Spring 2017
Alaska Christian College to Offer Degree Program in Behavioral Health in Fall ‘17 Alaska Christian College (ACC) will offer a new Associate in Arts The report also concluded that a “culturally sensitive approach with degree in Behavior Health, as the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary understandings specific to Alaskan Native traditional practices were Education (ACPE) issued approval for the program in January after best behavioral care practices in rural settings.” more than a two-year process of research, exploration and curriculum It was also noted that cultural insensitivity of treatment providers development. The curriculum will be in continued to present a barrier to quality place this fall with graduates anticipated as care in rural settings. Norton Sound early as 2018. Health Corporation, through consumer “Our team worked enthusiastically to build feedback, recently concluded that one this curriculum, and we are excited about of the four most important how it will increase opportunities to enhance improvements to be made in the the lives of rural students and the behavioral health field in rural Alaska communities they serve,” said Beatrice would be to “improve cultural Sagoonick, who served on the curriculum sensitivity and delivery of culturallydevelopment team. Beatrice is an ACC relevant care.” alumnus from Unalakleet, AK, and currently The ACC proposal to ACPE works at ACC in student services. Beatrice explained that “cultural membership received her A.A. in Human Services from was one of the leading reasons for the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2008. creating a Behavioral Health Aide Having grown up in a village and choosing (BHA) credential, because consumers to enter a service profession, Beatrice wanted to be served by culturally brought critical perspective to the process. responsive individuals. Rural life is CURRICULUM APPROVED Jeff Siemers, Vice President for Academic unique and each rural community has Affairs for ACC, and Chris Stuive, Associate unique features.” Professor of Counseling at Kenai Peninsula There are more than 180 villageCollege, brought educational and practitioner based health clinics in rural Alaska, and Beatrice Sagoonick and Jeff Siemers of expertise to the extensive project. The team’s sometimes the BHA may be the only Alaska Christian College were architects goal was to design a program that would give local resource for behavioral health. of the recently approved A.A. in students training equivalent to that received “In these small villages it is important Behavioral Health curriculum to be by behavioral health aides in rural to have an insider perspective or at least communities. understand the nature of village life in offered at ACC in the Fall of 2017. In 2016, ACC received a grant from the order to serve in an effective manner,” ACC currently offers associate degrees Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Siemers explained. “Thus the goal of in Christian Ministry and (AMHTA) to fund the research and the BHA program is to recruit development of this endeavor. individuals who are willing to serve in Paraprofessional Education, as well as a “A 342-page report prepared for the village health clinics—and who are certificate in Biblical Studies. AMHTA on the status of behavioral health ideally Alaskan Native—or have lived in Alaska was a key resource, and it included in a village. We believe that anticipating convincing evidence of the need for more five graduates in the behavioral health individuals to be trained for behavioral program by May of 2020 is attainable.” health-type positions,” Siemers explained. Brenda Dock, of Kipnuk, AK, attended ACC from 2008-2010. She According to the report, the term “behavioral health” refers to subsequently worked as an administrative assistant with Yukon“a state of mental and emotional being and/or choices and actions that Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel and worked directly with affect wellness. Behavioral health problems include substance abuse or behavior health aides, arranging travel and lodging when their work misuse, alcohol and drug addiction, serious psychological distress, required them to travel within the region. suicide, and mental and substance use disorders.” (Continued on page 6)
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
“For God so loved the world…” Native Alaskans first heard this truth from faithful missionaries who traveled great distances in the 1880’s to share about the good news of life through faith in Jesus Christ. I have a photo taken at the 1947 Covenant annual conference in Alaska of some early missionaries and Native pastors hanging in my office. It challenges and inspires me every time I look at it. The story is rich and deep with faith, perseverance and sacrifice. There is also another aspect to the story that troubles me as I reflect on the history. The forced assimilation of Native people is at the heart of the other part of Is an Apology in Order? the story. by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent Assimilation describes “the process by which a person or persons acquire the social and psychological characteristics of a group.” As we come to Christ, we begin a process to acquire the characteristics of Christ and his Kingdom ways. However, in the story of Native Americans and their introduction to faith in Christ, the message also came deeply intertwined with Western ideals and imposed “American” values that were considered synonymous with biblical values. Colonization also happened at the same time. Colonization is defined as the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area. So as the gospel came, so did assimilation and colonization. Alaska Native peoples, along with our Native American brothers and sisters throughout North America, suffered great loss as a result of those two processes at work. It is a story of great joy, the good news of salvation through Jesus, mixed with deep grief, because of cultural, language, and identity casualties incurred as a result of assimilation and colonization. In October, and then again in February, the Presbyterian Church issued an apology to Alaska Natives. I believe that the process, work, and apology were significant and appropriate. By virtue of the role and influence of Sheldon Jackson, a Presbyterian minister as well as a political leader, the Presbyterians were architectural influencers of the education system in Alaska, a key component to the assimilation and colonization of Alaska Native peoples to western ways. Jackson was also influential in the recruitment and guidance of Protestant mission work, and thankfully the name of Jesus was proclaimed. One portion of the Presbyterian confession reads: “We arrogantly thought that Western European culture and cultural expressions were necessary parts of the Gospel of Christ. We imposed our civilization as a condition for your accepting the Gospel. We tried to make you be like us and, in so doing, we helped to diminish the Sacred Vision that made you who you are.” Some common sentiments and questions I often hear by Natives and non-Natives alike in discussions around (Continued on page 6)
2 // the Sinew
My Journey Towards Justice by Courtney Eppler, First Covenant Church
While in Seminary, my spiritual director had me write a poem to help discern my future. A line in that poem says, “I am a returner, a returner with new eyes.” I was already excited about moving back to Alaska, my home state, after being gone for eight years. However, I knew my return would present me with a new perspective through the changes and growth I had experienced. I left for college in Oklahoma with a hope that there was something more to life than the emptiness I was feeling. With the help of an amazing community and intentional discipleship, my yearning was filled in accepting a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the love and grace that the Lord extended to me, I experienced a freedom I never thought possible. During college, my eyes were opened to the world outside of my childhood bubble. I had the opportunity to travel overseas on mission trips and started hearing about the severe injustice of human trafficking. I was horrified to learn that 27 million people still live in slavery today. My heart ached to do something. I joined the movement of young evangelicals fighting human trafficking. This was one of my first experiences in working against a social injustice on a global level. After graduating college and getting married, my husband and I moved to Colorado. For a year, we lived with a Christian family on their small organic farm. Not only did this family take great care of their farm, but they were also deeply involved in community development work overseas. Living with this family gave me a glimpse of what it looks like to live a holistic gospel—one that includes personal salvation, but also caring for others and the earth. These experiences gave me a longing to find the connection between my own faith and the work of compassion and justice. This led me to applying for the Justice and Mission program at Denver Seminary. Courtney Eppler with husband Justin Seminary was a transformative time for both my husband and me. Through the Justice and Mission program director (also a Covenant pastor), we learned that our longing to do justice is part of our call as Christians. I learned that one definition of biblical justice is maintaining relationships that bring about well-being for everybody and making broken relationships right again on both individual and systemic levels. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we not only see God placing a particular emphasis on caring for orphans, widows, immigrants, and the poor, but also calling his children to seek right relationships with all people, creation, and himself. I also learned that as Christians, we have a mission to live out a holistic gospel where evangelism and social engagement are intertwined; where personal salvation and seeking the flourishing of all cannot be separated. I learned that as Christ’s community, the church is a place where issues like immigration, the refugee crisis, racial reconciliation, creation care, mass incarceration and global poverty can be addressed. After I graduated seminary, I returned to Anchorage with a new faith and a desire to join in the work of Christians doing justice. My husband and I became members of First Covenant. It was through that church that I learned about the work of AFACT (Anchorage Faith and Action Congregations Together.) I joined the staff of AFACT a year and a half ago. AFACT uses the model of faith-based community organizing to develop leaders and empower people of faith to engage in the quality life issues that affect our community. Through the work of AFACT, congregations can do justice by bringing about systemic change in Anchorage and foster stronger relationships within their congregation and other faith communities throughout Anchorage. I am continually growing and learning about biblical justice and how we can effectively live it out in our communities, but I do know that the first step is recognizing that there is a place in our faith for doing justice, because justice has always been a part of our mission. Courtney Eppler is Lead Organizer for Anchorage Faith and Action Congregations Together, an organization that connects and mobilizes local faith communities to address quality of life issues affecting the community such as education, youth recreation, public safety and healthcare. She will be presenting a workshop at the annual meeting conference, hosted by Community Covenant Church in Eagle River.
Covenant Bible Camp
T-Shirt Design Contest Two ways to win! Enter a design for this year’s Bible Camp t-shirt by April 18 and be entered to win a full scholarship for yourself or a camper of your choice. Designs should be black and white and based on the theme “Love God, Love Others” from Mark 12:30-31. As is the tradition, the artist of the design will receive a scholarship to use or gift to another camper. This year, there will also be a random drawing from all submitted entries for another camp scholarship. Scan your design and email to info@covenantbiblecamp.org.
As this is a new initiative, the first 10 people who set up fundraising pages through this website will receive a FULL scholarship toward one camper registration, regardless of how much support is actually raised. Yes, you read that right! Ten people will receive registration scholarships JUST for taking the time set up a Flipcause.com fundraising page and posting it on social media of their choice. Even if you do not make the first ten cut-off, this is a great way for friends and family know of your need, as well as others who want to provide scholarships for campers.
Same Camp, New Faces Connecting God’s children to the natural and the supernatural, Bible Camp has seen many faces through the years. As Bible Camp has recently merged with Covenant Youth of Alaska, the leadership team now consist of Administrative Director Adam London, Program Coordinator Lauren Rurik, Facilities and On-Site Director Brad Webster, and Hospitality Director Kami Webster.
Staff Volunteers Needed
Mark Your Calendar
May 24-30 Call to Worship (staff training) May 30- June 5 Leadership (ages 16-25ish) Would you prayerfully consider serving as June 5-12 High School (grades 9-12) staff this summer? We need staff in almost all June 12-19 Junior High (grades 7-8) Pathfinders (grades 3/4) This year , Bible campers can raise money for a areas, but we are especially needing head cooks, June 19-24 additional male counselors, and lifeguards. June 24-29 Trailblazers (grades 5/6) full scholarship via a “go-fund-me-style” scholarship option. Flipcause.com is a “peer-to Other positions include female counselors, Application Deadlines: kitchen assistants, maintenance help, -peer” fundraising site. That means YOU can Staff Applications due: April 1 mechanics, nurses, crafts directors and more. help provide scholarships for your own Early-bird registration: April 17 Campers who want to volunteer for Junior campers by sharing a fundraising link on your Regular registration closes: May 19 Staff positions need to fill out a Jr. Staff Facebook page, other social media sites, or via application. April 1 is the staff application email. You can choose the amount you are www.covenantbiblecamp.org trying to raise, including registration and travel. deadline. Applications are available online.
Scholarship Opportunity
April 26-29, 2017 Annual Meeting Conference Community Covenant Church Eagle River, Alaska
Thisyear’s year’sconference conferencewill willbe bededicated dedicatedto to This considering how wethe aschurch the church considering how liveslive out out the the mandate loversofofmercy mercyand andadvocates doers of for mandate to to bebe agents justice justiceininthe themessy messyplaces placesininour ourcommunities. communities. Every Everyspring, spring,God Godisisfaithful faithfulto tobring bringforth forthnew newlife life from the decaying remnants of winter’s from the decaying remnants of winter’s harshness. harshness. We welcome you to worship, learn We you totoward worship, learn and share andwelcome share stories being agents of newstories life toward being agents of new life through love through God’s love and presence. As theGod’s theme and presence. As the theme verse exhorts us first verse exhorts us first to LEARN, there will be a to variety of there opportunities LEARN, will be acentered variety ofunderstanding opportunities thecentered needs around us. We SEEK how around seeingwill places oftogether brokenness we may RESCUE, DEFEND, and PLEAD on behalf around us and to SEEK together how we may HELP, of those who need an advocate. DEFEND and FIGHT on behalf of those who need an For registration information, visit: advocate. For registration information visit: www.alaskacovenant.org/am2017 www.alaskacovenant.org/am2017
Learntotododogood good. LEARN
SEEK justice. Seek justice. RESCUEthe theoppressed. oppressed. Help DEFEND orphan. Defendthethe cause of orphans. PLEAD Fightforforthethewidow. rights of widows. ISAIAH 1:17
Isaiah 1:17
Photo by Joshua Multe
LOVE MERCY DO JUSTICE
Spring 2017 // 3
Elim Men’s Breakfast Satisfies With Soul Food If you were to walk past Pastor Bob Curtis’s place on a Saturday morning in Elim, AK, you would likely smell the inviting aroma of bacon frying. As you peer through the steamed-over window, you will catch a glimpse of the pastor-turned-chef making coffee, scrambling eggs, or flipping pancakes. Within just a few minutes past 11 a.m., you will surely hear the robust laughter of several men, young and old, as they gather for the weekly “men’s breakfast”—where their appetites and their spirits feed on the ageold need for friendship. At the core of this group—known simply as “men’s breakfast”— is Bob’s conviction that the need for friendship is deeply rooted in the heart of all men. “As you look at Jesus’s interactions with his disciples, you see that he was mindful of the importance of building trust with people-through friendship,” Bob explained. “Both in my Native culture and faith tradition of the Friends Church, there is an understanding that friendship is absolutely crucial to life--to be sought after as gold.” As Bob shared enthusiastically about the inspiration for the weekly breakfast, he drew on stories he has heard from elders in the Kobuk River area. “I’ve been told that when men traveled by dog team along the trails and rivers in the wintertime and came upon a friend traveling, they would put their anchor hook into the ground and run toward each other. As they were so overjoyed to be reunited again, they would wrestle in the snow like young boys. There was the reality that this may be their last time to ever meet, so meeting was a gift.” “I am so aware in the men in the village a sense of urgency to have real friendships. And I believe that this is often a core element missing in our churches,” Bob continued. The men’s breakfast convenes weekly for this very purpose. Beyond sharing a generous, home-made breakfast, the men share stories as the camaraderie builds. They tell hunting stories, survival stories, funny stories, and stories of pain, loss, and disappointment.
Elim men gather for some French toast, friendship and fun at Pastor Bob’s weekly breakfast. Building friendship is at the heart of each gathering as men share stories and life with each other.
“I’ve learned s skills from these happens in so m people walking “I’ve had as m breakfast. Most various reasons pastor,” Bob ex regulars, someti Initially, Bob h expect at a past “After we got began to ask me do that now. Th eggs and bacon Beyond a satis is that the time community. “There are lon church that I’ve and hurt that be Christ’s love pro up in love,” Bob between these m are a step closer
“Guess Who’s Coming
Two nights of in-home dinner gatherings p relationships among Anchorage First Cove
New friendships were made and deepened through a new Anchorage First Covenant dinner initiative.
Anchorage First Covenant Church hosted a January “blind date” of sorts to help the congregation make new connections with one another. The twoevening event was called “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and consisted of dinner gatherings in host homes organized by the Congregational Care Team. The unique aspect of these dinners was that guests were “assigned” to a home. The host knew who was coming and communicated what each participant could bring, but the guests did not know with whom they would be eating. Groups were assigned with ethnic, family, gender and age diversity in mind to give opportunity for people to connect with others who they might not normally gravitate toward on a Sunday morning. An optional mixer idea was suggested to help generate conversation or just add some fun to the evening. In weeks prior to the two-evening event, eight host homes were identified. Each host selected either Friday or Saturday night to have their dinner. They specified ahead of time how many people they could comfortably host for
dinner and if they could a and families had the oppo attend, or both nights if t a dinner on the night they to ease anxiety about prep baked potato bar for Frid Approximately 75 peo positive from hosts and a “ In my opinion, this is this two or three times pe outside of church,” expre “It was so nice to have game was great and helpe participating in the game forward,” Mandy Casurel
d of Friendship
so much about traditional knowledge and ocean e men’s stories,” Bob shared. “So much sharing many ways. Sometimes the laughter is so loud I bet by sure wonder ‘what is going on in there?’ “ many as 20 men of all ages crammed in my home for t of these men don’t attend church regularly for s, and they really just know me as Bob--rather than xplained. “There is a core group of seven that are imes fathers and sons come together.” had not planned to incorporate what you might or’s gathering: prayer, Bible reading, and testimony. t comfortable with each other, the guys themselves e to share some from the scriptures each week, so I he men were hungering for God’s word, not just n.” sfying meal and deepening friendship, Bob’s prayer together would cast a vision for healing in the larger
ng-standing divisions in our community and in our e learned of over the years. The broken relationships egan many years ago still affect us even today. ovides a way to break down hostilities and builds us b shared. “I believe that as friendship grows men--as Jesus friendship did with his disciples--we r to that healing.”
to Dinner”
pave way for deeper enant congregation
accommodate children. For three weeks, individuals ortunity to sign up for the night they preferred to they so desired. Hosts were also encouraged to attend y did not host. Two simple menus were decided upon paration or time constraints. The menu included a day dinners and a taco bar for Saturday. ople participated. The response was overwhelmingly attendees alike. s a wonderful event, and it would be beneficial to do er year. It’s such a good way to connect with people essed Nancy Hjelm. families over that we haven’t had over before. The ed us learn about each other. The kids had a blast and dinner as well. Relationships definitely moved lla said.
Mtn. Village Yarn Craft Knits Hearts Together As temperatures in Mountain Village dropped to the season’s low during a cold week in December, spirits soared and hearts were warmed during three nights of gatherings centered around learning to crochet at Mountain Village Covenant Church. Crafting groups have been a mainstay of women’s fellowship, friendship and mission in Covenant churches in Alaska since the first Missionary’s wife Hannah Carlson introduced the “Sewing Circle” to the women of Unalakleet in the late 1800s. So it comes as no surprise that when Mountain Village women had an opportunity to gather at the church for three nights of crocheting instruction, a crowd ensued. Mary Murchison of Charlotte, NC, proposed the idea of holding classes as she made plans to visit her brother Marc (and sister-inlaw, Elise) Murchison, Mountain Village’s new pastor during their first week in town. Mary participates in a group at her church where ladies crochet together and give the items away. Knowing the friendship and joy she had experienced with her group, she offered to share her love for crocheting during her visit, anticipating it would be a great way for Elise to connect with women during her first week there. Knowing that supplies were hard to come by, Mary brought the needed yarn, needles and other supplies that her church and some businesses donated. Prior to the week, announcements were posted on the Mountain Village Facebook page advertising the Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night gatherings. More than 50 women of all ages (and one boy) participated over the three days with 30-40 in attendance each night.
“Mary was sure that she was bringing more yarn than she would ever use,” Elise explained. “However, after the first night, we realized we were going to need even more, and had yarn sent to us from Anchorage.” Each night, the group began the time with a song and devotion together. Then, the group started working on their projects and sharing their progress. Simple patterns were made available to work on. The more experienced gals helped the novice group. Each night, first timers and newbies watched a YouTube video that taught the basic stitches. The video could be replayed as many times as needed. “It was such a positive time,” Elise shared. “The ladies enjoyed having space to learn something new and fun, but also encouraged each other with conversation and laughter.” Although many of the participants are involved with the Covenant Church, Elise explained that women from other churches participated, as well as others who are not affiliated with a local fellowship. It was an intergenerational gathering with elders learning alongside children. “One woman sincerely expressed to me, ‘I’ve been so discouraged lately. This is just what I needed,’ ” Elise said. “In a community like this, many people know each other, but you don’t always sit, learn or talk together in new ways. This provided a new way for women to connect with friends and others they may not know very well.” The women are considering how to keep the momentum growing, and although most of the items crocheted during the week were for personal use or Christmas gifts, there has been interest in finding ways to bless others with their crafts.
ACC Adds Behavioral Health Degree (Continued from page 1)
“During that time, I came to understand the work more clearly of the behavioral health aides. These village-based workers are so often the first responders when crisis hits. They are called to be with the family and help them process things like suicide, loss and violence,” Brenda explained. “I remember dreaming about how wonderful it would be if ACC would offer training for this kind of work. I am so pleased that it will be a reality.” “It is Christ’s call that his followers be ambassadors of compassion, hope, and healing through the work of the Holy Spirit,” Superintendent
Curtis Ivanoff said. “This type of work is not limited to the church sanctuary, but is also worked out through vocation, public service and entering wherever there is brokenness. I am encouraged to see the way ACC will be equipping students in this critical area of need in our Alaska communities.” ACC is currently looking to hire a Faculty Chair who will oversee content delivery and administration of the program. Interested applicants can contact Jeff Siemers directly at jsiemers@alaskacc.edu.
what are we attaching to the essence of the gospel, in our current time and location? (Continued from page 2) So, why do I care about this, and what does this have to do with my ministry call as this topic include: “You just need to move on, superintendent of the Alaska Conference? I this is not helpful to live in the past. Why believe that the church of our time has a unique should we apologize for something that opportunity to engage in restorative work in the happened so long ago, something that we did area of losses described above. I believe a not do? I feel like my people are being blamed window is opening for healing as the church of harm even though their intentions were enters a posture of confession in the realm of good. Missionaries did good work too, we need grievances via assimilation and colonization. to focus on that.” As news of the Presbyterian apology hit social I, too, have wrestled with these questions. media, someone asked me, “Is the Covenant As a person of mixed heritage, and an Church going to apologize too?” Our histories ambassador Jesus this is not an easy issue to are different, but they are also the same. I grapple with. I honor and give thanks for believe that any Protestant church engaged in missionaries. Simultaneously, I also recognize mission in that era would do well to consider that the Presbyterian apology was a good that question. I am resolved to gain confession. Further I am challenged to examine understanding, to do historical homework, and
Superintendent Column
Mountain View Church Plant Announced The executive board prayed over Phil Cannon during the January board meeting to affirm his call as pastor for a Mountain View church plant in Anchorage. Plans for the new church are in the early phase of development. Phil currently serves at Anchorage First Covenant as associate pastor and is working to establish prayer support and a launch team. “Churches are born out of the heart of God,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff said. “It is exciting to anticipate this new birth.”
Transitions Pastor Chip (Joanne) Swanson of Unalakleet is serving Golovin Covenant Church as interim pastor through April 2017. Rick Hinkey of Fairbanks is serving as interim pastor of the River Covenant Church in Soldotna. Joshua (Alice) Mathlaw of Mountain Village is serving as part-time interim associate pastor for First Covenant Church Anchorage.
Covenant Women Craft Sale Annual Meeting—April 26-29 Community Covenant Church—Eagle River
Craft items are needed for the annual fundraiser. Proceeds help fund women’s ministry event and retreat scholarships, training opportunities, village parsonage upgrades, and care resources for women. Send craft items with your church delegates or mail them directly to Kristi Ivanoff at the Conference Office.
6 // the Sinew
to pray for discernment. I encourage you to do the same. I have done a great deal of reading about the “Doctrine of Discovery,” which informed mission philosophies of the 1800s. The more I learn, the deeper my conviction grows that there is important work for the church to do in the ministry reconciliation. It is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance. We are called to confess our sins to one another that there may be healing. We are exhorted to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. Many of us have experienced the lifechanging fruit of these spiritual practices in our individual lives. May it be that the Church in Alaska and would enter a corporate position of humility, in order to displace unnecessary stumbling blocks hindering Native peoples from walking the road to follow Jesus.
The executive board of the Alaska Conference approved the merger of Covenant Bible Camp (CBC) and Covenant Youth of Alaska that became effective in January. The CBC board has been dissolved. Nick (Nikki) Bruckner of Unalakleet, has transitioned to full-time work with CYAK as the Norton Sound regional facilitator. Caitlin Kernak of Anchorage is serving as the Bible Camp administrative assistant for CYAK. Adam (Shirleen) London is serving as Bible Camp administrative director for CYAK. He and his family recently moved and are now residing in Anchorage.
Conference Prayer Calendar
Photo by: Lindsey Clise
April
May
June
Monday
Annual Meeting Gathering Community Covenant, Eagle River Pray for preparations during the month related to speakers, travel, and logistics; for the Spirit to move as the delegation gathers April 26-29 to explore the theme Love Mercy, Do Justice.
Eagle River Community Covenant For implementation of strategic ministry plan and church vitality initiatives Royal Family Kids Camp planning— ministry to children in foster care system
Covenant Bible Camp Unalakleet More than 400 campers and staff will be involved in the camp season. Many campers meet Jesus during this week. Pray for travel mercies and God’s powerful work in hearts.
Tuesday
Unite—collaborative youth ministry partnership of Chugach, New Song and Anchorage First Covenant For the 6-12th graders to grow in their knowledge and love of God and that we would discern how to bless community
Rick Hinkey--The River, Soldotna For wisdom, courage, insight & faith to pursue God; fresh understanding of what a new wineskin looks like for a church paradigm; humility to set aside personal and systemic power so that the marginalized in our midst can be heard
Mountain View Church Plant God would work in the hearts and minds of those who will be called to this new community Many to come to saving faith Our community to be transformed thru the movement of God's Spirit
Wednesday
Anchorage First Covenant Church Discernment in decision to be a parent church for Mountain View Church plant To stand forth for love and truth in these difficult times in our nation Resolution for fire-damage expense
Provision for pastors in villages Villages currently without pastors include Golovin, Koyuk, White Mountain, Unalakleet, and Hooper Bay. Pray for the lay leaders who carry heavy loads and for God to call leadership to serve in these places.
KICY Radio, Nome Tower rebuilding project planning and fundraising For staff members and volunteers to find joy in their service For Russian broadcasts to touch lives for the kingdom of God
Thursday
Max (Helen) Lopez-Cepero Anchorage First Covenant Church Both have had significant health issues in recent months. Pray for continued recovery for them both as Max had surgery in October and Helen in March.
Alaska Christian College students Students will participate in commencement and leave for summer. Pray that they will have victory over temptations and to stay connected to one another for encouragement. Pray also for the new class for Fall 2017.
Alaska Conference staff Curtis Ivanoff, Kristi Ivanoff, Aune Carlson, James Barefoot and Cory Alverts as they serve and follow Christ’s leading into the five ministry priorities of the conference. May their work bear fruit for God’s glory.
Friday
ASSIST Training Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training will be held at the end of this month. Pray for those who will be trained and for their covering as they are equipped for this important ministry.
Aarigaa students—UAF/UAA Pray that these young adults will grow through service over the summer. That their lives would reach others for Christ in the places they will return for summer; for direction and refreshment for staff during summer.
Curtis (Kristi) Ivanoff Superintendent Curtis will begin a 6-week sabbatical this month (June 19-July 31). Pray for rest, spiritual renewal, marriage refreshment and good family time.
Upcoming Events & Dates March 27– 31 March 30-April 2 April 14-16 April 23-24 April 26-29 May 7 May 24-June 29 June 22-24 August 1-3 September 22-24
Western Alaska Ministry Training, “Christian Theology,” Nome Lower Yukon Conference Gathering, Mountain Village Easter Get Together, Koyuk ASSIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Community Covenant, Eagle River Annual Meeting, Community Covenant Eagle River Alaska Christian College Commencement, Soldotna Covenant Bible Camp, Unalakleet (See page 3 for session dates and registration deadlines) ECC Annual Meeting, Detroit, MI Pastor & Leader Retreat, Alaska Christian College, Soldotna Covenant Women’s Retreat, North Star Bible Camp, Willow
Spring 2017 // 7
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Celebrating 50 Years
Shaktoolik-Koyuk Get Together This year’s gathering brought together friends from several places including Elim, Koyuk, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, Unalakleet and Nome. Here are a few snapshots from the weekend celebration. Individuals are named from top to bottom. Kenny and Grace Takak, Ida Nakarak, Helga Saccheus, Shannon Amaktoolik, Chris Amaktoolik; William, Sr. and Mabel Takak; Cathy Williams; Rick and Rachel Stasenko and Stacey Paniptchuk; Pastor Vince Eben; Jean and Pastor Wasile Mute, Al Anawrok and crowd; Lynn Jackson, Genelle Patkotak-Okpeaha, Betty Jackson.
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 aune@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.