Worship at Turnagain UMC

I wanted to see the new energy and enthusiasm at Turnagain UMC for myself last Sunday. Pastor Dale Kelley came out of retirement last summer to Turnagain. She wasn't there very long having recently completed a year of interim pastoring at First Christian Church. Her interim period at TUMC is being extended for a second year as the congregation works to reestablish a stronger base to afford a full time pastor.

Since arriving last summer Turnagain's worship attendance has doubled. Nine new members were received since Christmas and many upgrades have happened to their building.

Some churches think that having a young pastor with a family is key to growing their church. Well, Pastor Dale is not (Sorry, Dale) young, nor does she bring a family other than dear friend and fellow church servant, Joan Flowers. So why is Turnagain UMC turning around? I encourage you to ask Dale. My answer in part has to do with the one question she asked when she arrived. When confronted with all the reasons why they could not do this or that ministry due to outside groups using their building she heard, "They've been here for a long time. We don't want to hurt their feelings." To this Dale asked over and over, "Is it the mission of this church to be in the landlord business or the disciple-making business?" It was this question that sparked a conversation in that church that eventually led them to gracefully exit a group or two that was part of the renewal at Turnagain.

Lay and clergy leaders. What ministries or events are you doing that may be taking energy away from our primary mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ?  Ask Dale to tell the story of Turnagain's turnaround. There just might be something in it that could be reproduced in your church.

Grace and peace,
Dave

Meeting with the Governor

Last Friday an ecumenical group of church leaders were invited to meet with the governor about the high rate of domestic violence offenses in Alaska. He wanted to hear from us about ways to address this serious problem. It was noted that this issue is present in both our rural villages, small towns, and big cities. He told us that if you were ride in an Anchorage police car for an evening that 60% of the calls would be related to domestic violence.

Our ecumenical group had met before and had created a religion map of Alaska which we presented to Governor Parnell. Truth be told it was my idea and Crystal's work. It lists every town or village in Alaska in table format with the number of denominations present. You can check it out by clicking on this link to our web site. http://www.alaskaumc.org/storage/AlaskaReligionMap.pdf


We agreed to do what we could apart from what state government is doing. We plan on creating a simple statement that reflects our scriptural principles about the dignity and respect of all people. We are in strong agreement with recent TV ads with the message that "Real Alaskans Choose Respect."

So I encourage pastors to consider preaching a sermon on this subject. You might post a help line number in your restrooms. Include those hurt by domestic violence in pastoral prayers. The sad truth is that there are people in our churches who are afraid to talk about this family secret. We feel that awareness is an important step in bringing the healing love of God to families in need.

Grace and peace,
Dave

Immigration Reform Rally

Last Saturday Kim and I participated in a rally in Anchorage designed to draw attention to the need for changes to our nation's immigration laws. It has been a long time, probably since high school, since I was cursed verbally and with hand gestures. I was taken aback by the anger of some passing drivers and wondered if they truly understood why we were there. Did they assume that we were advocating that we open our borders to let everyone into our country?


This event was sponsored by the nonprofit group, Reform Immigration for America, who believes that our immigration laws are broken and need fixing. All three of Alaska's federal legislators agree. Despite the naysayers it was encouraging to see the people who drove by honking and giving their thumbs up. To see more of what this group's principles go to http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org.

How do these principles match with our United Methodist Social Principles? Here's what our church says: ¶ 162 H) Rights of Immigrants — We recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God. We affirm the right of all persons to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, health care, education, and freedom from social discrimination. We urge the Church and society to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all.

So I encourage all Alaska United Methodists to become aware of the issue and to let our legislators know that we need this to be our next national discussion. Please take some time to hear some of the stories of those who live in the shadows. Listening is one of the first things we learn about Jesus' ministry. It should be a primary component of our common ministry.

Grace and peace,
Dave

A Real Alaskan United Methodist Story

Yesterday I met a legend of a man. His name is Jim Hitchcock, a seasoned builder of log buildings. Shane Inch called me to see if I could give Jim a hand at Birchwood Camp. Steve Sweezey, camp manager, and Charley Brower, our AUMC Native MInistry Committee chairperson, and I spent a gorgeous afternoon working with Jim. Our task was to help Jim build a log cross on the inside of the new building that would give support for the wall.

Jim has been building log buildings for 50 years in Alaska. He mills his own logs and has tons of experience and wisdom. It was a joy to just watch him work and talk. Jim has built most of the log buildings at Birchwood Camp.

Between whaling stories from Charley, wilderness first aid stories from Steve, and log stories from Jim I counted that opportunity to get out of the office a joy.

Grace and peace,
Dave

What Your Church Can Do for People Without Homes

Last Sunday I attended a Homeless Forum designed to educate faith communities about the complexities of homelessness. Pastors and staff from St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Anchorage have been ministering to and with homeless persons for 20 years. They visit the homeless camps and listen to their stories.

They have a creative and simple ministry that I want to pass on for your consideration. It is called "Helping Hands." People bring in items like granola bars, toothpaste, hair brush, etc. Then a group assembles them in clear plastic bags which are distributed to families in the church. They keep them in their cars and offer them to people asking for help on street corners.

I would ask you to add that you invite your people to look them in the eye and ask them their name. As God's people we can be the body of Christ offering a kindness and a look into their soul to remind them that God knows their name and loves them very much.

Issues of homelessness may be different in each of our Alaskan communities. Some are visible. Others are invisible. But they are there and this is a small action we all can do to break down the walls of fear that keep us from responding to people who have no home.

If you would like to see the power point presentation which Rev. Michael Burke, pastor of St. Mary's, make on Sunday please let me know and I'll try to get it for you.

Grace and peace,
Dave

Immigration Reform

Yesterday I attended an event in Anchorage sponsored by the nonprofit group Reform Immigration for America. Molly Haigh, their Alaska director, met with me last week to tell me about this bi-partisan effort to enact humane immigration laws.

At the event at St. Mary's Episcopal Church I met Maria, a Filipino woman whose family has been in Anchorage 7 years. Due to the economic downturn her husband's company was quitting business. It was his business that provided the visas for their family to be here. Through tears she shared that they have been told that they will be deported.

There were many people who have similar stories, stories of separation and fear. I was asked to speak and offer a prayer. Because we United Methodists have already declared a position on this issue in our Social Principles I was able to stand up and speak for our church. What a marvelous gift to witness moments when the desires of Church and society come together in a common purpose.

Everyone is saying that our immigration system is broken. With health care reform accomplished many are hoping that the nation's attention will focus on immigration reform. The time has come. As people of faith we can raise this banner as we join to give those who live in the shadows a chance to come into the light.

Grace and peace,
Dave

Easter Moment at St. John

One of the gifts of my new role as superintendent was to sit with my wife, Kim, our two sons, and friend during Easter worship at St. John UMC, Anchorage. Rose McLean, was the preacher. She delivered a remarkable message that included the intriguing thought that Mary was committed to her grief. So much so that she was not able at first to hear the good news that he had risen. She helped me think about the ways I fail to see Christ's resurrection in the world around me because I cannot let go of my grief. I take this to mean my desire for sympathy, my anger, my attachments and addictions. To hear Rose's sermon click on http://stjohneagle.org/audiosermons.htm.

Pastor John Dodson gave the children's sermon. I just happened to record this video clip of a funny kid's moment.

I trust the joy of Easter will grace your moments to come.

Dave