how to honor God and deeply love LGBT+ people in your life. Bill Henson is founder and president of Lead Them Home and the creator of the nationally leading “Posture Shift” seminar. Bill has trained more than 50,000 Christian leaders and has guided 4,000 families over the last decade. You can order a copy of this book at a discounted rate of $22 (regularly $34.99) through the conference office. Email info@alaskaovenant.org. In the midst of contemporary debates about homosexuality, Christians are looking for resources that are based solidly on a thorough study of what Scripture says. In People to Be Loved, Dr. Preston Sprinkle takes this deep dive into the Scriptures, rigorously engages with diverse interpretations, and ultimately upholds the validity of the traditional sexual ethic of heterosexual marriage and celibacy in singleness. At the same time, Sprinkle goes deeper. He challenges us with the reality that ultimately homosexuality is not just an issue—it is about people to be loved. Those holding the traditional view of human sexuality must still reconcile the Bible’s prohibition of same-sex relations with the message of the radical, unconditional grace of Jesus Christ. People to Be Loved is a powerful resource that gets us started on the journey. Available for order at www.covchurch.org/embrace Grace/Truth 1.0 is a five-week small group learning experience which introduces Christians to LGBTQ+/SSA people, explains language to use and avoid, presents a biblically faithful view of marriage and sexuality, and offers practical guidance on how to embody the love of Christ toward sexual and gender minorities. The accompanying Grace/Truth 1.0 video series is engaging and well-produced, and features the voices and real stories of sexual minority people. As of this writing, Grace/Truth 1.0 is unique in that it is the only comprehensive small group curriculum available to facilitate conversations around faith, human sexuality, and gender identity. It is an excellent resource to utilize for small groups, leadership teams, church staff, and more. ECC Supplement available for further recommendations on using Grace/Truth 1.0 in ECC contexts. Available at www.covchurch.org/embrace.
Recorded Webinars www.covchurch.org/embrace People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue Single Gay Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity Just Sexuality: Exploring the Intersections of Justice and Human Sexuality Who God Says You Are: Christian Identity and Human Sexuality Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones The Joys and Challenges of MixedOrientation Marriage Gender Dysphoria & Pastoral Care Upcoming Webinar Schedule November 13: Tough Talks on Sexuality in Urban Contexts December 13: Sexual Discipleship: Shifting the Paradigm
Conference Hosts Week-long Gathering Denominational Leaders Travel, Listen, Learn Together Grilled Salmon, flying on the MARC plane, a Unalakleet-style pot-luck, sourdough pancakes and discussing issues of Alaska church history and racial reconciliation were all part of the week-long Alaska visit experienced by the ECC Council of Superintendents, President John Wenrich, and Lance Davis, ECC Executive Minister for Develop Leaders. The ECC has eleven conferences throughout the lower-48 and Canada. Each conference is led by a superintendent, with the exception of Canada, which denotes its leader as president. The group, along with executive ministers, meets three times annually in different locations. Alaska last hosted the event in 2007. “I wanted this group of leaders to hear and engage with an array of Alaska Native voices, to learn more about the strengths and beauty of our people,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff explained. “When we gather at other times, it is rare that we are together in a place with such a significant presence of indigenous peoples,
so I appreciated the council embracing what was shared from different speakers.” Several times were designated throughout the week for just that. Early in the week, James Duncan, State of Alaska Chaplain coordinator, shared about prison ministry in Alaska. On Tuesday, the group traveled to Unalakleet. After a weather-related diversion to Galena, the group arrived late evening at the Unalakleet Covenant Church, where they ate a pot-luck feast and heard sharing from various church members, as well as a choir. On Wednesday, the group heard from Laureli Ivanoff, Heidi Ivanoff, Chip Swanson and Charis Erhardt on different aspects of village life, ministry calling and history. Reflecting on the time that evening, Greg Yee, superintendent of the Pacific Northwest Conference, expressed, “I once was asked the invasive question, how can you truly love somebody if you don’t know what hurts them? I held the precious gift Laureli lovingly
offered to us in her reading and was drawn into the invitation to grow in love as God’s whole people: pain, strength, beauty...It was a Spirit-filled moment where God extravagantly expressed the pallet of his image.” Upon returning to Anchorage, leaders from First Alaskans facilitated a discussion with the group around truth, racial healing and transformation. The group was challenged to consider the role and responsibilities of churches in promoting healing and advancing social justice. Finally, Dorothy Bekoalok, originally from Shaktoolik, shared about the reconciliation work that the Presbyterian Church has been engaged in with Alaska Native people with whom it has served. “For the way that our leaders listened to the stories and engaged with what was shared, it demonstrated our commitment for our church to be reflective of God's kingdom mosaic,” Curtis said. “That includes every people, nation, tribe and tongue.”
Council of Superintendent chairperson Tammy Swanson-Draheim of the Midwest
Conference listens intently to Dorothy Bokoalok share on generational trauma and the Presbyterian Church response in racial reconciliation.
Central Conference Superintendent Danny Martinez and Lance Davis, executive minister for Develop Leaders, enjoy the Unalakleet pot-luck.
President John Wenrich addressed the group in Unalakleet. Joanne Swanson, Donna Erickson, and Betty Oyoumick joined with the Unalakleet choir in a translated song for the visiting Council of Superintendents.
Ayuu Qassataq, Vice President of First Alaskans, along with two other colleagues, facilitated discussion around truth, racial healing and transformation
Former ECCAK field director Paul Wilson stands with Joel Oyoumick, MARC pilot that flew the group to Unalakleet. Paul is currently serving as the Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest. Conference.
The group, including some of their spouses, spent an afternoon at Bible Camp.
Fall 2018/ 3
CH
Al
5,000 participants
coven
125 Alaskans
“One nig our e
$50,000 raised for refugee response July 15-20, 2018
Pictured above: The Scammo Mashiana, of Unalakleet Cove youth and leaders show off th colleagues in the early-morni
STUDENTS RESPOND: Eight students from Eagle River Community Covenant Church, and one student from First Covenant Church, were baptized within one week after returning from CHIC. Two services were held. One baptism was held on the river-side in Chugach State Park and another was held at Eklutna Lake.
HIC UNITED
lexander “Boff” Rivers, of Scammon Bay Covenant Church is featured in the September/October edition of the Covenant Companion along with eight other lower-48 students. A digital version can be found at
nantcompanion.com/2018/09/04/unite-us/
ght on MainStage, the speaker told us to put our hands up and close eyes. When I closed my eyes, I had a vision of God reaching down and grabbing my hand….I’ve never felt so loved and close to someone.” —Alexander Rivers, Scammon Bay Covenant Church
on Bay Youth Group excitedly waits for doors to open for MainStage seating. One CHIC participant writes the truth of identity in Christ on their hand. Sisters Svea Southall and Olivia enant Church, are all smiles at the CHIC base camp learning experience. All five Covenant mission priorities were highlighted in Base Camp simulations. Chugach Covenant Church he Alaska CHIC shirt inspired by designs submitted by Drew Williams, of Scammon Bay, and Lili Bartow, of Eagle River. Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff joined students, friends and ing 5K run highlighting refugee care projects. Davis Katchatag, of Unalakleet, enjoyed the afternoon water park excursion.
The executive board of the Alaska Conference, pictured above, is comprised of representatives from Norton Sound, YK Delta and road-system churches. Members serve three-year terms and work to coordinate and implement the common mission of the Alaska Conference as guided by the annual meeting . The board meets three times annually and makes decisions regarding conference issues as needed when the annual meeting is not in session. Pictured Left to right: Jason Stromstad (Scammon Bay), Treasurer Curt Lindner (Community Covenant, Eagle River), Nick Bruckner (Unalakleet), Chairperson Sam Trotzke (Fairbainks), Adam London (Bethel), Craig Willoya (Golovin), Sara Battiest (Soldotna), Melanie Shavings (Mekoryuk), and Mary Lola Joe (Hooper Bay).
Tr a n s i t i o n s Vincent (Laura) Eben is serving as interim pastor at Golovin Covenant Church until January. Hugh (Lanette) Forbes, Associate Pastor for First Covenant Church, will be moving in November to Ada, OK. Meritha Capelle, Covenant Youth of Alaska, is now serving as Aarigaa-UAA program director. Mike (Cory) Alverts, Covenant Youth of Alaska, is now serving as Director of Aarigaa in Anchorage. Karl (Simone) Thistle, Covenant Youth of Alaska, is serving as Resident Director of Aarigaa in Anchorage. Courtney (Justin) Eppler, is serving as Pastor for Community Engagement for Mountain View Hope Covenant Church in Anchorage. Randy (Cindy) Hoffbeck, of Eagle River Community Covenant Church, will serve as interim pastor for Anchorage First Covenant Church beginning in December. Don (Brenda) Ernst, of Fairbanks is serving as interim pastor for Community Covenant Church in Fairbanks. Nick (Nikki) Bruckner, of Unalakleet, will begin serving as pastor of Unalakleet Covenant Church, starting in November. Curtis (Kristi) Ivanoff, Superintendent, has been recommended by the Executive Board to serve a third term. It will be brought to the annual meeting for vote in April.
6 // the Sinew
POSTURE SHIFT
(Continued from page 2)
In general terms, the book discusses considerations around these topics: How to respond well when LGBT+ people come out How to protect youth against bullying and suicide How to avoid unintentionally offensive words and phrases How to build a support team for LGBT+ loved ones and their families How to engage LGBT+ individuals in trusting relationships. Additionally, there is content in three special sections. “Parents Helping Parents” guides those whose children have come out. Dealing with the wide range of emotions, difficulties and communication challenges is often unknown territory. “Real Life Profiles” includes stories from 13 individuals around their own personal experiences of how they and their families have struggled, grown and found God’s love, grace and faithfulness. The final special section, “Guest Articles,” features articles from pastors, authors, advocates and ministry leaders around issues of faith, justice, reconciliation and how the church can work to include and engage LGBT+ persons in safe, loving and redemptive communities. In an introduction letter, Henson states, “Teaching love and compassion of LGBT+ people can sometimes trigger concerns about biblical compromise. Nothing in Guiding Families will dishonor God’s Word. We encourage you to maintain your biblical position to honor God and adjust your posture to love like God has loved you.” I’m guessing that even this article has triggered some in skepticism, anxiety, anger, fear or confusion. So, I offer this prayer in response and in hopeful expectation for God’s restorative and redemptive work to reign: “Lord, may we seek guidance toward unity under the banner of Christ and his sacrificial love for all of us. May we ‘submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.’ May we allow the blindness that keeps ‘the other’ cloudy and jaded, to be healed with touch of Christ’s love. In your kindness lead us to repentance. Open our eyes that your church may honor, love and serve like Jesus. Amen. ”
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 Community Covenant, Fairbanks First Covenant Church, Anchorage
Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High
Western Alaska Ministry Training Pray for Western Alaska Ministry Training as a new model and focus is planned and implemented. Pray for leadership as they listen to the Holy Spirit for direction and insight. Pray that God would raise up women and men from within the Alaska Conference to answer the call to serve in vocational or lay ministry and to participate in equipping through WAMT.
Mountain View Hope Covenant Pray for the church plant as they have begun home groups. Pray for connections with people in the neighborhood and that God would grow their congregation in diversity and in love. Pray for Pastor Phil Cannon and his family and Pastor Courtney Eppler and her husband. AVA 907 Training Pray for Laura Eben and AVA 907 advocates as they plan a spring training event to equip “Mending the Soul” (MTS) facilitators. MTS is a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating every form of abuse for pastoral and ministry staff, small group leaders, youth workers, educators, pastoral and clinical counselors.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5:17
Covenant Bible Camp Pray for summer 2019 camps, A bi-weekly listing of individual churches can be found on the website. campers and staff—for God to call Email info@alaskacovenant.org if you would like to serve on the youth to himself in faith and service. intercessory prayer team for the conference.
“True North” Awarded for Volunteer Service
Dr. Keith Hamilton presents the conference’s award to recognize volunteer service to Dennis and Mary Carlson of Grace Covenant Church, Olympia, WA.
Dennis and Mary Carlson, of Olympia, WA, recently received the conference’s “True North Award.” The award recognizes individuals from the lower-48 who have made ongoing investment in Alaska Conference Ministries over many years. Dennis and Mary have spent more than 10 years serving as the camp stewards at Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet, and also Alaska Christian College as short term missionaries. They both have filled missing gaps in staff needs and have loved and cared for the students of ACC. They have gone out of their way to counsel students, tutor them, teach them to drive,, and have worked with their hands to repair and build up the campus of Alaska Christian College. They have supported the staff and faculty in numerous ways that cannot be counted. They both share the love of Jesus and the students love them. Keith Hamilton, president of Alaska Christian College, presented the award during a visit to their home church of Grace Covenant Church. “Dennis and Mary have been such great examples of serving like Jesus here in Alaska,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff expressed. “I have appreciated the way they have invested in building relationships with our people to encourage and bless.” “Dennis and Mary are among many dedicated folks that come for a few months each year to minister to our students and do an enormous amount of volunteer work for us,” Keith explained. “They exemplify true servant hearts with their passion for young people through serving at Bible camp and ACC.”
Conference-wide Upcoming Events & Dates January 18-21, 2019 January 21-25, 2019 February 22-24, 2019 April 10-13, 2019 July 18-21, 2019
Youth Worker’s Connection/Legacy Connection (Denver, CO) Midwinter Conference (Denver, CO) CYAK young adult retreat (Big Lake, Camp Maranatha) Annual Meeting Conference (Mountain Village) “I AM” Women’s Triennial Conference (Minneapolis, MN)
Fall 2018/ 7
Mountain Village Sanctuary Dedication (Continued from page 1) villages and long-time members from other places returned to the village to help us celebrate. Sadly, during that same time, a well-respected leader in the community passed away. Subsequently, we held our first funeral the day after the church was dedicated. We would never have been able to accommodate the large crowd in our old facility. The old sanctuary has been converted into a fully functioning fellowship hall with a wonderful kitchen area for food preparation and service. We can now have up to four groups meeting at the same time without disturbing one another. In October, we hosted Western Alaska Ministry training in our new facility. In April of 2019, we will host the Alaska Conference annual meeting and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Mountain Village Covenant Church. We pray that as we go forward into our next 100 years, God will do his will in, and through, Mountain Village Covenant Church.
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
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 Brenda Dock brenda@alaskacovenant.net
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 website www.alaskacovenant.org
Pictured above: Elise and Pastor Marc Murchison with Associate Superintendent James barefoot; Samaritan’s Purse volunteers Wayne and Renee Temperle (who served as construction manager and cook) receiving a seal-gut parka from Eunice and Jim Bryan (church chairperson); long-time members Steve Alexie and Lloyd Alexie; Luther Harrison of Samaritan’s Purse; Alice Mathlaw and Anna Walters, grandchildren of Wilson and Minnie Gonangnan, original church planters; volunteer choir and congregation on dedication Sunday
Donations to the Alaska Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to the office directly.