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Conference Journal

Dave's Dibble

I don't have a new blog for you this week but you can find all my previous posts here.

Grace Always,

Dave

New Superintendent

Bishop Grant Hagiya intends to appoint the Rev. Carlo Rapanut as superintendent of the Alaska United Methodist Conference effective July 1, 2014. Rev. Rapanut served three appointments in the Philippines including assistant to the bishop from 1998-2008. Since 2008 he has served as senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of Chugiak. Carlo and Radie have two boys, Caleb and Titus. Notes of welcome can be emailed to pastorcarlo@umcchugiak.org.

UMC.org Gets a Makeover

Starting tomorrow, February 12, the United Methodist Churches website will get a new look. The site is not all new, but it is all better. The new design of UMC.org is cleaner and better organized. It is easier to use and has improved search capability. It is mobile-friendly, more visual and interactive.

You'll continue to find award-winning coverage of issues that kindle curiosity and raise awareness: up-to-date news, exclusive stories, opinion pieces, commentaries and award-winning photos.

And there will be more. UMC.org wants to meet visitors wherever they are in their spiritual journey. Every headline and story will be created with their audience in mind.

Who are we? What do we believe? How do we serve? What's going on? We think the revived web site will provide a digital home where the United Methodist community can converse and connect, all under one roof.

So, please, make UMC.org a part of your day on Feb. 12th.

Early Response Team Training Opportunity

First United Methodist Church in Fairbanks will be hosting its first Early Response Team (ERT) training workshop from March 28, 29 & 30, 2014 and conducted by a certified UMCOR trainer. This workshop is open to anyone, statewide, interested in providing a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster. Make your plans now to attend this wonderful opportunity.

Registration cost is $35.00, which will cover training materials, background check fees and other costs involved in hosting the workshop. Tuition assistance may be available upon request. Childcare will, also, be provided upon request. Assistance for those flying to Fairbanks is available for three (3) participants from remote towns/villages as well as transportation to and from the airport.

For further information and/or registration please contact Debbie Ervin (akdrc99708@gmail.com) or First United Methodist Church (office@fairbanksfirst.org)

Eco-Palms

Watch this informational video about Eco-Palm harvesting. It explains all you need to know about Eco-Palms-why we purchase them, the benefits of Eco-Palm premiums for small-farmer communities in Guatemala and Mexico, and the socially responsible harvesting techniques that protect the environment and the health of the palm.

Palm Sunday is April 13. Place your order for Eco-Palms by the March 21, 2014 deadline. Visit www.ecopalms.org to learn more.

Spiritual Life Minister Needed
AK Child and Family is looking for a Spiritual Life Minister for their campus. It is a 20 hour/week position with benefits. The pay range is $15.13 - $16.53 and benefits DOE. The scheduling needs for the position are: Sunday to Wednesday afternoons, various Saturday and Sunday hours, and holidays. You can look at the job description here. If someone has any questions about applying or the position, they may call Rachel Coulter at 348-9294.

Mission U Events
Information is now out for you to register for the upcoming Mission U Event in Sitka and Wasilla. All are welcome to attend. Learn about the Roma of Europe, The Call, and Leaving Home Finding Home. Two events have already occured and have been enjoyed. Don't miss out on these opportunities if you are able to attend!
SE Information Flyer
SE Registration Form
SE Poster
N Information Flyer
N Registration Form
N Poster

Grants Available

The First United Methodist Church Foundation is accepting applications for grants to be used as educational benefits, scholarships, out-reach to the community and the world. Applications should be a concise request of no more than 150 words that includes name of person and/or organization, specific request amount, why the grant is needed and how it will be used in 2014. Submissions must be received by February 14, 2014 at the address below. Awards will be posted in March 2014.

FUMC Foundation - Grants

725 W 9th Ave

Anchorage, AK 99501

Limitless Retreat
Young women in Alaska are invited to attend the Limitless retreat, March 21-23, 2014 at Kings Lake Camp in Wasilla. If you are between the ages of 20 and 35, this is for you! Come discover your power as a young woman, experience the meaning of service to others, take a break to recharge and refocus, celebrate your individual unique abilities, and meet other young United Methodist Women. Learn more about the weekend and register here.

Scholarship Application

From now until March 5, 2014, United Methodist students enrolled in a degree program in the 2014-2015 academic year at an accredited college/university can complete a single on-line scholarship application at www.gbhem.org/scholarshipapplication to be considered for a variety of scholarships available through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Check out what our church is doing to support students' pursuit of postsecondary education!

Please share this information with all of the members of your congregations.

Upcoming Events

February

     10-11: Dave in Seattle for Cabinet meetings
     22-23: Mission u Event at UMC of Sitka

March

     3-5: Area Cabinet Meeting in Portland
     4-11: Crystal on vacation
     8-16: Dave on vacation
     21-23: UMW Limitless Retreat

April

5: Leadership Team meeting
24-29: Crystal attending UMW Assembly

Submissions

If you have an article or event that you would like the rest of the conference to know about and participate in, feel free to submit them to me each week by Monday evening. I ask that you type up what you want included and let me know how many weeks you want it published for. Thank you!

Contact Info

Crystal Feaster

Administrative Assistant

907-333-5050 phone

907-333-2304 fax

www.alaskaumc.org

umc@gci.net