December/2009
In This Issue
Superintendent Greeting
Little Beaver Camp Update
Alaska Missions Leadership
Call to Prayer
Launch of District Blog
From the DBA
District Council Project Update
Gregg Tagarook Scholarship
Open Church List
Pastoral Installations
2010 Calendar
2010 Calendar
 
2010 Scholarships
Scholarship Application
The deadline for scholarship applications is April 1, 2010.  This application form is used for Native Scholarships (including the Tagarook Scholarship), DYD Scholarships, and Alaska District Scholarships.  Click on the link above to download the application.
The Journey
The Journey
Did you miss the Winter issue of The Journey?  Check it out here! 
DC 2010
Location:  MCA, Anchorage
Dates:   April 23-27
Credential Renewals
Please remember to renew your credentials.  They must be postmarked by December 31st.  Even if you renew online, you must print the forms and send them in to the office. 
 
75th Anniversary
Congratulations Ketchikan 1st Assembly of God for 75 years of  faithful service to God in Ketchikan!
 
AKSOM
AKSOM
Click on the logo above to see how AKSOM can be a blessing to your church and ministry.
Quick Links
 
Join Our Mailing List
Alaska Assemblies of God E-Newsletter
The Network 
Greetings!
 
We have spent the past year assessing the communications from the District Office.  Our desire is to keep you informed of what is occurring in the District Office, as well as provide valuable resources.  We have determined that a quarterly newsletter would be best in meeting this goal.

Superintendent Christmas GreetingPastor Bill

 

This is my favorite time of the year, the season of Advent. 

Galatians 4:4 says, When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman...  If Christmas is about anything, Christmas is about God's perfect timing in the lives of humanity. 
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, God's perfect timing in our lives, Dori and I want to wish the Alaska District Family a very Merry Christmas.  Looking forward to the New Year, 2010, we are praying that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2).  Our hearts are grateful for the opportunity to serve you.  We are thinking of you and your families and appreciate you very much.  You are loved!

 

Little Beaver Camp Update
 
In October, the Presbytery approved a new leadership structure that was proposed by Superintendent Welch.  Mark Zweifel is the new Camp Director for Little Beaver Camp.  Mark has a passion to see the camp succeed and his enthusiasm is contagious.  He has been working hard to develop relationships and contacts with current and future users of the campground, along with developing a business plan, a marketing strategy, and a new website.  Mark is excited to report that there are already seven camps lined up for this summer, with other potential camps being scheduled.  US Missionary Bryan Pettet has been assigned to be the Camp Manager, and Dale and Sheryl Lloyd are caretakers and currently living in the A-frame on the campground.   The campground has been winterized to help reduce heating costs.
 lbc
Establishment of Alaska Missions Executive Leadership Team
 

Alaska Missions

The Superintendent's visions and goals for Alaska necessitate a renewed emphasis on Alaska Missions.  In order to give Alaska Missions the attention it requires to succeed, we are developing an Alaska Missions Executive Leadership Team.  The Superintendent will appoint several missional thinkers from the District to serve on this team to assist with strategy, policy, decisions, and Presbytery recommendations. 
 

Call to Prayer 
 
In the October Presbytery, a motion prevailed to call the Alaska District to 40 days of prayer beginning on January 1, 2010.  We are praying that the Lord of the Harvest would send forth laborers into the harvest fields of Alaska.  Would you consider setting aside time personally and as a church to join with us in prayer? 
 
Warrior Bride
click
 

Blog Link

 
Launching a New District Blog!
 
Want to stay more connected and hear about what God is doing around the State in the Assemblies of God?  Wondering  how the Women's Conference went or what our missionaries are up to around the world?  That is exactly the purpose of the new blog that is being launched RIGHT NOW.  Click the graphic above to visit the site.  Check back often, as we plan on updating frequently with reports from Ministry Directors, Presbyters, Missionaries, and leaders from around the District.
 
From the DBA
 
Properties Update 
 
Since District Council, we have sold three properties that were being used by Far North Bible College.  The main campus was sold to Muldoon Community Assembly and we are pleased that this property will remain in use for the kingdom of God in Alaska.  A house on 12th street was sold to a family, and the house on Bolin Street was sold to the Alaska Correctional Ministries to be used as a transitional home.  We offered seller financing to ACM and they are making payments to the District.  The Presbytery will decide the proper use of the funds remaining from these properties after the mortgages were paid off.
 
Year End Giving 

In order for your end of the year giving to be counted in 2009, it must be postmarked by December 31st or donated on our website by December 31.  If you bring your offering by the District Office, please be aware that our office is closed on December 31st, and you will need to bring it to the office on December 30.  We appreciate your giving.
 
Legal Reminders
 
The end of the year is a great time to review your insurance and legal practices.  Do you have adequate liability and property insurance?  Do you have processes in place to screen and train volunteers?  Does your church properly report payroll taxes? 
 
Pastors, if your church withdraws money from your paycheck to be contributed to a 403b retirement plan, you should make sure your church is in compliance with the Federal regulations that come into effect on January 1, 2010.  The best way to do this is to contact your 403b provider.
 
If you are interested in building a church website, General Council has provided a resource to assist you in this endeavor.  If you visit www.agwebservices.org, you can find how you can set up a professional quality website for free.
 
As a final reminder, if you are eligible for a housing allowance, remember to have that approved by your governing board before the end of the year.
 

Holy Spirit Conference 
 click
 
2009 District Council Project
 
We received pledges for $65,000 at District Council.  As of December 10, we have received $29,433.  In Kotzebue, the exterior of the building was painted and sheetrock and windows were replaced.
 
We also appreciate your giving to Alaska Missions.  Because of your giving, we have been able to assist churches in need with various bills including insurance and heating, help with travel expenses for minister's traveling to the villages to preach, along with many other items.
 
Update on Ft Yukon Project
 
The building project went great. We were able to put in a drop ceiling to help with our heat retention and insulate the entire floor of the sanctuary. This really helped with the heating situation, as well as made the room look much better. The new lighting really helps too. The people were so excited about the changes.
 

ceiling

 
Thanks to Pastor Damian Schoonmaker for bringing a team from North Pole Assembly of God to work on this project.  They did an excellent job and we appreciate their contribution.
 

floor

 
Gregg Tagarook Scholarship
Greg Tagarook
 
 
A Scholarship Fund has been created to honor Rev. Gregg Tagarook, who went home to be with the Lord.  This educational scholarship will benefit Alaska Natives who desire to answer the call of God on their lives and pursue a life of ministerial service.  If you or your church would like to donate to this scholarship, please send your offering to the Alaska District Council with a memo "Gregg Tagarook Scholarship."  This scholarship can be applied for on the standard District Scholarship application.
 
Jesus Sensitive Conference
click 
 
Open Church List
 
Churches are Developing Assemblies unless designated DC (District Council) 
 
Northern Section
Presbyter JR Markle
Kaktovik      
Nuiqsut        
Wainwright    
 
Western Section
Presbyter Austin Jones
Aniak             
Point Hope    
Shaktoolik     
St. Michael   
Unalakleet    

Southeast Section
Presbyter Lee Corrao
Klukwan        
Yakutat-DC             
Pastoral Installations
 
Ketchikan First Assembly of God -- Pastor John Braten was elected as Pastor in August of 2009.  Pastor Braten pastored in South Texas prior to Ketchikan.  John is married to Rebekah.
 
South Anchorage AG -- Pastor Mike Pettijohn was elected as Pastor in September of 2009.  Pastor Pettijohn served as an Associate Pastor in Juneau for 21 years.  Pastor Mike is married to Lori and they have three children.
 
River of  Life AG, Nome -- Pastor Mike Christian was appointed as Pastor in September, 2009.  Pastor Christian most recently served as Pastor at Skagway AG.  Pastor Mike is married to Glenette and they have five children.
 
 
We are praying God's richest blessing upon you and your ministry,
 

The Alaska Assemblies of God District Office Team