Spring 2018final

Spring 2018

Mountain View Hope Holds First Services, Community Outreach Mountain View Hope Covenant Church is now holding monthly Super Bowl Sunday fell on the first Sunday of February, so the church worship services at the Mountain View Elementary School on the first hosted four watch parties in different homes as a way to connect with Sunday of the month. The launch team for the each other and invite neighbors to connect with the Alaska Conference’s newest church plant, led by church in a “non-churchy” setting.

Pastor Phil Cannon, held its first public worship In preparation for the first public service on service on March 4, after planning, meeting and March 4, the church hosted a catered community organizing since last September. dinner to share about the new church ministry. Signs We seek to FOLLOW the way of In January, the church held a launch-team-only were placed around the community advertising the Jesus together. worship service to familiarize themselves with the first worship service date. Door–to-door visits were location and to have a first-run for working made in the Mountain View neighborhood by the We seek the good of the through any glitches related to using the facility Acts29 international discipleship school students who NEIGHBORHOOD. and sound system. The group gathered first for are serving the church over five weekends during their breakfast, complete with sourdough pancakes, school term.

We seek to LISTEN well to the followed by a prayer walk through the elementary The first public service was attended by 93 Holy Spirit and one another. school. The team then set up the meeting room people; 22 were children. Approximately 47 adults with 100 chairs, praying over the seats and the attended who were not part of the launch team We seek to reflect the people who would eventually fill them as God group.

DIVERSITY of the kingdom of adds to the number.

“We were very pleased with the turnout. I know I God. The service included a time for interactive met—for the first time—probably 5 or 6 neighbors We seek to COLLABORATE prayer stations where members and children who told me that they saw the signs or found us within our community. could pray for the new ministry and the people online,” Pastor Phil said. “Several of our neighbors they would hope to invite,. They could also visit shared they had a good experience and who were clear We seek to WORSHIP in spirit the “reservation station” to pray with another in saying that they'll be back. These are the people we and in truth. person about the struggles or fears they have want to listen really well to as we follow up and experienced being part of the church planting connect.” ministry. Communion concluded the service.

A weekly small group meets in the Rowland’s home, “Having the kids fully participate in that first service helped us realize the church holds a community outreach event monthly, and monthly that we want to be a church with opportunities for all ages to worship services will continue until the congregation is ready to meet weekly. For together in meaningful ways.” Jason Rowland, worship leader, expressed. more information, visit www.mvhope.org.

MVHope Mission

Pictured left to right: Pastor Phil Cannon explained the significance of Communion and gave opportunity for people to make faith commitments at the first public worship service on March 4. Kate Cannon led the preschool class during kids time. Curtis Ivanoff made sourdough pancakes for a breakfast gathering before the launch team service on January 7. A service was also held on Easter Sunday, and the congregation celebrated its first baptism. Adam London baptized his 7-year-old daughter, Talia.

Mountain View Elementary is an ideal location for the church whose mission is rooted in the Mountain View neighborhood.

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

Iditarod fans just saw another exciting race conclude.

Many of our Covenant communities that serve as check points along the race trail get a close-up look at the mushers and beloved dogs that are heroes of the 1000mile dog mushing race. As a kid growing up in one of those villages, I loved the excitement the race brought each year. I remember how special it felt to have a musher visit eat dinner in my home or the anticipation of finding some stray dog booties of one of the “big name” teams.

I still look forward to the race every year, but as I’ve grown older, my appreciation for the complexities of strategy and skill associated with the race has only bolstered my love for the event. I marvel at the level of endurance and patience the mushers must have to finish, and even more so, to win the race. The musher also must be incredibly adaptable, as there are so many variables out of their control. I love hearing the stories after the race of critical decisions—that were made on the spot—that gave the musher the upper hand. Perhaps what stands out the most, though, is what I’ve come to learn about how significant the role of the dog-team’s canine leader is for the team to Lessons From the Trail finish and do well.

by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent You may have noticed the photo used for this year’s annual meting conference and the verse connected with it: an Iditarod dog team entering Nome. The image was chosen because of the parallels I see when we consider a successful Iditarod team with the church in mind. This is especially so as we focus on the ministry priority “Develop Leaders” at the Nome gathering. I’d like to share some of those ideas in this column.

A dog musher once explained to me how they go about identifying which of their puppies would be trained as a leader: “I just watch to see what puppy the other puppies follow around. That is the one you need to train up to be a leader.”

It takes intentionality to identify and train leaders for the work of the church. We can begin with those people who we have already observed tendencies for leading others—someone who people already tend to follow. We as the body of Christ need to have our eyes open to call out, affirm and help equip those young people that are exhibiting gifting of leadership.

Jesus invited 12 people, “Come, follow me and I will make you….” He was intentional to seek out ordinary people who would humble themselves to be molded and shaped by Christ. Have you seen a young person or adult in your midst who influences others, who others naturally follow, even though they may not have an official leadership title or role? If so, consider how you may recognize this and affirm it. I desire that our ministries will grow as we seriously consider how to better offer resources, training and pathways for the young leaders in our midst to learn and exercise the gifting God has given.

One of our village pastors once instructed me, “You don’t become a good sailor in calm waters.” Have I ever needed to remember that. One thing is for sure: leadership requires leading through rough waters and in the midst of storms. Some of the more memorable Iditarod moments have been when a musher was led through coastal winter blizzard conditions, often on account of the strength, persistence and grit of the team’s leader. It takes considerable character not just to weather storms, but to lead through storms. In Romans 5 it says, “...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Leaders grow character through embracing and persevering through suffering and hardship. The church needs leaders with strong, Christ-like character and integrity. So equipping and supporting our leaders for perseverance toward integrity is a value and priority.

At the end of the day, an effective leader knows that leading is primarily about serving those who are being led. It is the whole-team that crosses the finish line together. Jesus gave us a powerful demonstration of this when he washed his disciples feet. He took up a towel and served.

Ultimately, he gave everything in sacrificing his life. I pray God will raise up more women and men as leaders with this kind of character.

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Fe a t u r e d S p e a ke r s & P r e s e n te r s

Al Tizon, ECC Executive Minister Serve Globally

Carl-Johan Sävinger Swedish Covenant Church; Acts29

Pastor Harvey Fiskeaux, Nome Covenant

Carol Lawson, Director ECC Ministry Services Develop Leaders

Tricia Ivanoff, CYAK Director, UAF Aarigaa

Dick Lucco, ECC Interim Director, Develop Leaders

Ben Schoffmann Pastor, Chugach Covenant Church

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS YEAR’S GATHERING The conference begins with dinner and worship on Wednesday evening. Other events and meetings are scheduled as follows: T HU R SD AY Executive board meeting, Ministerium meeting, Covenant Women’s worship, learning sessions and evening worship F R ID AY Alaska Conference Annual Meeting, Covenant Women’s craft sale, afternoon learning session, and evening worship S A T U RD AY Morning worship and Communion Information and registration available online w w w. al ask aco v ena n t.o r g

Alaska: First U.S. Host for International Discipleship School After months of praying, planning and spreading the word, Acts29, a Park students, and became engaged on that trip. Upon their departure, 3-month international discipleship school commenced as 22 participants Julia remarked to Daniel that Alaska would be an ideal spot for an from six different countries moved into their Alaska home in Lazy Acts29 school. Now, 9 years later, the couple, accompanied by their two Mountain. The learning experience consists of formal Bible teaching, small children, are seeing that idea come to fruition. Given that the discipleship study as well as opportunities to learn, serve and minister in Covenant Church began in Alaska with the arrival of Swedish missionary various Covenant ministries around the conference.

A.E. Carlson in 1887, it is of additional significance to have this Dave Dahms, retired Covenant Pastor, is serving as the group’s on-site partnership continue with our Swedish brothers and sisters. ministry host. Other Alaskans involved include Brenda Dock, Tricia The group is divided into three groups who are serving various Ivanoff and Sven Makkestad, who are serving in staffing and Anchorage-bowl area churches over five weekends: Chugach Covenant administrative roles. Daniel Gallahorn, a Church, Mat-Su Covenant Church and recent ACC graduate, is participating as Mountain View Hope Covenant Church. The a student. Tricia, Brenda (along with groups are housed in homes and serve the “The life of the local church is at Justus Eben of Anchorage) have church in various ways from helping lead the heart of what the Acts29 formerly attended the Acts29 school worship to canvasing neighborhoods to discipleship school is all about.” held in other countries. invite people to church. The group serving in —Curtis Ivanoff, superintendent Three other Alaskans, Dorothy Mountain View were utilized heavily in Bekoalok (originally from Shaktoolik), assisting with the church’s launch service.

Mike Alverts (Community Covenant Church), and Kristi Ivanoff Additionally, members of the group will have the opportunity to serve (Mountain View Hope Covenant Church) will also be teaching classes. in one or more of the village churches participating as a host. Teams Other short-term teachers will travel here from Sweden to teach as well. have already traveled to Mekoryuk and Hooper Bay for a week of The Covenant Church in Sweden began Acts29 schools in 2004, and ministry. Mountain Village, Bethel, Shaktoolik, Soldotna (Peninsula schools have since been held in India, Thailand, Sweden, Ecuador, Grace Church) and Nome will host an Acts29 group in April.

Congo, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Alaska is the first location to host the “I am very encouraged to hear how God is at work through the school in the U.S. intentional partnerships with local churches,” Superintendent Curtis Two of the current on-site staff from Sweden, Daniel and Julia Ivanoff expressed. “The life of the local church is at the heart of what Strömner, visited Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet in 2009 as North the Acts29 discipleship school is all about.”

Top Left: The Acts29 Leadership team include Alaskans as well as Canadians, Swedes, a Chilean and two Thai leaders. Top right: Upon arrival, the Acts29 team had breakfast at the Ivanoff home and Curtis Ivanoff gave an introduction to Alaska culture and Covenant ministry around the state. Bottom: The international team shared a song during the CYAK young adult retreat in Big Lake. Scriptures were read and a song was sung representing all the different languages in the group.

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Chugach Covenant ‘Movin’ On Chugach Covenant Church (C3) began in 2012 with the desire to impact East Anchorage for Christ. In recent months, the congregation has gone through a season of change and is venturing into new ways of how the church will carry out its mission.

Just as the change from winter to spring starts with break-up, thawing and messy roads, the journey to this new vision has developed while the church navigated a few potholes. In August, the congregation’s planting pastor resigned and completed his service with C3 in September. In midOctober the congregation was displaced from its regular meeting location, Begich Middle School, due to a “double booking” by the school district.

Maintaining momentum toward the mission seemed especially difficult.

Now, less than six months later, the 5-year old congregation has a renewed vision, a growing presence in a Muldoon school and neighborhood, a newly-called pastor, a recently purchased ministry center undergoing renovation, and a congregation engaged more fully in the call of God. Pastor Ben Schoffmann, radiated with faith and enthusiasm as he explained, from his perspective, how God has led this transition in the C3 congregation, as well as in himself (see “Meet Pastor Ben” below for more about how God led Ben to his pastoral call).

Pastor Ben is not new to C3. In fact, he and his family have been active in C3 for the last four years, and he has served as a worship leader and lay

pastor. Initially, Ben was asked to serve as the interim pastor after Dan Krause completed his service. However, within a few weeks, God’s calling on Ben seemed clear and he was named lead pastor a the C3 annual meeting in late October.

“As I sought God’s guidance in my new role, it was clear that our congregation was, first and foremost, needing to reconnect with one another,” Ben explained. “I was reminded of Acts 2:42 where we are told the early church ‘devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’ So that’s where we started.”

Ben continued, “Meeting together on Sunday is vital, but building true community and loving one another as we are commanded takes much more.” As a result C3 started home groups, centered on the Immerse Bible. Additionally, a regular flow of monthly fellowship was established that includes gathering after the service on the 4th Sunday of each month, monthly men’s lunches and women’s gatherings, and a mid-service connection time between the worship music and message. Pastor Ben noted that the increased energy and enthusiasm has been noticeable.

In trying to find a temporary meeting location for one Sunday, church leadership met with Leroy Grant, principal of Muldoon Elementary to discuss details. It soon became clear that the elementary school would be

m b s a

M s r B s o w h

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Pastor Ben and Sophia Brown, dressed as princess Leia, take part in the Muldoon Elementary School fall carnival in October. Last summer, C3 volunteers partnered with GraceWorks ministry and provided support for their summer park ministry. The student nutrition cart is available each week for C3 people to add dry goods for any children who need to take an item to supplement what they have at home. Volunteers provide pizza during one of the monthly family movie nights. After the Sunday morning service, C3 attenders make a visit to the new ministry center that is undergoing renovations.

Meet Pastor Ben

Ben Schoffmann, Chugach Covenant Church’s (C3) new pastor was raised Roman Catholic, attended the church in his 20s, and at age 29 made a commitment to become a disciple of Jesus. He freely admits to bein “mutt”, having attended a Methodist Church in Texas, General Conference Baptist Church in Colorado, a Bible Church in Alaska, a charismatic Scottish Baptist Church in Aberdeen Scotland, and a Foursquare Church in West Texas before settling into the Covenant while in Alaska since the late 1990’s.

“From day one of my decision to accept Christ, I’ve often wondered if I was supposed to be a pastor.” Ben explained. “However, it’s been over the past two years, that I’ve been keenly aware of a distinct call to full-time ministry.”

Ben has been no stranger to church ministry in the Covenant Church. He said that he was “grafted in to the Covenant Church” when he married Martha Oudal in 1990. He and his family were members of Community Covenant Church in Eagle River for 14 years where he served as a Bible teacher, worship leader, and in various leadership roles. His family joined the ministry of C3 in 2013 shortly after the launch phase where he continued to serve as a lay pastor and worship leader.

“For many years, I thought the best way for me to serve the church would be to keep a good job, contribute financially and serve as a lay leader.” Ben said. “However, more recently, I foun and energy to serve as the demands of my job increased. I had a growing desire to spend the best part of m important thing in my life—serving God and His people.”

After nearly 8 years as President and CEO of two of Bristol Bay Native Corporation’s (BBNC) oil-field se

“Since say heart with His love, C3’s fello wh

n Up’ in Muldoon Community

more than an alternative meeting location on Sundays, as C3 was invited to be a partner with the school to serve the kids, their families and the school staff. C3’s outreach ministry energies are now been centered on the school and the neighborhood, giving far more tangible expression to the mission.

“The principal and staff are passionately devoted to the well-being of Muldoon Elementary students and their families. The staff invests in school and family relationships with regular after school events, but the responsibilities of these usually fall on the already busy teachers and staff,” Ben said. “Principal Grant Leroy shared some of these needs and we sensed God leading us into this new place of ministry. Now C3 is an official business partner of Muldoon Elementary School. We thought we were just going to meet there for one Sunday, but we’ve never left and we have a real chance to serve weekly and monthly.”

C3 has partnered with the teachers to provide volunteers for after-school events like family math, literacy, and science nights, and other seasonal events. The church’s volunteers help with set-up, clean-up, and activities, including the opportunity to talk and pray with family and school staff.

Each week, C3 attenders are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be contributed to the school’s “Free Food Cart” that is always available to students to take food home when needed. C3 has also purchased a movie license and hosts a movie night once a month. About

United Methodist ng a bit of a spiritual

10-20 volunteers from the church help by providing food, supervision and engagement with those who come out for the family fun night. Kids bring their families, a blanket, and $1 per person to eat dinner, watch a movie and enjoy popcorn together.

Of the 500 students that attend the school, over 100 of them are in transition—meaning they are basically homeless, with no stable, permanent residence. The school population is very diverse, with a significant percentage of Hmong, Alaska Native and many other ethnicities represented. Additionally, ESL tutors are provided for students who speak one of 11 languages represented in the student population.

“I am excited to see our church boldly growing into the neighborhood. It is more like we are building a church without so much emphasis on building a structure, but rather, on being the church in the community. We are pointing in the right direction,” said Julie Stingley, who has been part of the C3 family since 2015.

Given that C3’s ministry focus was quickly becoming more proximal than ever to a specific neighborhood, Pastor Ben and church leaders desired to have a more permanent presence in the community. However, renting suitable space is costly. The idea for purchasing a ministry house was born among several of the key leaders, and a search began for a house that could (Continued on page 6)

Ben set his sights on an early retirement, not knowing at the time what God had in store. However, in late May of last year, God’s call became clear during his devotional time at Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet while he was serving the healing prayer team during the week-long Leadership Camp.

“I was reading the account of Matthew’s call to follow Jesus. He was a successful business man—a tax collector. When Jesus said to him ‘follow me,’ he got up and left his business right then and there. I knew at that moment, God was calling and I said to myself, ‘I am Matthew.’ God was asking for me to lay down the career and enter full-time ministry, but at the time I had no idea what that would look like.”

He returned home, shared with his wife Martha his experience and made plans in earnest for an early retirement in January. He anticipated being a full-time volunteer, and among other things help C3’s lead pastor Dan Krause, who was the founding pastor of the then 5-year-old church. Little did Ben know that pastor Dan would accept a call to pastor a different church in the valley, completing his service with C3 in September. Ben initially agreed to fill in the pastor role as a 4-6 week —Ben Schoffmann, pastor interim. However, in discernment with the leadership team and congregation, he accepted the call to be the full-time pastor in October. nd that I had less time “Since saying ‘yes’ to God, He has filled my heart with so many opportunities to share His love, grace, mercy and power both my day to do the most in C3’s fellowship and in the community to which we have been called,” Ben said. “ I can honestly say that, I am so excited for the future, and by God’s grace, I haven’t looked back.” ervice companies,

ying ‘yes’ to God, He has filled my h so many opportunities to share grace, mercy and power both in owship and in the community to hich we have been called.”

Women’s Weekend Wins Out Over Obstacles, Weather Mountain Village women gathered in late February after plans for a women’s conference had been “on hold” for a year. Last year, the annual women’s conference, that rotates between villages, was postponed after several factors including family emergencies and weather delays required that the event be postponed. Dorothy Bekoalok, of Anchorage, had been invited to speak on healing related to addictions, and funds from the Covenant Women’s Council were provided to purchase her plane ticket (that could be used for an alternate date within the year). However, as time drew near, it seemed as if several obstacles would again hinder the gathering.

“The women in Mountain Village had put so much work in the year before, and were again at work to have Dorothy lead the time of learning, praying, fellowship and healing,” explained Kristi Ivanoff, Covenant Women’s Council advisor. “I remembered thinking last year that we did not have sufficient prayer coverage, given the stronghold of addiction that was being addressed, so I began rallying prayer support from committed intercessors around the state when the resistance seemed to mount again just before this year’s event.”

A powerful surge of prayers ushered in weather improvements, and Dorothy was able to land and carry out the teaching God had placed on her heart.

Shannon Joe, former ACC student and now church board member of the Mountain Village church, was one of the influential organizers committed to organizing the weekend gathering. Shannon shared enthusiastically her experience from the gatherings.

“I witnessed the unity of women in Mountain Village come together to sing as one voice to worship. I witnessed women in my community uniting in prayer for generations leading from our ancestors. I witnessed the women in my community uniting as one declaring the blood of Jesus Christ over their families. I witnessed the unity of women in my community mending their relationship with Abba as mother's, auntie's, daughters, nieces, grandmother's, granddaughters, and most importantly sisters. I saw the women in my community with a new-found love. All the praise and glory goes to Abba for uniting us with our guest speaker Dorothy at our home church.”

Anchorage C3 Ministry

Another participant, Tania Beans, expressed, "The women’s retreat was a wonderful reminder that ‘we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, and powers of darkness in heavenly realms.’

The wonderful prayers that Dorothy equipped us will be used and taught to families in our communities to take back our people from the enemy of suicide, broken relationships and witchcraft in Jesus’ name.”

Jamie Chiklak also attended the conference in her home church and shared, “The women's retreat was an eye-opener. I was reminded even with my busy schedule, I need to put the Lord first in my life. Also, that I have unresolved unforgiveness that has lingered into my adult life."

Dorothy Bekoalok, of Anchorage, taught and encouraged the women during the weekend gathering in Mountain Village. The focus of the weekend was related to battling spiritual strongholds and addictions. Nadine Pershall, a Mountain Village resident, spoke about the journey of living with an addicted person.

will be a logistical asset and can be a gathering place to enhance the work there in the summer.

In a Sunday morning worship service in be used as a home base for outreach, ministry, March, Pastor Ben and the leadership team C3 functions and an office. This option would invited the congregation to participate in the be cheaper to operate and more flexible to use ministry center outreach campaign called than renting. At just the right time, a house in “Movin’ on Up!” Approximately $35,000 in the neighborhood was listed for sale, and needed renovations have been identified and identified as an ideal property for the church. the congregation is being challenged to give With a loan from National Covenant Properties above and beyond their current giving to meet and the Alaska Conference co-signing on the the need. Practical ideas were shared by note, C3 took possession of the property in leadership team members in how to make small February and hope to occupy in May. changes in discretionary spending to free up Renovations are underway to provide an activity funds to be used for this kingdom ministry. C3 room, prayer and counseling space, and an also intends on doing all the labor itself. office. A bedroom will be available to house Associate Pastor Kyle Brown shared with the visitors or short-term missionaries. Sunday congregation how he and his family continued services will continue at Muldoon Elementary to support the work of C3 during the two years School. they were stationed elsewhere with the military.

The house is located just two blocks from the His family returned this past summer, and Kyle school and sits just across the street from shared enthusiastically with the congregation, Standish Park, where C3 has joined “We believe wholeheartedly in the vision of this GraceWorks Ministry to host a summer park church. We are thrilled to be able to invest in ministry. Kids have recreation opportunities, this new ministry direction in person.” hear Bible stories, and spend time with Additionally, C3 has connected to minister at a missionaries and local volunteers. The home nonprofit hotel called Safe Harbor, a kind of (Continued from page 4)

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sanctuary where people coming out of shelters or off the streets can stay while they work things out toward a healthy life path. Safe is Harbor located just four blocks away from the ministry center, and the Muldoon business district is just three blocks away.

Ben commented, “We’ve sought to follow God’s leading, we’ve discerned together with collective wisdom from the team, and we are unashamedly inviting our people to be more present and more involved in the Muldoon neighborhood—after all we have always been about the three C’s of C3: loving Christ, the Church and our Community.”

PRAY FOR: Acts29 School of Discipleship  Alaskans Brenda Dock and Sven Maakestad serving on staff, and for Daniel Gallahorn participating as a student  For God to strengthen them over the last half of the school period  Holy Spirit to fill and bless the churches and ministries hosting the group AVA 907 (Alaska’s Chapter of Advocacy for Victims of Abuse)  Laura Eben, state coordinator, as she leads the committee looking to mobilize ministry leaders in education and resources in the area of caring for people suffering from current or past abuse  Pray for the committee to find a meeting time to meet in person, and for unity in working toward goals

PRAYER MATTERS Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High

A bi-weekly listing of individual churches can be found on the website. Email info@alaskacovenant.org if you would like to serve on the intercessory prayer team for the conference.

Covenant Bible Camp  Safety of campers and staff traveling for camp season  CYAK staff team coordination in leading and administering camp  God’s love to be modeled and shared in powerful ways with kids Mountain View Hope Church Plant  More people in the community to connect with the new church  Discernment and development of partnerships for outreach Churches seeking pastors  Golovin Covenant Church  White Mountain Covenant Church  Elim Covenant Church  Shaktoolik Covenant Church  Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church  Unalakleet Covenant Church  C3 Fairbanks

Tr a n s i t i o n s Pastor Max Lopez-Cepero (Helen), of First Covenant Church, announced that he will retire June 1.

Chip (Joanne) Swanson is serving as short-term pastor in Golovin until the end of April.

CYAK has added several new administrative staff at the Anchorage office including Tia Eben, Mary Smith, and Lanette Forbes.

Aaron (Roxanne) Anderson, completed his service at Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church in March and has moved to Gladstone, MI, where he is serving as lead pastor for a church there.

Lindsey Clise completed her service with CYAK in April. She married, and is now living in Fairbanks.

Tristin Jackson has joined the Aarigaa-UAF ministry.

Aunie Benson will complete her service with CYAK and Aarigaa-UAA in May. Hugh (Lanette) Forbes is serving as a part-time, bi-vocational associate pastor at First Covenant Church, Anchorage.

2018 Dates, Deadlines and Events April 16 April 25-28 May 15 May 18 May 21 May 23-29 May 29-June 4 June 4-June 11 June 11-18 June 18-23 June 23-28 May 6 June 21-23 July 15-20 September 21-23 September 29-30 October 8-10

Bible Camp early bird registration deadline Annual Meeting Conference (Nome) CHIC travel deadline: money and ticket info due to Alaska Conference office CHIC registration deadline: paperwork and fees postmarked to CHIC office Bible Camp registration deadline “Call to Worship” Covenant Bible Camp (Unalakleet) Leadership Camp, Covenant Bible Camp (Unalakleet) High School Camp, Covenant Bible Camp (Unalakleet) Junior High Camp, Covenant Bible Camp (Unalakleet) Pathfinders Camp, Covenant Bible Camp (Unalakleet) Trailblazers Camp, Covenant Bible Camp (Unalakleet) Alaska Christian College Graduation (Soldotna) ECC Annual Meeting (Minneapolis, MN) CHIC (Knoxville, TN) Statewide Women’s Retreat, North Star Bible Camp (Willow) CYAK Young Adult Retreat, Camp Maranatha (Big Lake) Pastor & Leader Retreat, Camp Maranatha (Big Lake)

Spring 2018/ 7

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537

Alaska Conference

of the Evangelical Covenant Church

Ministry Priorities

Koy u k - S h a k to o l ik

Get Together J an u ar y 2 5 - 2 8 , 2 01 8

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 The Koyuk-Shaktoolik “Get Together” is an annual gathering that is a source of encouragement and connection for the two communities. This year, the gathering was hosted by Koyuk Covenant Church. Children, teens, adults and elders all had a place to gather and share in spiritual edification together. As is customary, there were many opportunities for sharing a testimony or song. Fun times of fellowship and eating together in homes was also an important part of the weekend. Friendships were renewed, and God’s love was shared.

website www.alaskacovenant.org Donations to the Alaska Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to the office directly.