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William Barlcay offers another reality about letters: "At the same time, there is often nothing so difficult to understand as a letter. ...In other words, to read a letter is like listening to one side of a telephone conversation."
Letters are ultimately a one-sided conversation. When sent anonymously, the conversation cannot be continued; and without further conversation, there is no chance for the relationship to grow in love. Also, it does not allow for sharing the Gospel and bringing in the love and new life of Jesus Christ.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ continues coming down into our lives to heal our broken relationships and to call us from our sinful selves to Him where there is no anonymity because He knows us fully and loves us completely.
Yours In Christ,
Pastor Mark
A Word from Laura 
It's been about a month since I returned to Anchorage with a carload of belongings and excitement, eager and ready to start the next chapter in my life! A calendar full of activities and events welcomed me, and I hit the ground running.
I want to thank you all for your warm reception and hospitality. It's been a joy thus far, and I am certain that it will remain that way. Granted, I have no doubt that we will share other moments as well, but for right now, it's been great to learn about the people of Gloria Dei, and I look forward to the many adventures in faith that await us.
A little background on me--I'm a Minnesota girl who grew up in the Lutheran Church and decided at the ripe age of 13 what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, where I majored in Theology with an emphasis in Youth, Family, and Outdoor Ministries. I've been blessed to experience many different walks of life as I have moved through my professional career. I have a history of serving both in congregational youth ministry and in outdoor ministry along with a wide range of other occupations when the need was present. Needless to say, I have countless stories to share!
My family lives mostly in Minnesota. My parents (Marvin and Vivian) reside in Frazee, MN. Both are enjoying second careers working with the local sheriff's department and looking forward to retirement. They have a strong love for all things outdoors. Growing up, we were all avid hunters and fishers before we were able to drive, and I hope to continue that love and appreciation. I am sandwiched between my two brothers. My older brother Matthew (a USAF veteran) and his wife Heather reside with their three girls south of Wichita, KS. My nieces are 19, 17, and 9 and are highly adored by their aunt! My younger brother Aric (a USN veteran) is pursuing a degree in tax law and lives in Fargo, ND.
When I'm not busy with ministry, you will more than likely be able to find me playing outdoors or spending time with three of my God-Children, who reside in Anchorage with their mother and grandmother. I love all types of music and dabble in what I call "camp-style" guitar. I look forward to camping season and having the opportunity to truly bask in the unlimited beauty and adventure that Alaska has to offer.
I encourage you to stop by, introduce yourself, and tell me about your family and your hopes for Gloria Dei. I am here to serve you and your families and look forward to the fun-filled faith experiences that await us all!
Gripped in Grace,
Laura Anderson, Director
Youth and Family Ministries
Summer Fun Activities
Some of the upcoming activities and events that Gloria Dei and the youth of the church will host or sponsor are described below. Be sure to mark your calendars and watch for details as the times grow near.
Rummage Sale. The youth will host a rummage sale on Saturday, May 9, from 9am to1pm. This sale will benefit summer youth activities and will be organized without the use of price tags! It is in this way that we plan to promote conversation among those who shop and those who are present. That being said, we are also in need of donations, which should be clean, in gently used condition, and in working order (if that applies). We are now accepting your treasures during regular church office hours or by contacting me to set up a time outside of those hours (243-2301). In addition, we'll allow members of Gloria Dei to pre-shop the steal of deals Friday, May 8, between 6 and 8pm. It will be worth your time to stop by early!
Youth Gathering. Before my arrival, the youth were already busy raising the necessary funds to attend the triennial ELCA Youth Gathering that will take place in mid-July in Detroit, Michigan. This will be the third youth gathering I have attended as an adult and the fourth overall. I'm very excited to introduce our youth and adults to the mass gathering of Lutherans as we descend upon the city of Detroit! Being with 35,000+ youth and their adult leaders offers an opportunity to stir up faith and enthusiasm as we walk, serve, and worship alongside each other. It is my prayer that the youth and adults who attend this gathering will understand how they are part of a greater community that stretches around the globe. On behalf of the youth, we extend thanks and appreciation to those of you who have supported our efforts to make this trip a reality. We will give you a full report upon our return.
 Bible Camp. We have an incredible opportunity to partner with area ELCA churches and host a week of camp for youth in third-through-ninth grades. The week will be filled with fun activities, Bible stories, swimming, horseback riding, campfires, and the opportunity to grow in faith and friendships. Camp is scheduled from August 2 through 7 at Victory Bible Camp and will be led by local church leaders and volunteers. There are opportunities for older youth to apply for staff positions, for adults to serve, and also for whole families to participate. We encourage you to stop by the church and pick up a registration form and additional information, or to take a closer look, visit www.aklutheransummercamp.org and print a registration form for your camper or for you.
Vacation Bible School. This year we will adjust our VBS dates to the week of August 9, so our kids can take advantage of the ELCA summer camp. Watch for more details in future newsletters and bulletin announcements.
More Fellowship and Fun. Throughout the summer, I will be hosting fellowship opportunities for youth of all ages and their families. Please be on the lookout for scheduled activities which, once available, will also be posted on our website (www.gloriadeilutheran.net).
Please Note.
It is my pleasure to offer activities that allow our youth and families to enjoy the fellowship of others. This being said, I will constantly strive to make certain that these activities are not cost prohibitive. If you or someone you know would like to attend an event that extends beyond your means, please do not hesitate to pull me aside. In the same manner, if you or someone you know would like to extend a hand in assisting others so they may attend an event or activity, please don't hesitate to pull me aside. Laura
Senior-Recognition Sunday
"Senior quilts" have become an important tradition at Gloria Dei, helping to mark a  milestone in the lives of our young people. For 13 years we have honored our graduating high-school seniors with a quilt made especially for each of them by our talented quilting group, the Piecemakers. Students and parents select their own fabrics, which often provide an insight into their personalities and interests. We'll celebrate with seven graduates on Sunday, May 10. As we send them on their way to the next stage of their lives, we pray that these quilts will provide them with comfort and blessings as well as some fond memories of Gloria Dei in the years to come.
Alaska Lutherans Assemble in Wasilla
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church hosted our annual ELCA Synod Assembly this year between April 24 and 26 when we met in large and small groups to conduct the business of the church in our state. Head counters reported that 53 lay voting members and 23 clergy participated in the event. We gathered in uplifting worship and hymn singing as well as inspiring Bible studies; listened to the faith stories of those people brave enough to share them; and, of course, took part in business meetings, budget discussions, and reports from our ministry partners, including social service groups and educational institutions.
Mixed into the business agenda were about eight hour-long workshops with titles such as "Gardening in Alaska," "Recognizing Privilege," "Hunger is My Issue: What We Do at Home," or "Nature's Principles for Living Well on the Planet." Choosing among the offerings was difficult.
The overall theme of this year's assembly was based on Isaiah 58:6-9, "The Fast that I Choose." In keeping with the subject of fighting hunger in our state and the world, Marianne Weiland was recognized at dinner on Friday evening for the ministry she continues to provide through her art. Over the years, Marianne's "hunger print" ministry has netted about $275,000, benefiting the needy from Anchorage to countries around the world. To say that we are grateful to Marianne is an understatement, but do let her know how much we appreciate her generosity and her talent.
We invite you to read more about the 2015 Alaska Synod Assembly at www.elcaalaska.net. Thank you for trusting us to represent you at this annual gathering of ELCA clergy and lay leaders from throughout our state. We have been blessed by the experience,
Pastor Mark, Laura Anderson, and Darla Siver
Remember in Prayer
 Our faith family. Matt Sutterer, Michael Citti, Don dela Vega, Marcy Buch, Candice McGowan, Dick and Joan Booth, Lynn Hobson, Joyce Schuerger, Gerri Bergstrom, Faye Weber, Janie Henderson.
Other family and friends of the congregation. Pastor Ron Martinson; John MacInnis, Connor MacInnis' father; Brenda, Clara, and Jenny--cousins of Sharon Kazem; Amy, Barbara Markley's cousin; JoAnn Johnson, friend of Connie Budahl; friends of Neil Hawthorne, Tom Thomas and Connie Johnston; Julia, friend of Erin Sutterer; Phyllis Swanstom's sister-in-law; friends of Roger and Connie Graff, Ethan Powers and Dr. Lee Waldrop; Jan Whitefield's sister; Jerri Woodring, Dan Petersen, and Sarah Magera--friends of the Shewman family; Roy Brash, Betty Anderson's brother; Helen Pierson, Abby Allan's grandmother.
Sympathy to Debbie Jeffery whose mother died on April 8 in Pennsylvania, and to the family of Maryann Nagy whose cousin's two-year-old granddaughter died recently of a heart infection. Pray for Debbie and for Leah Nelson and their families.
May Prayer Partner. First Lutheran, Ketchikan.
If the status of you or your loved one changes or if you prefer that a name no longer be printed in the bulletin or newsletter, thank you for notifying Rick in the church office (243-2301).
May is "Smorgasbord" Month
To celebrate the thirteenth year of our LSSA Food of the Month project, we're declaring a Smorgasbord month. So clip coupons, pick up a little something extra at Costco, or when you're shopping for your family, take advantage of in-store specials. Lutheran Social Services always needs staples for their pantry shelves--canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and fish; peanut butter; canned soups, stew, and chili; macaroni and cheese (or other packaged pasta meals); and hot or cold cereals. You may place your gifts in the barrel or baskets in the corner across from the church mailboxes, and we'll deliver the food to LSSA throughout the month.
 It may seem like a small thing, but every can or package of food that we donate goes toward making a meal for a family. For people who may be facing unemployment or for the working poor, keeping food on the table continues to be a major challenge. If you have questions or suggestions or if you would like to help in our ministry, please contact Marcia DeVoe, Marge Paulson, or Darla Siver. "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat" Matt.25:35 Mark the dates for our ongoing projects and please help as you are able. Sign-up sheets are posted on the Social Ministry bulletin board beside the mailboxes. Brother Francis Shelter sandwiches: Tuesday, May 12 Clare House evening meal: Thursday, May 21
Happy Birthday in May Take a moment to say a little prayer, send a card, and wish your best to those in our Gloria Dei family who will be celebrating birthdays this month. 1 Rosemarie Knecht, Ivan Tillman, Nora Rodvick, Jim Allan 3 Adrienne Ellis, Richard Tillman, Tom Freeman 4 Kathy Wells, Shirley Raiford 5 Sandy Ahlin  6 Joy Anderson
8 Ernie Hall 9 Mark Carlson, Ann Marie Valdez 10 Michael Tillman, Anika Valdez 11 Beverly Churchill 12 Kiara Arlint, Marie Anderson 13 Patrick Wolverton 14 William Munson, Jessica Romero 15 Logan Shewman 16 Ryan Ferris, Lynn Hallford, Matthew Summers, Kate Hallford 20 Nathan Orf 21 Dorothy Forbes 23 Brett Bitzer, Debbie Jeffery, Serenity Orth 24 Autumn Monkelien 25 Arne Valdez 26 Molly Budahl 30 Dalia Wolverton 31 Tyler Lane
Let's Keep it Noisy We hope you have not only noticed the small, metal pail on the table at the back of the narthex but also have started the habit of dropping coins (or bills) into it. Our loose change is being put to good use as each month a different Gloria Dei ministry is named as the recipient. During April, Fellowship in Serving Humanity (F.I.S.H.) benefited from our dollars and cents, which amounted to slightly more than $225 and will be used for baby food and formula for Anchorage's tiniest and most vulnerable. May's noisy offering will be directed toward supporting our youth in their summer endeavors. Thank you to the Spiritual Life Team for sponsoring this project and to all of you who empty your pockets of loose change in support of our ministries.
LSSA Offers Opportunities in May
The Alaska Visitor Charity Walk is coming up on May 8 at 6pm. The walk is often referred to as the "Graze and Raise" because several food villas dot the course that begins at the Dena'ina Center and winds through downtown Anchorage. The walk gives participants the opportunity to sign up to raise money for a charity. If you sign up as part of the LSSA team, your registration costs and any pledges collected will benefit LSSA. Registration costs $35 for adults and $20 for kids. LSSA staff will pick up the bibs on May 4 and distribute them at the Dena'ina Center beginning  at 5pm on the day of the walk. We hope to see you there. The National Association of Letter Carriers' annual food drive is scheduled for Saturday, May 9. Last year this food drive raised over 60,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Alaska--LSSA's share was 5,000 pounds. We need volunteers who can help us wave banners on Friday, May 8, from 4 to 6pm on the corner of Minnesota and Spenard Road. You may also participate by leaving food items in your mailbox on Saturday, May 9, for your letter carrier to pick up. This is an important food drive as school will be out soon and summer is the busy time of year for the food pantry. If you can help in any way, please call the LSSA office at 272-0643, ext. 10, to help. As you begin your spring cleaning, keep a lookout for any gently used/clean or new coats for our HUGSS and Coats for Kids program which takes place in August. Coats can be dropped off at Fireweed Cleaners or at the LSSA office. All sizes of coats are welcome. We will also be collecting school supplies (more about that next month). Many kids go without appropriate winter coats and school supplies, making school especially challenging for them.  In April, I attended the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) Conference in San Antonio. LSA is one of the largest health and human services networks in the country and is #20 on the Philanthropy top 400. LSA employs nearly 250,000 people, with combined annual revenues of $21 billion. Most importantly, we are making a difference in the lives of 1 in 50 Americans each year. Blessings, Alan Budahl, Executive Director Lutheran Social Services of Alaska
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