Fall 2022 Sinew

Historic Storm Pounds Multiple Villages Covenanters Respond With Donations and Service

Within days of the historic storm surge that pummeled hundreds of miles of Alaskan coastline, the Alaska Conference leadership, as well as others across the Covenant, began looking for ways to respond with funding and person power for Covenant villages affected by the storm. More than $36,000 has been raised through the Alaska Conference, given by individuals in Alaska and beyond, and all funds have been used to address various needs.

“The Alaska Conference is not a relief organization, however, it was encouraging to see how Covenant people in Alaska and outside contributed funds and volunteered to serve,” Curtis explained.

The storm significantly impacted villages with Covenant churches including Golovin, Nome, Hooper Bay, Mountain Village, Elim and Shaktoolik. The Mountain Village parsonage had one half of the roof ripped off from high winds. Flooding in Golovin caused massive damage. Due to high water, the Golovin church sub floor insulation was soaked and needed to be replaced. Nineteen homes and several community buildings sustained flooding damage and displacement. The Hooper Bay church served as a shelter for displaced families there.

“It was disorienting to hear of the damage and displacement that was happening in multiple communities where the Covenant Church serves,” explained Curtis Ivanoff. “So much needed to be addressed before winter freeze up. I traveled to four communities to assess how the Alaska Conference could connect our resources with specific needs.”

A group of eight men from Moose Lake Covenant Church in Minnesota were scheduled to work on the CYAK Aarigaa house in Anchorage in late September. However, with the pressing needs, they agreed to reroute with short notice to work in Golovin. They were able to complete the insulation replacement at the church, as well as join the larger community effort to help with the damaged houses and clean up.

Dave Lundberg and Dan Duame from Eagle River Community Covenant Church joined the greater volunteer effort in Golovin as well.

Top to bottom: The Covenant Church in Golovin sustained damage to the sub floor insulation due to high water. The Mountain Village Covenant Church parsonage roof was ripped off from high winds. Both buildings were able to be repaired. Moose Lake Covenant Church sent a team of eight men to work on the Golovin church and contribute to the larger volunteer effort around the community of Golovin. See more photos on page 7.

“We were able to help with repair work on several flooded homes. We installed new insulation and sealed the vapor barrier, “ Dave explained. “We were happy to help the community in a small way after the devastating effects of the storm and felt like our efforts were greatly appreciated.”

Even with the damage, the Covenant Church housed various relief personnel, and Donny and Willow Olson housed volunteers in their spare bedrooms.

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Bethel Cares for Kids With Backpacks & More

By Pastor Adam London, Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church

When you walk in the main doors of the Bethel Covenant sanctuary, you will walk by the “energetic child quiet play area” and a desk where kids can borrow a fidget toy or art supplies as they sit with their families in the sanctuary. Our church is a family friendly church that lives by the idea that if you can’t hear the sound of children on a Sunday, your church may be dying. From AWANA to Children’s Church to Youth Sunday, we seek to be a place where children are not less important than adults, but are an integral part of who we are as the body of Christ together today. We also seek to live that out in the community as well.

One of our congregation's community outreach ministries is called “Caring for Kids.” A few times a year, we ask for donations from both our church and the community to bless children in need. This fall we gave the four schools in Bethel over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene items (mostly for the boarding school students). True to our family friendly nature, we had a great group of volunteers from age 76 all the way down to age 2 helping to pack the backpacks. Once they were packed, we prayed over the bags, the children, the staff, and the families of all those who would be touched by them. Our next “Caring for Kids” outreach is in December where we will collect donations so that every single foster child in the YK Delta will receive a Christmas gift. We’ve been told that 273 is the number of kids for this year’s project. This is the biggest number we have ever tried to provide for. We will seek to raise over $11,000 to meet this need. Would you pray for us as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Bethel region? What might God be calling you to do to care for the kids around you?

Acts29 Swedes Return for Alaska Ministry Summer

Heart Reflections From Across the Sea

by Betty Wagbrant and Emma Alfredsson

Betty—

“So why did you come back to Alaska?”

This was a recurring question during our time in Alaska last summer. The answer Emma and I repeated often was, "the people".

Four years ago, during the Acts 29 school, we got to know amazing people in Alaska that left a mark on our hearts. And once again during this summer, we felt so blessed and cared for by the people in all the places we visited. Again, we got to learn from people in discipleship. We were blessed with renewed appreciation for God's beautiful creation. We were challenged to find joy and light in both highs and lows as we trusted in God.

Additionally, we experienced such generous hospitality, where people opened their homes for us at short notice without hesitation. I also appreciated that hospitality in Alaska often means that the everyday life goes on as usual. The house does not have to be in a perfect shape. The schedule doesn't necessarily have to be all cleared up, instead we get to tag along with everyday life as part of the family. As Swedes we were also constantly challenged in our imprinted individualistic thinking by depending on others. My longing is to learn from my friends in Alaska and incorporate that into my life here in Sweden. I am so grateful that we got the opportunity to come back to Alaska to serve God. I am still amazed how much we also got to receive. What a grace. Quyana.

Emma—

Leaving Sweden to spend the summer in Alaska wasn’t a difficult decision for me. I couldn’t wait to see the beautiful mountains, the rippling rivers and the overall breathtaking scenery that Alaska has to offer. Last time I was here, everything was white and frozen, but I was still able to recognize the different places. Betty and I had the huge fortune to travel a bit here and there this summer, all the way up to Unalakleet and Shaktoolik. Though we did spend most our time in Anchorage, we were willing to serve wherever we were needed.

Although Alaska is home to a few of most beautiful places I know, that wasn’t the reason behind why I so eagerly wanted to come back. It was the people my brothers and sisters in Christ. Four years ago, when we were in Alaska for the first time, God changed my life. I got to experience His amazing faithfulness. He showed me what it means to truly trust Him. One of the ways He did that was through people, both friends and strangers here in Alaska. When I think about what it means to be a disciple of Christ I think about the churches in Alaska. You have taught me what it means to put one’s faith in the Lord. I wasn’t surprised to hear even more inspiring stories, and meet even more incredible people this trip, confirming just that.

God is forever faithful, leading step by step. I don’t need to know what my future holds because He is with me. Thank you for that beautiful reminder.”

Betty Wagbrant and Emma Alfredsson ministered across Alaska during the summer months.

BECC volunteers fill school backpacks with supplies and love as part of the “Caring for Kids” ministry outreach.

KICY Board Member

Reflects on Elim Sabbatical

by Mike Coglin

Having served and supported KICY Radio for over ten years, I have long wondered about life in Alaska’s villages that make up the listening audience. I had learned that many villages go years without a full time pastor. During my recent sabbatical, I was blessed with a taste of village life.

Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the chair of the Elim Covenant Church, Kenny Takak, and his wife Grace. They gave me my initial tour, pointing out various community buildings and points of interest. I had a lot to learn during my two week stay.

After settling in, I walked out into the town to introduce myself and meet the people. Every day I was met with smiles and open doors. Among many pleasant memories, I had a long walk with a man named Shelby who told me many stories of his life. I was welcomed into the tribal offices to meet with the organization’s president. A manager named Clarence showed me the city offices. Another day, I was invited in to the beautiful and modern school for an open house. Everyone I met was friendly and I was amazed at the long memories people have of village history.

I spent a fun evening in “fish camp” with Kenny and Grace. We drove to Moses Point, where tiny cabins are scattered about, each surrounded by boats, trucks, and ATVs. We reeled in over forty pounds of silver salmon, and then cleaned and preserved them into the late hours. The biggest surprise to me was the number of children who flocked to the church any time I opened the doors. I have little experience with children’s ministry, but I improvised. These adorable children greeted me in town whenever they saw me. The hospitality was a great gift to me. An even greater gift was the sincerity of our worship services. I love Elim, and I hope to return in the future. I also hope to help other pastors imagine serving, short or long term, in an Alaska village.

Youth Reflect on Unite Conference in California

Approximately 50 students and adults from various Alaska Covenant churches attended “Unite West,” a regional ECC youth conference for students from the Alaska Conference, Pacific Southwest Conference and Pacific Northwest Conference at Biola University in Los Angeles, CA. Alaska sent students representing both road system and rural churches. Below are reflections from some of the Alaska youth and leaders.

“The spirit of the week was truly unity. I enjoyed watching our students enjoy each other, accept one another, encourage each other, and love one another.”

Cory Alverts

“I felt the presence of God in the whole room. I saw people stand in front of the stage with their hands wide open giving their all to Jesus.”

—Bethany Chase

“I made friends and realized that I need in person interactions instead of just video game interactions.”

Thomas London

—

“Experiencing Unite— with the sessions, the praying, sharing with small groups, and more praying I opened up and realized that I really needed to hear all these wonderful Bible verses that remind us that we all matter, we are all loved by Jesus, we are not alone and with God all things are possible.”

—Larissa Berlin

The new church took just under

Scammon Bay Church

Samaritan’s Purse completed the Scammon project in early October. A dedication Pastor Jason Stromstad had been serving several months and returned home for and parsonage where Jason lived was Purse teams began construction in June. with community members, visiting

pastors, staff, and Alaska Conference Superintendent Superintendent Brian Nanninga. The parsonage is connected to the sanctuary includes a fellowship hall. To see a Samaritan’s dedication, go to the conference homepage

The first worship service and dedication was

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff visited with Vincent Scheurch at the potluck, which led to plans for repair for the Mountain Village Parsonage roof.

David Kaganak enjoys the food and fellowship.

Russ Richardson, of Samaritan’s Purse, presents Pastor Jason with the keys to the new building. .

was

Church Dedication

Scammon Bay Church and parsonage dedication celebration was held on October 9. serving in the lower 48 over the past for the dedication. The former church was torn down last summer. Samaritan’s June. A celebration potluck was held pastors, volunteers, Samaritan’s Purse Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff and Associate The new three-bedroom, two bath sanctuary in one structure that also Samaritan’s Purse video about the homepage at www.alaskacovenant.org.

John Utteryuk welcomes Pastor Jason home after being away for several months during construction. under four months to complete.

The sanctuary can easily hold 100 people for worship. A fellowship hall and parsonage are also part of the building.

Pastor Adam London of Bethel, and Patrick McLean, of Hooper Bay, put finishing touches on the parsonage kitchen.

a joyous time together.

Nome Bike Shop Upgraded With Help from Partner Ministry

The Nome “Checkpoint” youth ministry bike shop received a much needed upgrade this summer with the addition of a second shipping container that doubled the space available for the shop. Arctic Barnabas Ministry, of Soldotna, partnered with Checkpoint in planning and resourcing the successful addition that is being retrofitted to address the unique conditions of snow load and cold temperatures in order to have a year round, indoor space to work in Nome.

For a few years now, a one providing a free space for youth and their guardians to receive help repairing their bikes, as well as to acquire skills around bike repair. The shop sits on a small lot owned by Nome Covenant Church.

“Learning and sharing skills and knowledge is one of our important values, since growing in relevant competencies. is one way to improve resiliency for young people,” James Ventress, Nome Covenant Church Youth Pastor explained.

With the one container, the shop was limited to only being open on clear days during May to September when winter weather conditions subside for a time. Because most of the work happened outside due to limited space, a rainy week meant the shop would be closed for several days. Even with a small space, without electricity and heat, James was encouraged by the community response when they launched the shop. Donations of funds, used bikes, specialized tools, new bike parts, and lubricants were given by diverse individuals in Nome and from out of state.

“Older teens like to come and use the growing tool library to work on

their bikes,” James said. “They often stay to help me work on the bikes of younger kids or those who have less experience.”

The Arctic Barnabas team that committed their time and energy in making sure the new shop would be designed to be strong and would be

“We continue to praise God for all his provision of materials, skilled laborers, and the resources to provide this tool of blessing and service to the youth and families of Nome,” James added. “Please continue to pray for this project and all who are touched by its construction or use.”

Identity, Significance, Purpose Cultivated in Wood Shop

By Drew Williams, Youth Pastor, Scammon Bay Covenant Church

The Scammon Bay Shop is an ongoing ministry that was created as a space for kids to form relationships with healthy adults and with each other. Relationships need space and opportunity to be built. For kids who struggle in school or are hesitant to enter a church building, the shop provides a fantastic other option. We have many kids who excel in academics, and we have many students who excel in sports, but there is a third category of kid who often does not find success in those places. One of the goals of the Scammon Bay wood shop was to provide a space where students can find success.

The projects that we do in the shop aim to speak to our students’ sense of place and self worth. We use largely local materials to make traditional tools. We cut willow and gather driftwood to make handles for knives and Uluaqs (Ulus). We also use those same local materials to make things like cutting boards and simple furniture.

When a student comes into the shop and creates something, they have a few different options. They can keep it, they can give it away, or they can let me hang on to it to sell. If a student decides to let me hang onto it, I will sell it for them and put the money into an account with their name. They can use those funds to get to things like Bible Camp, local retreats, or bigger church sponsored trips such as CHIC/ UNITE. We have had a few students fund their entire trips this way.

We talk a lot about how students need three things to be successful: identity, significance, and purpose. The shop aims to hit each of these. The shop also has a community oriented aspect. If someone in town needs a space to work on a project or needs some tools to borrow, the shop is available to them. We often have community members coming to use the space, as well as local clubs and organizations whose goals align with our own. We try not to be stingy with the space and materials and rarely, if ever, are the doors locked.

Arctic Barnabas volunteers connect two storage containers to double the size of the existing bike shop in Nome that provides youth and their families a place learn bike repair skills. Fundraising efforts continue to complete the winterization efforts.

Church Joins Community Efforts in Storm Response

(Continued from page 1)

Curtis remarked how encouraging it was to see people come together and to see how God provided resources and connections with those who could help. While attending the Scammon Bay church dedication potluck in October, Curtis connected with a general contractor who was able to arrange for the needed repairs on the Mountain Village parsonage roof before the worst of winter weather set in. Daniel Cernek, a Hooper Bay Covenant Church leader, was instrumental to see that the church could be set up to serve as a shelter for displaced families. Bonnie LaBore, of Bethel Covenant Church, moved to Hooper Bay for several weeks to support those families who were staying at the church. Rebecca Gramm, from Anchorage First Covenant Church, used her knowledge of FEMA to work with the conference to navigate the paperwork necessary for applying for FEMA relief funds for the Mountain Village Church repair expenses. Rebecca has offered to assist others who need help navigating the paperwork maze for FEMA funding (contact the Conference office to connect with Rebecca). These are just a few of the generous volunteers that gave unselfishly of their talents and resources.

Top to Bottom: Elim’s Front Street along the beach was covered with mass amounts of storm debris. In Golovin, sand removal was a major project as it was for Donny and Willow Olson’s ground floor that was filled with three feet of sand after the flooding. This Elim home had to be relocated after several feet of shore were washed away, leaving the home in quire a precarious situation. Kathy Bergamaschi, of Golovin, volunteered in the community hall making sourdough pancakes for volunteers and displaced families. Blassi Shoogukwruk, Alaska Christian College alumnus, was one of twelve Army and Air National Guard members that were assigned to storm response in Golovin. Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff, was pleased to visit with Blassi and thank him and many others for their diligent work to help with storm response measures. High water in Golovin necessitated immediate disaster response from various sources.

January

Events & Dates

Caring for Pastors & Leaders

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff and Associate Superintendent Brian Nanninga spent five full days in July taking pastors, ministry leaders, and their families dip netting for red salmon for the second year. This ministry helps fill freezers and provides a time of fun, fellowship and encouragement for the conference ministry team. Amundsen Educational Center and Alaska Christian College contributed to hospitality and lodging. Additionally, in September, more than 40 Alaska ministry leaders gathered at the annual Pastor & Leader retreat.

Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church

Mission: Churches and ministries working together throughout Alaska to cultivate disciples so that families, communities, and the world are transformed by the gospel.

Superintendent: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@alaskacovenant.org

Associate Superintendent Brian Nanninga brian@alaskacovenant.org Office Manager Jaime Nanninga info@alaskacovenant.org Sinew Editor Kristi Ivanoff kristi@alaskacovenant.org P.O. Box 200446 Anchorage, AK 99520 Office: 907-222-6348 e mail info@alaskacovenant.org website www.alaskacovenant.org denominational website covchurch.org DonationstotheAlaska Conferencearetax-deductible andmaybemadeonlineor mailedtotheofficedirectly.