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e~Aurora (a weekly news update)
The Alaska United Methodist ConferenceFebruary 9, 2016
In This Issue
~Bishop's Blog
~Superintendent's Blog
~Prayer for GC2016
~Housing & Transportation Needed!
~CCCG & Winter Rendezvous
~Mission u Event
~Run & Walk for Warmth
~Lenten Calendar for INM
~GC Voting Changes
~Disability Awareness
~Birchwood Camp News
~One Great Hour of Sharing
~Idita-Walk Fundraiser
~UMW Quadrennial Meeting




ACS Print  

20/20 Vision:
Leading to God's New Horizons



 

Upcoming  Clergy
 Birthdays!   



February 19 - 
Steve Fisher

March 11 - 
Sandra Hammett

March 21 - 
Nico Romeijn-Stout

March 25 -
Evelyn Erbele

March 29 - 
Doug Handlong




Contact Information

 

Superintendent
Carlo Rapanut

cell 907-854-8340  





Ministry Quicklinks





Join Our Mailing List





2015 Conference Journal
 
 
The Conference Journal is posted on our website and you can access it anytime you would like.  Download it onto your computer desktop for easy research.


Bishop's Blog
Bishop Grant Hagiya reflects in his latest blog on the recent Pre-General Conference Briefing held in Portland, Oregon.  After taking time to thank the volunteers that helped the event run smoothly, he shares the message he gave to those in attendance.  It may be the first time The United Methodist Church has been compared to a donut shop.  Read his blog here.
Superintendent's Blog
I am in Seattle today for the Greater Northwest Cabinet meetings.

You can always read past blog posts here.  Have a great week!
Sign Up to Pray for General Conference
The Alaska United Methodist Conference is participating in the 131 days of continuous prayer leading up to General Conference in May.  Bishop Hagiya wrote about the event in his blog.  Our day of prayer is scheduled for February 13th.  The prayer times are in 15 minute increments.  Here is the link to sign up for a time slot.  Let the conference office know if you have any problems signing up and we will help you out!  THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP!!!
house_magnifying_glass.jpg Housing & Transportation Needed!
The Alaska Conference will be hosting Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity (CCCG) and Winter Rendezvous meetings next week.  Several people from out of town will be here to participate and need places to sleep.  Please contact the conference office if you are able to help house someone.  A few of the individuals will need rides too.  CCCG is February 18-19 at UMC of Chugiak and the Winter Rendezvous will be February 19-20 at East Anchorage UMC.  Call 333-5050 to help!
CCCG & Winter Rendezvous
We want to thank the Tuell Center for making the upcoming Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity workshop possible.  The informational flier and registration form are posted on the the conference website for the Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity workshop.  The CCCG event will be held at UMC of Chugiak on February 18-19, 2016.

Don't forget to sign up for the Winter Rendezvous meetings if you are on one of the Conference Committees.  These meetings will be held after the CCCG event at East Anchorage UMC on February 19-20, 2016.
Mission u Event THIS WEEKEND
Every year the United Methodist Women of Alaska put on educational events based on study topics.  This year the studies are Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God which will be led by Susie Smalley and Latin America: People and Faith led by Walt Hays.  It will take place at Anchor Park UMC February 12-13, 2016.  Please contact Jennifer Miller if you have any questions.  Registrations will be taken at the door and ALL MEN and WOMEN are welcome!
Anchorage Run & Walk for Warmth
For the past 6 years, First UMC Anchorage has partnered with United Way to help raise money that specifically goes to the 211 program in Anchorage.  This program helps families with financial support with utilities and rental assistance.  Their goal is to keep their neighbors housed and prevent family financial instability from ever reaching a crisis point!

The event will take place on February 20th at 9:00 at First UMC Anchorage.  Visit  http://bit.ly/RunWalkforWarmth to register yourself, form a team, or to just donate to the cause.
Imagine No Malaria Lenten Calendar as a Teaching Tool
A calendar can be a great way to engage in Imagine No Malaria, focus on Lent, and build math skills too!  Check out the calendar here.
Change Coming to General Conference Voting
United Methodist leaders are hoping a change coming to the 2016 General Conference will make voting easier for delegates. At the urging of the Commission on the Status and Role of Women, delegates will use voting machines in legislative committees. Read the story here.
The Importance of Disability Awareness Sunday
United Methodists are asked to observe Disability Awareness Sunday at least once a year. The Rev. Leo Yates Jr. says the Sunday is an opportunity to look around to see who is not in worship. In his commentary, Yates shares resources for observances and tells how the church can welcome people with disabilities and their families.
Birchwood Camp News
Register for Birchwood Summer Camps
Online registration is now open for Birchwood Camp's summer camp programs. Register early to take advantage of the early bird discount & many payment plans. Plus - several camps filled up last year, so register early to reserve your space. Details, brochures, and online registration are available at  www.birchwoodcamp.org/camps


 
Cook needed at Birchwood Camp
Birchwood Camp is seeking 1-2 additional team members to join their kitchen staff as the schedule ramps up towards summer. Schedule is varied and somewhat flexible. Applications for a Lead Cook and an Assistant Cook are being accepted. Details and application info:  http://birchwoodcamp.org/get-involved/job-opportunities/
One Great Hour of Sharing - March 6
Now is the time to prepare for the One Great Hour of Sharing church-wide special Sunday.  You can get information specific to this special Sunday at umcgiving.org/oghs and download a free pastors toolkit for a series of resources so you can prepare, advertise and share the amazing opportunity of One Great Hour of Sharing with your congregation and social media audience.
Idita-Walk Fundraiser for Nome Community Center
The Nome Community Center, a UMW National Mission Institution,  is sponsoring the 1,049-minute walking event Idita-Walk, which draws participants from across Alaska, and around the globe.  Even your dog can participate in this walking event!

To participate in the Idita-Walk, keep track of how many minutes you walk per day on a paper form. Strive to reach the goal of 1,049 minutes - the same number of miles that sled dogs and mushers must trek across Alaska in order to reach the Iditarod finish line. If you walk an average of 35 minutes a day, you'll finish in 30 days. The Idita-Walk starts February 1st and ends March 31st.

The event benefits the Nome Community Center and all the services it provides Nome and the Bering Strait region, including the Nome Food Bank, the XYZ Senior Center, Nome Children's Home and Family Services.

It is $10 to register per person (or dog), $30 to register and order a T-shirt, and $50 to register and order a sweatshirt. If you're among the first 750 to sign up, you'll receive an official 2016 Idita-Walk pin upon registration
You can sign up for the 2016 Idita-Walk online at www.idita-walk.com.
UMW Quadrennial Meeting
The Western Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting for United Methodist Women will be held in St. Lake City, Utah from April 22-24, 2016.  If you are interested in finding out more about the event or want to attend, click on the link above or visit their website www.wjumw.com.  Missionary Paul Jeffrey will have a special presentation during the Saturday evening banquet.

Upcoming Events

February
     7-9: Carlo in Seattle for GNW Cabinet meeting
     18-19: Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity (CCCG) at UMC of Chugiak
     19-20: Winter Rendezvous meetings at East Anchorage UMC

March
     7-11: Carlo in Boise for GNW Cabinet meeting and NLI Conference
     13: Daylight Saving Time
     20: Palm Sunday
     21-23: Carlo in Seattle for GNW Cabinet meeting
     27: Easter Sunday
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