Winter Sinew 2015

Winter 2015

Executive Board, Ministry Leaders Look Back in Discerning Path Forward for AK Conference Pastors, ministry leaders, board members and church representatives gathered in October for a one-day strategic planning summit. The meeting coincided with the 2-day business meeting of the Alaska Conference Executive Board.

The meeting was facilitated by Frank Johnson, who in addition to skillfully leading the meeting time, spent several hours with Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff prior to the meeting to learn of the history and people who have contributed to the Covenant Work here in Alaska. He shared that knowledge in a visual, hand drawn timeline and invited participants to add significant events at the base of the timeline, as well as where and when they each entered the ministry timeline.

“What an exciting time to be part of the Alaska Conference! I loved seeing the history of our church unfold in illustrated story form,” said Adam London, CYAK director of operations.

“The hand of God has been upon His people here in Alaska,and I'm eager to see how we get to follow His leading into the future with the strategic plan.”

The tean was divided into four smaller discussion groups to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. From there, the groups worked on elements of a revised mission and vision statement, as well as organizational values and ministry priorities.

“We made great progress in one day. I was so energized by hearing from so many different people from different places and ministries in that concentrated eight hours,” explained Curtis. “I have new ‘wind in my sails’ personally for leading out church into God’s continuing Kingdom work here in Alaska.”

The Executive Board will fine-tune the mission and vision statements at the next meeting. How-

ever, the group voted on adopting the mission priorities of the national denomination that include: start & strengthen churches; make and deepen disciples; develop leaders; love mercy, do justice; serve globally.

“The facilitator did a wonderful job of organizing the day, keeping us all involved, and leading us through fun activities that resulted in a better understanding of the mission, clearer vision, and renewed direction for our new conference,” said Executive Board member Jane Atuk of Anchorage First Covenant Church.

Sandra King, Executive Board member from Mekoryuk Covenant Church added, “I was reminded through the planning meetings how God calls people from different walks of life to spread the gospel message when we walk by faith and trust Him for guidance direction and leadership.”

“Our planning session went far beyond our dreams as the Executive Board. When it was first suggested, we had envisioned a special time for our newly installed superintendent to get a renewed sense of direction and passion. By the end of the day, we were overwhelmed with the awareness that Curtis was indeed challenged and thrilled with our future potential together. It is so energizing to work with this team of directors and leaders. We have come a long way over the last century, but we truly believe our best days are ahead as we continue to seek God’s wisdom and direction with the necessary humility and dependency upon the Holy Spirit.”

—Harvey Fiskeaux, Executive Board Chairman

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 heard a friend say one time, about SmartWool socks that were given to him, “that is a gift that keeps on giving!” It made me smile, because it is hard to beat a good pair of socks. During this Advent season, in the true spirit of celebrating the birth of Jesus, my mind is drawn to think about the gift Jesus has given—His life so that we might have life. Now that is giving. And because of the gift of Jesus, we are invited and taught to do likewise, sacrificially and generously.

One thing is true, the work of our churches, conference ministries, and the Alaska Conference, is made possible through God’s provision—people being compelled to give like Jesus. I am amazed at the stories of how God comes through time and again because people exercise their faith and open up their hearts to partner with churches and ministries with their financial resources.

Our posture, then, is to be grateful to God and trust that he will provide for our needs when it comes to ministry. For pastors and leaders, it is truly an exercise of faith mixed with a measure of teaching about money, giving, and then

by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent providing people the opportunity to join in what God is doing.

For this column, I very simply lay before you the opportunity to be a partner with the Alaska Conference as a financial giver. You might be someone who does give, either monthly or has given a single gift at some time– I thank you. You may have never given to the work of our conference. As a reader of the Sinew, I am assuming you have a heart for what God is doing in our midst here in Alaska, and I am inviting you to invest at a new level in what God is doing through our work for individuals, churches, communities and abroad.

Why would you consider giving? I have eight words for you: flourishing churches, vibrant ministries, transformed communities, restored lives. Those are the key words that will be used for our revised vision statement from our work in October. I am compelled to pray all the more, to work diligently in the certain hope of Jesus to show up, break through, and bring to fruition those realities. Would you join us?

As a much younger man, raising support for my own salary as a youth worker, then ACC instructor, God called me to begin supporting what was then ECCAK. Back then, I really did not have a full picture of even what the money was used for, but I knew that I had been on the receiving end for many years of many faithful people before me to give their lives to ministries so that Christ may be more evident in my life and in my community. I was compelled to give. Kristi and I have continued to support the ministry of the AC financially, even as we now are invested significantly with our very lives in the day in and day out ministry called Alaska Conference.

What is the need? My hope is to see $49,000 raised each year by people like you. I believe that we can see God provide for the sake of seeing our vision become an increasing reality. Let’s call it Team 49. This appeal is especially for my fellow Alaska Covenanters, but equally I welcome the continued and new partnership of those who live outside this state. I could give you some donor math for how we could achieve that, like if we had 49 people give $1,000 or if you committed to giving regularly at $49 per month, or maybe you could give a gift of $4,900 at this time. For some reason those kinds of appeals work, maybe because we see how each gift can add up to meet the goal. But personally, I have a hard time making the “hard sell”. So, I’m going to trust that the Holy Spirit will make it clear how you are being asked to give.

Whatever the case, think of it like this: whatever you give, it is going to keep on giving. Like SmartWool socks. But instead of for your feet, it is so that we can be the feet that brings good news—establishing flourishing churches, vibrant ministries, transformed communities, restored lives.. Please partner with us.

Better than SmartWool

The envelope enclosed may be used to send a gift or to make a monthly pledge. Or, you can give online at the website www.alaskacovennat.org.

2 // the Sinew

First Covenant Implements Congregational Care Team

a o ne o t h e r

When you enter the sanctuary at First Covenant Church, you will notice that where there once were four empty slots in each of the pews, there is now in bold white lettering with an invitation to “CONNECT” in each of those slots. As you remove the card you’ll discover that the colorful, two-sided card is designed to do just that, connect you to the larger body. Turn the card over, and there is a place to express your own need for “CARE” on the back side of the card where you can list prayer requests, share a concern or ask a question of the pastoral staff, prayer team, or the Care Team.

This card was the first action point of a nine -month process that began last January as a few people voiced the need, and the desire, to increase the care ministry of the larger body at the church. Pastor Max Lopez-Cepero welcomed the idea of seeking to develop a new ministry team that was later named the Congregational Care Ministry Team (CCMT).

Before the team was formed however, two listening groups were held to hear what others in the church thought and had experienced, or not experienced, in their time at First Covenant. Some shared stories of needs being missed, others recounted ministries from years back that have ceased to continue, some described ways they had felt connected to the church and cared for in times of need. From those conversations, it was identified that caring for others requires being connected to one another, which requires clear, accessible ways of communicating with one another and avenues for bringing needs to the forefront.

Materials from other area churches were gathered and reviewed to help formulate the resulting “connect/care card” that are now being used as one communication avenue.

In addition to the card, the team designed a survey that was given out for one month to regular attenders to fill out. It listed many different care ministries ideas/tasks and invited each person to mark where they would be interested in contributing to needs as they arise. The surveys were tallied and the team now has a list of many people across the congregation who are willing and eager to serve in various areas as needs come up.

The CCMT is still formulating response strategies and ways to effectively mobilize the larger body in how to care for one another with the information gathered. But already, the church is seeing the first part of its mission statement, “to be God’s caring family…,” being realized in new ways and bearing new fruit as it seeks to care for one another.

The “One Another” column is written to highlight ways that individuals, churches and ministries are seeking to care for one another in practical or tangible ways. Have you been on the receiving end of significant care or encouragement ministry from someone in your church or by one of our conference ministries like KICY or ACC? I’d like to hear about it and share with readers in order to help “consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Email me at kristi@alaskacovenant.org.

—Kristi Ivanoff, editor

Valerie Thomas: First on National Executive Board for AK Conference When the Alaska Conference was formed at the June 2014 ECC Annual Meeting, the delegation there also voted to approve Valerie Thomas, of Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church (BECC), as the Alaska Conference representative to serve on the ECC Executive Board.

The Executive Board acts on behalf of the Annual Meeting between Annual Meetings. It is elected by delegates and provides oversight on a number of matters related to direction, policy, and financial responsibility.

Though she was admittedly reluctant about this type of position, after prayer and conversations with other ministry leaders, she sensed the need to accept the position by faith.

Val co-leads a LifeGroup in Bethel and explained how a message from Christine Kane that the group had watched, encouraged her in those fears. “I remembered that she spoke from the passage about the different parts of the body and of how important every one of us is. We may be small, but we have a place. I may be small but I have my place.,” Val explained. “I was reminded that God uses unexpected people at unexpected places in unexpected times. This is my time to serve.”

Val attended her first meeting in Chicago in October. During the three day meeting, Val participated in an orientation time with other new members where they reviewed the Covenant’s missional values and ministries. The group ate dinner at President Gary Walter’s home. The following two days consisted of a series of meetings.

“Every meeting began with worship and a message to get us centered on God and his heart. I was so impressed by the people who work in leadership for the Covenant and their heart for the church,” Val said.

The meetings consisted of standard protocol: business reports from different departments, introduction to new executive ministers, and a financial review. There was also a significant amount of time for the

board to discuss issues of human sexuality and dialogue the direction and assertion of the Covenant’s stance related to marriage and sexuality.

“We spent quite a bit of time hearing from the leadership and had opportunity to share our questions and thoughts on the Covenant’s affirmations about that topic.”

The board also has committees that are organized around the missional values of the Covenant church. Val is serving on two board committees including “develop and strengthen leaders” and “make & deepen disciples”.

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff said of his decision to nominate Val for this position, “Val is a young leader who is highly invested in the ministry of her local church, and also has a heart for the work in our state.I am excited to have a person with this character and heart for ministry to represent Alaska on the ECC executive board.”

Val serves on the church board of BECC. She also serves at the state level on the CYAK Board of Directors and as a YK Delta representative on the Covenant Women’s Council. She attended Alaska Christian College (ACC) and received her B.S. in Business from North Park University.

She also served with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) after graduating from college. She worked two years as a resident advisor at ACC prior to moving back to Bethel to work for Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. She is currently the assistant director of accounting.

“There was a time when I felt like I was in a rutt. It seemed my life was just about going to work, going home and nothing else. I began to come out of that as I connected with the Christian community that was growing in Bethel. Being connected and involved really helped. Each time I was asked to serve in a new way, I felt initially reluctant, but when I prayed about the decision, I would sense God calling me to start with a small risk—just take a first step. It was the same with the executive board position. As I looked back and saw God’s faithfulness in every other situation, I knew I could accept it, knowing God would not call me to it if he did not have something planned for me in it.”

“Recently God has been changing my perspective on giving of my time, money and resources. I heard in a sermon that God’s economy is not one of scarcity—it is one of abundance. And God blesses and multiplies what we give. We all have our place. Once we embrace the place we are at and give of ourselves, we find we have more life.”

Women’s Retreat Draws Largest Attendance in Journey Through Psalm 33

by Mary Rall, Eagle River Community Covenant Church

The 2015 Covenant Women’s Retreat featured a record number of participants Sept. 1820, with 106 women attending from 21 churches from both road-system and village communities. The annual event was featured at North Star Bible Camp in Willow, where retreat participants had opportunities to worship, grow and enjoy fellowship as they explored the retreat’s theme of “Wait, Hope, Expect: A Journey Through Psalm 33.”

“This retreat was all about community, relationships and fellowship,” said Julie Stingley of Community Covenant Church, who served on the event’s planning committee. “Women are so busy in their day-to-day lives that we don’t take time for ourselves.”

Featured speakers at the event included Kristi Ivanoff from First Covenant Church, Shirleen London of Unalakleet Covenant Church, Bernadette Alexander from Chugach Covenant

Church and Carlee Hobbs of Nome Covenant Church.

This year’s craft sale and offering raised $2,465 to be contributed to the Alaska Conference parsonage projects in Scammon Bay and Elim.

“The 2015 Covenant Women’s Retreat was a blessed event with many cities, villages and churches represented,” said Laura Eben of First Covenant Church. “There were many dear lives changed as the Holy Spirit was present and working. Praise God for this wonderful event.”

Sharron Carlson of Eagle River contributed to the planning of the retreat as well, and noted there were 24 women who participated in the event for the first time this year.

“The welcome was warm and friendly, and the whole group felt like family,” Sylvia Matson of Nome said. “God was certainly here. What a refreshing, peaceful, non-stressful escape.”

Many of the women had an opportunity to get to know each other throughout the weekend while enjoying activities such as crafts, canoeing, kayaking, massages, holy-yoga, Zumba, singing hymns, archery, essential oils, a movie night, hand waxing, reflexology and corporate and individual prayer.

“As a people watcher, I enjoyed seeing and listening to women interact with each other,” said Iris Petersen of Community Covenant Church.

“The hum of conversation, the laughter, the sharing of laps for fussy babies.” Charlene Walker said, “We loved connecting with all these amazing women from around Alaska and also developing relationships within our Chugach Covenant Church women.”

See back page for photos from the retreat.

Winter 2015// 3

Hope for Hooper Bay: Team Sh

A cross-generational team from the Alaska Co to Hooper Bay the last weekend in October in re over a two-week period of time. Pastors, lay lead youth, and a teacher from the Anchorage bowl a Scammon Bay and Mekoryuk prayed to be used mourn with those who mourn and to bring the h CYAK leadership planned the weekend outrea team's stay, and CYAK director Byron Bruckner nally from Unalakleet, is CYAK's new program d serving in Scammon Bay, a neighboring village to tails together. The Alaska Conference supported Covenant Church. The Covenant Church there h than two years. Patrick McLean serves in leaders that is adjoined to the church. His guidance gave along side the ministries that have been on-going touched by the recent tragedies.

Four adults on the team and one young woman spent time visiting with, listening to and praying also participated in community outreach activitie played games with kids, shared testimonies and s ear. During Saturday afternoon, the CYAK grou participated in a few mini-sessions for leadership

Top: After a full evening of games, laughter and testimonies of God’s presence through life’s pain, the ministry team gathered around high school students from Hooper Bay eyes in this captive audience are on Byron Bruckner and his amazing juggling act; Jackie Williams, of Mekoryuk, paints faces of eager carnival-goer; the Yup’ik choir shares d

Western Alaska Ministry Training: Mission and Ministry of ECC—La A diverse group of more than 20 people from across Alaska, Colorado and even two visitors from New Zealand gathered in Bethel for four days in to learn together of the Mission and Ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

The course was part of the Alaska Conference’s Western Alaska Ministry Training initiative that equips pastors and lay leaders on various topics related to ministry in the western Alaska context. This particular course is also part of the ECC’s Covenant Orientation program for credentialed ministers who received their theological training outside of the Covenant.

Superintendent Garth Bolinder of the Mid-south Conference and Superintendent Robert Owens of the Southeast Conference shared the responsibility of teaching the course. From course evaluations, the instructors and the content received rave reviews with comments like, “the energy and sincerity of both Dr. Owens and Dr. Bolinder was one strength of this course...” and “the instructors were great at enriching the curriculum by including discus-

sion and reflection on current experiences and ministry that we are all involved in….” Another commented, “The class allowed me to pull together pieces of what I knew to build a stronger picture and understanding on how God’s hand has shaped the Covenant past, present and future.”

“There was an energy in this group that gave me a lot of joy, because it reflected how deeply our people desire to be a part of what God is doing in Alaska.”

Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff said. “I was encouraged to see how it strengthened our understanding of the work of our denomination and how each of us are a vital piece of the work we do together.”

WAMT has been holding classes since 2012. The typical schedule has included a fall course offered in Bethel and a spring course in Nome in the spring.

People interested in theological education and ministry training within the western Alaska context are invited to take a class or enroll in the full program to move toward ministry credentialing and ordination.

Information about the WAMT program can be found on the conference website.

hares Christ’s Caring Ministry

onference and Covenant Youth of Alaska traveled esponse to the four suicides that happened there ders, CYAK staff, a retired pastor, high school area, Mountain Village, Unalakleet, Hooper Bay,

by God as they followed Christ's mandate to hope of Christ to Hooper Bay. ach, purchased ministry supplies and food for the r served as the team leader. Ruth Johnson, origidirector. She teamed with Drew Williams who is o Hooper Bay, to pull all the programming ded the trip with funding, as did the Unalakleet has been without a full-time pastor for more ship in the church and oversees the teen center e direction to the team in how to best come g to encourage the kids, teens and families

n from Hooper Bay whose brother took his life, for the families in their homes. Team members es that are regular weekly events where they spent time with anyone who needed a listening up did service projects around the church and p development and ministry equipping led by

Bryon and other ministry leaders. On Saturday night, Halloween, the team hosted a two-hour carnival in the teen center where Byron performed his beloved juggling act with balls, fruit, and knives to bring the Good News of Christ to the people in attendance. The juggling served as a great conduit to other conversations as several teens sought after Byron to try their hand at the new skill. After the carnival, the team hosted a high school outreach meeting from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Throughout the evening, there were testimonies shared to center on the hope that God offers and the truth of how God redeems lives and helps us in our struggles. "'Bear each other's burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ' (Galatians 6:2). The burden of suicide is a burden that no living should carry alone," Pastor Vince Eben shared. "As we talked and prayed with people in Hooper Bay, we let them know we are helping them carry their burden of loss and suicide. We grieve, weep, and cry out with them and pray our God will hear and give grace and mercy in abundance to help in this their time of need.”

Dorothy Bekoalok, originally from Shaktoolik, served on the team and led a mini-seminar with the team on the stages of grieving and how to begin to care for those experiencing loss. "I loved the way that Byron called out the student leaders and mentored them. I also love how the youth at Hooper Bay just wanted more of God," Dorothy reflected.

On Sunday morning, the team shared in word, song and testimony before taking Communion with the congregation there, and then returned to their respective villages. Ongoing prayers are needed for Hooper Bay and many other Alaskan villages where many lives are lost each year prematurely through the enemy's darkness and lies. God's people, however, will continue to persist and plead for God's mercy and for his Spirit of healing to be poured out on the hearts and souls of the Alaskan people.

y to pray for the deep struggles many are facing after four recent suicides in Hooper Bay. Bottom : Four friends enjoy the Halloween carnival held in the teen center; all during Sunday worship; Patrick McClean and worship team leads congregational singing; elders Maryann and Paul Nukusuk enjoy the after church lunch and fellowship.

argest Class Gathers in Bethel to Survey Covenant Scope, Vision, Work “The class content was deep and yet personal. We were able to interact with each other and hear each other, teach other, and understand that “we are all in this together.” It was one of the best classes I have attended. The presenters, Robert and Garth, were real and genuine.”

—Pastor Heather Smith Here are a few memories from the rich time in fellowship and learning during the WAMT Mission and Ministry class in Bethel. Top left to bottom right: Associate Superintendent James Barefoot and Craig Willoya of Golovin; Drew Williams of Scammon Bay, James Ventress of Nome and Superintendent Robert Owens; Amanda Van Vleet of Alaska Christian College, Laura Eben of Anchorage, and Tricia Ivanoff of Unalakleet; Heather Smith of Anchorage, instructors Robert Owens and Garth Bolinder; the whole group.

“Elijah House” in Unalakleet Ministers Through Healing Prayer

by Donna Erickson, Unalakleet Covenant Church

A team from Elijah House Ministries traveled to Unalakleet and held a Healing Prayer Seminar at the Covenant auditorium for three days.

Teaching time was held with lessons from the Word of God on subjects such as sowing and reaping, producing good and bad fruit from seeds sown, breaking generational trauma, and the healing power of prayer.

After looking at God's word together under the leadership of teacher Sandra Kersten, there were time slots where people signed up for healing prayer by the Elijah House team. Prayer time varied from one to three hours.

I signed up for healing prayer and was prayed for by Bill and Sue Frisbie, who direct Elijah House in Washington.

Also praying for me was Dorothy Bekoalok. My husband also had healing prayer the next evening with Bill and Peter Kersten, who came all the way from New Zealand.

What a powerful time of prayer we had! My three hours went by very fast and I left my appointed time of prayer feeling much relieved and full of peace that I cannot explain. Before being prayed for, we had an assignment to think of "bad fruit" that we often produce in our lives.

Some examples of bad fruit are committing sins over and over and asking for forgiveness but never really getting free; trying to forgive people but never really being able to; or judging people but not meaning to.

Conference Hires Ministry Associate

by Cory Alverts, Interim Office Manager

The Alaska Conference is pleased to announce that Aune Carlson will be joining the conference office team. Aune will serve in a new position as Ministry Associate. She will make a valuable contribution to the work of initiatives such as Western Alaska Ministry Training, development work, event planning and communication. She will also assist in management needs of the conference office.

Aune is originally from Grand Rapids, MI, and recently concluded her work with the Evangelical Covenant Church offices in Chicago, having served there the last five years. She is no stranger to Alaska having volunteered at Covenant Bible Camp and served with Covenant Youth of Alaska and Amundson Educational Center prior to attending North Park Theological Seminary in 2007.

Aune will begin her work with the conference office in the early part of January. Pray for her as she makes preparation to move back to Alaska.

6 // the Sinew

I spent some time in personal prayer and asked God to show me what "bad fruit" I needed to get rid of. When I saw some things in myself that were not pleasing to God, I asked the prayer team to pray for me about my issues. Little did I know that I would leave our time of prayer profoundly transformed and set free! The Lord exposed the roots of some bad fruit from seeds that were planted a long time ago in my life. I faced these memories with the prayer team. I did not realize how some things that occurred in my childhood had adversely affected the way that I thought about myself and others. The lies that were planted were "rooted out," and I left my prayer time so transformed that a month and half later, it still is affecting my every day life in a very positive way.

Other people that attended the seminar also have shared with me the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ through healing prayer. Reflecting on the healing we received brings us great joy and freedom. All we had to do was ask, yield, and receive. The healing power of Jesus Christ is for everyone and it is available to those who seek it. The women in my Bible study group who attended this seminar learned valuable tools on how to pray for each other. Praise God! Thank you, Alaska Conference for helping to send the Elijah House team to Unalakleet!

You are invited to attend the 2016

Alaska Conference Annual Meeting Scammon Bay Covenant Church May 5-8, 2016 “Make and Deepen Disciples”

2 Timothy 2:2

Transitions The Alaska Conference Office and Covenant Youth of Alaska Office have moved to one location in Anchorage. The new offices are located on the property of First Covenant Church in the previous “Arigaa house” or some may know it as the “Muldoon House.” The mailing address for the Alaska Conference is PO Box 200446, Anchorage, AK, 99520. See the back page for new phone and fax number.

Pastor Don (Fei) Cross completed their service with Mountain Village Covenant Church in December.

The CYAK Arigaa House discipleship ministry has moved locations. CYAK has acquired two duplexes located at 2800 & 2802 Princeton Way in Anchorage. The men moved in November and planning is underway to open a female discipleship house for women in January.

Aune Carlson will assume the position of Ministry Associate for the Alaska Conference, and begins working in the office in January.

Winter Prayer Calendar December

January

February

Monday

Keith (Debbie) Hamilton Alaska Christian College  Son Brad in college to be used by God  Son Chris making college decisions  ACC's students to return after Christmas  Generous financial gifts with the extra full campus

Nick (Nikki) Bruckner Bible Camp Unalakleet Covenant/Bible Camp Unalakleet  Pastor/youth pastor search process  God to call the right combination of staff for summer camps  Many UNK families who are grieving  Provision for financial needs  Nikki to have healthy pregnancy  Students to come to camp who have yet  Guidance, wisdom and love as we to make decision for Christ serve UECC

Tuesday

Nome Covenant Church David (Lauren) Rurik CYAK/ Arigaa  More staff for growing youth ministry  Praise & prayer as CYAK staff is  Small group ministry beginning growing and as new staff members  Congregational Vitality pathway raise support  Renewed congregational spirit of hum Praise & prayer as the Arigaa Discipleble passion before God ship house grows/utilizes new facility  Staff and volunteers

Rick (Lesa) Millikin Mat-Su Covenant Church We continue to seek prayer for God’s will in our community for ways to reach people with the love of Christ. Also for our new Children’s Program and plans for a youth program in the near future.

Wednesday

Sean (Shannon) Hoffbeck Adam (Shirleen) London Alaska Christian College CYAK Dir. Of Operations/Devel.  For ACC students to draw near to God-  London family during Adam’s writing be healthy and strong to make good Sabbatical starting in January decisions over Christmas Break  Need for additional funding new posi For arrival of healthy baby in February tion with CYAK  London family as they seek to become foster parents next year

Hugh (Lanette) Forbes Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church  More adult volunteers at Youth Coffee House Ministry to meet with students.  Youth Worker/Intern with heart for God, students, and community.  More volunteers for Friday Night Supper Club through end of March

Thursday

Hooper Bay Covenant Church Patrick McLean and teen center volunteers as they seek to care for youth God would call pastor and equip and unify congregation

Friday

Mike and Cory Alverts Aune Carlson, Alaska Conference CYAK and Community Covenant Ministry Associate  Help with God navigating leadership  Details around transition and move to changes among young adult ministries Alaska; affordable housing option in Anchorage  Good connection with friends and  Guidance and provision for health care sense of community coverage for family  Joy in new position with AC

Alaska Conference Executive Board Curtis (Kristi) Ivanoff Superintendent Alaska Conference  For continued strategic planning during January board meeting; finalizing  Increased giving from within Alaska to mission and vision statements match Vision for ministries  Wisdom and unity in decisions  Quality family time after January travels Scammon Bay Covenant Church For Pastor Jason Stromstad in difficulties related to health and living conditions Parsonage fund raising project Congregation as they plan for and host regional conference and annual meeting

Upcoming Events & Dates Jan. 11 Alaska Christian College Spring classes begin, Soldotna Jan. 23-25 Youth Worker’s Connection, Chicago Jan. 25-29 ECC Midwinter Conference, Chicago Feb. 19-21 Young Adult Retreat, Big Lake May 5-8 Annual Meeting, Scammon Bay April Western Alaska Ministry Training, Nome (to be announced) Winter 2015// 7

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

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

2015 Covenant Women’s Retreat—North Star Bible Camp

McElwee Publishes First Book Ruth McElwee first came to Alaska in 2008, when she and her husband, Ross, served as pastors in the White Mountain Covenant Church for seven years. Her first book entitled “Broken Hearts Healed” is now available for orders at Ruth’s website: www.brokenheartshealed.org.

“I am a silver-haired storyteller, author and speaker who hopes to encourage, inspire, strengthen and challenge you as we journey together with Jesus,” shares Ruth.

The true story of Ruth’s life tells the of a journey from the devastation of sexual abuse, loss of innocence and depression to redemption and transformation. There’s also a love story entwined as well.

Dr. Clair Schnupp of NYM ministries in Dryden, Ontario describes the book as one in which, “...Redemption’s story blossoms.” Bill Pagaran of Broken Walls and President of Carry the Cure, Inc., commented, “A healed land begins with a healed people. [Ruth has] demonstrated how brokenness can be transformed into something beautiful.”

Ruth and Ross currently live in Soldotna and attend The River Covenant Church.

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.