Spring 2016
Participation Surpasses 100 at CYAK Young Adult Retreat More than 100 enthusiastic, God-seeking young adults, volunteers and families, representing more than 30 communities, converged at Maranatha Bible Camp in Willow for the annual CYAK young adult spring retreat. This recordsetting attendance included Alaska Christian College students, participants of Aarigaa ministries from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Soldotna, as well as individuals from Mountain Village and Bethel. Additionally, the diversity of indigenous groups was remarkable: Yupik, Inupiaq, Cup’ig, Cup’ik, Athabascan, and Navajo. “You could sense the hunger in students to receive and respond to the working of God’s power in their lives,” Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent said. “You could also sense that there is indeed a battle in the heavenlies taking place. What brought me joy was to see the many students respond to receive prayer so that God would break chains to bring freedom in life.” The theme for the weekend was “Stronger With God.” Lindsey Clise, the newest staff person of Aarigaa-UAA, shared Friday night on the armor of God described in Ephesians 6, emphasizing the “helmet of salvation”. On Saturday morning, Byron Bruckner, CYAK director, continued the focus on Ephesians 6, adding insight on the “breastplate of righteousness” and the connection between “head and heart” in growing in God’s strength. Curtis spoke the final two sessions focusing on Ephesians 6:10-11: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power,” sharing also from two Old Testament passages. The young adult retreat has its beginnings back in 1994 when Curtis and
“God is raising up laborers sent out into His harvest field right before our eyes.” —Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent
Kristi Ivanoff, Byron Bruckner, one college student from Shaktoolik and one other met at camp Liowa in Fairbanks. “It was 50 below, that weekend,” Curtis remembers, “But God was gathering the kindling for a fire that would grow into a blaze of God’s spirit among our college-aged young adults.” The retreat was planned by a team of CYAK staff and student leaders, and is increasingly being run by Alaska Native emerging leaders. Positions of worship leader, program director, three testimonies, two emcees were all filled with Native leaders who are on staff of being discipled in CYAK ministries. “To see the number of young adults who were in roles of leadership brought me joy.” Curtis expressed. “God is raising up laborers sent out into His harvest field right before our eyes.” Shannon Alexie, one of the Mountain Village group who worked to raised more than $1000 to attend said, “The Lord spoke to me about providing a safe, fun place for the youth and young adults in Mountain Village. There's a lot of oppression and hurt in the community that only God can heal. I want our young adult group to be lights to our dark hurting community. They need to know the love and hope that is patiently waiting for them found in Christ.” Tricia Ivanoff, of Unalakleet, was called out and sent forth to serve as Director of Aarigaa-UAF at the retreat held in September. By January, her financial support was raised and she started serving there. Curtis shared, “At the end of our time, just as we had sent out Tricia at the last retreat, I exhorted the group that ‘we are sending each other’ to go in God’s strength.’”
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
I have a confession to make. Lately when I have taken communion, I have looked to see if the bread is perforated or not. In other words, has it been precut, sliced almost all the way through? Why do we perforate communion bread? I suppose so that it breaks easily, uniformly, cleanly—just how we like life to be. Think of how many things are perforated around us – the return portion of our bills, food cartons, spiral notebook paper, and the list could go on. I agree, these are nice conveniences. The thing is, when we consider the call Jesus has given to those who follow him, there is NOTHING that is perforated about it. His journey to the cross? Not perforated. Nothing was pre-cut, there was no short-cut to Golgotha. Discipleship follows the same princiNo More “Perforated” Bread ple—not perby Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent forated. Our theme for this year’s annual meeting is about just that: “make and deepen disciples”. The road to follow Jesus is one that is messy, risky, dangerous, hard--but it is Jesus’ multiplication strategy and we are commanded to make disciples in spite of the challenges. There are some clear things I believe Jesus teaches us about discipleship that I want to say to us as we look forward to gather as the Alaska Conference. First, everyone has a part to play. Secondly, we are making disciples as a community, for a community, to be a blessing to the world. Discipleship is not only for a select few. You have a gift to offer and your story of redemption to tell. I was not intentionally encouraged to become a disciple AND a disciple maker until I was in college. Discipleship is for the young, old and everyone in between. You are called and you may ask, “What am I supposed to do?” Give of yourself. Open your life in Christ up to younger followers. Seek out younger believers. Find even one person to help them find the way. Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies it produces many seeds.” That is the key, we have to be willing to die to ourselves so that we can become a multiplier, by playing our part. Discipleship is a community effort. Because of strong influence of Western culture, our default setting is to apply this command primarily as individuals. In Iñupiaq language, there is a suffix “-miut” which means “people of.” It is interesting that in Iñupiaq culture, that is how groups were named and identified— as a “people”— or in other words, a community. We are “Jesusmiut,” a people whose identity is defined and shaped by being in relationship with Jesus and with one another, across all races. So discipleship is accomplished by a community, and it is to help us to fully identify with that community established by and for Christ. This means we have a lot of work to do. Our world is fraught with many challenges because of race, gender, and economic inequality issues. Can it get any more messy than to work at allowing Jesus to heal the great divide between us—whether here in Alaska or in our country? But that is what we are called to as the people of Jesus. Can it be more messy than to love mercy? To answer the prophetic call to see God establish a more caring and just world? To care for the poor and the alien? This type of discipleship is a high calling. In my opinion, there is nothing perforated about this work. That is why I think, “Let’s not perforate the bread.”
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Alaskan Women to Get Spiritual Thirst Quenched at Triennial XV by Mary Rall, Community Covenant Church
Women from throughout the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church will get connected, refreshed and transformed at Triennial XV from July 28-31 at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. Themed “Quench,” the Triennial is offered every three years, and features worship by an all-female worship team, speakers such as ECC Women’s Ministry Director Meagan Gillian, workshops and excursions created by women for women of a variety of generations, cultures, regions and life experiences. The Triennial is special, not just because it’s an all-female environment, Mitzi Barker of Community Covenant said, but because it’s multi-cultural and intergenerational a well. “There is a special dynamic present throughout the event, one which honors the past and looks toward the future, all the while emphasizing our unity as women in Christ,” she said. Barker’s enthusiasm for the event is contagious and has inspired Carla Eisberg of Eagle River to attend as well. “I am excited about Alaskan women participating in this event along with women from around the world,” she said. “Being among sisters in Christ from all over the world will be a fantastic experience. I can't wait to sing praises to God together.” “I attended a pre-conference workshop entitled ‘Exploring the Call of God in Your Life’ that introduced me to a ministry I had never heard of before, but to which I was clearly drawn, which has set me on an exciting new journey of life and ministry,” Mitzi explained. “If previous experience is any indicator, I will come away with a deeper sense of my identity as a woman of Christ and what that means as I live forward.” One of the highlights of the event includes an opening parade of nations, in which the participating women wear traditional clothing from the various Covenant conferences, Mitzi said. The women of the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Church will be wearing kuspuks as they celebrate the first year of attending as members of the newest Covenant conference. Planning for attending the conference is already underway, and Mitzi encourages women from throughout Alaska to carve out some time for themselves to attend. “We can all do with a lift, making a commitment to come away for a while, to engage with the larger body of Christ and specifically women of Christ,” she said. “At Triennial, we will learn from each other and enrich not only ourselves, but our homes and our churches.” “What a wonderful way to experience fellowship together. We could bring back a fresh vitality to the Women's Ministry at Community Covenant and the Alaska conference,” Carla added. “I really want to encourage women from rural communities to attend as well.” According to www.covchurch.org/triennial, registration for Triennial XV is $399 now through April 15 and $439 from April 16 to July 15. Discounted lodging for the ECC is currently being offered at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center for $129 per night, plus tax. Lunch will be served on July 29 and July 30, and brunch will be featured on July 31 at Triennial, but event participants must purchase all other meals independently. Alaskans who’ll be attending the event must register online and should email Mitzi at mbarker@mtaonline.net to ensure they’re part of the conversation for Alaska-specific information as planning for the event progresses. More information on Triennial XV is available online at www.covchurch.org/ triennial.
Nome Family Blessed While Serving White Mountain Church Prior to moving to Alaska in August of 2013, Daniel and Carol Hobbs a message. Daniel spoke about Jesus walking on the water and his words to us, "It's of Nome Covenant Church had pastored several different churches of just me", and the comfort and hope and joy those words can bring no matter what is different denominations over 13 years. Daniel was taking a break from happening in our lives. One gentleman stayed to talk following the service and shared full-time pastoring, but was eager to fill in when in August of 2014, the that it was the first time he and his wife had been able to be in service together. He need arose for someone to speak while the White Mountain pastor was expressed his desire to be a father to his kids like he didn't have in his own life. Danout of town. He planned to go for the weekend and speak on Sunday. iel was able to pray with him and he gave his life to Christ. When an elder in the village passed away earlier that week, Daniel was Saturday morning and evening we joined friends at the school who were watching the able to speak at his funeral on Saturday as well. Wolves play volleyball in Koyuk. BSSD live-streamed the Since that time, the need has expanded as the games so we were able to watch on the big screen in the church has been without a pastor for more than cafeteria. Sunday afternoon a couple and their girls joined a year. They have made multiple trips to White us for lasagna at the ITC. We'd taken a frozen lasagna Mountain as a couple and as a family with their along with the hopes of sharing with a family while we were five children: Emelyne (17), Sophia (16), Elsa there. (15), Tobin (12) and Tristen (10). As you know we'd planned to leave Monday morning, Carol shared, “Recently the children have but a lovely winter storm hindered our travel. Flights were been reminiscing about spending last Easter in cancelled for the whole day. Daniel spent much of the day White Mountain and have noted that it is their getting caught up on a math class he's doing through UAF. favorite Easter Sunday to date. We all took part He'd taken his computer along and was graciously allowed in the annual Easter egg hunt. We worshiped us to use internet at the ITC! What a blessing! Randall together with God's people at the ITC building and Louise invited us to their house to have breakfast for and shared communion. A friend brought us lunch on Monday. fresh crab.” Tuesday's flights were cancelled as well. Daniel was able White Mountain is one of five village churchto do another math assignment in the morning and we spent es that are currently without a full-time pastor the rest of the day visiting people. We ate lunch with friends and in need of encouragement and shepherdDaniel Hobbs visits Percy Agloinga on one of at the school. We picked up a few things to eat at the store, his trips to serve the White Mountain Church. but friends also were very generous and shared with us. Karl ing. What it means to serve there—even in a short term capacity-- can often be unpredictahad made a delicious beef stew and salmon dip he shared ble, and requires flexibility and a commitment to build relationships. with us. Dan Harrelson gave us moose burger. We were very well taken care of. However, the blessing goes two ways for all involved. Wednesday turned out to be a good day for flying and we arrived back in Nome An excerpt from an email report that Carol sent from their November around 12:30, just in time for Thanksgiving.. God saw we needed those two extra trip, gives insight into these realities. days in WMO this trip. We felt like we learned to know people better as we listened “Our Sunday evening service took place at the ITC this time. The heater at the to their stories.” church had been running earlier in the day and Daniel said the building was warm “We're thankful for the privilege of building relationships with friends around 3 when he walked down, but at service time there was an error light and it felt in White Mountain. We love visiting every time we go,” Carol said. a little cooler than Peter wanted. About 20 of us gathered for singing and prayer and
2 Timothy 2:2
Make & Deepen Disciples And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Register on-line at www.alaskacovenant.org or call the conference office 907-222-6348 Curtis Ivanoff Superintendent Alaska Conference
Michelle Sanchez ECC Executive Minister Make & Deepen Disciples
Jason Stromstad Pastor Scammon Bay Covenant Church
ANNUAL MEETING MAY 5-8, 2016 SCAMMON BAY COVENANT CHURCH Spring 2016/ 3
Fairbanks, Nome and Eagle River Continu “Congregational vitality begins with the Holy Spirit who awakens the church for mission. I praise God for the Covenant churches that are walking the congregational vitality pathway. The challenges are great in Alaska, but our God is even greater. Through these challenges we learn to cry out for the Holy Spirit. We yearn for the Gospel to burn brighter and warmer. It’s been said, ‘Vitality is never yesterday. Vitality is today and tomorrow.’ Let’s keep asking the Holy Spirit for miracles!”
“I am very grateful for ECC’s support with resourcing our churches to grow in becoming heathier and more missional. This is about the movement of God’s Spirit in our churches. and my hope and prayer is that every single one of our churches will be healthy and missional. I believe every church has room to grow, and this process is about churches opening up for God to prune and shape for growth. That is challenging work, but bearing new fruit is worth it. I applaud the churches in our conference who are taking those steps.”
—John Wenrich, Director Congregational Vitality
—Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent
Jacob Shirk,14, and Evans Callas, 17, of Community Covenant Church Fairbanks, have attended all three “Vitality” Seminars that the church has hosted. Director John Wenrich said, “It is so great that younger people are engaging in the congregational vitality movement.” The Fairbanks church recently hosted the third seminar “ONE” in the Congregational Vitality Pathway.
Our Mission Churches and ministries working together throughout Alaska to cultivate disciples so that families, communities, and the world are transformed by the gospel
ue on Vitality Pathway
h,
“The most important thing God has done through Vitality is to call forth hidden prayer warriors, whose prayers and leadership have transformed a manmade process into a place where God is at work. We began as a group of angry, almost-beaten cynics, but after being part of Vitality, and ONE, I eagerly volunteered to be on the strategic ministry planning team. I believe this process is succeeding: we are being built into a community passionate for Christ and equipped to do our particular work in his world."
"We are excited about our Vitality Pathway for many reasons. The most obvious has been the development of teams to pursue congregational assessment and observation. We are not sure about the outcome of this pathway, but being on the journey together is more than worth the effort. The enthusiasm of our teams has the lifesigns of compelling Christian community. We are expectant, and we are glad.”
--Carina Menaker, C3—Fairbanks
—Harvey Fiskeaux, Pastor, Nome Covenant
Our Vision flourishing churches
vibrant ministries restored lives transformed communities
Alaskan Facilitator Coaches Churches Along Pathway Debbie Bogart, of Eagle River Community Covenant Church, is serving the Alaska Conference as Vitality Facilitator, working alongside churches, coaching them through the process as they follow the Congregational Vitality Pathway. Debbie was introduced to Congregational Vitality when she was asked to facilitate the pathway process for her church in 2014. As she facilitated the process, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, she experienced great joy and felt His fresh wind moving at CCC. After moving to Alaska from Washington State in 2001, she was introduced to Community Covenant Church in Eagle River by her daughter, who at that time was attending youth group. Soon after, she became a member, a lay leader, and has loved her church family and the Covenant ever since. After her third child was born, she returned to school and completed her Master’s in Education. She also holds a B.A. in Community Education. Her career has been rich, working in education, higher education, community services, faith-based and non-profit work. She often provides help for other organizations and non-profits in seeking funding, strategic planning and staff development. Debbie is also a member of the first cohort in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) to be completing a certificate on the Foundations of Congregational Vitality offered through North Park Theological Seminary that was launched in 2015. “North Park is the only seminary in the world to offer a certificate program in congregational vitality,” said John Wenrich, who currently directs congregational vitality for the ECC and who has been nominated to serve as Executive Minister for Start & Strengthen Churches.
Our Priorities Start & strengthen churches Make & deepen disciples Develop leaders Love mercy, do justice Serve globally
Aarigaa Anchorage Students Have a New Place to Call Home By David Rurik, Covenant Youth of Alaska
As the University of Alaska Anchorage semester started this January, ten young adults settled into community and life together. The Aarigaa Discipleship Housing initiative, run by Covenant Youth of Alaska, is an opportunity for young adults from all areas of Alaska to engage their faith by doing exactly what the psalmist says in Psalms 133:1—“How good and aarigaa it is when kindred dwell together in unity.” These five women and five men bring their individual stories together from Nome, Unalakleet, Buckland, Tuntutuliak, Juneau, Point Hope, and Anchorage to a new duplex facility just minutes from the University. The critical transition from younger home life to adult life is often a challenge for young adults especially those coming to Anchorage from smaller home towns. The Aarigaa Discipleship House offers a safe and welcoming environment that is encouraging in faith, life and academics. Hunter Dill of Unalakleet has lived in the Aarigaa Discipleship House since August of 2013, “Being a member of the Aarigaa House community has provided a place to identify with in a
healthy way. This sense of belonging vitalizes my well-being and reinforces my desire to do well in all things, especially my education. My hope is that our community lives into this abundant life gifted to us by our Savior.” Under the leadership of CYAK staff Jamie Rose and new CYAK volunteer Justin Eppler, the housing ministry brings gospel life into the everyday for these and many other young adults who come in for meals and gatherings. Chris Savok of Anchorage and Charis Erhardt of Juneau serve as Resident Advisors with the students. The Aarigaa Discipleship House first launched in Fairbanks, then relaunched in Anchorage five years ago utilizing the parsonage at First Covenant Church. Generous investors bought and held two duplexes for CYAK’s use, providing capacity for twenty young adults and ample space for gatherings and visiting mission teams. As residents settle into the new facility and the ministry hits full swing, God be praised for his provision and his guidance. Please continue to be in prayer for the CYAK team and specifically for this growing ministry initiative.
Arigaa: Tricia Ivanoff Serving at UAF by David Rurik, Covenant Youth of Alaska
If you’ve spent any time around Covenant Youth of Alaska you have likely heard the phrase ‘Continuum of Discipleship Care’. Early in CYAK’s ministry, it became a goal to bring the light of Christ into contact with youth and to walk with them along this discipleship journey. Tricia Ivanoff was born and raised in Unalakleet. Her life was influenced through the local Covenant church and through annual visits to Covenant Bible Camp. Upon graduating high school, Tricia moved to Chicago to attend North Park University, a move she thought would put Alaska in her rearview mirror. “A few years ago, I would have told people that I was never going to be coming back to Alaska,” Tricia explained. God had other plans. In partnership with the Covenant in Alaska, Tricia went to India twice to attend a discipleship school and serve on mission. During her time in India, God moved in her heart and prepared her to come back to her own people.
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“Through God’s grace and Christ’s transforming power, I’m happy to say that I get the opportunity to serve Alaska Native young adults at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.” Sending Tricia to Fairbanks is a continuation of a long story that spans the continuum of discipleship care. We are thrilled to have Tricia serve with CYAK in such a vital role, and we look forward to seeing the way God will continue to grow her and use her to impact the lives of young adults in Alaska.
Jennifer Taryuralria of Tununak, Imataaq 'Frankie' Pavilla of Atmautluak, Tricia Ivanoff of Unalakleet and Delcie Billingsley of Mekoryuk enjoy time together at Aarigaa in Fairbanks.
Transitions Chip (Joanne) Swanson, of Unalakleet, are serving White Mountain Covenant Church as interim pastor through May 7. James (Rachel) Ventress, of CYAK and Nome Covenant Church, welcomed to their family baby Mercedes Marie born on January 18, and baby Theodore Sterling born on February 29. Sean (Shannon) Hoffbeck, Alaska Christian College Vice President of Operations, welcomed baby Kaylee Lynn, born on February 6. Tricia Ivanoff of Unalakleet began serving with CYAK as Director of Aarigaa—UAF in January.
Spring Prayer Calendar
Photo by Joshua Mute
March
April
May
Monday
Mountain Village Covenant Church Vince (Laura) Eben Assoc. Pastor, First Covenant Former pastor Don Cross’s wife Fei is To be faithful to God in affliction undergoing cancer treatment in her home country of Malaysia That we'll discern and follow God's Pastoral search process lead in ministry Young adults seeking to meet together For the churches that are without a and grow together shepherd at this time
Bible Camp God to provide staff for Bible Camp The Lord to make it possible for the kids who need to be at camp to make it here God’s Spirit to provide for and prepare all to serve & attend camp
Tuesday
Unalakleet Covenant Church New Song Covenant Church God to lead the search team to the Praises: growth in individuals & those next pastor and youth pastor coming from “outside” the church Interim pastor Nick Bruckner Small groups gathering for people in different life phases Joy for Thomas Simonsson serving in worship & youth ministry Vision for growth through outreach
Churches in the following villages are seeking pastors: Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Hooper Bay, Mountain Village, White Mountain, Golovin and Unalakleet. Pray for the leadership in these churches as they serve.
Wednesday
Chip (Joanne) Swanson Nick (Nikki) Bruckner Interim Pastor, White Mountain Interim Pastor, Unalakleet Grieving family losses For Nikki to have a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby (due April 30) To minister in the power of the Holy Spirit as God leads them to encourage That Jack and the new baby would the flock under their care. know and serve Jesus
T.J. (Polly) Smith Pastor, New Song Covenant Pray for wisdom for T.J. and Polly as they seek to parent wisely and joyfully in a blended family and in adjustments related to the empty-nest stage.
Thursday
Alaska Christian College Alaska Christian College From March 26-Apr. 2, President Keith From April 11-13, ABHE—ACC’s will travel with students to Mexicali, accrediting body—will be on campus Mexico for a Mission trip. Pray for safe- for a scheduled review of accreditaty and for God’s heart for the world to tion. Pray for staff preparation. capture the hearts of the students as Students celebrate commencement on they serve. May 1.
Alaska Christian College Pray for students as many return home for the summer. Pray that they would stand firm in their commitment to the Lord, protected by the armor of God as outlined in Eph. 6. Pray for admissions office in recruiting for fall.
Friday
Scammon Bay Covenant Church Hosting Lower Yukon Conference in April Hosting Annual Meeting in May Parsonage fundraising and construction planning
Scammon Bay Covenant Church Pray for the remodeling project of the church parsonage that is scheduled for later this summer. Pray for favorable weather conditions, materials to arrive on time, safety for all volunteers and robust community participation.
Tricia Ivanoff Aarigaa-UAF Adjust to life in Fairbanks Healthy relationships with students and staff Our leadership team to be in tune with the Holy Spirit
Upcoming Events & Dates April 18-20 April 20-22 May 1 May 5-8 May 15 May 31-June 6 June 6-13 June 13-20 June 20-25 June 25-30
WAMT: Bible Study Tools & Interpretation (Nome) WAMT: Suicide Prevention Training (Nome) Alaska Christian College Commencement (Soldotna) Annual Meeting & Church Conference (Scammon Bay) Bible Camp Registration Deadline Leadership Camp (Unalakleet) High School Camp (Unalakleet) Junior High Camp (Unalakleet) Pathfinders Camp (Unalakleet) Trailblazers Camp (Unalakleet)
Spring 2016/ 7
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
Left to Right: More than 35 young adults enjoyed Native Food at the Ivanoff’s home during a Thursday night Aarigaa meeting. Charis, Curtis’s daughter, accompanied him on a recent trip to Scammon Bay and enjoyed a game night with pastor Jason Stromstad, Drew and Holly Williams and Shandon Rivers. Curtis presented Doug and Linda Olsen the “True North Award” at a Covenant Harbor Fundraiser for the Scammon Bay Parsonage in Gig Harbor, Washington. The award recognizes volunteers who have served in Alaska from outside churches over many years. Doug and Linda have served for more than 20 years at Bible Camp and other church projects. Stephanie Stockhouse explains the significance of the artistic representation made to celebrate Community Covenant’s 20-year anniversary. Women gathered in Mekoryuk for Bible study and fellowship during James and Evelyn Barefoot’s weeklong ministry visit in February. Curtis meets with the Executive Board during the January meeting where they finalized the Alaska Conference revised mission and vision statements and attended to other conference business.
Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
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.