We want to send a warm welcome to all of the new clergy that have arrived to serve in the Alaska United Methodist Conference.  They began their appointment last week on July 1.  We welcome:

• Andy Bartel - St. John UMC
• Darla Bradley - St. Peter the Fisherman UMC
• Melissa Engel - Douglas Community UMC
• Steve Fisher - First UMC, Anchorage & First Samoan UMC
• Sandra Hammett - UMC of Sitka
• Tim McConville - UMC of Chugiak
• Nico Romeijn-Stout - St. John UMC

Willow UMC is sponsoring this 5K Run/Walk to raise money for Imagine No Malaria.  There will also be a fun run for children 6 and under.  It will be held on Saturday, August 8th.  For more information, and to register, please visit WillowUMC.org.

Since 1987, Disciple Bible Study has reach nearly 3 million people worldwide, introducing the grand sweep of Scripture in a 34-week format.  Now "Disciple Fast Track" maintains the integrity and principles of the original study, but its modifications can better meet the needs of a hectic world.  Participants still receive a thorough introduction to the Bible, but in almost a third less time.  Fast Track is not a replacement for the original; it is simply a practical option.

In the final year of development, they are looking for churches from each Annual Conference to join them in the beta testing.  Please go to the website http://www.disciplefasttrack.com and explore all the materials.  Then consider joining them and being one of the churches on this awesome journey of launching "Disciple Fast Track!"

Julia Frisbie has published a report that summarizes the Imagine No Malaria activity at all three Greater Northwest Episcopal area conferences (Alaska, PNW, Oregon-Idaho).  You can view it here.  She shares how we have increased our goal from $150,000 to $200,000 because we have already reached our initial goal.  Let's keep reaching our individual church goals!

Will your church be planning an annual stewardship campaign this year?  Be sure to keep your mission at the center of all your work.  Whether you are choosing a prepared campaign or planning your own, join a free webinar that explores some of the ways you can effectively present a ministry plan and budget to your congregation with excitement and integrity.  It will be on Thursday, July 16th.

Your annual campaign needs to be about more than getting the bills paid in the coming year!  It should challenge your people to a new level of discipleship!  It should excite them about ministry possibilities and help them experience the joy and satisfaction of generous living!  Register here

RETHINK CHURCH is offering each United Methodist Church 100 FREE door hangers to help reach out to your neighborhood.  They will customize, print, and ship them directly to you, ready to be distributed in your community.  There are four different design options to use any time of the year with a "Church Can Happen Anywhere" message.  You can get 100 free door hangers of your choice while supplies last!  Offer ends December 1.  Order now!

Start registering now to attend the School of Theology, which will occur September 18-19, 2015 at St. John UMC.  You can go to our website for more information or view the registration brochure.