the Sinew--Summer 2020

Summer 2020

Ministries Respond to Pandemic Realities With the COVID-19 quarantine mandates many regular places of respite for displaced and will be sent to homes of registered students with instituted in March in response to pandemic homeless people closed around town like stores, a 2020 camp t-shirt, a USB thumb drive with conditions, churches and ministries had to the library and even the hospital, the church access to recorded messages and camp songs, a rapidly adjust their way of connecting with and decided to open their building daily as a songbook and a “canteen” snack. ministering to the people of their communities. homeless shelter, even as the worship services Even as KICY was celebrating their Even though most of the rural 60th anniversary, the relevancy of Covenant communities have radio ministry in Alaska was still yet to see a case in their highlighted as churches were closed. village, those churches, too, KICY opened the 11 a.m. Sunday have joined in the effort to morning time slot to Covenant decrease the spread of the virus. pastors from the Western Alaska Given that internet Region for live worship during April connections are not as fast or and May. The Nome Covenant available in rural communities service continued to be broadcast at and given that most churches 5 p.m. on Sundays, giving listeners do not have wi-fi accounts in two opportunities for worship. the church, relying on virtual On Easter Sunday, a program was Photo by Bret Hanson technology was not as viable of produced that featured short an option for many rural messages from several Covenant communities. Unalakleet pastors around the state, as well as Covenant Church opted for the recordings from the KICY archives drive-up service--snow, shine or of beloved hymns sung by beloved rain. Their first service held on people. For two Fridays in March March 29 was a blustery one. and each Friday in April, Nate and Pastor Nick Bruckner set up a Carlee Hobbs hosted a live call-in music stand on top of a tall Hymn Sing broadcast from their snow bank that faced the main home. parking lot. With a portable Alaska Christian College closed audio system and hand-held campus on Thursday, March 19th microphone, Nick battled wind until the end of the academic year. and snow to proclaim the Word All hands were on deck to assist 85 Photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines while attenders enjoyed the students with packing up, making service from inside their cars. travel arrangements home, and Above: Unalakleet Covenant Church braves the snow and wind to meet together in the The service was recorded and making copies of needed resources parking lot as a creative way to meet within quarantine parameters. shared via Facebook as well. A to finish out the last six weeks of the non-church affiliated website semester. Faculty began converting Below: Alaska Airlines delivered 2000 pounds of snack packs to the Bethel Covenant picked up the story, and an their curriculum to be compatible Church that served as a homeless shelter through the month of May. article about the service can be with distance delivery. New Hope found at religionnews.com/2020/03/26. were being held on-line. Meals were prepared Counseling Center continued providing The church has continued to meet this way, and served daily for shelter residents at the counseling tele-health. The spring graduation posting song numbers from the hymnal on white “Social Distancing Café.” The church was a place ceremony was postponed, and it will be held on butcher paper, as well as posting photos of sheet that those with nowhere else to go could find August 8 on campus in Soldotna. music on Facebook for those who will join from shelter around the clock through the month of Both Road-system and rural churches have home. Pastor Nick has also hosted Facebook May. Alaska Airlines also donated 2000 pounds opted for a variety of internet delivery methods Live “Tundra prayer walks” as well as other of snack packs to the cause. including live-stream, Facebook Live and Zoom Facebook-based ministry posts.

The Covenant Youth of Alaska programming meetings for Sunday worship, weekly The Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church team is working to connect with children and devotionals, Bible study, and even volunteer served as a “Winter House” venue offering teens who look forward to attending Covenant choirs. Now churches face questions of how to overnight shelter to people in the community Bible Camp yearly. They are working on a 4-layer reopen responsively and responsibly based on throughout the winter months. However, as so strategy to encourage youth. “Camp in a box” their unique community parameters.

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

Brothers and sisters, this has been a trying season, first due to the pandemic of the COVID-19 virus and the widespread impact it has had on us - emotionally, physically, economically, spiritually. Then most recently, we have witnessed a widespread outcry in our country due to the unjust killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. The terrible evil of racism and its infectious spread is again exposed and we are lamenting with and for our friends, families, communities, and our country. As I have wrestled with all this, desiring transformative, biblical justice to find its way into the story, I was reminded of the verses in Ephesians that tells us that our struggle is against “the rulers, the principalities and powers over this present darkness…”

I was captured by an amazing video posted on Facebook of ocean ice being forcefully pushed up beyond the beach in Kotzebue and onto Front Street, threatening to bombard and severely damage a home. The thick ice was broken up like graham crackers as it was being moved by the power of the ocean and the powerful currents. Two heavy equipment operators in bull dozers—that looked like Tonka toys against the mighty task—worked quickly and steadily to do all they could to keep the destructive threat at bay. It was impressive how together

by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent they orchestrated the dismantling and redistribution of the ice in service to the owner of the home.

Similarly, the principalities that we are facing are intimidating, yet as Christ’s church, we are called to partner with God as he calls us to a ministry of reconciliation that tears down dividing walls of hostility.

Over the past weeks, the images we have seen and emotions we have experienced may have left you feeling debilitated, perhaps even causing a feeling of despair. So, I share some thoughts that have upheld me.

The author of Hebrews put it this way, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” There are times when all that it seems we can do is hold on tightly, and it seems like this has been one of them. As a community, what we need to remember is that we are not alone. We need to remember to show up for one another, to check in with one another. So church, hold on and especially hold on to one another. There is incredible power to be with one another. We are not through this yet.

Alaska Covenant family, I also want to point our hearts toward what Peter wrote: “Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF HOPE. What does this mean for us?

Being a community of hope means while we believe, trust, and find consolation that one day, all will be made right in this world when Jesus returns, we live out our biblical call to “live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” in this life now. Jesus ushered into our world his kingdom rule, and we know it in part. How we long to know it fully, as George Floyd’s death has reminded us of the deep struggle. We continue to battle the menacing power of racism in this world. Just like the workers in the dozers, we have a part to play. I want to implore to you— let us do this together. There is such strife when you look at the social media world. As a community of hope, let us love one another.

Let us bear with one another, being “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Let us be careful not to think too highly of ourselves. I certainly have much to learn and so do you. Let us pray for our prophetic voices, that they will be true. Prophecy without love is “like a noisy gong or clanging cymbal.” Giving witness to the gospel of Jesus means we confront the “strongman” trusting that Jesus has come to bind him up. If it were not for the resurrection of Jesus, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago. But, HE IS RISEN. So, we confront evil of all kinds. We love our neighbors, praying for wisdom in how to do this well. We live justly and humbly advocate on behalf of the oppressed as the Lord leads on our own corner of Front Street.

A Community of Hope

2 // the Sinew

Associate Superintendent to Begin Serving in September The Executive Board and Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff are pleased to announce that Rev. Brian Nanninga has been selected to serve the Alaska Conference as associate superintendent. The targeted start date is September 1. Brian has served as Lead Pastor of LifeChurch Livonia, of Livonia, MI, since 2013.

Brian is no stranger to Alaska. From 2002-2008, Brian served as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Brian Nanninga Community Covenant Church in Eagle River.

Since 2018, he has also been serving as a church planting coach for Pastor Phil Cannon of Mountain View Hope Covenant Church.. Brian received his B.A. in Business from North Park University, and received graduate level theological education at Denver Seminary, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and North Park Theological Seminary.

Brian brings 20+ years of full-time vocational ministry experience and was ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Covenant in 2017. He has been trained and serves as a coach to church planters and pastors, and will bring a strong connection to ECC resources and support through the work of Start and Strengthen Churches.

"In Brian, we gain a new teammate who has a deep love of Alaska and our people. Brian is a man of prayer and consistency in his walk with the Lord, and I look forward to our partnership and how he will now be a blessing to all of our Alaska pastors, leaders, churches and ministries," Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff, expressed. Brian has been married to Jamie since 1999, and they have three children: Peyton (18), Caden (16) and Antoine (10).

The Nanningas will make their The Nanninga family will be moving to move to Alaska later in the the Anchorage area this summer and summer. Pray for Brian and his family Brian will begin serving in September.

Pictured left to right: Antoine, Brian, as they prepare to make this Peyton, Jamie and Caden Nanninga. transition.

September 9, 2020 Day of Prayer & Fasting for Life This is one day we set aside and join together to pray for...

• Deliverance from the peril of suicide, • Healing from the pain of those we have lost already • Realization of the hope found in LIFE with God through Christ

Ten-Day Shaktoolik “Victory” Outreach Led by Native Ministers Traveling via snow machine to encourage village churches has been James Barefoot’s unique ministry trademark over the last few years.

However, in February, James added a twist. He invited three men—an Inupiaq, Navajo, and Athabascan— to go with him for ten days of intense encouragement and discipleship ministry in Shaktoolik.

Jonathon (Jono) Hanson, originally from Unalakleet, worships with James at Mat-Su Covenant Church. Jono was invited to serve for the weekend portion of the trip, leading worship during the services, sharing his testimony and serving as God gave him opportunity. James also invited Rob Little, a Navajo pastor and former youth pastor from Arizona, to share the preaching and teaching in church services as well as in weekly Bible studies. Sam George, of Copper Center and a recent graduate of the LEaD Alaska discipleship program, also shared the preaching and teaching responsibilities.

“I was delighted to bring these men to share the gospel and encourage the church in Shaktoolik,” James said. “Of all my many trips over the years, this was a highlight and was fruitful in so many ways—and in unique ways that I didn’t even expect.”

After one day of weather delays, the group flew out to Unalakleet, then rode double on two snow machines—one owned by the Alaska Conference and one borrowed from Unalakleet’s pastor Nick Bruckner. The group had been scheduled to lead the Sunday morning service but could not leave Unalakleet until early Sunday morning. Although they arrived late for the service, the congregation was waiting for them.

“We drove straight to the church and were taking our travel gear off right there in the service,” James explained. “Sam was ready and preached that first service.”

Jono lead a singspiration service at 3 p.m., sharing his testimony around the week’s theme of “Victory in Jesus.” Just a few hours later, the evening service convened with Jono leading worship and Rob preaching the evening sermon. For the rest of the week, Rob and Sam took turns leading daily, morning and evening Bible studies through the book of Ephesians. Rob also taught Bible study methods over two days.

There was an additional Wednesday night service and two services on the following Sunday. The group also spent times in homes and visited elders. Jono and Sam also shoveled snow around some homes.

James met with the church board on the second Sunday afternoon and worked with the leadership to make arrangements for Pastor Mary Gandee and her family to return to Shaktoolik, after a unanimous vote to reinstate Mary’s original call. The church is rejoicing that the medical issue that precipitated their premature departure to have been resolved.

Pastor Don Cross, former Mountain Village pastor (who was at the time serving in St. Michael), along with Jack Brown of Golovin, and Kenny Takak of Elim spent the week in Shaktoolik for encouragement.

Both men and women participated in the community Bible studies.

Rob reflected on the time in Shaktoolik in a Facebook post: “The two words that best describes and defines faith are trust and obedience. One of the lessons from Shaktoolik was the enormous blessings on the other side of trusting in Jesus and being obedient to His call and Word. The greatest of these were spiritual blessings such as seeing myself and others grow in faith, men and women recommitting their lives to Jesus, and hearing powerful testimonies for Jesus. My prayers were answered and faith bolstered as I watched God show up and show off through His provision of adequate finances for the trip and setting up opportunities to minister in other Native Alaskan communities.”

Jono shared how God used a simple act of serving by shoveling snow to open up an opportunity to pray with someone struggling in life.

“I thought God gave me an idea to shovel as my ‘good deed’ assignment for the day.

However, in that time, a man I didn’t know asked if he could ‘get some prayer.’

We stood there in the middle of the street talking and praying. I was able to share from my heart the hope we can have because I had just gone through a very similar situation that he was struggling in.

We didn’t even formally introduce ourselves until after we prayed. I was able to invite him to Bible study. Then in one of our home visits, we ended up in his parents’ home. I clearly saw God moving, heard him speaking, and felt his will being done. I was aware that God knew my every move intimately and that he was out there hanging out with me leading me. My eyes were opened to how if we will open our eyes, depending on God like a child looks to his father, we start to see he is communicating with us in so many ways.”

The week was not without its challenges. On the trip to Shaktoolik, James and Rob crashed on the borrowed snow machine during snowy conditions. Although the pair were not injured, the windshield had to be replaced. Both Rob and Sam got sick during the trip. The sewer in the parsonage, where the group and some visiting pastors were staying, was not functioning. However, the team persevered. James explained that the snow machine travel was an important element in the trip, as the group bonded through challenges they faced together on the trail.

James returned to Anchorage and was back on the trail again just a week later doing his final trip through Norton Sound and YK Delta villages before he concluded his time with the conference on March 31.

“James’s contribution to encourage and support our village churches over the years has been immeasurable, Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff expressed. “He has brought joy, wisdom and a tremendous heart for people to know Jesus to his work and ministry.”

Summer 2020/ 3

Virtual Annual Meeting Gather Virtually everything was different at this year’s “virtual” annual meeting. The brief two-hour Zoom Meeting was held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, in place of a 3day, in-person conference with a several-hour annual meeting. We had to learn how to interface with modern technology and become familiar with new procedures such as “please raise your virtual hand.” Some participated via video in their homes, others gathered socially distanced in their church buildings, and some joined telephonically, learning how to mute and unmute themselves using * commands on their dialing pad.

The meeting opened with a prayer offered by Chad Benkert, interim pastor in Nome, who is one of Alaska’s candidates for ordination. It was followed by a greeting and encouraging word from ECC President John Wenrich, who used photos of visits to ECC President John Wenrich joined the call with photos Alaska in his Zoom background. He shared of his most recent visit to Alaska with greetings and encouragement for this unique season in ministry. a heart-felt devotion about what he has been hearing from God during this time of crisis leadership through the prophet Habakkuk. Additionally, he shared a quote from Olympian and missionary to China, Eric Little: “Circumstances may appear to reck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.” He followed this with explanation of the four elements of the Financial Relief Initiative for Churches that has been developed to resource churches during the COVID-19 realities.

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff then shared a brief exhortation around the theme of “Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom,” which had been designated for the conference prior to the pandemic. He highlighted a few items from his full, written report as summarized below: • The conference office staff has undergone major transition, and Curtis shared his excitement about the ministry team that will be soon be working together with the hiring of a new office manager (Qaanaaq Jackson), and a new Associate Superintendent (Brian Nanninga).

• Mountain View Hope Covenant Church is nearing the end of the three-year Covenant agreement as a church plant in August. They will then begin the next phase toward becoming a member church.

• New pastors have been called to several churches over the past year, and even in recent weeks, including Stan VanAmburg who will serve Community Covenant Church in Fairbanks.

• •

•

Curtis recognized the significant work KICY, making special note of the 60th Curtis reported on the Wilson and Min established last year at the annual meet Village Pastor Fund received $30,000 i $24,000 was paid out to five different p Jack Brown’s call to serve as short-term celebrated.

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Following Curtis, Byron Bruckner, CYA leaders who work with youth in our comm “back bone” of youth ministry. He highlig • Networking churches and increasing tr • Development of the Chickaloon Retre • Student leadership development throug • Bible Camp—served 284 students with • Aarigaa young adult ministry—served in weekly discipleship and 136 students

Keith Hamilton, ACC President, asked f would be able to return in person to camp manager, noted that her report was submit and explained how KICY was responding

red Conference in Real Time

of the ministries of CYAK, ACC and anniversary of KICY. nnie Gonongnan Offering that was ting in Mountain Village. In 2019, the in designated gifts and offerings, and pastors. m pastor in Elim was recognized and

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y or in every way ething that can be mputers or f going to ple in person, etc.

AK director, shared his gratitude for the munities and for their importance as the ghted CYAK’s strategic priorities: raining opportunities eat Center ministry gh ministry internships h 115 volunteers last summer 63 students from 30 communities last year s that attended retreats.

for those listening to pray that students pus in the fall. Patty Burchell, KICY station tted prior to the COVID-19 circumstance, to the unique needs of the time (see cover

story). Under normal circumstances, it is customary for each of the churches represented with delegates to share about their communities and ministries briefly.

However, it was decided that being on a video meeting longer than two hours would be difficult, and for this year, we would defer to individuals reading the written reports that were prepared by the churches (that can be found on the website).

The Executive Board election was handled via in-platform voting, as well as by email polling for individuals who were on the telephonic call. The following individuals were elected for a three-year term for their respective region: • Road System: Pastor Ben Schoffmann, Chugach Covenant Church, Anchorage • Norton Sound: Gary Bekoalok, Shaktoolik Covenant Church • YK Delta: Mary Lola Joe, Hooper Bay Covenant Church (second term) Treasurer Curt Lindner presented the financial reports and budget and the motion to approve the budget as presented, giving the Executive Board latitude to adjust given COVID-19 unknowns passed unchallenged.

Finally, Curtis presented the Daniel Savetilik, Sr. award to this year’s recipient from Unalakleet Covenant Church: Heidi Ivanoff. Heidi has lived and served in Unalakleet for many years in many different roles including teaching Sunday School and serving on the church board. She has participated in sewing circle for many years, and faithfully volunteers as needed, where needed.

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff expressed, “Heidi has been such a steadfast servant, in so many ways. She has shown that she is compelled by the gospel of Jesus, and I have seen in her a heart for all to know Christ's love. I deeply appreciate her example that we can follow to be an ambassador of the living hope of Jesus.”

As is customary in “regular” annual meetings, the location for the following year’s annual meeting conference was announced: Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church. Given that significant work had been done by the church in preparation for this year’s gathering, it Heidi Ivanoff, of Unalakleet, was this year’s recipient of the Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award for volunteer service. was decided by the Bethel church in conjunction with the Executive Board that we would again name BECC as host church for the 2021 meeting.

As 3 p.m. rolled around with the closing prayer given by ordinand candidate Pastor Heather Smith, there was a collective sense of goodness to be together, reflecting on God’s work in and through the ministries of the Alaska Conference.

Church Youth Chess Club Awaiting Restart Prior to the COVID-19 social distancing order, the Mountain Village Church had been opening its doors on Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. --not for Bible Study, nor choir practice, but chess club. Pastor Marc Murchison was inspired to start the club by an article he and his wife Elise read in the Alaskan Spirit Magazine on a Ravn flight.

“As we read with interest what the article said, we discovered that chess, being a game that teaches strategic thinking, helps students with math, English and strategic logical thinking,” Pastor Marc explained. “We purchased 10 chess sets and began our club.”

Someone else in the village heard what was happening and purchased another 10 chess sets. Each week, they hosted up to 20 students, grades 3-9, who gathered to play

Congratulations ACC December Graduates

chess. There was time for a brief strategy lesson, conversation about how their day went, and sometimes conversations found their way to what God is doing in their lives. However, Pastor Marc explained that it was not intended to be a heavy spiritual time, but a healthy, welcoming environment to learn and have some fun. After a snack and some playing time, kids would head home at 5:30.

“We have had three tournaments thus far. Kids were very excited about the prizes and medals that they get.” Pastor Marc said. “Parents, of course, were happy to see their kids involved in something positive, rather than just sitting in front of the television or playing video games.”

Beloved Choir Director Remembered

Wilmer (Bill) Oudal, former Covenant missionary to Alaska who served Covenant High School in Unalakleet for 16 years, died February 2. He was 88.

He was born August 27, 1931, in Minneapolis to Oswald and Comfort Oudal. In 1953 he graduated from Augsburg College and later earned a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea.

In 1961, Bill moved to Unalakleet to work at Covenant High School. There he met Anna Marie Kylander, who Bill Oudal was also serving at the school. They married in 1962. Bill served as teacher, choir director, basketball coach, business manager, and boys’ dorm counselor.

In 1977, Bill and Anna Marie moved to Glennallen, Alaska, where Bill taught math and was a high-school principal. Later he taught and administered at Grace Christian School, Sunshine Christian School, and Pacific Northern Academy in Anchorage. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska.

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff wrote of Bill: “It always made an impression on me knowing how he instilled a love for singing, and more so, singing praises to God. I will always remember how he directed a group at First Covenant [Anchorage] to sing the Hallelujah chorus at Christmas time, not long after he had suffered his stroke. Singing hallelujah was something that Bill helped others to do.”

Bill is survived by his wife, Anna Marie; four children, Martha Schoffmann (Ben) of Eagle River, Alaska, Elizabeth Sellers (Mark) of The Colony, Texas, Seven ACC graduates completed their studies in December. Congratulations Rebekah Oudal (Kevin Kuper) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Joanna Oudal (John to: Crystal Johnson, of Unalakleet; Freeman Gransbury, of Hooper Hester) of Anchorage; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild; and two Bay; Kerissa Ben, of Hotevilla, AZ; Jerilyn Alexie, of Mountain Village; Ivgan siblings, Robert Oudal and Yvonne Rhodes. A service was held February 6 at Snyder, of Noorvik, Tatiana Chanar, of Nome; and Sonni Shavings, of First Covenant Church in Anchorage, and interment was at Fort Richardson Mekoryuk. Spring graduates will receive their diplomas at a graduation National Cemetery. Peace be to his memory. ceremony to be held August 8, 2020, as the May ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

—Reprinted from the Covenant Newswire, May 8, 2020

6 // the Sinew

The Executive Board, conference staff, colleagues and friends met over dinner after the January board meeting to celebrate the faithful and fruitful ministry of Associate Superintendent James Barefoot, en route to his next ministry post. Stories, laughter and love abounded.

TRANSITIONS Information and registration online: www. alaskacovenant.org/am2020

Chad (Dana) Benkert completed serving as interim pastor for Nome Covenant Church in May. He is contracting with CYAK for ministry development through the end of the year.

Marc (Elise) Murchison will complete service as the pastor for Mountain Village Covenant Church in June; however the Murchisons hope to serve in an interim capacity in Alaska in the future.

Mike (Emilie) Zabel has been called to serve as the pastor for Nome Covenant Church, beginning in June.

Dennis (Zaya) Gilmer, a recent graduate of North Park Theological Seminary, is candidating with Mountain Village Covenant Church for the pastor position during the month of June.

Stan (Doris) VanAmberg has been serving as interim pastor for Community Covenant Church, Fairbanks, since fall of 2019. In May, Stan was called to serve officially as lead pastor for the church.

Ruth (Ross) McElwee, has concluded as Director of Women’s Ministry for Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church.

Mary (Eric) Gandee will return to Shaktoolik to serve as pastor of Shaktoolik Covenant Church in June.

Charis Erhardt concluded service as the youth pastor for Unalakleet Covenant Church in May. She is currently residing in Anchorage.

Eric (Mary) Gandee will begin serving as the youth pastor for Shaktoolik Covenant Church in June.

James (Evelyn) Barefoot, associate superintendent, completed his tenure with the Alaska Conference in March. James now serves with Mat-Su Covenant Church in the area of Native outreach.

Andrea (Adam) Wilson, concluded in March as the office manager for the Alaska Conference.

Brian (Jamie) Nanninga has been called to serve as the associate Qaanaaq Jackson is now serving as the office manager for the Alaska superintendent, to begin September 1. Brian has served as Lead Pastor for LifeChurch Livonia in Livonia, MI, since 2013.

Conference, as well as the administrative assistant for CYAK.

CONFERENCE-WIDE UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES* July 17

ECC National Ministerium Meeting via Zoom

July 27-31

CYAK Staff/Team Training, Seward & Soldotna, AK

August 8

Alaska Christian College Graduation for spring class of 2020, Soldotna, AK

Sept. 18-20

Covenant Women’s state-wide retreat, North Star Bible Camp, Willow, AK

Sept. 25-27

CYAK Young Adult Retreat, Camp Maranatha, Big Lake, AK

Oct. 6-8

Pastor & Leader Retreat, Camp Maranatha, Big Lake, AK

Nov. 6

Alaska Christian College Vision 2020 Dinner, ChangePoint Church, Anchorage, AK

*dates are tentative given COVID-19 circumstances

Summer 2020/ 7

Alaskans Featured in

Covenant Companion

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

Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church

In the March/April issue of the Covenant Companion, Covenant family share the stories of their identity as Indigenous people, in order to help deepen understanding of who we are as a family of faith.

Pastor T.J. Smith, Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff and Kristi Ivanoff shared from their heart in the “Sacred Stories” feature.

A “CovSparks” discussion guide is available for download to use for personal or group reflection. An article spotlighting Luda Kinok and KICY’s 60th anniversary is also found in the issue.

https://covenantcompanion.com/2020/03/12/sacred-stories

Anchorage Pastor Leads Indigenous Ministers Association Pastor T.J. Smith, of New Song Covenant Church in Anchorage, (pictured in top left above) has been named president of the newly formed Indigenous Minister’s Association (IMA). The organization held its first official dinner at the Midwinter Conference for ministers in January with 11 people attending. The association is one of the five organizations that comprise the Mosaic Commission for the ECC. Formal adoption was slated to be an agenda item at the 2020 ECC annual meeting, however with COVID-19 circumstances, the vote will happen at a later date.

“As a denomination, we recognize and include Indigenous peoples in our purposeful narrative,“ Mary March, chair of the Mosaic Commission, said.

Tricia Ivanoff, of Unalakleet, previously served in the leadership role for Indigenous ministers within the Mosaic Commission and helped lay the groundwork for this formalized association.

“I am grateful for how Tricia prepared the way in this movement toward formalizing,” Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff expressed. “Likewise, I am excited to see how T.J.’s leadership will keep us moving forward with this great opportunity to encourage, support and grow our Indigenous ministers.”

Seven Alaskans (Justus Eben, Curtis and Kristi Ivanoff, T.J. Smith, Tricia Ivanoff, Meritha Capelle, and Talakai Finau) celebrated the newly formed Indigenous Minister’s Association at a dinner during the Midwinter Conference in Chicago .

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 Office Administrator Qaanaaq Jackson info@alaskacovenant.org Communications & Event Coordinator Kristi Ivanoff kristi@alaskacovenant.org Financial Clerk Rebecca Gramm 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.