A Newsletter of Anchor Park United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 A Newsletter of Anchor Park United Methodist Church Januar y 2017 M E R RY CHRISTMAS! From the Pastor s Desk 2 Human Relations Day 2 My Anchor Park Story 3 Charge Conference 3 Calendar 4 Ways to Connect 5 Children s Ministry 6 Youth 6 United Methodist Women 7 Global Village 8 Our Pastor: Doug Handlong pastordoughandlong@gmail.com The Newsletter is published monthly. Articles and material should be to the church office by the 21st of each month. We encourage you to send material electronically if you can. You may Patti, the Office Administrator at: office@anchorpark.org In the world, Christmas comes and goes. In the church Christmas is a season. It s not a long one, about 8 days, stretching from Christmas Eve to the Sunday immediately following Christmas day. It is our hope for many across Anchorage, that season will stretch as well. As a community outreach and expression of love for our neighbors, Anchor Park took our Christmas Poinsettias to neighbors across town. From the hospitals, to gas stations, to the jails, the Walgreens and the Holiday, Anchor Park you were a blessing to many. The joy of Christmas continues. God bless you friends! ~Pastor Doug P O I N S E T T I A R E P O R T This from Nancy Mattson- Red & I set out after church to deliver to the Airport Heights Fire House. I rang the bell & about 6-7 firemen in sweats came rushing to the door (like they expected trouble) when I said Merry Christmas & shoved the poinsettia in he looked incredulous they all smiled then did a double take saying - who's it from? I said APUMC! They incredulously thanked us. We set out for Providence Extended Care...Red pointed out gas stations & restaurants all along the way that were open...making me wish I'd taken a half a dozen plants. We got to the complex of Prov.Ex. Care cottages north of Boniface & Debarr - which cottage should I go to?? The 1st one looked pretty dark, the next one had a couple visitors, I stopped at Susitna, saw a bunch of capped women eating at a a stark table...one came to the door... I cheerily said Merry Christmas & shoved the big poinsettia at her.. she looked puzzled I said it's for you-the staff - she looked shocked saying from who?? I said APUMC with a smile...she said OH Thank You!! Crystal and Thomas Feaster- took a poinsettia and a plate for cookies to Fire Station 4, they were very grateful! Jodi, Reagan, and Alexis Tunstall sharing Poinsettias at Anchor Point Care center on Christmas morning. Ruth Durr took a poinsettia to the OB station at Regional and one of the fire stations, she encounter big smiles and appreciation. Rita Spencer took one to the nurses station at Providence Hospital, Rita said this is a wonderful idea and we should do this every year! Many more folks delivered, here are some other places that received poinsettias: pet emergency; the Holiday stations at Muldoon, Boniface, and Tudor; Walgreens; Fire stations at Eagle River, #7, Campbell, Bear Valley, and downtown; a shut-in neighbor and even more. Dina and Joel Russ delivered to those at the Chevron on DeBarr

2 P age 2 January 2017 FROM THE PASTOR S DESK On behalf of the entire Handlong family I would like to thank you for the generous response to the parsonage improvement request made in November. Your prompt and generous outpouring helped buy new furnishings for the parsonage as well as new mattresses. The timing couldn t have been better. Combined with Black Friday sales, and one member s company benefits, we were able to do all that we set out to at the parsonage with some to spare. A special thanks to Lant Platner whose corporate discount at J.C. Penney stretched our dollars in a big way. ~Doug and Deanne Handlong and family BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP What a joy and blessing to receive into membership, at Anchor Park UMC, Etuini and Loila Pakileata and their children, Laahili and Fuetahi. We were also blessed to witness the baptism of Fuetahi Pakileata and Olivia Saafii. H U M A N R E L A T I O N S D A Y I S J A N UA R Y 1 5, Turn on the news or drive around the outskirts of your town and you will find what Jesus called the least of these. Those living in the margins of society, struggling to survive. People like: An immigrant teenager in Texas poorest county, being recruited by a local gang A father struggling for sobriety in Little Rock, Arkansas An Oklahoma woman recently released from incarceration looking for work Over and over Jesus served people like this, embracing them. And that s what we want to model as the people of The United Methodist Church. To continue the ministry of Jesus we established Human Relations Day as a Special Sunday that calls all of our churches to participate in helping all God s children to realize their potential. Equipping The United Methodist Church to Be the Church As a member of The United Methodist Church, your gift, on this day, allows the work of folks like Bruce and Becky Ballou to build relationships with those teens in Texas. Your gift allows Montey Payne to lead recovering addicts towards healing. And your gift helps Rev. Steve Burr find work for ex-offenders. This work, and hundreds of other ministries, are possible because you give. Together, we extend a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable obstacles

3 Page 3 M Y A N C H O R P A R K S T O R Y - S U S A N W I L L I A M S As a child, I attended a United Methodist Church in New Jersey. My family went to church on Sundays but Christ was not the center of our lives. I participated in Sunday school, youth group and Vacation Bible School. As I grew older, I yearned for a fuller relationship with Jesus. Summers I worked at Camp Farnsworth, New Hampshire s Girl Scout Camp. Following college, during the school year, I worked at Natures Classroom, an environmental Education School. Living and working together in these communities, greatly impacted my life. Strong Christians witnessed their faith, modeling the joyous life I craved. In 1983, I travelled to Alaska for a summer job and fell in love. Gazing at the mountains, the scenery and wildlife I knew creation was unfolding here. Alaska called to my soul. May 1985, 5000 miles, my family and friends behind, my new life began. When I arrived in Anchorage I didn t know anyone. I settled in the Airport Heights neighborhood. Anchor Park was the first stop in my church search. A shy, insecure, person walked through the church doors. I never visited another Church. My first Sunday I quietly sat in the back. That morning, there was a powerful moment as the congregation welcomed back a member. People cheered, people cried, the Anchor Park Family circled this person with hugs. Later, I learn the person had experienced a horrible airplane crash and lost her husband. The love shown that morning was impressive to me. Over time, the invisible person, who sat in the back each Sunday morning and quickly ducked out of the service, changed. Members of the congregation invited me to activities. The first activity I attended was a Graham Cracker decorating party. It was a fun night of fellowship. I was invited to the annual church retreat at Victory Bible Camp. Through sledding and hot chocolate, friendships were born. Soon after, I volunteered as a youth group leader. Next, I got involved in small groups. During one study, we were challenged to go out into the world and engage with strangers. With a partner, we invited a 4 th Avenue homeless person for a meal and coffee. God was nudging me to step out of my comfort zone. In 1989, I joined Disciple Bible study. Rich discussions among the 30 participants opened my eyes to the living bible. At the time, I didn t see myself as a Christian leader. That same year, a friend invited me to attend the Walk to Emmaus. After much internal struggle, I applied for the retreat. There God s love and grace became real to me. God truly loved me. God had given each of us unique gifts and skills. We all had a calling. We are God s hands and feet for a hurting world. These two powerful experiences changed my life immensely. The small group communities led me to heal areas in my life, freeing me to use my gifts in ways I couldn t have imagined. My faith journey continues to grow with the loving support of the Anchor Park family. Through the years, I have taught Sunday school, participated in vacation bible school in various roles, and varied musical ministries. My committee work has included Staff Parish, Finance, Education, Mission outreach, Nominations, etc. As a youth leader I have been involved in two mission trips and national youth gatherings. I had the privilege to serve as Anchor Park s Lay Leader to Annual Conference. I served on the Birchwood Camp Board and Conference Outdoor Ministries Committee. I have been active in United Methodist Women, most recently being elected as National Director. I try to live into God s vision for myself. Remembering each day Matthew 22: And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I thank God for the Anchor Park Family, which has loved, nurtured and cared for me through these thirty plus years. C H A R G E C O N F E R E N C E - S U N D A Y, J A N 8 T H The annual meeting of the Anchor Park Charge Conference will be held 6:30pm, Sunday, January 8 at APUMC. All are welcome to attend; members will have voting rights. The Charge Conference is a tradition as old as Methodism itself. It is a time for the congregation to look back at the previous year and report accomplishments to the Conference Superintendent. This conference is also a time for the congregation to share with the Superintendent its dreams and goals for the coming year. New Year s Day Open House 3:00-6:00pm Everyone s Invited WE WILL NOT BE HAVING AN ALL CHURCH POTLUCK IN JANUARY

4 Page 4 JANUARY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3:00-5:00 PM Parsonage Open House 8 5:00 PM Youth 5:45 PM SPRC Meeting 6:30 PM Charge Conference 15 12:15 PM UMW Potlatch Circle 5:00 PM Youth Lock-In 22 3:00 PM Real About Addiction 5:00 PM Youth 29 2 Church office closed 6:30 PM Tongan Week of Prayer 9 10:00 AM Strong Women & Men Exercise Program 16 Church office closed 7:30 AM Bean's Cafe` 10:00 AM Strong Women & Men Exercise Program 6:30 PM Fiber Fellowship 23 10:00 AM Strong Women & Men Exercise Program 30 10:00 AM Strong Women & Men Exercise Program 3 6:30 PM Tongan Week of Prayer :00 PM Reading / Barnes & Noble :11 AM Prayer 6:30 PM Tongan Week of Prayer 6:45 PM Adult 11 11:11 AM Prayer 11:50 AM UMW Forget-menot Circle 6:45 PM Adult 18 11:11 AM Prayer 6:45 PM Adult 25 11:11 AM Prayer 6:45 PM Adult 1 11:11 AM Prayer 6:45 PM Adult 5 6:30 PM Tongan Week of Prayer :30 PM Tongan Week of Prayer :00 AM Quilting 10:00 AM Quilting

5 Page 5 A N E W Y E A R A T A N C H O R P A R K... Sunday School - Resumes Jan 8th Sunday mornings at 9:45am. Classes for all ages. Fiber Fellowship - Resumes Jan 16th Come and join this group of women, who knit and crochet, for a time of prayer, devotions and fellowship. This group meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays from 6:30-8:00 pm. Beginners are welcomed! Strong Women Exercise Mondays and Wednesdays at 10am & Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm Choir Schedule - Resumes Jan 4th Wednesday: Handbell Choir at 6:00 pm; Adult Choir at 6:45pm. Consider joining the choir! New members greatly wanted! Take time to Pray Come join us in the Sanctuary at 11:11am every Wednesday morning for prayer. If you re not able to join us in person, take a moment wherever you are at 11:11 and join us in spirit as you take a moment to pray. Quilting Are you a quilter? Come join us for our Quilting the first Saturday of each month from 10:00-4:00 in the Tongan room. We also enjoy a pot luck lunch together. Bring your supplies and sewing machine and join the fun! United Methodist Women Fellowship Potlatch Circle Next meeting Jan 15 Usually meets the 3rd Sunday following worship for program/activity and lunch. Forget Me Not Circle Next meeting Jan 11 Usually meets the 2nd Wednesday at 11:50 for program/activity. Bring your lunch. ~You are invited and encouraged to join any of these groups! C O N N E C T! C O M M U N I C A T E! C E L E B R A T E! Check out the church s website at Like us on Facebook! The monthly Link and the weekly Mini Link are posted to the website under Newsletter and Calendar Birthdays 1 William Riek 5 Susan Wildman 10 Tom Packer 11 Eileen Benton 12 Jeannette Cornell Michele Sims 16 Garen Shawback Nyakuoth Gatriek Roda Chigach 19 William McPheters 20 Grace Saafi 21 Ellia Shawback 23 Marilyn Gardner 27 Deborah Todd 29 David Gardner Anniversaries REAL ABOUT ADDICTION MEETING We will be meeting regularly the last Sunday of every month at 3pm. We re a support group and a group for changing the way addiction is handled in our community. This is a community problem and we need the community to help solve the problem. Addicts, recovering addicts, parents and family members of addicts and anyone in the community who would like to support this cause are welcome. Bring a R ecovery is E veryone s A ccess to L ife About Addiction snack or dish if you d like. But more importantly bring yourself. For more information, please contact Kim Whitaker V O L U N T E E R A T B E A N S C A F É Members from APUMC meet on the third Monday of each month to serve breakfast at Bean s Café. If you would like to participate in this, sign up the Sunday before with Nancy Mattson at the back of the sanctuary after worship to serve. Picture from Dec Bob & Mary Ellen Mitchell 10 Dean & Diana Hyatt

6 P age 6 January 2017 ANCHOR PARK YOUTH GROUP In December we had a great time going Christmas Be sure to watch for more details about the youth Caroling. We also had an adventurous time at our lock-in on Jan Christmas Party! Check the church s website for updates. Click on the Connect tab and then the Youth Tab. We're kicking off the year with Youth on January 8th! Pictures from the Youth Christmas Party and caroling Year to Date Income $284,037 Year to Date Expenses $268,199 *These are not the finale year-end figures. PRAISES TO GOD! Apportionments are paid in full! Christmas Offering to date $2,481 Pictures from the Children s Advent Party A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER A special thank you to those volunteers who work behind the scenes to keep this church running smoothly: Folding newsletter and bulletins; straightening pencils and envelopes in pews; buying supplies; the powerpoint team; decorating for all seasons in the sanctuary and the rest of the building; money counters; checking the building daily; maintenance and repairs as needed; sweeping the parking lot: watering and caring for plants and trees; van upkeep; and all the other things that may seem to go unnoticed! What would we do with you!

7 P age 7 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Pictures from the Christmas adopt a family wrapping party, and the cookie exchange Upcoming Circle Meetings The ForgetForget-meme-not Circle meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We will meet this month on Wednesday, January 11th starting at 11:50 and running until about 1:00. Bring your lunch and join us. The Potlatch Circle will meet on January 15th right after worship for a program and lunch. Childcare will be provided. A donation is requested to pay for food and childcare. AK Child and Family Nome Community Center. (We also donated $500 to the youth group) In addition, in a project organized by UMW, Anchor Park demonstrated tremendous generosity, shopping for three families who needed help at Christmas, including families from Russian Jack and Airport Heights and Wendler schools. UMW organized and wrapped the gifts. Because of your genumw Mission Outreach and Adopt a Family The auction was a great success, raising 3,050 for missions. erosity children not only had gifts on Christmas but beds to sleep in. At the December meeting and cookie exchange, the group voted to contribute to the following missions: So once again, to the crafters and bakers, the fine meal Birchwood Camp Scholarships makers, the bidders and buyers, the organizers, and all the Priceless - (an anti-sex trafficking organization based in Anpeople who shopped, wrapped, delivered, helped choose the chorage that walks with victims to find new life while meetmission projects, wrote checks, and prayed for these mising practical needs.) sions that reach out to the strangers who are our sisters and Royal Family Kid's Camp - (camp for foster children) brothers in Christ thank you. Fistula- (surgery for young girls to repair damage from childbirth) JOIN US FOR OUR 2017 UMW SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT WALK WITH WHOLENESS Galatians 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJV) March 31 - April 2, North Star Bible Camp, Willow Alaska Our retreat Leader will be Praveena Balasundaram, from the UMW National Office and our Retreat Clergy will be Pastor Lisa Talbot from Homer UMC Flyer and registration forms are on the UMW bulletin broad in the hall way.

8 ANCHOR PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2300 Oak Drive Anchorage, Alaska "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Anchor Park UMC 2300 Oak Drive Anchorage, Alaska Phone: Fax: (call first) Office Hours: M-TH 8:00-2:00 B U I L D I N G H O M E S I N M A L A W I Once again our thanks to all who supported the Anchorage Habitat For Humanity affiliate in November. Sixteen volunteers worked under the direction of Malawi's Orphan and Vulnerable Children program, building no-cost homes for orphan children. These children who surrounded the job sites at all moments, could melt the hardest of heart. All of us were profoundly affected by this experience. For further information contact Harry Ricker or check out the web site: View the LINK online in color at: If you wish to only receive the LINK electronically, advise the office of your decision.