Dear Aldersgate UMC and Friends of Aldersgate,
It is a joy to highlight the ministry of Lay Servant, David Means and Council Chair, Melanie Venables. They each received distinguished awards at the Alaska Annual Conference for their service. David received the Denman Evangelism Award, and Melanie received the Outstanding Lay Leader award. Laity are the cornerstone of our United Methodist Denomination. Their call is different from mine – and it is equal to mine. The balance of laity and clergy is an example of the equitable relationships that we are called to model for the transformation of the world. Please join me in celebrating their gifts!
Beloveds – our Bishop can PREACH. If you missed any of Bishop Cedrick’s sermons from Annual Conference, I invite and I challenge you to listen to them. Our Bishop has set the course for this year, and his authenticity and the clarity of his vision is inspiring. We were thirsty for his leadership – and I am grateful. Below are the links for you to access:
M.I.L.E. – 2023 Annual Conference
PRIDE month is officially over, but we are still celebrating the humanity and dignity of our LGBTQ+ siblings at Aldersgate. We lament the recent decisions from the Supreme Court that allow for discrimination. We also lament the decision to block student loan relief. Finally, we deeply lament the decision that impacts the equity of college admissions. May we learn from the divide that is present in the highest court in our nation and behave differently. We must continue our work with grace, hope, and love. How long, Lord? Let us move to action and to praise.
I am delighted to share that we gifted our rainbows to First Fairbanks during Annual Conference. It is a reflection of Aldersgate that these rainbows graced all of the spaces across the Greater Northwest. These visual reminders are so important. I’m proud that a little bit of our church has been shared with abundance.
With Hope and Peace,
Pastor Kristi