Summer 2015
IT’S OFFICIAL!
Alaska Conference Status Approved; Ivanoff Installed as Superintendent “Now in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of this church, and by the authority of the Evangelical Covenant Church and its regional conferences, I declare that Curtis Ivanoff is duly installed as the first superintendent of the new Alaska Conference.” “All in favor say, ‘Thanks Be to God!’ ” At these words, the more than 300 delegates from across the nation spoke unanimously, affirming the establishment of the Alaska Conference on June 26, at the annual meeting of the ECC in Kansas City, MO. The moderator concluded with a smile, “Motion carries.” Joyous applause and cheers echoed through the meeting hall marking a historic shift in the standing of Alaska ministries within the larger Covenant denomination. The affirmative vote also established Field Director Curtis Ivanoff to become the first superintendent of the newly formed Alaska Conference. Just prior to the vote, Curtis shared a brief history of the work of God through the years, recognizing the significance of many people who have gone before to work toward this achievement. He then presented Moderator Mandy Olson with an ivory gavel made by former Native pastor Harry Soxie to be used when declaring the affirmative decision. Sharing the stage during the vote were other members of the Alaska contingency present to share in the momentous occasion including, Kristi Ivanoff, Curtis’s wife and advisor to the
Gary Walter, ECC President June 26, 2015 Alaska Covenant Women’s Council; President Keith Hamilton of Alaska Christian College; Debbie Hamilton, Director of New Hope Counseling Center; CYAK Director Byron Bruckner, and Pastor Ken and Sandy Moore of Fairbanks Community Covenant Church. Later that evening, Curtis stood before the larger gathering of delegates, pastors and lay leaders for the installation ceremony of new executive ministers where Paul Wilson, former Alaska Field Director and personal mentor to Curtis, along with the other regional conference superintendents laid hands on Curtis to commission him and install him through corporate prayer. “This represents a new chapter in the continuation of what God is doing in and through many faithful followers of Christ in Alaska,” Curtis said. “My heart is filled with joy as it affirms our partnership in Christ with all of the Evangelical Covenant Church.” The morning business meeting vote, the evening installation ceremony, along with other significant moments can be viewed online at the conference website at www.covchurch.org/gather/sessions.
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. Ephesians 4:16