Conference News

Wednesday Webinar with the Bishop: Freed from Death

Join us as we resume our weekly Wednesday webinar series with Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky, on Wednesday, April 15, to share our Easter stories. The hour-long webinar begins at 9 am PDT, 10 am MDT, or 8 am AKDT. Clergy and laity from across the Greater Northwest Area are invited to participate.

This coming week Bishop Elaine will be discussing, with other panelists, where they see signs of resurrection – life that defies death – in this season of disease and death.

Playing off the lectionary texts for April 19, the prayer and conversation will explore how you keep your own spirit rooted and refreshed in God’s Holy Spirit when death is so close and so real. There will also be discussion around how we minister to others in a time of physical distancing.

Lucy Barton passes away

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that the Rev. Lucy Barton passed away last night in Kenai. She had colon cancer that metastasized to her liver. Lucy is a retired clergy member of the California Pacific Conference who served our Alaska Conference churches in Nome (1999-2005) and Kenai (2007-2008). Plans are still being made for a memorial service, subject to the requirements of the current stay-at-home mandate. In the meantime, people are encouraged to share stories, photos and prayers on Caring Bridge: www.caringbridge.org/visit/lucybarton. Condolences may also be sent to Lucy’s beloved, Maury Lair and the family at:

Maury Lair

Lucy Barton’s Family

434 Rogers Rd.

Kenai, AK 99611

UMW devotions and bible study

During this time of isolation and global pandemic the Alaska United Methodist Women are hosting an online morning devotion at 7:00 a.m. on Facebook Live as well as on Zoom. To go along with this we are also doing a Bible Study, using the same platforms, Wednesday's at 3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to these gatherings. Both are recorded on Facebook to view later if you miss the live event. We want to be able to reach out and support you, OUR SISTERS in Christ, and let you know we are thinking of you and we are all praying together for one another. You can participate on their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaUMW

If you have any questions about these events, please contact Jenn Miller, Vice President. Her email is alaskan_miller_girl@yahoo.com

National News

Easter celebrated amid storms, pandemic

Deadly storms, tornadoes and the coronavirus failed to overcome the spirit of Easter as United Methodists responded to multiple dangers as "resurrection people." Storms killed more than 30 people in the South.

Read the story

Virtual choir sings 'Christ the Lord Is Risen Today'

More than 300 Christians from around the globe submitted videos of themselves singing Charles Wesley's beloved Easter hymn "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today." One sang in American Sign Language. Churches can use the video throughout the Easter season.

Watch the video

Living as Easter people

Easter has arrived! Now is the time for United Methodists to live into what it means to be “Easter people.” As we embrace renewed hope through our Risen Christ, nature offers reminders of this eternal promise.

Read the story

Native American Ministries Sunday

As you know, The United Methodist Church is a connection of many congregations worldwide that share a tradition of serving Jesus Christ. As churches set up new platforms to worship, we become more aware of our connections through Jesus Christ. We are stronger together and a source of hope for a world that is living in fear.

On April 26, 2020, United Methodist churches will gather to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday. Your gifts to this church-wide Special Sunday help create strong Native American ministries and highlight the gifts and contributions to The United Methodist Church.

Your gifts to the Native American Ministries Sunday offering create stronger ministries with existing Native American congregations and outreach efforts and provide scholarships for Native American seminarians. Fifty percent of the offering remains in the annual conference to develop relationships and strengthen local Native American ministries.

More information or to donate now

Mission continues despite pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges the ways United Methodists usually stay connected in global mission and ministry. To show how the work continues, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is connecting with faith leaders, health care workers, disaster response coordinators and missionaries for conversations on "Global Mission During a Pandemic." New videos are posted online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

See videos

Far-reaching permission for online worship

The United Methodist Publishing House says each church is free to reproduce liturgical text as needed. During the COVID-19 crisis, the publishing house also has waived the need for churches to ask permission to use liturgical texts in livestreamed or recorded worship.

Read press release

Calendar

April

15-16: GNW Cabinet meeting - Carlo attending remotely

May

2: Leadership Team meeting
5: Cinco de Mayo
10: Mother's Day