e~Aurora
A weekly news update from The Alaska United Methodist Conference
Aurora
Prayers for the Shock Family
We have learned that Rev. Kay Shock passed away this morning, Tuesday, August 16th.  Please keep her husband, Jim, her children, her grandchildren, and all of those she touched in your prayers as they deal with this loss.  Kay and Jim served churches in Alaska from 2001 through 2013.  They served Jewel Lake Parish together and then Kay served interim positions at Soldotna, Seward, and Moose Pass.

You can send sympathy cards to Jim at 31990 S. 624 Place, Unit 7, Grove, OK, 74344
An Act of Love
On August 21st at 2 pm St John UMC will be screening the documentary "Act of Love".  This powerful movie chronicles the marriage ceremony performed by Frank Schaefer for his gay son, and Rev Schaefer's subsequent trial and defrocking by the Methodist Church.  Although about same-sex marriage, it is actually about much more than just marriage, as it speaks to the Methodist Church's stance with regard to the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons.

Rev. Schaefer will be present and will lead a discussion after the movie.
Greater Alaska Theological Education (GATE)
This year, the Lay School of Theology has a new name. The Greater Alaska Theological Education (GATE) event will take place September 16-17, 2016 at St. John UMC (1801 O'Malley Road, Anchorage).  It still is a program of Perkins School of Theology and the Alaska United Methodist Conference. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

You can find the informational brochure/registration form on the conference website or by clicking here.
Mission u in Anchorage
The Alaska United Methodist Women are excited to be bringing Mission u to you again!

The two studies this year are:
*Climate Change: A Call to Hope and Action, led by Debra Gerrish
*The Bible and Human Sexuality, led by Janice Nightingale

The upcoming Mission u event will be held in Anchorage at Turnagain UMC September 9-10. Click here for the registration form.  View the informational brochure here.

Please contact Jennifer Miller at 907-351-0274 oralaskan_miller_girl@yahoo.com for more information and to register.
2016 CROP Hunger Walks begin
CROP Hunger Walk
The 2016 Anchorage CROP Walk will be held on September 25, 2016 at First Congregational Church, 2610 E. Northern Lights Blvd.  Registration begins at 12:45 p.m. and the Walk starts at 1:30 p.m.  The Post-Walk Celebration with live music and home-made treats begins at 2:30 p.m. 
 
CROP Hunger Walks are community fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service (CWS) Twenty-five percent of the money raised in our CROP Hunger Walk is distributed to local hunger-alleviating agencies. This year's agencies are F.I.S.H. (Fellowship in Serving Humanity) and the Lutheran Social Services of Alaska Food Pantry.  There will also be a food drive on the day of the Walk to benefit the Food Bank of Alaska.  

If someone from your church had not picked up the registration materials, please contact Dave Boling at 272-0615 to arrange a pick-up time.
Local Churches Can Apply for Advent Digital Grants
UM Communications
You can now apply for a grant that will provide free advertising for your United Methodist church during Advent. Geo-targeted digital ads designed, purchased, and placed by United Methodist Communications will link to local church websites. Applications are open now through Oct. 1, 2016.
UMCOR Awarded Four Stars from Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator, the highly respected charity evaluator, has awarded UMCOR its top charity rating-four stars-for UMCOR's excellent performance in the two broad categories assessed: financial health and accountability and transparency. 

"We appreciate this rating because we know donors are looking for unbiased information to help them evaluate the integrity of the organizations they contribute to," said Roland Fernandes, chief operating officer and general treasurer of the General Board of Global Ministries, of which UMCOR is a part. 

Charity Navigator uses a team of professional analysts to evaluate the financial documents of U.S.-based nonprofit organizations. UMCOR is among more than 8,000 such organizations Charity Navigator reviews each year.

"Our ratings show givers how efficiently we believe a charity will use their support today, how well it has sustained its programs and services over time and their level of commitment to good governance, best practices and openness with information," Charity Navigator explains on its website.

"UMCOR is proud to be recognized by Charity Navigator as an organization that has earned-and continually seeks to earn-the trust of our supporters and partners," Fernandes said.
Study Leaders needed for 2017!
The Executive Team of United Methodist Women of Alaska are accepting applications for Study Leaders for  Mission u events to be implemented summer/fall of 2017.   Here is the required application.  Please note the deadline for applications is November 18, 2016.  
 
Please let those you think may be interested in this wonderful opportunity know!  
 
You may contact Jenn Miller at alaskan_miller_girl@yahoo.com  or 907-338-1434 (home) or 907-351-0274 (cell) with any questions.
Conference Office Email Address has Changed
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We have begun the process of changing the conference office email from umc@gci.net to alaskaumc@gmail.com.  For workflow ease, we are consolidating everything to the Google platform (email, calendar, etc.).  Please update your address books/contacts lists and start using alaskaumc@gmail.com for your emails to the conference. Carlo's email (carlorapanut@gmail.com) will remain the same.
Upcoming Events
AUGUST
July 19-August 18: Carlo on vacation in the Philippines

SEPTEMBER
5: Labor Day - Office Closed
9-10: Mission u at Turnagain UMC
19-23: GNW Cabinet Retreat - Carlo attending
29-October 1: Quadrennial Benefits Conference - Carlo attending

October
4-5: GNW Cabinet meeting in Seattle - Carlo attending
7-9: UMW Annual Gathering at Anchor Park UMC
14-15: Fall Rendezvous Meetings at Conference Center

November
2-4: Extended Cabinet Summit in Jacksonville, FL - Carlo attending
6: Daylight Savings Time ends
8: Election Day
14-16: Crystal on vacation
14-15: GNW Cabinet meeting in Portland - Carlo attending
24: Thanksgiving Day - Office Closed
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Upcoming
Clergy Birthdays

September 5: Charles Brower
September 22: Won Jea Keum
September 28: Darla Bradley


Conference Office
907-333-5050

Superintendent Carlo
907-854-8340
Submissions - If you have an article or event that you would like to share with the rest of the conference, submit it to the conference office by Monday evening for consideration.
AUMC Logo Mission Statement:
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  Held and supported by the transforming relationship with God through Christ, we of the Alaska United Methodist Conference seek to be a community that creates a home for all peoples, finds our hope through grace and journeys together into God's preferred future.
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