On Sunday, Phil wrote on his Facebook page: "My year of living surgically. Knee replacement on Oct. 21. Heart murmur detected while in hospital after surgery. Not thought to be a big deal but follow up echo cardiogram recommended. It was done Nov. 5 and revealed an aortic aneurysm. Landed in Denver Friday morning, Nov. 7 and had cardiothoracic surgery Friday afternoon/night. Recovering at Colorado University Medical Center. Hope to be moved to a general floor today or tomorrow. I'm in great shape for a guy with so many things wrong with him. Nice to be alive. Probably be in Denver for 4 weeks.Thanks, everyone, for prayers, good wishes, and loving care across the miles. I love you all!" In his latest update, he said that more tubes and wires have been disconnected and he is now able to walk around. The doctors are saying "they aren't used to seeing an aortic resection patient doing so well." Let us continue to keep Phil and Teresa in our prayers.

Annual conference members have ratified all four amendments to The United Methodist Church's constitution. The Council of Bishops certified the votes on the amendments approved by the 2012 General Conference, which includes one allowing General Conference to be held sometime other than the spring.  Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.

We just wanted to take a moment to remind you that Debbie Ervin is the Conference Volunteer In Mission (VIM) Coordinator.  If your church has a desire to have a work team come to do some work, please contact her at akdrc99708@gmail.com or 907-978-0537.  Teams from outside have already been inquiring about opportunities to volunteer in Alaska.  Don't wait!

The executive board of United Methodist Women of Alaska is accepting applications for Mission u Study Leaders for 2015-2016.  Please find attached, in WORD and PDF, a summary of the courses to be facilitated throughout the Alaska Conference.  Information and an application is included.  Please note the deadline for applications is December 15, 2014.  

Please distribute or forward this information to those you think may be interested in this wonderful opportunity.  

You may contact Bonnie Miller at bonitajane@yahoo.com or 907-776-8555 or 907-440-1636 with any questions.

World AIDS Day, observed each year on December 1, provides an opportunity for people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS and to show their compassion and support to those living with the disease. Tie it into your 1st Sunday of Advent! There are several resources available for worship here and here.

World AIDS Day is one of the UMC's Special Offering Sundays providing a great way for our churches here in the Alaska Conference to help raise funds for the UMC's next great priority: eradicating HIV by 2020. The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund invites you to participate in the Just Save One initiative. 75% of the funds for the Global AIDS Fund will be used for projects to educate, prevent, and treat HIV/AIDS all over the world. 25% of the funds we raise stays in the Alaska Conference to be used for HIV/AIDS ministries!

Let people know how to donate! There are a few ways to give:

1. Drop a check made payable to UMCOR in your church offering plate and indicate Advance #982345 on the memo line. Doing it this way will assure that the Alaska Conference receives 25% of your donation.

2. Mail your contribution to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087.

3. Go to Give To Mission and type #982345 to access the UM Global AIDS Fund giving page.

Take a look at this video and use it as an educational tool for your congregation(s)!