Summer 2016
Scammon Bay Parsonage Remodel Begins After two years of praying, planning and fundraising, work teams will arrive in Scammon Bay in mid-June to begin repairs and remodeling on the village parsonage. Harbor Covenant Church of Gig Harbor, WA, will be leading the construction effort and coordination of work teams that will be repairing the existing structure, as well as constructing a small addition to the current building. The project is fully funded, thanks to generous and loving gifts from within Alaska church groups, Harbor Covenant and the Pacific Northwest Conference. Church leaders in Scammon Bay have worked together with Alaska Conference leadership and Harbor Covenant team members to develop a plan to address water damage, reconstruct problem areas and build an extension to the house that has fallen into disrepair. Volunteers from other churches in Tacoma,
WA, Wisconsin and North Dakota have come forward to provide much needed labor. Each of the teams will work alongside residents of Scammon Bay to learn of the culture of the coastal village and grow in relationships while there. “This project reflects the body of Christ coming together to help meet a tangible need,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff said. “Pastoring in rural Alaska has unique challenges. Taking care of our pastors is very important and providing quality living arrangements is a significant part of that. I’m thankful for the partnership with the Pacific NW conference and Harbor Covenant Church in this endeavor.” “God has brought people together in ways we could never have done ourselves,” Doug Olsen of Harbor Covenant explained. “Men, women, and children have stepped forward in faith know-
ing that He is calling. Strangers have become friends. Teams from the lower-48 have worked side-by-side with local residents.” Dan Vaughn, also of Harbor Covenant, outlined the project to include leveling the entire structure; eliminating two upper bedrooms and transforming them into storage; adding two new bedrooms on the ground floor; providing a major insulation and heating upgrade; enlarging the artic entry and the living room; and replacing old copper plumbing. “To those of us preparing for the remodel of the Scammon Bay parsonage, we have a strong sense God is with this project,” Dan expressed. “Scammon Bay provides regional pastoral support and needs a sound and healthy parsonage.” 2016 annual meeting as well as the lower Yukon (Continued on page 10)
Scammon Bay’s pastor Jason Stromstad will have a newly remodeled home after volunteer work teams complete major upgrades and renovations to the parsonage this summer. Despite water damage, sinking foundation, increasing mold growth and other disrepair in his home related to the extreme arctic marine conditions, Pastor Jason has blessed many from around the state with hospitality as seen here from May meetings.
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
We recently celebrated Pentecost Sunday. In our church service, we were encouraged to turn to the people near us and proclaim “happy birthday!” We remembered the day that God’s Holy Spirit was given to the church. Ephesians 1 says that “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” It is a wonder and mystery that by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent the Holy Spirit is in and among us, to empower and enliven us to live our lives worthy of the calling we have received. Saying happy birthday reminded me of the reality that the church is God’s idea, born out of his Holy Spirit. Many churches are born during the course of any year. Such has been the case among our Covenant work in Alaska. Since 2009, we have seen two churches come into existence – The River Covenant and Chugach Covenant. We voted at this past Alaska Conference annual meeting to recommend that Chugach Covenant become a member church of the Evangelical Covenant Church. That is worth celebrating and giving thanks to God for new growth and advancement of reaching the lost in the name of Jesus Christ in Alaska. From my observations, I can attest that planting a church is an incredibly challenging work. You have to understand that you are starting with faith, vision and a seed. While a church is born out of God’s heart and Spirit, it takes people to say yes to take a step of faith to pray fervently, work diligently, and persevere to stay the course. I am captivated by the stories of the new works God began in Alaska in the past, which spurs me on in thinking about our future. One of our most fruitful church planting season was from 1919 to the 1940’s. Ten churches were planted in rural Alaska in places like Mountain Village, Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, and Mekoryuk, to name a few. Resources were not plentiful, in terms of money, transportation infrastructure, and any kind of formal training. People like Gonangnan, Soxie, Andrewuk, and Kenick had faith, vision and perseverance. Men and women stayed the course, depending upon the power of the Holy Spirit to lead them. At our annual meeting in Scammon Bay, one of the messages we heard from Michelle Sanchez, Executive Minister of Make and Deepen Disciples, was that we want to make disciples that in turn make disciples. I believe that as that vision grows and deepens, it will only bolster and give energy to our work and effort of starting churches. My encouragement to us is to lift up our eyes to the working of the Holy Spirit. who is in the business of new beginnings and new growth, born out of hope. Let us pray together that we will be saying “happy birthday” to more Covenant Churches in Alaska in the not-so-far-off future.
Happy Birthday, Church!
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Alaska’s Representative Reflects on Ethnic Ministries Commission by Tricia Ivanoff, Director of Aarigaa, Fairbanks
This March, I was asked to consider serving on the Commission on Ethnic Ministries, one of the eight commissions of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). I was intimidated and a little reluctant to join at first because those serving were all prominent leaders in the Covenant. I was to be the youngest and the only one without a seminary degree. Thankfully, there were people in my life who encouraged me and reminded me of the gifts, talents, and experience I could offer. Otherwise, I would not have known what an incredible blessing it is to serve with people of different ethnicities and backgrounds and brothers and sisters who share a common desire to see the Kingdom of God reflected within our denomination and churches. The Ethnic Commission is composed of leaders, chairmen or chairwomen of each ethnic association, and pastors within the Covenant. The president of the ECC chairs the commission and the Executive Ministers of Love Mercy, Do Justice and Start and Strengthen Churches are ex-officio members. Alaska has had one representative since 1995 when the Commission on Urban and Ethnic Ministries dissolved into two separate commissions. Rev. Nathan Toots was the first Native Alaskan representative on the newly established Commission on Ethnic Ministries followed by Rev. Hugh Forbes, the current pastor at Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church. At the most recent meeting in April, Rev. Hugh was celebrated for his 10+ years of service on the commission as he was transitioning out and I was transitioning in. The purpose of the commission is to provide a place for dialogue, strategy, advocacy, and fellowship as well as provide resources for the ethnic and multiethnic congregations within the Covenant. At the most recent meeting, reports were given from each ethnic association, the Covenant Asian Pastors Association, MHIPE, African-American Ministers Association, and Native Alaskan representatives. We shared with one another specific struggles, burdens, and sufferings as well as advances within each association and praiseworthy news. The commission makes certain that each ethnic voice is heard, valued, and of vital importance to the work that Christ’s church is called to do. It plays a significant role in moving our denomination along towards being more multiethnic and multicultural. As I am beginning this journey of understanding what it means for us to be more multiethnic and more reflective of the Kingdom of God, I find that I am in the exact place that I should be, alongside leaders who have been walking down this road for a long time. Being a part of this commission has encouraged me to envision what church could look like. What if we were to be a church that advocates, supports, encourages, and lifts one another up, a church where we truly see one other as family in Christ, a church that desperately needs one other; black, red, yellow, white, orange, pink. What if we were to reach the point where your struggles became my struggles, my burdens became your burdens, and your celebrations became my celebrations? There is much work to be done, and it involves all of us! I’m so thankful we are not working alone. We have someone who has already gone ahead of us!
Three Alaskans have served on the ECC Commission on Ethnic Ministries. Tricia Ivanoff recently began serving after Pastor Hugh Forbes of Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church completed 10+ years of service. Pastor Nathan Toots was the first Alaskan representative when the commission began in 1995.
Ministry Training Course Gains Momentum, “Hits the Mark”
“In my mind, this class hit the mark to equip people in how to study their Bible, and I feel that we are gaining momentum with resourcing our lay leaders,” expressed Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff. Curtis was referring to the most recent Western Alaska Ministry Training (WAMT) class that was held in Nome April. in April. Sixteen individuals representing seven Covenant villages and Anchorage gathered for five days to sharpen their understanding in two key areas: how to study the Bible and suicide prevention. WAMT began in 2011 and exists to make formal biblical and ministry training more readily available, for more people, in order to equip local pastors and leaders for the unique challenges of ministry in western Alaska. Courses are intended for both lay and vocational ministry leaders and can be taken based on interest, or as part of requirements that can lead to ordination for ministry. “Often, men and women serving in our village communities are called on to preach and minister during times of crisis, as a pastor would, but who have not had access to teach-
hopeful scripture, but now I understand that there are periods in our lives that we need to lament and rest in the knowledge that in His time He will lift us up. It is no longer, ‘don't worry be happy’, but lets talk and I will listen. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen and not to judge or to fix us. We need to be good listeners. If someone needs time with the Lord, Thanks goes to Cathy Ernst, of Colorado Springs, for we need to give them space to draw near and designing the new WAMT logo that will be used in hear His encouragement. When someone refers subsequent WAMT related publications. to suicide now, I reflect and know that there is grief and loss on all sides. Those left behind ing and equipping related to those needs,” exneed God's love and healing, but the pain was plained Curtis. “The Holy Spirit if first and also in the one that left. I clearly hear that I am foremost our counsel in those times. However not to judge and we are to pray for comfort— having wise teaching, biblical literacy, and ‘tools comfort for his people.” in the toolbox’ shared from brothers and sisters The next course called “Vocational Excelin Christ breathes encouragement and effective- lence” is currently scheduled for November 14 ness into our ministry investment.” -18. in -18 The Nome. course’s Thetheme course’s willtheme centerwill around center The second portion of the class focused on character, around character, competency competency and constancy and constancy for those issues around suicide prevention and ministry called for those to ministry. called to Itministry. meets requirements It meets requirefor to people grieving loss from suicide. Pastor both ECC ments for both orientation ECC orientation and WAMT and ministry WAMT Heather Smith reflected on her experiences skills credit. ministry skillsFor credit. moreFor information more information contact the with ministry around the topic: “In the past, I contact conference the office conference or check office outorthe check website. out the would try to cheer them up with music or website.
The Alaska Conference invites you to
FAST and PRAY for LIFE for HEALING for RESTORATION
September 8, 2016 one day set aside for individuals and churches to seek God together for deliverance from the epidemic of suicide in Alaska— and for a new work of God in our midst
Prayer Guide We are developing a 24-hour prayer guide for use during the Day of Prayer for Life. We are looking to include scriptures, testimonies, and prayers that have been a help or encouragement in your journey through loss or that have been a guide to your focus onon hope. hope. Please Please email email your your s ubsubmission mission toto kristi@alaskacovenant.org by July 20, 2016.
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Eagle River Team Returns to Mexico to Work, Serve, Minister by Mary Rahl, Eagle River Community Covenant Church
Thirteen members of Eagle River’s Community Covenant Church helped La Fuente Ministries make a long-term difference in communities in Nayarit, Mexico, on a short-term mission trip in mid-March. While the group was based out of the state’s capital of Tepic, they had opportunities to serve in and experience the cultures and communities of several towns as they met some of the ministry’s more pressing needs. “You guys are coming here to come alongside us to do what we’re already doing,” said La Fuente Pastor Tony Simon. Simon contributes to the development of many of the ministry’s 21 church plants and stressed the importance of short-term mission teams, who help ensure La Fuente’s ministry bears fruit by focusing on its immediate needs, rather than the team’s own agenda. “One of the things I really appreciated was the first time we met with Tony, and he started talking to us about the significance of our work and how that work may seem minimal or menial,” said Lori Michero. “But it was necessary and needed for their work. So, the money and the labor that we bring—even if it’s shortterm—has a long-lasting impact, because it helps us come alongside them.” The team worked hard to build a stage plat-
form, complete church and Nana’s House painting projects, build a parking lot awning in Tepic, install a waste pipe, texture and paint walls at a church plant in Compostela. “I’ve been wanting to get to painting the house for probably four or five months. We have just never been able to get to it,” said La Fuente Co-founder Pastor Mary Jo Hansen of the work done at Nana’s House. “You guys came down and did that, and it’s done, and it’s such a relief.” In addition to the work they accomplished for La Fuente, the team also spent time plugging into the daily routines of Nana’s House, a children’s home that provides care for about 30 youth in Tepic. While time at the church plant focused on the work the team could accomplish in support of La Fuente, the time spent at Nana’s House was all about relationships, with the team attending football and choir practices; eating meals, playing and doing activities with the children and learning how to make homemade tortillas from one of the house mothers. “We would work, and then we’d work with the kids as well,” said Thad Heagy, who was one of three teenagers to participate in the trip. “I expected just the kids—just Nana’s House, but I liked how we went back and forth be-
tween the two.” The time spent in relationship with people helped the team gain a better understanding of the culture and the long-term needs the ministry is helping alleviate, the most prevalent of which include poverty; physical and sexual abuse; and fatherless and abandoned children. Some of the team visited Bellavista, Mexico, where they had an opportunity to visit and pray for some of the town’s 1,000 residents in support of a week-long mission trip to the area. La Fuente established a church plant in the town about three years ago, which currently consists of a stone wall that encloses a storage shed, a copse of trees and a canopied worship area. The town has deep roots in Catholicism, said Extension Pastor Josh Rice, noting the church currently offers just a children’s ministry with a weekly youth club and breakfast and sporting activities every other Saturday. According to Rice, La Fuente faces challenges in establishing an adult ministry and worship services in the town, which mistrusts any other faith other than Catholicism. Although Rice said La Fuente has gained some credibility in the community due to their long-term presence and continued investment (Continued on page 10)
Heidi Porter of Eagle River Alaska, walks with two children to deliver food and prayer to Bellavista, Mexico, families. La Fuente Pastor Adrian Alexander Tower Martinez pours dirt for Madelynn Barnlund and Teresa Taylor of Eagle River to sift at a church plant in Compostela, Mexico. The dirt was then mixed with cement to create mortar to texturize the church’s walls.
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ACC Dedicates Native Cultural Center by Stan Friedman, Covenant Newswire
A newly dedicated yurt at Alaska Christian College will serve as a Native cultural center as well as a chapel for students. Students will be able to work on art projects as well as participate in Native dance, drumming, and singing—as well as activities such as Zumba classes. “A yurt is a circular self-contained building that is somewhat Alaskan and very Mongolian/ Nepalese,” said school president Keith Hamilton. He referenced the structure as the Aarigaa yurt. Aarigaa in Inupiaq means “sweet” or “good.” The dedication ceremony was held April 21. “We had an awesome time together that included a performance by our Agayun Native dancers,” Hamilton said. The yurt was made possible in large part by a
95-year-old donor who lives at Covenant Village of Cromwell, Hamilton said. She and 12 family members flew out to the dedication. When the donor had learned two years ago of the school’s desire to construct a yurt, he called to say he wanted to fund the project. The school used a kit from a local company. In the summer of 2015, a contractor from Plymouth, Minnesota, and five work teams constructed the structure, which made it possible for the college to build the yurt debt-free. “I have been amazed in our short 15 years of reaching Alaska Native young people with Christian higher education how much has been given in gifts like this and in-kind gifts to build and complete great projects for ACC,” Hamilton said. “Many have sacrificed in giving through their bequests and trusts like our wonderful donor did to build this Native cultural
center for our students. The entire Covenant family has powerfully supported us for which our entire ACC family is grateful!” Hamilton said as enrollment at the school continues to grow, need has arisen for a second dorm. This past year it had to turn students away. The goal is to raise $1 million in cash plus $700,000 of in-kind gifts, Hamilton said. They are halfway to that goal.
From Kipnuk, AK to Sweden: A Reflection on Acts29 Discipleship School by Brenda Dock
“You take our failure you take our weakness you set your treasure in jars of clay. So take this heart Lord I’ll be your vessel, the world to see your life in me. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found was blind but now I see.” These are the lyrics to a song heard on the first Sunday we came to church together. That was the moment I knew that whatever Jesus had called me here for was going to be by his amazing grace. I was exhausted--yes because of the journey of seven flights from my small isolated village in Alaska. In many ways, my soul was isolated as I seemed to be going further away from the foundation of God in my life. I knew there was more to life with Jesus; I just didn’t know how to get there. Acts29 has been that tool, as we were reminded in our last class that it is not ACTS29 that changes our lives, it is JESUS. I was asked to describe the last 3 months in 3 words. I am so glad I can have a few more to tell you about what Jesus has done in my life. When living in a cross-cultural setting, with more than 12 nations represented, often one word needs a lot of explaining from everyone involved in the conversation. There has been a lot of translation. It was common in our group to ask, “What language is that in?” Or, if you hear a word or say a word you can expect: “in Hindi that means…in Chinese that means…in Thai that means…in Yup’ik that means…in Korean that means…in Swahili that means…in English that means…” The amazing thing I can never get over is that Jesus means the same thing in every nation! To me Jesus has been healer, love, forgiveness, grace, caring, rescuing…who has Jesus been to you? I learned that God chose me, for what he has called me to and given me a passion and a gift. I learned I have a special place in the body of Christ as I serve him. I’ve seen through simple things like doing chores
as an Acts29 team, that all of us working together in unity really matters. I’ve learned from my roommates—even yesterday arguing about what temperature the heat should be on—that even if we like different temperatures, we can still love each other a lot. Even if we all have different definitions of what spicy is, we can still pray and thank God for who He is to us. Oh, it’s been so beautiful, that despite all the differences we have Jesus in common! I’ve been set free from the un-forgiveness in my soul that I didn’t know about until we deepcleaned the church in Robertfors and I found bugs where no one looked, and when we picked up trash in Vannas. You can’t really see trash, but if you go into the bushes, it’s full of trash. So I prayed...Lord if there is any hidden trash in my life--please show me. The most profound way I was impacted was through the journey to my baptism. It was a journey of the pain of realizing where I need to forgive and be forgiven in my life. It was a place for me to break down and be caught by the grace of God. It was a fight to be able to see that I can present myself to Jesus without shame and to have a new path in this road to eternity. Life outside of such a setting is where we as disciples are called, but this last three months to focus on Jesus has been a gift, a life changing piece of heaven on earth that confirmed the calling that we have. This movement is changing lives-with Jesus at the center, there is growth, and there is new vision and hope in Him! Come and join!
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Make & Deepen Disciples Minister Encourages Michelle Sanchez, newly appointed ECC executive minister for Make & Deepen disciples participated in her first Alaska annual meeting. She came to encourage, challenge and equip the church for pursuing discipleship as a priority of our ministries and individual lives. “During my visit, my main desire was for the people in Scammon Bay to know that God has a plan to use them powerfully to make and deepen disciples and advance the kingdom of God,” Michelle said. “ I pray that they would never be discouraged by a lack of resources, remembering that God will provide all that they need to make a lasting difference for the kingdom of God.” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff was pleased to have Michelle as one of the speakers for the conference.: “To have our denominational leader present to share vision and insight into making and deepening disciples was a wonderful thing as the Alaska Conference prioritizes discipleship in our ministry efforts.” Michelle shared in an afternoon workshop for pastors and delegates, as well as addressed the whole conference in an evening worship session. Michelle also had the opportunity to accompany a local Scammon Bay resident, along with Curtis and Bryon Bruckner on an afternoon ocean outing and seal hunt.
Michelle currently lives in Chicago and formerly served in Boston, so life in Scammon Bay was definitely a new experience. “Visiting Scammon Bay was a wonderful opportunity for me. Like never before, it truly opened my eyes to the considerable breadth and depth of the Covenant Church,” Michelle said. “What a beautiful and diverse denominational family we get to be a part of.” Singing and testimonies are a central element to conference, especially when hosted in a village church, as Michelle was able to experience. “Singspiration was a real blessing - what a wonderful practice it is to simply sit for hours in the presence of God, share testimonies, shout praises, offer up thanksgiving, and rejoice in the heart-felt singing of ALL the people of God.” Michelle said. “ I was deeply touched by this taste of heaven and challenged to practice much of the same in my own life.” Curtis Ivanoff was blessed when one of the elder women pulled him aside and said with heart-felt sincerity, “When I go home now, I am more motivated to make disciples.”
Executive Board Members Elected to Serve Three–year Terms Adam London and his family live serve in Unalakleet. He and his wife, Shirleen, have 4 children. Adam has been on staff with Covenant Youth of Alaska for seven years. He had previously served as the Associate Director of Covenant Bible Camp, as well as serving at Alaska Christian College, Amundsen Educational Center, and Nome Covenant Church. Adam is a graduate of Alaska Christian College (‘02), North Park University (‘04), and North Park Theological Seminary (‘12). He is completing his first term on the Executive Board and was re-elected for a second term representing the Norton Sound.
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Sara Battiest is originally from Bethel, Alaska. She grew up in the Moravian church and started attending the Bethel Covenant Church in high school. She went to school at the University of Alaska , Fairbanks and was active in the Community Covenant Church (C3) in Fairbanks and served as a student leader for Campus Christian Fellowship (now Aarigaa Ministries). She married Jason Battiest in 2004, made their home in Bethel, and were members of the Bethel Covenant Church. In 2006, they moved to Fairbanks, and were active members of Community Covenant Church, as well as managing the CYAK House for college students and helping with CCF ministries. Sara served on the pastor search committee for C3 as they called and eventually hired Pastor Ken Moore. Sara currently serves on the Leadership Team for the River as well as on the Statewide Covenant Women's Council. She was elected to serve on the executive board as the road system representative.
Melanie Shavings of Mekoryuk works with the Native Village of Mekoryuk as the Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) case worker. During high school she served in children’s ministry and volunteered to help with children’s church. She also served as a Sunday school teacher for 3rd graders and served a one-year term on the church council as well. Melanie attended Alaska Christian College during the years of 2009-2012 and received a Certificate of Biblical Studies. She moved back to Mekoryuk in 2012 and began helping out as a substitute Sunday school teacher for the preschool/kindergarten class and served one year as the church council secretary. She serves as a member on the Covenant Women's Council and is currently serving her third year as the Sunday School Superintendent for the Mekoryuk Covenant Church. Melanie was elected to serve on the executive board as the YK Delta representative.
Sagoonicks Receive Savetilik Award Palmer and Fena Sagoonick of Shaktoolik Covenant Church were honored at the annual meeting and were presented with the Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award for Volunteer Service. The intent of this award is to annually recognize local Covenant lay persons who have made significant contribution to ministry in Alaska over many years of faithful service. The award is named after Daniel Savetilik, Sr. a faithful leader and servant for many years in the Shaktoolik Covenant Church. Palmer attended Bible School in Palmer in the 1970s and has applied what he learned to serve the church in a lay pastor role. The Shaktoolik church has been without a pastor for much of the time over the last 20 years, and Palmer has preached often and led the church during those times. Fena has served as Sunday School superintendent, and the nomination application stated that, “She has kept the program running, even if she had to do it herself.”
Betty Jackson, a co-laborer in the church with Palmer and Fena noted their willingness to open their home and minister through hospitality to for visitors from Alaska or out of state. Palmer and Fena were often the contacts for out of town groups that came to do youth ministry, Bible school or work projects. They also lead the choir at church. “Palmer preaches and teaches in a very authentic way, that I know is approved by God,” Betty said. “They have gone through very trying times when they lost their son, but I see them to continue faithfully to serve with the desire to see the church grow and people to be saved.” Curtis Ivanoff expressed his gratitude for the long service of the honored couple: “People like Palmer and Fena do so many things to serve the church and community that people do not see, in addition to the many things that are seen. It is a privilege to honor their servant hearts.”
Superintended Curtis Ivanoff and Executive Board Chairman Harvey Fiskeaux embrace Palmer and Fena Sagoonick of Shaktoolik Covenant Church after they received the Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award for Volunteer Service.
Annual Meeting
Chugach Covenant and Four Ordinands Recommended The annual meeting voted to recommend Chugach Covenant Church for member status. The ECC annual meeting will vote in its June annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, to establish the current church plant as a member church of the ECC. The Alaska Conference Committee on Ministerial Standing (COMS) conducted final interviews with four ordination candidates and presented them to the annual meeting for recommendation. Sean Hoffbeck of Alaska Christian College, Pastor Rick Millikin of Mat-Su Covenant Church; Pastor Todd Michero of Community Covenant Church and Nick Bruckner, Covenant Bible Camp Director, will be presented for ordination at the ECC annual meeting as well. Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff recognizes Pastor Dan Krauss and Chris Piromalli of Chugach Covenant Church. Chugach will be presented for member status at the ECC annual meeting in June.
Location and Date Set for 2017 Annual Meeting Community Covenant Church Eagle River April 26-29, 2017
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Renovations Begin in Scammon Bay
Community Covenant Serves in Mexico
(Continued from page 1)
(Continued from page 4)
Scammon Bay hosted both the Lower-Yukon conference and the Alaska Conference annual meeting this spring, and Pastor Jason Stromstad’s home is an integral piece of the hospitality ministry. Upon completion, the newly remodeled parsonage will provide safe housing for Pastor Jason and will serve as a hub for small groups, personal counseling and Christian hospitality for years to come. Funding for Scammon Bay and Elim parsonages began in 2014 and has come from various sources both from within Alaska and outside. Various individuals have been contributing and Alaska churches have worked together to contribute to the needs of their sister churches. The following churches have contributed to the effort through fundraisers or through designated giving: Elim, Bethel, The River, Shaktoolik, MatSu, Unalakleet, Hooper Bay, and Eagle River Community Covenant. “I have been encouraged to see how many of our Alaska Covenant Churches have shared in the need, and would love to see every Alaska church and ministry participate in some way toward these parsonage projects,” Curtis said. Curtis also expressed the need for prayers and partnerships for the ongoing Elim parsonage project as well. Please be in prayer for the construction phase for the Scammon Bay parsonage: timely arrival of materials, relational connections between volunteers and the community, favorable weather conditions, and health and safety for all involved.
in developing the church plant over the last few years, he enlisted the help of Community Covenant’s mission team to help reach adults by delivering food to families in need and praying with area residents. “We want to bless families,” Rice said, adding that delivering the food creates an opportunity to intentionally interact with Bellavista’s adult community. .” While some of the team members were admittedly stepping out of their comfort zone throughout the experience, the people of Bellavista were welcoming of the food and prayers, as well as those who brought them to their doorstep. Many of the team members were amazed at how God worked and paired people in need with those on the team who had first-hand experiences that allowed them to relate to what they were going through. Madelynn Barnlund, 17, felt a personal connection to the woman she prayed for. “Her daughter was sick with an unknown health condition. I’m the oldest of three who had an unknown condition and got to watch how that affected my mom, so I had that personal connection of really understanding and being able to have previously seen what she was going through,” Barnlund said. “I feel like that emotional connection really made it personal.” “The time spent praying and meeting people in Bellavista helped the team show the community what Christianity really looks like,” Heagy said, “despite the nervousness with which some of the team members may have entered into the experience.” “Fear is not of the Lord, scripture tells us, and I believe that fear is a huge hindrance to us stepping into the reality of asking people, ‘Hey, how are you, can I share the love of Jesus with you, and can I pray with you in some way?’” Heagy added. “Hopefully the encouragement is that we take that home—that it’s not just a one-time, one-week experience or we just wait until next year to do it again.”
Transitions Charis Erhardt, currently serving Anchorage First Covenant Church with CYAK will be serving as the youth pastor at Unalakleet Covenant Church beginning this summer. Dwight (Kathy) Nelson of Mt. Vernon, WA, will serve as interim pastor at Unalakleet Covenant Church for the summer. Joan (Jay) Hill, retired pastor from Safety Harbor, Florida, will be serving as interim pastor for the summer in Mtn. Village Covenant Church beginning in June. Wassile (Jean) Mute will serve as interim pastor to Shaktoolik Covenant Church beginning in September. Caleb Hagen of Minnesota is serving two years with CYAK and Nome Covenant Church. Vince (Laura) Eben completes his service as Associate Pastor at Anchorage First Covenant Church and will serve as Director of Student Services at Alaska Christian College in the fall. Nick (Nikki) Bruckner, Covenant Bible Camp Director, welcomed Sarah Audrine Ayuu Bruckner to their family on April 25, 2016. Chip (Joanne) Swanson completed his service as interim pastor to White Mountain Covenant Church in May.
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Congratulations to the 2016 Alaska Christian College graduates
Summer Prayer Calendar
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August
Mountain Village Covenant Church Interim pastor Joan Hill and her husband Jay arrive this month. Pray for good health, open hearts and new friendships to form quickly.
Vince (Laura) Eben Vince is completing his service at First Covenant and transitioning to serve at Alaska Christian College as Director of Student Services. They are seeking to raise support. Pray for God’s provision in details of the move and finances.
Churches Needing Pastors include Koyuk, White Mountain, and Golovin and Hooper Bay. Pray for laborers within the congregation to serve wholeheartedly and for people to hear God’s call to serve in preaching and teaching the Word in these places.
Tuesday
Unalakleet Covenant Church Charis Erhardt, Unalakleet June Bible Campers Interim pastor Dwight Nelson and his Charis will be serving as youth minister learned of their dignity and value as wife Kathy arrive in Unalakleet this in Unalakleet. Pray for adjustment to God’s workmanship and of the love of month. Pray for transition during a very the new people and place and that she God their Father. Pray that the seeds busy season in Unalakleet with Bible would find encouraging relationships to sewn would take root and that they Camp. spur her on in her work. would seek to walk with Jesus.
Wednesday
Covenant Bible Camp More than 400 staff, students and visitors will be at the camp over this month. Pray for safety in travel and transport, and for lives to be changed by the message of the good news of Christ.
Aarigaa Student Ministries Pray for staff as they plan and re-charge during the summer months. Pray for the students who will come in the fall to begin to hunger and thirst for God and to be connected to fellowship in Christ.
Thursday
Alaska Christian College Students have returned home and face challenges to stay faithful to Christ back in often difficult situations. Pray that they will connect with believers where they are and keep their spiritual fervor.
Pastor Bob Curtis & Elim Church KICY Radio in Nome Pray as they continue to make decisions is needing to raise $240,000 for two and seek provision for the building of a broadcasting towers that need to be new parsonage. Pray for encouragement replaced. Pray for the ongoing ministry for pastor Bob and for opportunities for to Nome, villages and the Russian far him to share the gospel with men and east. Pray for staff who volunteer to women who have yet to choose Christ. keep the ministry happening.
Friday
Scammon Bay Covenant Church Work teams arrive this month for renovations to the parsonage. Pray for favorable weather conditions, timely arrival of materials, unified work teams and relationships to be formed with local people and volunteers. May God be glorified.
Deliverance from Addictions Plead for God’s deliverance for our people who are in bondage to addictions. May they find the church a safe place to find mercy and grace for healing. May the church welcome and support those needing care and comfort.
June 13-20 June 20-25 June 25-30 June 22-25 September 8 September 16-18 September 23-25 October 4-6 November 10-13 November 14-18
Curtis (Kristi ) Ivanoff Alaska Conference Superintendent The Ivanoffs send their oldest daughter off to college this month. Pray for sweet family time and for direction for Kristi as she seeks God in this season.
Fall Retreats are just around the corner. Pastors and leaders will meet. College students will gather. High school students will attend Fall Blast. Covenant Women will convene. Pray that a fresh wind of God’s Spirit will blow and ignite souls.
Upcoming Events & Dates
Junior High Camp (Unalakleet) Pathfinders Camp (Unalakleet) Trailblazers Camp (Unalakleet) ECC Annual Meeting (Phoenix, AZ) Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life & Healing from Suicide Covenant Women’s Retreat (North Star Bible Camp) CYAK Young Adult Retreat (Big Lake) Pastor & Leader Retreat (Big Lake) Journey to Mosaic (Pacific Northwest Conference location) WAMT: Vocational Excellence
Summer 2016/ 11
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Anchorage Youth Groups “Unite” By Nathan Ivanoff, Anchorage First Covenant Church
Our youth group at First Covenant Church in Anchorage decided to switch things up this year. In my previous two years going to the First Covenant youth group, we had 10-12 kids showing up at youth group weekly. Most of the kids had known each other for several years. This year was different. We invited kids from other Anchorage Covenant churches to join us on Wednesday nights for youth group. At one youth group this year we had 27 kids show up! Our youth group name changed from “First Covenant Church Youth Group” to “Unite”. The reason we changed it to “Unite”, is because we united with other churches into one youth group. We also were more encouraged to reach out to others who might not know Jesus or who do not have a youth group and invite our friends to join us each week. Our youth pastor, Phil Cannon, communicated to us that it was ok to invite people even if they’re not Christian. We want an environment where people can feel safe and loved. We do not try to force people to become Christian. We learn from God’s word together. We try and show them Jesus by the love in our hearts. We show them Jesus by being kind and compassionate, and showing them Jesus by how we live. We are not perfect, but we show them Jesus by trying to live for God.
Ministry Priorities
Start & strengthen churches Make & deepen disciples Develop leaders Love mercy, do justice Serve globally Superintendent: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@alaskacovenant.org Associate Superintendent James Barefoot james@alaskacovenant.org Ministry Associate Aune Carlson info@alaskacovenant.org Financial Assistant Cory Alverts cory@alaskacovenant.net
Sinew Editor
Kristi Ivanoff kristi@alaskacovenant.org P.O. Box 200446 Anchorage, AK 99520 Office: 907-222-6348 Fax: 907-222-6390 e-mail info@alaskacovenant.org website www.alaskacovenant.org Donations to the Alaska Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to the office directly.