Greetings!
It's been a great summer in the Alaska Ministry Network filled with camps, events, fellowship, and enjoying Alaska. As the weather starts to change, we look forward with excitement to this Fall. There are several events being offered this Fall that we trust will add value to your church and ministry. This E-Newsletter will highlight some of these events, as well as provide timely news and resources for ministry. Sincerely,
Alaska Ministry Network Office Team |
| SUPERINTENDENT BILL WELCH |
 Someone once said, "It first took a family, then it took a village, now it takes a network." All sorts of noted networks are emerging. There are social networks made up of key people, such as family members, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors or just people whose actions matter. Parents are networking to bring families together. Writers, musicians, vocalists, filmmakers, actors and artist are networking to preserve, enhance and promote the arts. Businesses are creating social networking enterprises to enhance their businesses and products. There is even an attempt to connect the community of the world with technology using a cooperative geolocation of wireless sensors. All this said - communities within the community of the world are becoming networks within networks. The Alaska Ministry Network is a very unique network of relationships, resources and leaders who exists for the purpose of Glorying God and fulfilling the Great Commission, so we may produce vibrant followers of Jesus Christ. Our network expands across the vast landscape of our State. Though the network may have to reach across many miles, we are interconnected and joined together by the Holy Spirit. We may have our individual responsibilities, live in different regions and serve different congregations and ministries, but within the network, we work together, so Christ may be glorified. It is true - It Takes a Network! |
| From the Business Administrator |
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I want to take this opportunity to give you some reminders and also provide some valuable resources.
Is your Corporation status up to date? It must be renewed every two years and they no longer provide a reminder. You can check your status here.
Don't forget to fill out your housing allowance form for 2011 before the end of the year if you claim a housing allowance. Our updated form can be downloaded here.
We all know that financial integrity is important. What isn't as widely known and understood is the definition of financial integrity and how this interfaces with ministers. The Executive Presbytery of the General Council drafted approved and disapproved financial practices for ministers. It is an excellent guide, and can be downloaded here.
Finally, this is a good time to assess your risk management and insurance coverage. How is your volunteer screening process? Do you have adequate liability insurance coverage? Last year, Pastor Norman Lindsay and I gave a seminar for the Central Region on Risk Management and the Minister and Finances. You can download our PowerPoint presentation here. |
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The Presbytery has been working on developing a Strategic Plan for the Alaska Ministry Network. This Fall, the Strategic Plan is hitting the road (and airplanes) to get input from YOU. We will be at Minister's Gatherings, Campmeetings, and churches. We are really excited about what God will do as we listen together to His heartbeat for Alaska. Be looking for more information in the upcoming issue of The Journey or contact our office or your Regional Presbyter for more information. |
As we prepare to start a new season of ministry, it's always good to look back at what we have accomplished and take stock of things still left undone. I often think of that verse in Jeremiah 8:20: "Harvest is past, summer is ended, and we are not saved." I find it voices well the frustration I sometimes feel as fall begins and I realize I haven't completed all my summer goals. I am hoping your commitment to your goals has fared better than mine!
We are nearing the deadline dates for our credentialing cycle. Those who are upgrading should have all their documents in postmarked no later than September 1st, and those who are applying for the first time, the deadline is December 1st.
Beginning the first week in November, the General Council will mail out renewals. It is not too early to be sure that the Alaska Ministry Office has all your updated information, i.e. address changes, so your renewal will be sure to find you. You will also want to make sure your ministerial tithe to the General Council as well as to the Alaska Ministry Network is current. Unpaid tithes can result in a lapsed credential which causes ministers the extra expense of late/reinstatement fees as well as a fee for background checks (including financial screening) which is required by the General Council.
At the end of August, out of 231 ministers, approximately 118 were current on their tithe to the AMN; 44 paid a portion of their tithe; 69 ministers had not paid tithe at during the 2010 year. Please take a few moments and consider where you stand on your tithing. Summer has past, harvest is upon us and it will save you much frustration at the end of the year if you make your minister's tithe current before renewals are due. Tithes can be paid on line at: www.alaskaag.org. |
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| Mission Statement | |
Glorifying God and fulfilling the Great Commission, the Alaska Ministry Network partners to produce vibrant followers of Jesus Christ; promoting relationships, providing resources, and equipping leaders. |
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Kid's Convention is coming up! It will be held at Anchorage First Assembly of God on October 14-16. The theme this year is "Alien Kids -- You are Not of this World!" For more information, contact Pam Hodges at pamhodges@mcaonline.org.
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| RENDEZVOUS |
A Women's Ministries event will be held on Sept. 23-25 at LIttle Beaver Retreat Center. Jennifer Cruz, an author and pageant winner, will be the keynote speaker. This event will include a special pajama party on Thursday evening 9 to midnight. The cost will be $75, and you will not want to miss it! For more information, contact Renee Duncan at Alaskawomenunlimited@gmail.com |
| AKSOM |
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AKSOM is starting up again in a city or village near you! Click on the logo to view the newly designed website and find more information.
Focus Groups are a great way to take full advantage of AKSOM. This helps the students maximize learning and also allows the church to incorporate a hands on approach to mentoring. Contact the AKSOM office to see how AKSOM can benefit your church.
AKSOM can benefit students interested in credentialed ministry or students who are interested in Christian enrichment.
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| GLOBAL PRAYER INITIATIVE | | Rev. Thomas Trask, chairman of the Global Prayer Initiative, is encouraging everyone to pray for the poor and suffering on December 12, 2010. The goal is to enlist 1 million people to pray on 12/12. Will you and your church participate? |
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