Winter 2017
First Covenant Adds Ministry to Homeless Families Twice Monthly for Winter Emergency Overflow Housing Initiative Anchorage First Covenant Church is a busy place seven days a week. through AWAIC with participating cab companies. On Sundays, worshipers from the church congregation, Covenanters There are currently 23 volunteers organized into three teams who will from villages passing through Anchorage, and members of two other rotate staffing the overnight shelter. Teams will divide responsibilities congregations (Samoan and Moravian) gather at the church for weekly that include shifts for evening, overnight, and morning care for guests. services. Additionally, there are at least 18 other community-based Snacks and breakfast are provided as well, and one person will be meetings that happen weekly at the church responsible for laundering linens off-site. The including five Alcoholics Anonymous team will also be responsible for making sure groups, Pills Anonymous, AlAnon, and a needed food and toiletry items are purchased Freedom Group that meets eight times prior to each night they will be hosting. weekly. Hundreds of people find First According to Kathryn Hoffer, First Covenant as a place for connecting with Covenant’s ECWS coordinator, in order to God, others, healing and hope. participate, the church needed to make sure This winter, First Covenant has added a the facility was compliant with safety new care ministry to the community at large standards and receive approval from the by opening its doors at least eleven times church’s insurance company, the Municipality during the winter months. The congregation of Anchorage, and the fire department to is partnering with seven other Anchorage proceed. Smoke alarms were installed as congregations to provide overflow capacity required. Sleeping pads were ordered, and for homeless families needing a place to many donations of linens were received from sleep when other shelters are full. generous church members. In 2008, the United way and several other Additionally, the organizational team community partners and faith congregations comprised of Kathryn Hoffer, Joy Rivera, initiated the Emergency Cold Weather and Jim Hjelm identified this as the Shelter (ECWS) in response to shortage of opportune time to add two showers to the space at shelters for families with downstairs restrooms—an upgrade that has children. Building an additional shelter was been a desire of the church for years. Terry not viable, nor expedient, and alternative Shimek, one of the AA leaders, organized solutions needed to be created. The faith fundraising efforts and labor toward the community stepped forward as they had the Kathryn Hoffer, ECWS coordinator at Anchorage First Covenant completion of the showers. space and the congregation members willing Church, gladly shows off the stack of new sleeping pads that “I am so encouraged to see new leadership were purchased for the families that will spend a night in the to volunteer their time to provide safe and surface within our church enabling this church when they need overnight shelter. warm overnight lodging in winter months. ministry to happen, as well as many people Last winter, ECWS provided shelter to 82 families that included 123 who are excited about volunteering to serve this vulnerable population in children, with 37% of the families staying a week or more. According to our community,” explained Pastor Max Lopez-Cepero of First Covenant. the United Way website, without this option, families would be out in the First Covenant’s work with the homeless follows several other cold – literally. With subzero temperatures for many nights each year, ministries across the Alaska Conference that provide care for the freezing to death is a real threat to these families. homeless and hungry. Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church has First Covenant’s participation comes at a time when Anchorage is partnered with the Catholic Church in the Winter House Project in grappling with increased homelessness and continued decreasing capacity Bethel. Additionally the Bethel church hosts “Supper Club” every Friday at other shelters. First Covenant will be available for housing two night for anyone in need of nourishment—both physical and emotional. Thursdays a month to families, meaning a child, or children, with at least Nome Covenant Church holds a weekly soup kitchen for Nome's hungry one accompanying adult. and homeless population, and in 2017, served just under 2000 meals to The AWAIC (Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis) shelter that sits just two the children of Nome through the Checkpoint ministry. Mat-Su blocks away from the church, serves as the referring agency and Covenant has also participated in a homeless ministry in the valley called facilitates case management and follow up with people involved. Family Promise, where they provide compassionate care through shelter Transportation for children needing to make it to school is pre-arranged and meals to families without a home for one week at a time.
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
If you have ever driven an older snowmachine, (or “sled” as they say on the road system) in the dead of winter, you may have experienced an issue often called “one-lunging”. One-lunging occurs when only one of two cylinders is firing, and the performance and function of the snowmachine is limited by that effect. There is less power and the “sled” simply does not function as designed. Well, in this column I want to talk about one-lunging in the church. We are instructed in the letter to the Corinthians that each member is “indispensable” —even ones we consider weak ( 1 Cor. 12:22). A few synonyms for “indispensable” are essential, necessary, all-important, vital, crucial, needed. It is clear that God proclaims that every member is needed. This truth was challenging for the early church to accept and put into practice. If we are honest, we still struggle today in how to interact with each other in ways that reflect this, especially when those members see things in very different ways than we do. As I travel and observe, there are three areas that we can be prone to one-lunging in our church Firing On All Cylinders here in Alaska. I have seen by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent challenges in our churches to cross barriers related to race, age and gender differences. I remember my son noticing a boy sitting near us in church whose skin was much darker than he had ever seen before. As a wide-eyed 3year-old, he whispered to his mom in church, “Mom, he’s wery, wery Eskimo.” It was a sweet moment of innocence and acceptance of someone who looked very different from himself. Of course, our racial differences go much deeper than skin color, and we can choose to reject or react in ways that are anything but sweet. Understanding cultural and historical perspectives takes time to learn and understand. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus is our peace, and dividing walls of hostility can be broken down. Every member of the body, regardless of race, is indispensable. Growing up in an Alaska Native community, one value that I so dearly appreciate is the way that elders are respected. “Elders first” is the rule when it comes to potlucks. We make sure elders have comfortable seating. We listen to elders speak because they have wisdom to share. Yet, I see struggle in our church to let the younger ones in the church be empowered to lead or to believe that their voice matters in the church. How do we move forward together, across generations, and bridge the gap to strengthen the body of Christ? It is challenging work to esteem the voices of tradition and yet embrace the new stirrings of the Spirit moving in the younger people in our church. Lastly, the church continues to wrestle with women’s roles in ministry leadership. Here, I offer my full, public, heartfelt support and encouragement to those women who are called to serve in vocational and lay ministry. Further, I offer this same support for any woman who is called to serve in the role of pastor. There are differing positions on this within our community of faith. However, Church, I want to share that I believe, from the teaching of scripture in Corinthians and other places, if men and women do not serve together as co-laborers, with the same opportunity and affirmation to serve at all levels of leadership as God calls, I believe the church will be one-lunging, and will struggle in power and effectiveness. In April, we will gather at the annual meeting conference in Nome and will consider the theme “Develop Leaders.” My prayer is that our leaders of today, and our leaders of tomorrow, will have conviction rooted in Scripture and skills born out of God’s wisdom and Holy Spirit so that our churches flourish—firing on all cylinders. What will it take? We need to listen to God, and while on earth, listen to one another diligently. This means we come to the table and remain. It is challenging work, and the easy way is to leave the table. Or, only sit with others like ourselves. Instead, let us pick up our cross daily, together, and live as we believe—that every member is indispensable.
2 // the Sinew
WAMT Cycle Completed in Two-Course Week in UNK Equipping the Village Church & Spiritual Formation, Mentoring, Discipleship
More than 20 people, representing 12 of our Alaska Conference communities, gathered in Unalakleet in November to consider issues related to equipping the church, spiritual formation and mentoring. “These classes really captured the essence of what WAMT is about— equipping pastors and lay leaders for ministry in rural Alaska,” said Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff. “The biblical focus and application to each person's community and ministry context was meaningful. I hope and pray these seeds will bear much fruit in the days and years to come.”
Western Alaska Ministry Training began in 2012 as a new initiative to provide biblical and ministry training for our ministry leaders and lay persons in a place that is accessible and affordable. Individuals completing the full 5-year rotation are eligible to enter the ordination process. Additionally, lay leaders are taking courses to better equip them for local ministry responsibilities. WAMT structure, content and focus is under review in order to ensure that the most relevant needs for equipping leaders are being addressed.
Individuals pictured above from top to bottom: Marc Murchison (Mountain Village), Kenny Takak (Elim), and Murphy Hoelscher (Hooper Bay); Elise Murchison (Hooper Bay) and Melanie Shavings (Mekoryuk); Laura Eben (Anchorage) and Heather Smith (Anchorage); Craig Willoya (Golovin); Jack Brown (Golovin); Bob Curtis (Hooper Bay), and Nathan Hanna (Mekoryuk); instructors Chris Kopp (Galena) and Kristi Ivanoff (Anchorage); cooks Linda Towarak, Dianne Burkhart, and Cheryl Sletten (Unalakleet).
Women’s Retreat Craft Sale and Offering Totals $2,944 for Mountain View Hope Church Plant Each September, the state-wide Covenant Women’s Retreat hosts a craft sale and offering that is designated for an outreach project in Alaska. This year, the planning committee selected Mountain View Hope Covenant Church plant as the recipient of the weekend’s total. The amount totaled just under $3,000. Phil Cannon, the planting pastor, and a launch team have been meeting since early September. Phil’s wife Kate, has been an integral part of the women’s retreat planning committee for several years. Kate’s creative ideas and artistry have been enjoyed by the ladies at the retreat, and she has given many hours to serve the women in Alaska. It seemed appropriate to designate this year’s offering to the new venture that she and Phil are following God to start.
In February, the Alaska Conference is inviting all of the churches and ministries around the state to participate in a state-wide love offering in a campaign called “Help plant a church, help plant Hope.” The women’s offering this year was taken in similar spirit to the offering taken in 1919 when the first Alaska Covenant conference gathering in Elim sent Wilson and Minnie Gonongnan as missionaries to plant Mountain Village Church. Records show that the Unalakleet women’s sewing circle group gave $280 of the $360 offering to the church planting mission. The new church plant also carries “hope” in the name reflecting back to that same mission endeavor as Wilson and Minnie were taken to Mountain Village by L.E. Ost in his own boat—a boat named “Hope.”
The Covenant Women’s Retreat was graced with all kinds of beauty this year with a theme of “Clothed With Strength and Dignity.” Watercolor lessons, a Qaspeq (Kuspuk) parade, and inspiring speakers, such as Lucy Daniels of Soldotna, graced the time with fun, laughter and drawing near to God.
Coming in February: All-conference Love Offering
Mountain View Hope Covenant Church mvhope.org
Help plant a CHURCH. Help plant HOPE.
Guest Columnist: Tricia Ivanoff
Let’s Shift Our Thinking “There are 7-8 vacant pulpits in our churches.” In recent months, I have overheard some form of this sentiment expressed many times and in various settings around our Alaska Conference gatherings. I know this is true--in the sense that the Alaska Covenant Church is seeking full-time pastors for those 7-8 churches without credentialed pastors. However, this same statement, in all its accuracy, has caused me to pause and really think deeply about the implications of the underlying message conveyed. I’m concerned about what may be communicated to the women and men who are currently shepherding, teaching and leading in their churches, or those sensing a call to do so, but do not have the seminary training or the means to become a credentialed minister. Does repeating this statement minimize the work that our lay leaders are engaged in? Of course, I know that we do not intend to do this as the body of Christ as we recognize the many churches seeking lead pastors. I affirm that we are a people that empower and build one another up to lead the Church according to the Spirit. What would it look like if we countered this statement by saying, “In God’s Church, there are no empty pulpits!” This would require a shift in our thinking, but a shift that would neither minimize those that are currently leading and pastoring without credentials or those who already have or are pursuing to be credentialed ministers via seminary or other programs. I’m convinced that where there is a need, Jesus fulfills it and accomplishes those needs through the power and the voice of the Holy Spirit. The question is, are we willing to take ownership of our village churches, trusting that the Spirit is already at work in raising up people in our midst to teach and preach? Do we have the ears to hear and the eyes to see? In writing this article, I also do not want to minimize the work and significance of those that have already gone on to seminary and have received their credentials, I just want to offer a different perspective. God works through both. The Alaska Conference has been providing pathways to prepare those desiring to be credentialed ministers in their home churches through the Western Alaska Ministry Training program. This is a worthy task, but this is a process that can take many years. Why would we wait to recognize these women and men as they are now —as pastors—and affirm them as they shepherd their congregations in their community or wherever God calls them? Additionally, have we honestly stopped to consider that there are people in our churches that have been called and equipped to lead at such a time as this and some that are doing so already? We have all that we need for healthy, thriving churches. In the early church, the disciples of Christ didn’t wait for a degree before they started preaching and teaching, healing and governing; they were anointed by the Spirit to do so. I believe that there are individuals in our communities that have been and are anointed to preach, teach, and lead the church, but either we have not recognized, valued, and called out their gifts or we do not have the eyes to see yet. As a church, we need to affirm and call out those that have pastoral and teaching gifts. We do not solely need to wait upon and rely on pastors and teachers to come from outside of Alaska. We already have them in our midst. Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear. There are people right now in our towns and villages that need to hear and receive that call and affirmation. Tricia, originally from Unalakleet, currently serves as the director of Aarigaa— UAF as Covenant Youth of Alaska staff.
Winter 2017/ 3
In November, Covenant Youth of Alaska partnered with national college ministries to host unique gifts that indigenous people of faith bring to the Kingdom table. More than 50 Na laughing, listening, sharing and feasting—echoing a resounding “yes!” to the question tha
Would Jesus Eat Fry “It was so powerful to come together with Jesus-followers from so many other Native American tribes across these lands. It was beautiful to worship our Creator in ways that reflected our cultures. It affirmed the God-given dignity we all have as imagebearers, and in so doing, it brought glory to God.” —Curtis Ivanoff, Iñupiaq Alaska Conference Superintendent “There was a mixed sea of various facial expressions as I told my story. The many gifts given to me were signs that I was instructed by my Lord to continue in order to help others.” —Laura Eben, Yup’ik elder
“We are not the oppressed people, we are the host people of the land.” —Kaitlin Tom, Yup’ik Student, University of Alaska—Fairbanks “It was really powerful for me to watch Native brothers and sisters encourage, call up one another, and to defy simply following the script that has been handed to them. I was deeply moved by the courage spoken, given, and grasped. It was joyous to see brothers and sisters wearing the "blessedness" of who they are. I loved the protocols of gift giving, honoring the hosts, and the generosity of friendship, song, and laughter.” —Mike Alverts Covenant Youth of Alaska Youth and Young Adult Ministry Eagle River Community Covenant Church Pictured from left to right: Laura Eben, of Anchorage, shared her story of healing and redemption; Eugene Stevens, of Mountain Village, honored the Lord through drumming and singing; Eagle River Community Covenant Church was the primary host site for the three-day conference; Hariette Slwooko, of Unalakleet, and Valerie Thomas, of Bethel, worked diligently to cut muktuk that Adam and Shirleen London, of Anchorage, shared with the group; Brenda Dock, of Anchorage, Valerie Thomas, of Bethel, and Tricia Ivanoff, of Unalakleet, enjoy reconnecting with each other; conference speaker Mark Charles snaps a selfie with Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff.
Guest Intercessor Reflects
I was honored to attend WJEF as a guest and an intercessor. I want to tell you about a beautiful facet o God’s kingdom that I witnessed, the Native part in it element, in its strength and in its glory. We hear a lot about the pain in the Native commun and I was witness to some very painful stories as ther lament for the hurt that still exists in these lives. How there was also great joy as these young people were fr worship and be who they are in Christ: fully Christian fully Native. These young people danced in celebratio who God made them. They drummed inspirational an stirring music that spoke to the heart. Native languag were lifted in praise. One particularly powerful moment stays with me as picture of God glorified through his people. During a beautiful, and sometimes hilarious sharing of talents d “culture night,” one young woman gave a brief testim then began to sing a song for us, despite her fears. No into the song, she became emotional at the lyrics of th song, and faltered. For a moment I had that anxious f you have when a performer is not at their best, when
t a three-day conference to explore the ations gathered for learning, worshiping, at the name of the conference carries:
y-bread?
s on First Nations Youth Gathering
wish you could help them through this uncomfortable glitch. And then, the whole crowd began to sing along with her—250+ voices joining in to help and carry her through. nity, So many voices sang praises to God spontaneously, and re was lived out the true community that says, "We are knit wever, together, we are for each other." It was a picture of the reed to body of Christ that brought me to tears. n and This wasn’t a moment orchestrated by a leader, this was a on of moment that flowed from the character and upbringing of nd the people in the room. They learned the value of ges community from their parents and grandparents, and they still hear stories and tell stories of their ancestors who a valued this same thing. Personal identity rooted in a lively, community is a value across many Native groups, and it is a during value of Jesus. I was grateful to be a witness to the way that mony, God is honored when his people are free to live out the ot long culture he has given to them. he feeling —-Carina Menaker serves on the board of Community Covenant you Church in Fairbanks.
of ts
Mat-Su Covenant Launches Emergency Preparedness Team to Serve Community by David Miller, Mat-Su Covenant Church
“Feet to Faith” is a Wednesday night Bible Study whose focus is to learn the truths of the Scriptures, but also find practical ways to apply them. The idea for this new ministry in our community came as a result of our seeking together. The first lesson was from Luke 10 where the lawyer asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (v. 29). After the group studied this passage we discussed and prayed about how we, as a congregation, could be better neighbors to the community that surrounded the church. Something that was fresh on our minds was the recent hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires that we heard about in the news. As a result, we felt the Holy Spirit gave us the insight of being a resource for the community in time of an emergency. Soon after that insight, the Lord provided the opportunity for us to attend the “Emergency Preparedness Expo” at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. At this expo we found many resources and organizations to help us prepare for the work we want to do. Through our times of meeting and studying as a group, we saw how the Lord brought people and circumstances together for us at the right time. The Lord raised up people to participate in our group who were gifted in areas that would be effective in this ministry to the community. We have formed teams within the group to tackle the work ahead: Survey Team, Prayer
Team, Resource Team, Work Team, and the Hospitality Team. This fit right in with the study we were going through in Romans chapter 12, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” (v.6).
Charis Erhardt: First Alaska Native Woman to Receive Ministry Credential Licensing
Laura Eben: Selected as State Coordinator for Advocacy for Victims of Abuse Ministry
Unalakleet Covenant Church’s Youth Pastor, Charis Erhardt, is the first Alaska Native Woman to receive Ministry Licensing in the Alaska Conference.. Charis, age 25, may also be the youngest person to receive credentialing in Alaska. Prior to serving in Unalakleet, Charis worked as an intern with Anchorage First Covenant Church and with CYAK's Aarigaa college ministry. She has attended Alaska Bible College, earned an Associate Degree from UAA, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor in Arts degree in Native Studies from UAF. "Charis is well-loved and respected among her students and colleagues," Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff expressed. "We hope there will be many more Alaska Native women and men to follow in her footsteps as God calls."
6 // the Sinew
“The goal is to be ‘good neighbors’ who are showing the love of Christ to their community.” We looked at the dog sled team as an example of being many members, but one team. The dog team works because they are striving together for the goal. A good musher will watch his dogs and put them in the right place so the team can pull effectively. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit have placed our people on the team so we could be effective. The Survey Team would put together an initial introduction and visit the homes in the community to invite them to the Emergency Preparedness meeting. The Resource Team is responsible for finding resources that include
Laura Eben, of Anchorage, is now serving the Alaska Conference as the state coordinator for Advocates of Victims of Abuse (AVA). AVA is an initiative of the national Covenant Women’s Ministries. Last year, Laura attended a one-day AVA training in Chicago. Additionally, she attended a conference training taught by Yvonne DeVaughn, national director, that was held during annual meeting earlier this year for pastors and other conference attendees. Affirmative responses followed, and the need for more equipping and resources for our churches surfaced. Laura is working to assemble a group called “AVA 907” that will help guide implementation of education and resources at the conference level.
organizations, facilities, and finances, etc. The Work Team would be ready to go meet small work needs that may become apparent in the community. The Hospitality Team would be responsible for snacks or meals needed for specific events. The Prayer Team would be faithful to keep all of this covered with specific prayer. The goal is to be “good neighbors” who are showing the love of Christ to their community. Our first gathering to include other community members was held November 22. Though only two from the community attended the meeting, these two turned out to be key people who are interested in being prepared and helping the community. They come from different area, so they will be instrumental in making further contacts. Both of them have previous training and experiences to draw from. As we shared together ideas, it helped all of us to become more excited about the possibilities. They also felt the church could be a good central resource for the community. These were positive notes that encouraged us we are heading in the right direction. We plan to have another community meeting and training after the New Year. This will give us time to prepare and to schedule the organizations to present to our group. The “Feet to Faith” group feels that this will be an opportunity for the Church to be a good neighbor to the community.
Transitions Pastor Bob Curtis is now serving Hooper Bay Covenant Church. Ken (Sandy) Moore, of Fairbanks Community Covenant Church, concludes his service there on December 31. They will transition to serving in international missions and will reside in the lower-48. Ben (Martha) Schoffmann is serving as pastor for Chugach Covenant Church. Kyle (Bethany) Brown is serving Chugach Covenant Church as bivocational teaching pastor. Chugach Covenant Church now meets at Muldoon Elementary School.
PRAY FOR: Acts29 School of Discipleship Travel and planning logistics for more than 20 young adults who will participate in the international Covenant School of Discipleship from February to May Four more student slots to be filled with Alaskans Conference planning team selecting course teachers and service opportunities for students Holy Spirit to bless the students, staff, churches and communities where they will serve Western Alaska Ministry Training Pray discernment for next WAMT class location and topic Alaskans seeking ordination Clarity for how to resource lay ministry leaders as well as pastors
Mountain View Hope Church Plant First launch team worship service planned for January 14; first community worship service on March 4 Generous gifts from Alaska churches in February during allconference offering initiative Relationships to be made between launch team and Mountain View residents Pastor Phil & Kate Cannon’s family Churches seeking pastors Golovin Covenant Church White Mountain Covenant Church Elim Covenant Church Shaktoolik Covenant Church Bethel Evangelical Covenant A bi-weekly listing of individual churches can be found on the website. Church Email info@alaskacovenant.org if you would like to serve on the Unalakleet Covenant Church intercessory prayer team for the conference. C3 Fairbanks
PRAYER MATTERS Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5:17
Alaska’s Own Represents Conference at National-Level ECC Ministry Valerie Thomas, of Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church is in year three of a six-year term on the Executive Board for the ECC. As part of the board, Val serves on two committees and works with the Executive Ministers or Executive Directors to further the mission of the Church. “I serve on Develop Leaders and Make and Deepen Disciple’s committees,” Val explains. “Throughout the Covenant there has been continued meaningful discussion on reaching out to the whole body of Christ and asking the hard questions on how we can be more intentionally multi-cultural.” ECC board members also serve on the Presidential Nominating Committee who are working through the process to identify a nominee who will succeed President Gary Walter as he retires in 2018.
The Covenant Ministries of Benevolence (CMB) is a ministry wing within the ECC that provides guidance and oversight to Covenant Retirement Communities, Swedish Covenant Hospital, and Covenant Initiatives of Care (CIC). Jamie Rose, of Anchorage, is serving on the CMB board. With formal education in Finance Studies, and as an ordained minister of the church, Jamie’s gifts are being put to work as he serves on the Finance committee and CIC committee of the CMB board. “I am grateful to learn how the ECC is ministering to people in need in areas of healthcare, elder care, and care for people with developmental needs,” Jamie said. “ I am particularly interested to see if Alaska may be a fit for a more formal ministry of benevolence.”
As chair of the Alaska Conference Executive Board, Harvey Fikseaux, of Nome is one of our representatives, on the 27- member Presidential Nominating Committee to select a nominee for the next president of the ECC. “A most compelling aspect of this task,” explained Harvey, “is the blending of our rich heritage from the past, the multi-ethnic church we have become today, and the complex trends we see in our future for the decade ahead.” Harvey added, “With this in mind, together we pray, collaborate and discern the nomination of the individual God has chosen to lead our church in the challenging days ahead.” The annual meeting delegation will vote at the June 2018 gathering in Minneapolis.
The Board of Ordered Ministry has general supervision over Covenant Ministers, including ordination, commissioning, licensure, transfers, care and discipline, and the maintenance of high ministerial standards as provided under the Covenant Constitution. The board is comprised of 12 ordained clergy and two lay members. Debbie Hamilton, Director of New Hope Counselling Center in Soldotna, serves as one of the lay members for a fiveyear term. She will attend her first meeting at the upcoming MidWinter Conference in January. “It will be a privilege, honor and challenge to serve on this board,” Debbie expressed. “Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we recommend leaders who will ‘correctly handle the word of truth,’ and walk along side those in need of care.”
2018 Dates, Deadlines and Events January 18 January 19-21 January 22-26 January 31 February 18-May 14 February 23-25 March 21 April 1 April 25-28
CHIC early registration deadline Youth Worker’s Connection (Chicago, IL) Midwinter Conference (Chicago, IL) Deadline for Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award Nominations Acts29—Alaska School of Discipleship (Lazy Mountain) CYAK Young Adult Retreat (Big Lake) Annual meeting delegate names due to conference office CHIC travel money due to Alaska Conference office Annual Meeting Conference (Nome)
Winter 2017/ 7
Fall Travels With James
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Ministry Priorities Associate Superintendent James Barefoot made two trips this fall through Norton Sound and the YK Delta. Pictured above from left to right: Shaktoolik: Lynn Jackson and Joshua Mathlaw share in song; Koyuk: James met with new board members; Golovin: Donnie and Willow Olson (with Maggie Olson) lead Sunday school singing and kids share a song in the Sunday service. Mekoryuk: James met with the church board and also joined Devin Thurston and Sandra King in youth group; Unalakleet: Murphy Hoelscher, of Hooper Bay, and James give their best “warrior� pose at WAMT. Though not pictured, James also visited White Mountain Covenant Church and Elim Covenant Church to encourage and equip the church board leaders there. James is planning more visits via snow machine this spring.
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
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 Donations to the Alaska Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to the office directly.