SEEING MY GRANDFATHER’S COUNTRY: THREE BRIEF STORIES … · Whether Boat trip or Night Dream, what matters is the Lesson: To understand himself and his role and purpose in God‘s

Inside This Issue:

Coming Dates Pg 2 Annual Meeting Pg 13

Seasons of Life Pg 6 Correspondence Received Pg 21

Introducing Vestry Members Pg 11 Vestry Minutes Pg 30

Volume 107 Issue No. 1 Published 4 times a year January—February 2011

SEEING MY GRANDFATHER’S COUNTRY: THREE BRIEF STORIES for the BEGINNING of LENT ―I saw my Grandfather‟s Country once‖, said my friend. ―It was a Green I had never seen before. And there was a hill, far-away.‖ I never knew if he meant a Summer boat trip; or a Night Dream sent by Spirit. I never knew if the River he traveled to get there was THAT River up there; or the River of Baptism that flows through us. I never knew if the willows he pushed through were summergreen along-the-bank willows; or the tangled willows within, which wound and distract. I never knew if the old Trail he followed was barely there, a space between timber; or that Narrow Trail within which glows in the Darkness. I know he worked to get there. I know his heart sang as he pushed towards it. I know the Certainty he carried with him once he had been there. Whether Boat trip or Night Dream, what matters is the Lesson: To understand himself and his role and purpose in God‘s Plan, he had to return and remember and know where he came from. He had to make the stories he had heard his own. Then he could live them, be them. Another Part: The Trip wasn‘t easy; and brush, whether within or without, hurt and tangled and pulled; but at the End there was only Beauty and Light. It‘s Our Time now. To Return and Remember Who We Are. The Dangers and Wounds are Real. But so are the Stories and The Promise. Another Friend, remembering a recent Dream. ―I was on a hill and there were LOTS of people there and they were all, in some sense, MY Family, my relatives. And there was this Amazing Light. Below the Hill and at the bottom of the Hill was all this Darkness, all this STUFF. Black, ugly stuff. And that was the STUFF I‟ve done in my Life. And the people on the Hill said they needed my help; that I needed to go down into that STUFF to help them. So I went down into it. I didn‟t want to, but they needed my help. It was scary, but I went. I got food and stuff for them, then headed back up the Hill. As I was climbing, the people on the Hill were calling out to me, encouraging me, reaching to help me. Then I woke up.‖ It‘s Our Time now. To go into the Darkness. We all have Darkness we have tried to bury and ignore, but it‘s There. In There, we will find not only Darkness, but the buried long forgotten means to help others. We go for others. They need our help. They call and encourage. We have to pass through the willows to get to the Grandfather‘s Country; we have to go into the Darkness to be free of the Darkness. Third Story. Once on a fine Spring day, when it would have been a sin to stay inside, I went for a walk. A friend was sitting outside his cabin, on a block of wood, sharpening his axe. The axe was embedded in another block of wood, in front of him. Slowly, at exactly the right speed, he ran the file along the edge of the axe, sharpening. He paid extra attention to the nicks and wounds, filing and restoring. My friend‘s face shined in the bright Spring sunlight; the axe gleamed where it had been sharpened. Slowly the axe was restored, shining, so it could be used. And the axe said not a word. It was Silent. Still. Accepting. It‘s Our Time now. Time for Silence. Accepting. It‘s Our Time now. Remember where we are going. It‘s Our Time now. It‘s called Lent. ————————————————————————————————————————— “O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Book of Common Prayer, page 832]

O Ye Frost and Cold January—February 2011

Page 2

THE SOUND of WINTER VOICES We are sitting outside, watching the weather and wondering about it. We are sitting outside, listening; we are sitting in the Parish Hall, listening..............as the People of God pass by. They pass by . . . eating soup, saying “good-bye” to friends, wondering about the weather, wondering about God. We overhear............ The only way you’re getting away with this “Talk Like A Pirate” Liturgy is because Becky has left and isn’t here to say anything to you. We shared an embalming table together once. . . . he worked for a time as an artificial inseminator on a fox farm. . . . couldn’t believe Cubans lived in Alaska; and we couldn’t believe that we didn’t live in Miami. . . . was diagnosed HIV positive when he was 20; and he would have been 50 next . . . . . . taught me to always stop at Roadside Stands and buy whatever they have because it’s probably good. . . . kept complaining about living in Fairbanks and I finally said, “I didn’t bring you here; I MET YOU HERE.”

COMING DATES to be AWARE OF

There’s a LOT going on as March arrives

– the Festival of Native Arts, Ice Carvings,

Dog Races, Meetings, Spring Carnivals,

etc. In the midst of all of that, some

significant dates to be aware of:

SUNDAY, MARCH 6thth . . . The Last

Sunday after the Epiphany and the last

time we will use ―Alleluia‖ until Easter.

MONDAY, MARCH 7th. . . ―Collop Monday‖. As part of the Lenten

preparations, it’s traditional in some places to eat ―collops‖ (small

pieces of bacon or meat) and eggs today. Some places eat pea soup;

and some people go fly kites today.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8th. . . ―Shrove Tuesday‖. ―Shrove‖ is the past

tense of the word ―shriven‖, to receive Absolution after Confession.

On this last day before Lent, it was traditional to be sure to have

been ―shriven‖ before Lent begins, and ..........to have a party, a

CARNIVAL, a MARDI GRAS (―Fat Tuesday‖), using up all of the

meat and fat and rich food in the House. Following Tradition, the

Vestry is hosting a St. Matthew’s Pancake Supper this evening in the

Parish Hall.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9th ..........

ASH WEDNESDAY. The Beginning of the Forty

Days of Lent. The Holy Eucharist, with Imposition

of Ashes, is celebrated at 9:30AM, Noon, and

7PM. This is a Traditional FAST Day.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29th..............108

th Anniversary of the 1st Service

in Fairbanks. On this date in 1903, the Rev. Charles Rice and Esias

Joseph, having come over the Trail from Circle, held the first

religious services in Fairbanks in the Fairbanks Saloon. We’ll meet at

the approximate site of the Fairbanks Saloon (the corner of 1st and

Cushman) and say prayers at 11AM.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17th ..............PALM SUNDAY. All Sunday

Eucharists begin in the Parish Hall, and include a Procession outside

into the Church. This is the beginning of HOLY WEEK, with special

activities and services every night.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23rd/SUNDAY, APRIL 24

th .............EASTER Vigil

with the Lighting of the Easter Fire and the Celebration of the Easter

Baptisms Saturday Night; Celebrations of EVERYTHING Sunday

morning.


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If drag queens were going to hold a drag show in a cemetery, they’d hold it in THIS mausoleum. It was a pigeon! Pigeons don’t have MESSAGES. They’re PIGEONS! I’ve always heard that – that God gives you what you need when you need it – but now I see it, all around me –it’s happening right in front of my eyes. I don’t like my life. I hate it. And I hate what I’m doing to my family. But I don’t know how to stop . . . I always wemember my Gwamma’s fwesh woaves of bwead. I certainly hope that you remain part of this Universe.

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH RECTOR The Rev. Scott Fisher . . . . 456-5235 PARISH

ADMINISTRATOR Hilary Freeman . . . . . . . . 457-4820

PRIESTS The Rev. Steve Matthew. . 488-9076 SEXTON The Rev. John Holz . . . . . 456-3583 ORGANIST Laura Vines . . . . . . . . . . 452-4565

The Rev. Lee Davis . . . . . . 457-2865 CHOIR DIRECTOR Barbara Hameister . . . . . . 455-7397

DEACONS The Rev. Shirley Lee . . . . . 452-3094 ALTAR GUILD Cathy Giacomazzi . . . . . . 479-7736

The Rev. Bella Jean Savino 456-1503

The Rev. Montie Slusher . . 474-4570 SUNDAY SCHOOL Patty Meritt . . . . . . . . . .

SENIOR WARDEN Karen Kiss . . . . . . . . . . . . HEALTH MINISTRY Charlotte Perotti . . . . . . . 457-1332

JUNIOR WARDEN Tom Marsh . . . . . . . . . . . ENDOWMENT BOARD Allen Todd, Chair . . .

CLERK Shannon Torrence . . . . . . . WEB GARDENER

VESTRY Clarence Bolden . . . . . . . . NEWSLETTER EDITOR Maggie Castellini . . . . . . . 479-5444

Arlie Nethken . . . . . . . . . . SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Mary Margaret Davis . . . . 457-2865

Irene Todd. . . . . . . . . . . . UNITED THANK OFFERING Helen Howard. . . . . . . . . 488-2314

Roslyn Allen . . . . . . . . . . DAUGHTERS OF THE KING The Rev. Bella Jean Savino 456-1503 Marlin Collins . . . . . . . . .

Pat Sackinger . . . . . . . . . .

PARISH TREASURER

Carolyn Nethken . . . . . . . 457-3304 MINISTERS YOU . . . . . . . .US!!!

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Phone# 456-5235 FAX#: 456-2934

e-mail: [email protected] Website : stmatthewschurch.org Diocesan Website: episcopalak.org

Winter Voices

GRANT POSSIBILITIES AVAILABLE

The St. Matthew’s Endowment Fund announced in their January 2011 Annual Report to the Parish that they have available $2,635.22 in funds to distribute in grants this year. Grants are awarded to projects which enhance the “ministry, worship, or historic mission outreach of St. Matthew‟s” and which are not otherwise covered by the St. Matthew‟s Operating Budget. Grants must be applied for by June 30th, 2011; and are awarded in September at the St. Matthew‟s Harvest Dinner. For further information, contact the Church Office or any Endowment Board member.

The Faith into Tomorrow Endowment of the Diocese announces that they have $6656 in funds to distribute in grants this year. $4971 is available for projects focused on “Caring for Victims of Poverty and Abuse” and $1685 is available for projects focused on “Encouraging Spiritual Growth and Outreach”. Applications are available through calling the Bishop‟s Office (1-800-478-3043) or on the Diocesan Website (www.episcopalak.org). Applications must be postmarked no later than June 1st; and grants awarded will be announced at the Diocesan Convention this Fall.


Page 4

THIS must have been what it was like during those flu epidemics in the ‘20s. SEVENTEEN. I counted 17 deaths in the last two weeks. SEVENTEEN. I remember Mr. Files, back when all the children were getting sick in Tanana in the ‘40s. I remember Mr. Files burying 13 kids at one time in Tanana. That was fun last night, that party for Bishop Gordon. Like a High School Reunion. He was the best, this one. This third one. He was MY Bishop. THIRTY-SIX. There have been 36 deaths Statewide in the last two weeks due to . . . Too short. Too short. Make it shorter. Make it shorter. We came this morning because EVERY TIME we drive by this place there’s people outside, and we wanted to see what goes on in here. . . . calling from UpState New York. We have a homeless family we’re helping who want to move to Alaska and live in a tent and sell jewelry they design. We thought we’d call Alaska and see what you recommend. I WANT MY LIFE BACK. . . . and when I found out from my parents that I was never baptized, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Does your Church do baptisms?

Winter Voices

SIGNIFICANT ELDERS........

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT for

the SOCIETY of ST. SIMEON & ST. ANNA

Stop for a moment and think who is missing from this List: Bernice

Aragon, Maggie Beach, Oliver and Andrea Backlund, Al and Carol Brice,

the Rev. Lee and Mary Margaret Davis, Betty Engles, Shirley Gordon, the

Rev. Stephen Matthew, Evolyn Melville, Karen Parr, Becky Snow, Hannah

Solomon, Bill Stevens, Gladys Terry.

These are the members of St. Matthew’s who are members of the

Diocesan Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna. [A complete list of members

from Fairbanks and the Interior is posted in the Parish Hall]. The Society,

created by Bishop Charleston at the 1991 Diocesan Convention held here

at St. Matthew’s, is an honorary Society of those Elders who have made

significant contributions to the life of the Church in Alaska. Membership is

open to those Elders 60 years of age and older who have active in the

Episcopal Church in Alaska for at least 15 years. Members agree to pray

daily for the Church in Alaska; advise the Bishop; and provide ―a living

example of the Christian Life‖. They receive from the Bishop a gold cross,

modeled after the historic Alaskan confirmation cross designed by the first

Bishop – Peter Trimble Rowe.

Members are nominated by their local church, affirmed at the regional

Spring Deanery meeting, and then forwarded to the Bishop.

If you would like to nominate someone for consideration in the

Society, nomination forms are posted in the Parish Hall and available in

the Church Office. [Note that the person nominated must sign their

consent to the Nomination.]

PLEASE RETURN ANY FORMS BY THE APRIL VESTRY MEETING,

SO THEY CAN BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPRING

INTERIOR DEANERY MEETING.

COMING APRIL 8th. . . “I HAVE A STORY TO TELL” EVENING: A STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE UPDATE

By Cynthia A. Stragier

Early last fall, Vestry member Clarence Bolden rounded up a few of us and revived the St. Matthew‟s Stewardship Committee. Over the winter we‟ve met, sharing good food and conversation, getting to know each other and discussing what stewardship means and what we think this committee should evolve into. One goal of the committee is to see Stewardship as “sharing”. Another is to help our church family get to know each other. So, with that thought in mind, we plan to host periodic “I Have a Story to Tell” evenings. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share, listen to three guest speakers tell their stories, and finish the evening with yummy desserts. The first story night will be on Friday, April 8th and we will be inviting three speakers born between 1900 and 1940 who have a history of involvement with the church. (Other decades of story telling are scheduled; with the next being: 1941-1950) So, save the date and stay tuned for the speaker identities. This is going to be fun!


Page 5

. . . in the coal you can get what they call “clunkers”, that get stuck in the rollers that feed the fire. You have to clean them out. We didn’t; and it caught fire; and burned down. . . . used to cross the River by the end of October. Look at it this year. I’m a hockey player, Scott. I can do pain. . . . was waitin’ by the airport and --------- was there and asked me if I wanted to fly out to his trapline with him. Four days, he said. Two weeks later. . . once we got out there it rained, then it dropped to 50 below. Have you ever seen anything like this? So many deaths; so many deaths. Kids nowadays fuss if they don’t get a plane for three days. Heck. When I was growin’ up, we didn’t even get plane. Then we started getting one once a month. We thought THAT was GREAT. But I tell you, Death had to finally put on its A Game to beat him. Old People tell us, that part of the River, a Light will show up, but don’t go near it or towards it. That’s the problem. Kids these days don’t know the stories. I’m visiting this morning from Tucson; and I wanted you all to know that it’s WARMER here this morning in Fairbanks than it is in Tucson.

Winter Voices

„”Somebody interested in ministry or in being a priest would be good. A RIVER Person – somebody that can go with the Flow.” - Former St. Matthew‟s Sexton Tree Michael Nelson, when asked what he would add to the Job Description

SEARCH BEGINS FOR

THE CALLING

of a NEW SEXTON This could be your future:

shoveling snow, emptying garbage,

and cleaning bathrooms!

You thought ministry was just

wearing fancy clothes on Sunday

morning?

The rector met a Bishop once

who explained that whenever someone came to see him with

an interest in possible ordination; the Bishop told the person

to go work as a sexton in a local church for a year, and then

come see him. With that reminder . . .

The resignation of Tree Michael Nelson as St. Matthew‟s

sexton means that the Vestry is now searching for a new

Sexton, and accepting applications.

The Job Description [posted in the Parish Hall] describes

the Sexton as “a church custodian who takes care of the church and other parish buildings – a servant ministry. This is a public position involving interaction with a wide variety of people and groups, including the homeless population”. Following an irregular schedule, because of the activities

here on the property (St. Matthew‟s is an ACTIVE place), it is

estimated the position requires 12 to 20 hours of custodial

responsibilities per week. A one

bedroom apartment on site (with the reminder that it is within a consecrated building on consecrated ground) is provided as compensation.

For further information, a

complete Job Description and

application forms, contact the Church

Office. A Background check and

Criminal Record Review are required

as part of the application.


Page 6

Winter Voices . . . NICEVILLE, Florida. That’s where I’m from. Can you come into the front of the Church for a moment? I think we have a problem. You mean you’re throwing me out? You mean you’re THROWING me out of church? I’ve been a baaaaaaaaaaaaaad boy? My house is overrun by small cars and soldiers. There was this Light, floating. . . . . . and when he was dying, he said to me, “There’s only one thing you need to remember. White people and their churches will say all kinds of different things, but you only need to remember one thing: JESUS CHRIST is REAL.” I’ll be shipping out next week and....... I have to tell you. I haven’t been the same since that Wednesday evening service. I’m never alone now. Ohhh, I still get lonely sometimes, but I’m never alone, understand? I MUST tell you. That was the most beautiful service I have ever been to. . . . was drivin’ up for his funeral and THAT WIND began to blow. . . and THIRTEEN MOOSE came out of the woods. THIRTEEN MOOSE. They counted them.

SEASONS of LIFE through the SEASON of WINTER It has been slightly over 5 months since the last Newsletter. To note what has happened from Labor Day to Candlemass is to trace God‟s Spirit moving through the Winter- leading us through the Darkness into Light. From Sunday, August 29th, 2010 through Candlemass, Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 is 158 days. About 3 times a day there is a service connected with St. Matthew‟s. As recorded in the official St. Matthew‟s Record Book, we gathered and prayed together 451 times during that Time.Here is the Winter by the numbers; and then the bare minimum details:

65 Sunday Morning Eucharists 1 Eucharist (outside of Fairbanks)

140 Private/Home Communion visits by Clergy 3 Private/Home Communion visits by Lay Eucharistic Ministers

2 Sunday afternoon Fairbanks Correctional Center Eucharists 85 Sunday through Friday Midnight Compline Services

5 Tuesday morning Denali Center Eucharists 23 Wednesday Morning Eucharists 21 Wednesday Evening Eucharists

11 Thursday Morning Pioneer Home Eucharists 8 Celebrations of Holy Baptism, 13 baptized

1 Blessing of Engagement Rings 2 Weddings

1 Wedding (outside of Fairbanks) 2 Renewals of Wedding Vows

1 Private Confession 9 Commendations of the Dying/Departed

5 Memorial Teas hosted 1 Visitation the Night Before a Funeral

22 Funerals (within Fbks) 3 Funerals (outside of Fairbanks) 1 Reception into Columbarium

1 Goodbye Party (for Joan Wilcox, Becky Snow, & Susan Stitham) 3 ―International Talk Like A Pirate‖ Liturgies

3 St Francis Blessings of Animals services 1 102 Birthday Party (for Grandmother Hannah Solomon)

1 Anniversary of 1st Service commemorative Bell ringing 1 October Fundraiser

1 Garage Sale 1 All Saints Bell Tolling

1 Music & Magic Concert 10 Weekday Advent Evening Prayer services

3 Houseblessings 1 Dedication/Blessing of Bishop Gordon Exhibit at Morris Thompson Center

1 World Aids Day Invocation 1 Installation of Margaret Bessette of Circle into Society of St. Simeon & St. Anna

1 Winter Solstice ―Bang Pots to Scare Away The Great Dragon‖ Compline 4 Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Eucharists

1 New Year‘s Eve Midnight Eucharist

(Continued on page 7)

through All The Seasons of L i fe


Page 7

1 New Year‘s Day Potlatch & Dance 1 12thNight Tree Burning

1 Epiphany Pageant 1 Annual Meeting

------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Bishop Consecration in Anchorage

1 Lunar Eclipse 1 Neighborhood House catching fire and aging rector 20 years ------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 hours 57 minutes 7 seconds Length of Daylight August 29th 7 hours 3 minutes 7 seconds Length of Daylight February 2nd

+70 Warmest Temperature officially recorded since August 29th [September 13th] -42 Coldest Temperature officially recorded since August 29th [January 22nd, 23rd]

20 # of days Temperature -30 or colder

-----------------------------------

Holy Baptism On Sunday, September 26th, during our Feast of St. Matthew‘s Celebration, 2 months old Kirra Lorelle Faye Dublin and nearly 1 year old Brian Allen Talbott II were baptized. Kirra‘s Godparents are Lisa Kangas, Walter Newman Jr., and Cindy Wiehl; Brian‘s Godparents are Mary Simple, Lorraine Ginnis, and Levi Ginnis Jr. On Sunday, October 10th, nearly 5 months old Jareph Lee Finney was baptized. His Godparents are Edward Coleman and Lucy Bessette. One week later, on Sunday, October 17th, 14 months old Dax Eugene Alexander was baptized. His Godparents are Amanda Frank and Darrell Frank. In Advent, as the New Church Year began, on Wednesday evening, December 8th, 6 days old Aiden Leon James Albert was baptized. His Godparents are Mary Ann Peter, Greg Alcot Stover, and Tiffany and George Yatlin. One week later, on Wednesday evening, December 15th, while wedding anniversaries (the Lees and the Perottis, with a combined 78 years of married life) were also celebrated, there were four baptisms – 3 years old Cleville James Dates Jr., nearly 1 year old Brooklyn Elisabeth Folger, 3 years old Christopher Lee Ochoa, and 25 years old Sara Elizabeth Mason. Cleville‘s Godparents are Jennifer Ochoa, Christin Lee, and Benjamin Ochoa; Brooklyn‘s Godparents are Jessica Ives, Elisabeth Folger, and Tyler Huntington; Christopher‘s Godparents are Christopher Hayes, Juliana Hayes, and Solana Lee; and Sara was sponsored by her husband David Gerhart Mason. Grandmother and Deacon Shirley


Seasons of L i fe . . . I think the happiest Moment of My Life was when I was 12 years old, standing on a pitcher’s mound, holding a baseball. She had a kind heart and took in everyone. When we gathered for Christmas dinners as a kid, I never knew WHO was going to be at the table. . . . and those were her last words, “Tell everybody that that I love them, that I love them ALL.” Mahsi’. Mahsi’ choo Shalak naii. Thank you. Thank you my people. Thank you! Thank you for coming to visit our Country! We’re Gwitch’in! We’ve got GOOD Country here. You gotta be TOUGH, like US, to live here. . . . left my husband because he was a skunk and now I’m taking his money and going on an “Around the World” Cruise. Wanted all my life to do that and I don’t care WHAT my kids say. I’m going to see THE TAJ MAHAL! The one month of the year I hate is FEBRUARY. We all just go a little bit crazy in February. It should be Spring but it’s still WINTER . . . and it’s NUTS! Is it a Full Moon, or is all of this just because it’s St. Matthew’s? I can’t go back home. I can’t live there anymore. I’ve been clean and sober for two years now and if I go back home . . .

Winter Voices


Page 8

Winter Voices

He just wanted to go for a car ride. He just wanted to see the Light, that pretty afternoon Light we get. And now, now . . . We just NEVER know, do we? OHHHH, February is ALWAYS MY FAVORITE MONTH! I LOVE FEBRUARY! It’s Full of SUCH CHANGES! Why is this church so disorganized? We’ve been going here for several years and no one has ever asked us. . . . . . and when I was kneeling there, the Baby Jesus. . . Is this going to show up now in the Newsletter? I’m going to have, though this may be hard to believe, an onion and sauerkraut sandwich. Goodness, he’s TALL, isn’t he? Well, I saw on Facebook that . . . Criminey. The caribou season opens tomorrow, and I can’t find anybody to go with me. All my WOMEN friends just want to go shopping; and all my MEN friends are convicted felons and can’t be around firearms. . . . wants to come to St. Matthew’s, but doesn’t have a ride. That’s ONE thing I like about Skyping – I can see my children’s faces and know if they’re lying. WOO-HOO! SNOW! LOTS of IT!

LENTEN STUDY BEGINS MARCH 14th

Our Lenten Study begins on Monday evenings, March 14th, at 6:00

in the Parish Hall. Each study begins with a simple meal of soup, bread

and finger foods. Each session will use video presentations and readings

from John Dominic Crossan's book,‖God & Empire - Jesus Against

Rome, Then and Now".

A review of Crossan's book by Publisher's Weekly said, "In this fine

study of civilization, culture, and transformation, Crossan asks

important questions; have those who resort to violence as a means of

change succeeded in their quest for empire? Or has nonviolence been

more effective in bringing about lasting change? Crossan's latest work

presents a complex subject in a clear and powerful way, and merits a

wide readership."

The five study sessions begins on March 14th and continues each

Monday ending on Monday, April 11th. For more information or to

register for the class,

please call 474-4570 or by e-mail [email protected] .

A TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY from FIRST AVENUE

I called my wife, who was thirty-two hundred miles away, to share that ducks were paddling in the un-frozen part of the Chena, near the water plant. It was the 26th of December last year, St. Stephen‟s Day. But I didn‟t remember that as I stood by my car, having a nice cell phone conversation, and noticing with some dismay a man walking towards me. Dismay because in that weather anyone walking is most likely not quite all right, and is looking for a handout of some kind. I just wanted a shared moment with my wife who I missed. She said,”I‟ll wait, find out what he needs” and he asked me the way to Airport Road. Odd question, it‟s right over there. So I gave him directions and went back to my conversation, watching him walk away. “Oh h---, “ I said to my wife. “What day is it? I have to give him a ride, don‟t I?” ”Yes you do, Dear”, said my wife. So I hung up, started the car, and went after him. He was terribly surprised and exclaimed over my kindness and generosity. I said, “Well, there‟s this song. . . “ and began to sing “Good King Wenceslas looked out. . . “ and he laughed and said , “I know that song!”. He was from out of town; and was heading to a particular store, where he knew there was a certain toy that his niece had wanted for Christmas, and that she hadn‟t received. As we headed there, we both saw the „vanity‟ plate on the car in front of us – it said “XMAS”.


Page 9

An Offering about Stewardship

HYMN of PLEDGE

By Martha E. Thomas

When I awake to God’s

morning light

And ponder His gifts for

my delight

The air we breathe, the

bright sunlight,

For every blessing I

pledge, I pledge.

It is no mistake that God

gave me life

As daughter, as friend, as mom, as wife,

With strength to face horrendous strife

For every blessing I pledge, I pledge.

For forgiveness, mercy, kindness and love

That flow relentless from above,

Yes we all fit warmly in God’s glove

For every blessing I pledge, I pledge.

Have you ever stop to wonder why

How lovely the plants, how blue the sky,

The waters flowing, the birds that fly;

For every blessing I pledge, pledge.

We gather Sundays to worship our Lord

With praises by all in one accord.

Do we offer up all we can afford?

For all God’s gifts I pledge, I pledge.

―And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and

some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teach-

ers‖ [Ephesians 4:11]

REMEMBERING THE TEACHING

of FR. DAVID SALMON

By Bishop Mark MacDonald

[NOTE: Fr. Ted Cole is the Associate rector at St. Mary’s/

Anchorage. For an All Saints presentation earlier this Winter,

he was trying to put a presentation together on Fr. David

Salmon – Archdeacon, Traditional Chief, etc. He mentioned

that many people had talked about Fr. David’s teaching re-

garding the hand, and asked if I remembered it. I suggested he

contact Bishop MacDonald – who replied with the following.]

Fr. David used the hand, an ancient Athabascan teaching

technique that is still quite alive among the Navajo, to teach

Eph. 4:11, suggesting that Paul may have used five in concert

with an ancient form of teaching that used numbers to speak

of ways that the Holy is imprinted in Creation - an idea that is

widespread in non-European Christian teaching around the

world.

He pointed out that the thumb, Apostle-Bishop, was the

only finger that touched all of the others; the first finger

"pointed" which indicated the spiritual gift of prophesy; the

second finger as evangelist was the longest finger, indicating

the mobile and extended ministry of that spiritual gift; the

third finger, where we place the wedding band is for the pas-

tor, the spiritual gift that keeps us together; the little and last

finger, is the teacher - he would demonstrate that when you

move it, the other fingers move as well, indicating that the

teaching gift animates all of the other spiritual gifts for minis-

try.

He would indicate that these gifts are already given in bap-

tism and present among us, though often not noticed. He

tried to use this teaching tool to get others to recognize their

gifts and the gifts of others and asked people to look for them,

not only in the churches, but in the community at large.

THE GOVERNOR WRITES THE GRANDMOTHER

[In October 2010, Gran’ma Hannah Solomon celebrated her 102nd birthday.

As part of her celebration, Governor Sean Parnell wrote her a letter, which

she asked to be included in the next Newsletter. We didn’t know it would

take 3 months for that next Newsletter, but here’s the Governor’s letter.]

Dear Ms. Solomon,

Congratulations on 102 wonderful years of life, and happy birthday!

Your story is one that is truly Alaskan. As one of our state’s pioneers, you

have helped to shape our way of life and to create a legacy of greatness for

Alaska. We truly appreciate all that you have contributed to the state we are

so blessed to call home.

Thank you for your many years of service to the city of Fairbanks, your dedication to the state of Alaska, and for

the happiness and joy you have shared with your family, friends, and so many others.

Enjoy this time of celebration and the love of those close to you. I wish you continued good health and happiness.

Best regards,

Sean Parnell

Governor


Page 10

―. . . our full-throated and full-hearted assent shook him‖

MEMORIES of SEPTEMBER

By Oliver & Andrea Backlund

[NOTE: Oliver & Andrea attended Bishop Lattime’s Consecration in

Anchorage Labor Day weekend, but their reflections missed the last

Newsletter. Now, in the midst of the Winter, it’s a good thing to

remember.]

Shortly before the Consecration was to be held, we were notified

that the church originally chosen to be the venue for the service would

not be available, but in short order, another and even better church

was found: the First United Methodist Church of Anchorage. In this

instance, what might have set off a panic among the transition staff

became a happy chance: the Methodist church is a lovely space filled

with light and music and great joy. It also was designed to

accommodate such an event, with plenty of room in the sanctuary and

nave for all the participating clergy and lay leaders. With the choir loft a

literal loft behind and above the congregation, the wonderful music

soared over the whole event, an inspired design. It was a delight to sing the familiar hymns and we

enjoyed the presence of so many people from other faiths and from other states.

We really appreciated the service booklet, a nice touch, that was well-designed certainly well worth

taking home as a souvenir. On the cover is a photo of the wonderful Icon that has been gracing the

Gospel side of the sanctuary at Saint Matthew’s for some months. The story of the icon was recounted

inside the booklet. The icon itself was carried in the procession and so played a part in the service. It

should be included in such events as it is lovely and is so representative of the faith traditions of Alaska.

The Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jeffers Schori, was impressive – beautifully vested and cool in leading

the service. Andrea doesn’t know why, but she has always had the impression that Bishop Schori is very

tall, yet she is not much taller than Andrea. She is very slender and collected, with no sense of fluster or

nervousness about her. On the Sunday after the Consecration, she celebrated Holy Eucharist and

baptism at Saint Christopher’s, one of the small churches in Anchorage. Following the baptism, she

cradled that tiny sleeping child against her vestments and carried him all around the church to show him

to the congregation. In some way in her dignified presiding over the consecration and in that act of

tenderness, she summed up for us the rightness of her role in our Church. We came away with the

feeling that we not only have a fine and committed Bishop for this diocese, but the kind of leader and

symbol of 21st century Episcopalians we would hope to have.

At the banquet that evening, Bishop Mark told the people that when the Presiding Bishop asked us if

it was our will that he be ordained a Bishop, our full-throated and full-hearted assent shook him so that

his heart skipped a beat. How long we had waited for this moment! With what joy and anticipation we

welcomed out bishop at last!

We held our breath during the Presiding Bishop’s examination of the Bishop-elect—fearful that

somehow there would be a change of mind and we’d again be bereft, seeking a shepherd. But no, as

planned we stood as our Bishop-elect led us in the Creed. Please God that he will lead us just so in the

years to come.

The Ministry of the Word, in which each lesson was read in one of the languages of the diocese

giving equal importance to all the cultures which make up the Church in Alaska, was perhaps a moment

in which we most fully appreciated the wonderful rich diversity of our people and what they bring to

our worship. We are truly blessed to encapsulate such a wealth of variety among our fellow

Episcopalians. It may be that this is what saves us from fretting about the kinds of non-essential changes

that so distress Episcopalians ―Outside.‖ Perhaps we are gifted with this diverse group of fellows to help

us choose our priorities in a truly Godly manner.

―Consecration‖ refers to the dedication of something or someone to serve God. We had the privilege

of attending the Consecration of Mark Andrew Lattime to serve God in His Church in Alaska. No person

could do this by himself, so we prayed then and we pray now the God will pour out on Mark the

power of Holy Spirit and continuously provide and empower him in this ministry.

Photo: Richard Schori


Page 11

INTRODUCING NEW

VESTRY MEMBERS

PAT SACKINGER

Some facts about me...

Both my husband, Bill, and I lived our early lives in

upstate New York. For the most part that was where we

were educated and we still have family living there.

In response to a job offer from University of Alaska,

Fairbanks, we packed up the children, the black and white

cocker spaniel and drove to Alaska in the summer of

1970. The original intention was to stay a few years, but

in a story many of you have experienced, we liked it and

stayed--forty years now.

I worked for UAF Rasmusson Library for several

years in the 1970's, in the Archives Department (think historical papers) and as part of the Director's office

(think Alaskan newspapers and the predecessor of the computer, a TELEX).

However I'd almost had a degree in Biology, and as

the kids got older, the opportunity presented itself to

expand into nursing (R.N.). So the employers over several

years then were FMH, the State of Alaska Home Health

Care, and Dr Brown, orthopedic surgeon. While I worked

for Dr. Brown I also worked for FMH, and when he left in

1994 to teach at the University of New Mexico Medical

School, I continued to work at FMH for several more

years. After I retired from the hospital, I worked as a

substitute nurse for the FNSB School District into the

mid 1990's.

Now Bill and I are really retired but it's very

satisfying to have more opportunities to reach out and

walk Christian principles.

SHANNON TORRENCE [NOTE: Shannon is one of the new faces who has appeared in the 11:15 Choir this last year; and was called to serve on the Vestry at this year‟s Annual Meeting.]

Shannon grew up

in Corpus Christi,

Texas, the oldest of

five children. While

no one has a perfect

childhood, she grew

up feeling blessed

that she had a family

that loved her very

much, and that her parents gave her everything she

needed, even if they couldn't always provide everything

she wanted. She attended Austin College, a small liberal

arts school in North Texas, where she majored in

biology. She was actively involved in college life, and her

activity included varsity swimming, singing in the a-

cappella choir; and was involved with several community

service organizations.

After college, Shannon traveled around the U.S. and

portions of Canada, with all her belongings in the back of

a minivan, peddling her skills as a wildlife biology

technician. Her experience and travels landed her at

North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota,

where she earned her master's studying community

ecology of diving ducks in prairie pothole' wetlands in

Manitoba, Canada (or, how well different species diving ducks play together when they are foraging for food on the bottom of ponds in Canada). She then moved to the

metropolis of Lubbock, Texas to begin doctoral work

studying how land use and water duration in 'playa'

wetlands influenced amphibians (several species) in the

Lubbock area. Because her funding expired when she was

"abd" (all but dissertation), Shannon got a 'real' job

working for Texas Parks and Wildlife near her parents'

home town (Houston area) working on wetland

conservation and policy. A few months later, Shannon

finished and defended her dissertation. In August of

2007, she walked across the stage to receive her PhD.

Shannon lived with her parents for 1.5 years, and this

is when she started regularly attending church

again. Shannon was raised Catholic, but her parents and

little sisters had begun attending a St. Christopher's

Episcopal Church. Shannon accompanied them to Mass.

When she moved to Roosevelt, Arizona in 2008 to work

as a biologist at Tonto National Forest, she attended St.

John's Episcopal Church in Globe, Arizona. She was

immediately recruited into the choir. Arizona is

beautiful, and Shannon had friends there and liked her

little parish, but for personal growth and career reasons,

she began looking for a new job.

Shannon needed a place where she could put down

some roots. She saw a job advertised in Fairbanks, and

applied, praying at least for an interview. She did get

one, and had a pretty good feeling that she would be

offered the job. A week later, she got the good

news. After two years in Arizona and with her mother's

help, Shannon drove to Fairbanks, Alaska in late March of

2010 to start anew as a fish and wildlife biologist for the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Currently, her main

responsibility is using the Endangered Species Act to

protect polar bears.



Page 12

Shannon had researched where to go to Mass over the

internet, and was glad to find that St. Matthew's awaited

her. She immediately joined the choir. Fairbanks began

feeling like home, and Shannon's roots began to dig into

the community as she bought a house and began

participating in other Fairbanks activities. God then gave

her a further sign that she was in the right place by

calling her to be part of the vestry. She prays that she

can serve her community well, and looks forward to

getting to know her parish a little better through this

service.

ROSLYN ALLEN I‟ve been a member of St. Matthew‟s since June of 1976.

About 1979 I was offered the job as a part-time clerk to

Father Hart, began my services on the Altar Guild,

Layreader, LEM, Daughter of the King, and Prayer

Chain warrior. In the 1990‟s I was privileged to serve on

the Vestry and participated as a team member with

behind the scene work at St. Matthew‟s. My church

education began in Fort Yukon together with my late

mother Esther Petersen and St. Stephen‟s Episcopal

Church and Bishop Gordon. My late father Harold

Petersen was raised at the Anvik Mission. My

husband Mitchell and I have a blended family of six

grown children and ten grandchildren. We enjoy boating

on the Tanana and Yukon rivers, basketball games,

dances, potlatches, and the fellowship of our family and

friends. I‟m humbled by your vote of confidence and look

forward to serving on the board as your 2011 Vestry

member.

MARLIN COLLINS [Marlin, who is usually one of the first people to arrive at St. Matthew‟s on a Sunday morning, was elected to the Vestry during the January 2011 Annual Meeting] I was born in Savannah,

Georgia and called Athens, Georgia my home for over 22

years. I attended the University of Georgia; and received

both my Bachelor of Education and my Master of

Education in Physical Education.

I spent six years in Maine teaching swimming at a

beautiful summer girls camp outside of Sweden, Maine.

Those summers were so exciting and rewarding and . . .

OH! The Northern Lights! Something this Southern Gal

had not seen before. The campers came from all over the

United States.

I began teaching in Fulton County, Georgia; and then

went back to Graduate School. After Graduate School, I

taught in Marietta, Georgia. My husband and I came on a

ten day trip the summer of 1974 to Fairbanks, after we

married; and in 1978 we moved to Fairbanks.

I have taught at all levels – 4 year olds up through

college students. I have enjoyed all levels, but feel most

at home in the Elementary School. These students are so

eager and energetic; and we have such a great time.

I am a Delta Kappa Gamma Beta Chapter member

since 1998. We are a group of women who have given, or

who show a potential, for distinctive service in any field

of education. We endow scholarships to aid outstanding

women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant

fellowships to non-member women educators. We enjoy

the genuine spiritual fellowship of women educators all

over the world.

My interests include computers, photography, reading,

and walking.

(Continued from page 11)

Introducing New Vestry Members . . .

SEVENTY-NINE WORDS on THE WORD from Episcopal Priest and Hospital Chaplain Stephen Reed, The Bible is a library of 66 books. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books

in the New Testament. Pick one of them and read it! Saint Paul‟s letter to the church in

Rome (Romans) is my favorite book in the Bible and Romans Chapter 8 is my favorite

chapter. Before reading the Bible I try and always remember to say the following prayer, "Speak to me through your Word for your servant is listening."


Page 13

THE JANUARY 2011 ANNUAL MEETING As required by the St. Matthew‘s by-laws, and as a thematic link to the Epiphany emphasis on Light, St. Matthew‘s held its Annual Meeting Sunday, January 30th, 2011. Though minutes aren‘t available yet, these official actions of the meeting can be noted.

ELECTIONS Roslyn Allen, Marlin Collins, Tom Marsh, Pat Sackinger, and Shannon Torrence [See biographies elsewhere in this Newsletter] were called to serve varying terms on the St. Matthew’s Vestry. They will join Clarence Bolden, Karen Kiss, Arlie Nethken, and Irene Todd, who continue to serve on the Vestry. At a Vestry meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting, Karen Kiss was appointed by the rector as Senior Warden, Tom Marsh was elected as Junior

Warden, Shannon Torrence was elected as Vestry Clerk, and Roslyn Allen was elected as Vestry Liaison to the St. Matthew‘s Endowment Board. Laura Bender, Helen Burrell, and James Kari were called to serve 3 year terms on the St. Matthew’s Endowment Board. They will join Maggie Castellini, Ray Cockerille, Lori Gorsline, and Allen Todd, who continue to serve on the Board. At an Endowment Board meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting, Allen Todd was selected as Chair of the Board; and Laura Bender as Secretary. The Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino and Bonnie Marsh were selected as delegates to the 2011 Interior Deanery meeting. Roxy Wright, Linda Demientieff, and Bernice Aragon were selected as Alternates. Tom Marsh, Laura Bender, and Bernice Aragon were selected as delegates to the 2011 Diocesan Convention (tentatively scheduled for October 2011 in Kodiak). Roxy Wright, Linda Demientieff, the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino, and Casey Smith were selected as Alternates.

FINANCES The 2011 Budget of $318,245, as presented by the Vestry, was passed. There are no major differences with previous budgets; but there were some changes and adjustments - no increases are budgeted for clergy or staff stipends, utility costs for the Church and rectory are increased, a new line item of $1800 was added for computer upgrades etc, and a new line item of $2400 was added towards future automobile expense. The 2010 Budget was for $309,226. 2010 ended with Actual Operating Income of $298,220 and Actual Operating Expenses of $301,882. The -$3661 Deficit for 2010 was met by transferring the amount from the Operations Reserve Account.

MOTIONS Though the exact wording of the motion isn‘t available at this time, following a presentation by the Vestry, it was moved and overwhelmingly passed to set aside a certain percentage of a bequest St. Matthew‘s received in 2010 as ―seed money‖ towards the establishment of a Youth Ministry position on the Staff. A committee was established and began meeting in the days following the Annual Meeting.


Page 14

THESE are the ONES who ARRIVED in 2010....................... With shining water and gentle Spirit, these are the ones who were baptized at St. Matthew‟s in the Year 2010.

“We receive YOU into the Household of God. CONFESS the faith of Christ crucified, PROCLAIM His Resurrection, and SHARE with us in His Eternal Priesthood.” {Book of Common Prayer, page 308}

NOTE: And it should be noted that just as easily could this page have been entitled “ Those who left in 2010”, meaning “Those who left The Ways of The World”; and the companion page could have been entitled “Those who arrived in 2010”, meaning “Those who arrived in God‟s Country”.

January 2010 ROGER Lee Shoffstall LEAH Rose Wilson February2010 DAX Larue Campbell April 2010 IZAIAH James Guthrie JASMINE Marie Guthrie SHANNON Renee Guthrie DEBORAH Pearl Morrow FIONA Grace Travis JEREMIAH Isaac Tritt JENNIFER Alexis Guthrie May 2010 AALYSSA Sarah Lilly Wright PAYTON Cynthia Wright EVANN Lee Sweetsir-Simon TIAVONNA Marie Leigh Williams WARREN Carter Vent June 2010 DEMARIOUS Lashawn Johnson JEREMYAH James Murphy MASON Robert Poage

August 2010 DEION Eden Erhart ANDI-LU Smoke ROLAND Nelson Smoke DERECK John Albert Starr, Jr. September 2010 BRIAN Allen Talbott II KIRRA Lorelle Faye Dublin October 2010 JAREPH Lee Finney DAX Eugene Alexander December 2010 AIDEN Leon James Albert CLEVILLE James Dates, Jr. BROOKLYN Elisabeth Folger CHRISTOPHER Lee Ochoa SARA Elizabeth Mason ROBYN Ren‘ee Stevens SEAN Jaden Volavong SHAYNE Bryan Schwab


Page 15

THESE are the ONES who LEFT in 2010....................... These are the ones whose funerals, burials, or final commendations, were here in 2010, or celebrated by clergy

associated with St. Matthew‟s. These are the ones that crowd around us at the Altar Rail.

“Rest Eternal grant to them, O Lord; and let Light Perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in Peace”. [Book of Common Prayer, pg.486]

January 2010 GLENN S. Butler The Rev. MARDOW Solomon February 2010 PATSY Alexander GILBERT Stephens EVA Heffle JESSICA Silas ELLA Thompson KATHERINE Peter March 2010 CHARLES C. Baker April 2010 ARTHUR Hunter JAMES Grant Sr. EDGAR Filson Soren DAVID Shewfelt GLORIA Carrizales Elva “ED” McKeown May 2010 HENRY Leroy Caron RITA Alexander PATRICK Druck PFC FRANK Ostlund Attla VERNON Henzler June 2010 MARY Sue McAdoo LAURA Sanford JUDITH Sowell JONATHAN David July 2010 MARK Williams

IVAN Culliton RUTH Nicholia CAROLYN Castro CURTIS Wells CALLAHAN Tritt August 2010 ARLAND Dick, Sr. ALBERT Joseph James Elizabeth ―COOKIE‖ Rose September 2010 JACQUELINE ―Jacki‖ Titus October 2010 JESSIE Stickman JOSEPH Wright, Sr. SUSAN Lord Peter RUTH Grant KENNETH Kennedy James SAM Pitka Jr. ELIZABETH Newman WALTER Newman, Sr. November 2010 CHARLIE Crow NEAL Charlie Sr. WILLIAM Stroecker ROBERTO Burgess Jr. HAZEL (Tritt) Nowottnick HUBERT Griffin CARL ―Brad‖ Brooks ELAINE Jacobson December 2010 ELSIE (Purdy) Simpson ALVIN Martin BEN Brice


Page 16

Health Ministry encourages wellness, health promotion

and disease prevention. It focuses on body, mind and spirit

for the health and healing of the church community.

St. Matthew’s Health Ministry continues to work toward

promoting health and disease prevention .

There is information on some aspect of health or chronic

condition on the Health Ministry cabinet and library bins with books in the Parish Hall on

Sundays and during the week. The library has books on spirituality, grief, disease prevention,

chronic conditions and healthy food recipes. These books can be signed out for use and

returned when done with them.

Monthly blood pressure screening is offered after the 8:00 service and between the 9:15 and

11:15 service, usually on the last Sunday of the month.

Health Ministry Healing Prayer cards with a picture of St. Matthew's on one side and a

prayer on the other side are available by the Sunday bulletin in the church. They are for people

to take and use as they wish in their prayer life. The prayer is also in the Sunday bulletin under

Health Ministry. The prayer and photo on the card changes on a monthly basis. A big Thank

You to Marlin Collins for implementing and continuing this program!

During Advent, St. Matthew’s participated again in the JOURNEY to BETHLEHEM

2010. This program is sponsored by Providence Health and Social Services Alaska, using state

and federal grants to both increase health and minimize chronic diseases. The program

emphasizes eating healthier food, increasing activity, and reducing stress through prayer and

meditation so that individuals are good stewards of their bodies and able to engage in God’s

work on earth. We did accrue the greater than 7,597 miles to successfully complete this

journey to Bethlehem again this year, with 52 people signed up and 42 who actually turned in

their miles. Thank You Pat Sackinger for leading us in the Journey for the third year!

Health Ministry meets once a month on the 2nd

Monday of the month at 5 PM in the Parish

Library. Health Ministry is not just for people in allied health professions. Everyone is

welcome to join us, and we need ideas and concerns from all the St. Matthew community.

“Touch a life and become a hospice volunteer.”

HOSPICE TRAINING BEGINS MARCH 29th Some of the theme of Lent is perhaps considering new directions, new ways to serve others and God. Hospice of the Tanana Valley (2001 Gillam Way) announces that Training for becoming a Patient Care Volunteer will be from March 29th to May 7th this Spring, meeting Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. Responsibilities for trained volunteers are many and varied. Tasks might include respite care, physical care of the patient, emotional support, transportation, errands, and bereavement support. Hospice asks that you be able to volunteer a two to four hours a week once you are assigned a patient. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age and must have not lost a loved one through death in the past year. Potential volunteers must complete a brief screening prior to admittance to the training. All applicants seeking to volunteer with Hospice of the Tanana Valley will be subject to a background investigation and fingerprinting. The results of this investigation will be considered, prior to being placed as a volunteer. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, 6-9pm and Saturdays 9am - noon, for a total of 36 hours. Attendance is required at all sessions, unless excused. There is a $40.00 materials fee for the training;



Page 17

however scholarships are available if needed. The Hospice training has been approved for two UAF credits ($75.00 additional cost). CEUs are also available. Registration forms will be available at the first class for those who are interested. Training will include: information on hospice philosophy, physical aspects of illness and care, communication skills, grief and bereavement, and much more. Ample opportunity for personal growth and reflection is also provided. Training spaces fill rapidly. For further information, contact Patient Care Volunteer Coordinator Karen Callahan at 474-0311 (Email: [email protected]).

(Continued from page

16) Hospice Training . . .

THE LIFE of a PRAYER SHAWL - _

JOAN (BOYLE) MEANS of PENNSYLVANIA This message is for the good sisters of St Matthews who in the early summer of 2010 made a prayer shawl for her. She died Jan 20, 2011 at the age of 82 years. She kept the prayer shawl constantly with her – if not worn then tenderly folded on her lap so that she could feel it next to her. She told me that the greatest part of this gift was the spirituality in which it was given and she garnered much comfort from this. You must be told that one of your own fold, Bruce Gadwah, suggested this gift to me.

Joan was a woman of great faith. She was threatened as a young woman with

a failing heart. She nearly died at her first pregnancy at the age of 23

years. She was warned never to get pregnant again for it would surely kill

her. Her attitude was that God would let her know. Three years later she gave

us another child and despite the chilling medical predictions she again survived. Throughout her life she

has lived at death‟s doorstep, surviving three open-heart surgeries and many critical close calls, yet she

prevailed to the amazement of all doctors who would not give her any hope for a future. . But her

continued life did not amaze most of us who knew her. She once stoutly proclaimed that God would not

take her until she had fulfilled His purpose. So throughout her years she as has been as a beacon to many

in our family – giving us all increased faith and hope. Even as she approached the inevitable she thought not

of herself but rather to preparing her children and grand-children, not for an end but rather as the advent

to a wonderful passing into glory. She has always peacefully submitted to “Thy Will Be Done”.

I cannot express profoundly enough my gratitude to the good sisters of St Matthews for giving her

what she saw was a great comfort in the last days of her life. I know in my heart that she is now looking

down on you and many others.

Bless You All

Gene Boyle – Her Brother

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

SOMETHING to WATCH QUIETLY

FOR THIS SPRING

Our Friend and Anglican Solitary and Author Maggie

Ross, once upon a time in Juneau but now in England,

has a new book coming out this Spring, “Writing the Icon of the Heart: In Silence Beholding”. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams writes, in

a pre-publication review: “Maggie Ross clears away the „white noise‟ that so often attends writing and talking about faith. She invites us into real quiet, which is also real presence, presence to ourselves and to the threefold mystery that eludes our concepts and even our ordinary ideas of „experience‟. A really transformative book.”


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―. . . The thing I remember the most is his huge smile and

infectious laughter‖

TRAVELS with WALTER 2007-2010

By Thomas Dunklin

[NOTE: Walter Newman Sr, smiling and telling stories and

playing music, surprised everyone by leaving when no one

was looking earlier this Winter - Friday, October 29th.His

funeral November 6th filled the Tribal Hall. Courtesy of the

Rev. Belle Mickelson of ―Dancing with the Spirit‖, noted

California photographer Thomas Dunklin shares his

memories of Walter below. People will be telling Walter

stories for a long time.]

I first met Walter Newman in Tanana, Alaska in May of

2007, during the Dancing with the Spirit Music Camps. We both arrived a day early, to a Mission House that

hadn't been fully lived in for a while. Walter and I immediately realized there was a lot of work to be done, and

we took on the tasks of getting the propane stove to work (for cooking), and finding fuel for the monitor heater.

We were sent hither and yon to borrow tools, 4Wheelers, fuel cans, propane bottles, teflon tape in order to get

the camp up and running.

I was immediately impressed that Walter seemed to know everyone and even be related to many folks. How

many nieces and nephews can one person have?? Within a few hours, we managed to get everything at the

Mission working, and immediately a friendship was formed. I think we both recognized in each other many

similar traits: a willingness to help out with anything, and a playful attitude toward problem solving and fixing

broken stuff.

Walter has worked with some of the worlds best nature photographers (e.g. the late, Michio Hoshino), and he

was always interested and attentive to what I was doing with my cameras. Sometimes he'd simply ask to check

out my cameras, and was not afraid to step right in and start filming. I'm not used to folks being so confident,

while still being humble and willing to learn. I quickly learned not to underestimate Walter's skills or capacity for

technical work. He was fearless when it came to learning new things, and always willing to lend a hand.

In 2008, after a year apart, my reunion with Walter was one of the highlights of the Camps for me. We had

bonded so much during the first year, that it was wonderful to see him again, and this time to enjoy our time

playing music and helping with all aspects of the camp. We had fewer "performers" in 2008, than in 2007, so

Walter stepped right up to the plate when necessary and often took center stage to sing a few songs. He wasn't

shy, and could always rely on "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You"

In September of 2009, when I was busy with filming projects in California, I invited Walter to come down and

work as my production assistant for a month. He was hanging out in Fairbanks with not much to do, so he

jumped at the opportunity to come visit, check out the Redwoods, and meet some new friends along the Klamath

River. He lived with me in my small apartment for nearly a month, when we weren't on the road shooting video

and photos of watershed restoration activities, and subsistence salmon fishing and processing. He helped me with

the gear schlepping, kept me laughing and in good spirits, and when the fish were being caught, he picked up a

knife to help clean and fillet salmon. He was amazed by the huge Redwood trees, and was thrilled to meet and

spend time with Yurok fishermen, who understood the elements of subsistence like he did.

Everywhere we went, Walter was quick to make friends, and always had something in common with any new

person he met. His life experiences were so diverse, from working as a heavy equipment operator on the Alaska

Pipeline, to working with scientists on Wildlife impact studies (pipeline on caribou migration); from having a long

career as a musician to being a professional guide for photographers and Japanese tourists. His sense of history

seemed to stem from his own personal experiences, and his memory for names and places, dates and events was

extraordinary. Over and over, I remember thinking to myself: "I hope I'm as clear as he is, when I'm his age".

In 2010, Walter was my host in Arctic Village, when I came up to record a collection of Takudh Hymns with

the Reverend Trimble Gilbert. He managed to rent his old house back for a few months, so that Willard (my

friend and production assistant from the Klamath River) and I would have a place to stay while working with

Trimble and his sons. Walter and Willard would spend much of the day together while Trimble and I recorded

songs, and when the recording was over, Trimble and I frequently went down to visit, have some coffee, pilot

bread and smoked salmon. He was a great host, and did his best to make our stay productive and fun.

I feel blessed to have had so many wonderful experiences with Walter. The thing I remember the most is his

huge smile and infectious laughter. His thoughtful, always helpful efforts made him a pleasure to be around, and

his sharp mind always provided me with a unique perspective that I will always hold dear.


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I SAW THE SNOW FALLING TODAY & IT REMINDED ME of SOMETHING... [NOTE: Submitted anonymously, and all personal and place names changed.] When I volunteered for Hospice I met this couple. Bob was my patient and he was the one that called me [Nickname]...because he knew my Grandpa. I never met anyone other than family that had known my Grandpa. Bob had a lovely wife named Jane Doe. Jane had lost her husband, and Bob had lost his wife, and they had been friends prior to their spouses dying; and lived in [Place other then Fairbanks]. They eventually got married, and bought their dream house here in Fairbanks. And soon after that I met them. Bob was excited to meet me and know that I was going to help him “die”. I have to laugh because he thought I was going to do something to hasten his journey; and was so disappointed to find out he had to do it the “usual” way. I remember sitting with him on October 11 one year and it started to SNOW some big flakes. And I thought how can this SNOW be beautiful to some? And here I am sitting and it‟s sooo depressinggg watching all those flakes fall and accumulate and winter is now here!! . . . then that‟s when Bob asked me if someone was in the room with us. You could “feel” it.... but couldn‟t see anyone. AMAZING. Snow got beautiful on that day… A few days later Bob died; and Jane thought she would go about her life; and didn‟t realize how empty life was without her Bob. I had lunch with her about a month after Bob died. She left No forwarding address or phone. She said she was leaving Alaska to go to Washington there were too many memories of Bob. So for years I often wondered where she was and how she was doing. I happened to come across the newspaper and saw one line that she had died earlier this year. I felt so sad. I knew of no family members to call and there was no service! In February this year our office hired someone; and we happened to talk about people that used to live here; and GUESS WHAT???!!! She knew Jane! So even though I was sad and disappointed to know Jane had died…I found the answer of what became of her. And so I realize that God is a mystery… and prayers in my heart sometime get an answer.. . and I got the Gift of Snow and it reminds me every year of my Grandpa, Bob, and Jane…

OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

By Walter Tommy

I was going through bad time of depression a couple of weeks ago.

I was caught up in a vicious cycle and didn't recognize what I was going through, I was flat on my back!!! until

I really had to take a serious look at the cycle of not eating, not drinking enough water, not getting up and

washing up, freezing chill to the bone, losing weight...and just a total loss of interest in anything and everything,

even if it might seem insignificantly small, that I did before all of this of what I'm going through now.

I went to the clinic twice to get re-hydrated through I.V. and that helped for a couple of days but I let the

depression get the best of me and I slipped right back into the cycle all over again.

2 1/2 weeks ago I finally made the realization that it has only been weeks since my intense 2 months of

radiation and chemo therapy and I was just expecting to be up and doing things the way I had before.

Not to mention the major neck and throat surgery I had this past March 21st. NOT EVEN A FEW MONTHS AGO!!!



Page 20

I MISS SNOW By Cathy Davis

{NOTE: Cathy, and her husband Rich, lived here in Fairbanks and Saint Matthew’s for YEARS and did EVERYTHING – from singing in the Choir to the Vestry and Beyond. Now they are exiled in the State of Washington.}

I miss quiet, peaceful snow drifting down in the dark night.

I miss the bright sparkle of snow

on a sunny day.

I miss the soft, white dusting on every branch after a night of snow.

I miss the muffled sound of snow the morning after a snowstorm.

I miss the crunch, crunch of snow under our feet as my dog and I

take our daily walk.

I miss the soft, rolling hills of bushes and even cars

after a heavy snow.

I miss the excitement of driving through thick, heavy snow in our all wheel drive car. Will I make it without getting stuck?

I don’t miss shoveling out my driveway in order to get to work in the morning.

I don’t miss the gray mounds at every corner

when it’s been on the ground for a while.

I don’t miss April,when it all melts revealing six months of gray, dirty trash

and pea gravel.

But then, we get a surprise gift of wet, sloppy snow in May-

just to bid us fare well and to remind us

that it will be back soon.

I had to experience this depressive state to make the

realization and connections to really understand how I react and

the pattern of my behaviors of staying in bed all day, and not talking with my wife, losing interest in thing's in my

life, I would lose a little bit of my self-esteem everyday, and when I do manage to get a little bit of food down,

later on it would come back up and that's what I didn't like, it's the vomiting. Taking pain pills, gargling with pain/

bacterial medication, pain from the nerve-endings reconnecting...I got bottles of chemical's to help me through this

time of my healing, and that's what I don't like...I had enough of all these pills I have to take everyday, all day!!!

Well...it took 4 tries of alcohol and drug treatment, and most of my life in prison and jails, and living on the streets...

To finally realize that I cannot continue on with my life in this manner, and expect to get better in all parts of

my health; mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

My wife tells me, "Look honey, it's gonna take time to heal..." and all of my friends tells me the same thing, but

hard headed me..., oh well, now I know the depths of my depression and how I got there and what I have to do

to get better. Nu-un-da-zo, (―get better, get well‖) is the way my mother Celia John told me one time when I

asked her.

When I made the connections through my drugged mind, and I realized that NOBODY can make me feel any

better, that I have to do it for myself, then that's when I started to get outdoors and visit and go do

something...even as little as going out for a ride with my wife in her truck.

I went to AA meeting and talked about what I was going through, I talked with friends on the phone of what I

was going through, I talked with my wife of what I was going through, I talked with people out in the hallway,

here where we live about what I was going through, it was a way for me to reaffirm within myself of what I was

going through and what I needed to do to get out of that rut.

That's step #1. Realization, acknowledgment.

Step 2. Acceptance. Taking responsibility for my action.

One step at a time, one day at a time, and to be easy on myself.

You might have heard this kind of story before, of the miracle of being sober and straight through all

adversities, but this difference is that you know me personally, and I wish you all well in your life.


Overcoming Depression . . .


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AN EDITED SAMPLING of CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.......

December 24th We jvst gqt hqme frqm the “late” seryice here (starus at 9:00). I zas thiokiog this exeoiog that the rlace I zqvld mqst like tq sreod m} Christnas Exe is at St. Mathezs. The midoight carqls aod seryice at St Matthezs is qoe qf m} best memqries. Merr~ Christnas! Carl [NOTE: “Carl” is Carl Wales. He aod his famil} lixed here at St. Matthez’s aod Fairbaoks aod are oqz e|iled io Mar~laod.]

December 29th . . . This is SO long overdue, forgive me---and I know that I am Forgiven. :) I guess I really do not know where to start, except to say -----I REALLY miss St. Matthew's! There are times I can't

talk of it as I miss so much "up there". I know that I cannot return now, but I will one day. (By the way, again, what is the size of the box for my ashes?) I have wonderful conversations with Ann Fleenor every so often, and have had cards from Marty Thomas and Lori Gorsline and Jeep

and Marie--maybe more. I have been going to St. Thomas' Episcopal Church here in Dover. A very active, alive place with all ages involved. The priest is The Rev. Susan Garrity who is a vibrant woman, attractive as well, and a grandmother. . . The last 2 times I was not able to go up to the rail and so she brings it down to me--as you do. It was a bit funny the first time as I think she had forgotten and in the back of the church and coming up a bit were the ushers waving their hands to get her attention. :)) Now she knows if I don't come up with Frieda (Frieda lets her know I am there) she just comes down. St. Matthew's is log and I think that the present one is the second one, right? Well, there was a field stone St. Thomas' in the early 1830's that something happened to and this is the second field stone St. Thomas' built in 1891! It really is beautiful outside and inside--it was designed by the same man who did the Washington Cathedral! Life is a bit of a challenge for me and Frieda and Joe give me great support. . . . I have the most wonderful bird feeder set-up anyone could want. Due to Frieda of course. There are 6 feeders and they are used a LOT! I have such a variety coming. Of course, the Chickadee, Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal, Downey Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker AND the Red bellied Woodpecker who takes my breath away! He is fairly large and has a BRIGHT red, at least a 1/2" strip from the base of his beak over his head to the nape of his neck! You can't miss him. Of course there are Blue Jays and the Morning Doves have also been flying up and resting on the wrought iron stand. There is a squirrel baffler on the pole--however, Frieda, fixed a place for the squirrels across the driveway with ears of corn and a soft wire wreath that holds whole peanuts! I have neglected to say that their house sits at the end of a 500', curvy driveway, in a cleared out space from the very tall pines and????. The back side of the house faces the Cocehcoe River. You can hear it from inside the house as there are several waterfalls! Did I mention that each floor is a little over 2300 sq. ft.? I can get my walking exercise right in the house--and I need to do that. The bird feeders are right outside my bedroom window, close, so I get to watch them a lot! :)) They always remind me --the Lord knows when a bird loses A feather then how much etc. I do wish He would keep them from flying into my window--I have put things on it to help with that.



Page 22

One more thing--I have a new title. GG “Great Grandmother” and Frieda is now “Nonnie”. Of course I remain Nonnie to my grandson's, but Tom and wife Melissa have (the cutest ever :)) little girl, Maya!!! And she knows GG! I really cannot hold her much as she weighs about 18 or more pounds, but she sits on my lap! I think she likes me for my oxygen tubing. :)) And so life moves along. I did lose a lot of weight and why they don't know. I guess it was just the impact of the move. . . I do appreciate having been put on the Prayer Chain and if you can keep me there for a bit as the pneumonia will be a bit I know. Well, I never have been "short and to the point" and this demonstrates that! :))) Love to All -Joan/GG PS---I guess I am still having trouble "wrapping" my mind and heart around the idea that my name is on the new Fair Linen!!!! I really don't know what to say except it is the most humbling feeling and so much more then I deserve. All I could think of is Mary Ann Gallagher. I do understand wanting it given while still alive--but it is soooo awesome for words. I so enjoyed my years with the Altar Guild--last minute call for a change like, "there will be Communion at the wedding" etc. :)) Quiet times too. I received SO much more then I gave. I felt Close in spirit. Joan [Note: ‚Joan‛ is Joan Wilcox. This last Fall she left St. Matthew’s (& Alaska), after years of service, to live with her family in New England. In recognition of her years with the Altar Guild, there is now new Fair Linen.]


CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED . . .

December 31st Hi Scott, How's Alaska? I'm out here in Juba, Sudan working with the State Department and getting ready for the big referendum. I only made it to All Saints Cathedral once, but if you could keep the people of Sudan in your prayers, I know it could only help. Have a great 2011. Cheers, Aaron (Becky’s son, not that you'd forgotten, just that it's been too long)

December 30th

Flying to Anchorage for the holidays I was, as usual, the 1 in 10 Homeland Security took a

closer look at. We do not have the peek-a-boo x-ray here, so I was isolated, wanded down

and my hands swabbed.

My hand swab reacted. I had "chemicals consistent with chemicals that might be used in

the manufacture of explosives.

So I was hauled into a windowless room and patted down and my clothing and shoes were

swabbed. Anybody who thinks Homeland Security's pat-down is invasive has never been

patted down by the Mississippi police.

But, WOW, THE SHOES! They gleamed like patent leather; those cracked and scuffed 5

year old cross-trainers of mine.

Next time I fly I will wear the grungiest leather shoes I own, and once again I will clean

the cat box right before I leave for the airport.

[Note: This is printed anonymously to avoid further trouble.]


Page 23

Jaovar~ 21st

This is a rictwre qf Caleb Xaxier Abraham Smqke aod Bab} Jesse Charles Abraham Smqke qf Taoacrqss/Fairbaoks.

Jesse zas bqrp qo 8.10.10 tq Terri Pavl-Smqke qf Taoacrqss aod Charles Richard Smqke qf Stexeos Village. We are harr} tq haxe a secqod additiqo tq qvr famil}, Caleb lqxes his bab} brqther aod lqxes beiog the Big Brqther aod Bab} Jesse is eojq}iog the lqxe aod hvgs exer~da} frqm his famil}. We thaok the Lqrd fqr his Blessiogs qvr beavtifwl famil}. We jvst lqxe qvr t{q babies.

-Charles, Terri, Caleb aod Bab} Jesse Smqke

January 3rd

Dear Secret Advent Friends:

Thank you for your prayers and your gifts of light and joy this Advent. Your thoughtfulness toward

us has warmed our hearts and nourished our souls during these dark and cold days. We will always

recall this Advent season as one in which we were cherished and loved, because of you. May God

bless you always.

With much love and appreciation, Oliver & Andrea Backlund

[NOTE: ‘Secret Advent Friends’ names are exchanged throughout the congregation during the

services on the 1st Sunday of Advent each year.]

and more Correspondence . . .

December 31st

. . . William declared, "I am going to wait on the stairs with a camera. When Santa comes, I will video him." He went to sleep on the steps with his camera in hand & his mother had to carry him to bed. The next day William sadly reported, "I didn't take Santa's picture because I fell asleep." I assured William that he could try again next year. Then his eyes lit up with confident expectation of good things to come! -Dorothea Adams [Note: Dorothea Adams, writing about her 5 year old nephew and friend William on Christmas Eve night, lives in Beaver. So does William, but he visits here.]


Page 24

“One 1st grader in Venetie came up to and said “I love your smile,” then gave me a hug.” [NOTE: Martha “Marty” Thomas has retired from working for the University, retired from chairing the Altar Guild, retired from chairing the St. Matthew‟s Endowment Board, and retired from serving on the Vestry. She keeps retiring . . . and finding new ways to serve. Her latest discovery resulted in such enthusiastic email messages, typed late at night from schools or council offices North of the hills, it was suggested she write about it. She has. ] VISITING THE REST of THE FAMILY By Martha E Thomas When I tell people I am working full time for the Adult Learning Programs of Alaska I am often asked „why?‘ I retired from the University in 2007. A certain euphoric feeling comes at the end of a job which offers little or no self satisfaction other than being able to say ‗I did it‟. And yet, I found a large segment of me totally unfulfilled. God gives us talents and abilities to use on his behalf to help others and yet the best I had managed was raising three daughters. Don‘t get me wrong, I loved that family job and give thanks daily for the gift. But, about the rest of my years? It was kind of like trying to do Calculus without the background math. When I prayed that I was ready for something new, God answered. My new position allows me to visit most of the villages in the Doyon region of Alaska to encourage as many interested Alaska Natives as I can find to pass their GEDs. I am able to assist people who want to better their lives. Once upon a time work was available for many who wanted to supplement their subsistence life style. Schools, post offices, air carriers, airports, Tribal Councils, water treatment plants, power plants, among others, hired qualified workers with or without high school diplomas or GEDs. Now with advanced technology, fewer positions, and more people wanting paid positions, the GED or high school diploma has become a requirement. The Adult Learning Programs of Alaska obtained a Federal grant to provide the ability for Alaska Natives to study and obtain GEDs without cost. My job begins by spreading the word and motivating potential candidates to enroll. Since people can learn better with help, I have recruited the schools and tribal government to support each student. I have had the distinct privilege of visiting Tetlin, Tok, Tanacross, Northway, Dot Lake, Arctic Village, Ft. Yukon, Venetie, Grayling, Anvik, and Holy Cross. There are still many villages to visit and I intend to travel to each. With every visit I discover many things about villages. They are small; Anvik is the smallest so far with just 70 people and 14 school children. The villages are located in remote locations where travel to

and from is by airplane, and depending on the weather, snow machines in winter and boats in the summer. Their settings are magnificent. Some are set in lake regions, some at the base of mountains and most on one or another of the large river systems. Very, very few are on the road system. Each village has its own Tribal Council, lead by a Tribal Chief and supported by elected tribal council members. Central to each village are gathering places; the church, the community hall, the tribal hall, the post office, and a school. So far, each village has had lodging accommodations at a variety of costs, usually through the school, Tribal Council offices, ‗City‘ rooms and the occasional B & B. One receives all that is necessary; a warm comfortable place to sleep, bathroom facilities and a place to cook if needed. Villages are peaceful places to be. One has the opportunity to view nature in all its artistry, to consume fresh air by the lung full, and sit daydreaming with nothing but quiet all around. There is no better place to see God‘s natural work than in the village. People who think the Interior is nothing but darkness with snow and cold have never experienced the mountains bathed in more shades of pink and orange than I can name, as the spark of January sunlight peeks out on the horizon. As the sun begins its brief descent in the afternoon, the sky is awash with blues melting into pink, then almost blood red as the sun retreats. It is magnificent! The best part of the village is its people. To continue a subsistence lifestyle is to work hard. People hunt, fish and gather at the appropriate times, and there is wood to cut. People are kind, receptive and helpful. Our vehicle went off the road in Tetlin and before long a truck arrived to dig it out. The driver and my husband had a great time. In Northway it was -40 degrees F. As we were driving on the main road, a little lost in the Native Village, a man came out to help us and invited us into his house to warm up before returning to Tok. In Arctic Village I was stopped several times during my walk to see if I was warm enough, to see if I needed a ride, to see if I was lost……. In the villages the children say „hello‟ as if they know you and greet you with welcoming smiles. One 1st grader in Venetie came up to and said ―I love your smile,‖ then gave me a hug. I arrived in the Holy Cross Tribal Council mid morning and at 11:30 a.m. a plate of delicious lunch was placed in front of me by the cook who prepares meals for the elders. I made a point of walking through the villages. People walking all said ‗hi‘ or if zipping along on the snow machine, waved enthusiastically. Even those inside their homes waved from their windows if they happened to be there. If I



Page 25

Lee baptized her grandchildren. On the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 19th, nearly 1 month old Sean Jaden Volavong was baptized. His Godparents are Jordan Tindall, Brandi Strom, Juliana Hayes, Tony Veravong, and Kevin Veravong. And on the last Wednesday night of the year, on Wednesday evening, December 29th, in the Season of Christmas, 5 months old Shayne Bryan Schwab was baptized. His Godmother is Nicole Elizabeth Bernier. Shayne sang all the way through his baptism. Finally, on the Feast of Candlemass, Wednesday night, February 2nd, 9 months old Adrianna Leona Fields and 5 months old Payton Elizabeth John were baptized. Adrianna‘s Godparents are Deacon Bella Jean Savino and her husband Don Savino; Payton‘s Godparents are Jamie Marunde, Mike Fields, Jessica Boyle, and Scott Chamberlain. Payton watched it all with wise inquiring eyes.

Weddings; and Renewals of Vows On Saturday afternoon, September 25th, Roger and Julianne Anders, celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary, stood in the same place where they had once stood, and with deep wisdom and love, renewed their wedding vows. Nearly a month later, on Saturday afternoon, October 23rd, the rector celebrated the wedding of William Thomas Stead and Kristal Dawn Wright. On Saturday afternoon, November 13th, Archdeacon Anna Frank celebrated Alfred and Helen Attla renewing their wedding vows.

Saturday, December 4th, the rector had the honor and fun of joining the Rev. Marilyn Duggar in a joy-filled and candlelit St. Mark‘s Church in Nenana for the celebration of the wedding of Aaron Charles Burk and Kelly Ann Monroe. Finally, Sunday afternoon, December 19th, in a quiet ceremony that was ALSO WEBCAST and SKYPED, the wedding of Richard Matthew Schoditsch and Cassie Lynn Leatherman was celebrated.

Funerals, Memorials, etc. Saturday, August 21st, 61 years old Elizabeth “Cookie” Rose passed away, surrounded by family, at home in Anchorage, following a brave struggle with cancer. Devoted to the healing of Native families and communities, she was a community coordinator, teacher, and mentor for many. A funeral service was held in Anchorage Thursday, August 26th; and the rector and Archdeacon Anna Frank led a service at the Tribal Hall Tuesday afternoon, August 31st.

Wednesday evening, September 1st, 28 years old Jacqueline “Jackie” Eve Titus

unexpectedly died at her mother‘s home in Fairbanks. The youngest child of John and Virginia Titus of Venetie and Fairbanks, she grew up here at St. Matthew‘s. Wednesday afternoon, September 8th, her funeral was held at St. Matthew‘s, led by the rector, the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino, and Evangelist Gary Simple. Final services and burial were Thursday, September 8th in Venetie. Friday, October 8th, 71 years old Jessie Stickman of Galena passed away. Numerous family members, including her brother musician James Johnson Jr survive her. The rector and Peter Captain Jr led a



Seasons of L i fe . . .

had needed help I would not have hesitated knocking on any door because I learned quickly there are no strangers

in the villages. People have time for greetings. There are three people whose names were like magic in several villages. In most villages Fr. Scott Fisher‘s name generates excitement. In Anvik Glen and Joan Wilcox were remembered fondly. As priest and nurse, they made a memorable difference in the lives of those in Anvik. Glen led services; Joan was their nurse and even delivered babies. The folks in Anvik have not forgotten and they asked me to say ‗hello‘. We are all part of the same family, the family of God. Nowhere can one feel this more than in the villages. I chuckled to myself as some of the young men and women expressed desires to get out of the village. I really do understand their need to leave, to explore other opportunities, but I envy the fact they can always return to the peace and beauty of their village once they‘ve explored and discovered there‘s no place like home.



Visiting the Rest of the Family . . .


Page 26

visitation and service for her Monday, October 11th at the Tribal Hall. Final services and burial were held at home in Galena Wednesday, October 13th. Thursday, October 14th, 38 years old Joseph Francis Wright Sr of Ruby unexpectedly died in Kaltag. Born to Martha Ann Wright of Kokrines/ Ruby and the late Arnold John of Stevens Village, he was one of 10 children raised by Martha. Wednesday, October 20th, Archdeacon Anna Frank and the Rev. Helen Peters led a Memorial service for him at the Chapel of Chimes. Final services and burial followed at home in Ruby Friday, October 22nd. Monday, October 18th, surrounded by family, 68 years old Susan Lord Peter quietly and bravely passed away in Anchorage. The youngest of the 11 children in the Lord family of Ft. Yukon and Nenana, Susie‘s husband was the late Johnny Peter Sr. of Fort Yukon. Saturday afternoon, October 23rd, the Tribal Hall filled with family and friends from throughout the State and beyond for her funeral service. The service was led by Bishop Mark Lattime, Archdeacon Norman Elliott of Anchorage, the Rev. Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village, the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino of St. Matthew‘s, the Rev. Marilyn Duggar of Nenana, and the rector. Burial followed across the River and atop the Hill. Tuesday evening, October 19th, while a St. Matthew‘s Fundraiser filled the Tribal Hall, ever-smiling and prayerful 77 years old Ruth Grant left Denali Center for another Celebration. It was her late husband (for 53 years) Alfred Grant‟s birthday. Sunday

afternoon, October 24th the Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home overflowed for her funeral. The service was led by her sister Archdeacon Anna Frank, the Rev. Bessie Titus, the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee, the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino, and the rector. Final services and burial followed at home in Minto the next day. Friday, October 22nd, 49 years old Kenneth Kennedy James, originally from Birch Creek, died unexpectedly in Anchorage, where he had lived for the last 6 years. There‘s a lake once named for him outside Birch Creek. Wednesday afternoon, October 27th, family and friends gathered at St. Matthew‘s for his funeral, led by the rector, the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee, and the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino. Final services and burial followed the next day at home again in Birch Creek. Wednesday evening, October 27th, surrounded by family, 53 years old Sam Pitka Jr peacefully ended his brave struggle with cancer and passed away. Born to the late Sam and Eliza Pitka of Beaver/Fairbanks, Sam was a lifelong Fairbanks resident and sports enthusiast. Monday, November 1st, All Saints Day, St. Matthew‘s overflowed for his funeral. The service was led by his Uncle the rector, the Rev. Steve Matthew, the Rev. James Hunter, and the Rev. Mary Nathaniel of Fort Yukon. Burial followed atop Birch Hill. Shortly after Midnight, as the New Day was beginning, Friday, October 29th, 75 years old Elizabeth Annette Newman of Rampart, and recently Denali Center, quietly sighed and left, surrounded by family. Born to the late John and Florence Wiehl of Rampart, Lizzie was absolutely selfless, incredibly strong of will and spirit, and her eyes twinkled and shined. Her home was always open. St.




Villages remind me of the church. The village is the people. The church is the people. Both are centers of

peace and tranquility. One can easily reflect on the gifts God has given us in either church or village. Both are gathering places seeing the good times and the sad times. Both need to be maintained. If everyone in the village decides to let the other person do all the support, then the village will collapse. The same is true with the church. Everyone must take a part for the church to remain. Because all participate we reap the blessings of God not only for our current people but for future generations. I listened when God provided me with a new opportunity. I am so glad I did. With the help of God, my success is based on me. Education is a life long journey and I feel that I am back on the right track. Along with the work, I am being generously blessed with gifts I could only have dreamed about, beginning with trips to beautiful places to meet incredible people who want to explore their own lives. Ah, a dream come true!


Visiting the Rest of the Family . . .


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Matthew‘s again overflowed for her funeral Tuesday afternoon, November 2nd. The service was led by the rector, Archdeacon Anna Frank, the Rev. Steve Matthew, the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee, and her grandson Pastor Craig Nicholia. Archdeacon Anna Frank led her final service and burial at home in Rampart Thursday, November 4th. Sometime Friday, October 29th, 76 years old Walter Newman Sr, the brother-in-law of Liz Newman (above) unexpectedly died in Fairbanks, surprising everyone. Born in Beaver and with roots in Barrow, Walter was a gifted musician, story-teller, and friend. He traveled and played and told stories everywhere. A visitation was held at St. Matthew‘s Friday evening, November 5th; and then the Tribal Hall filled for his funeral Saturday afternoon, November 6th. The service and music were led by the rector, the Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor, the Rev. Belle Mickelson (of “Dancing with the Spirit”, with which Walter had worked), the Rev. Steve Matthew, the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino, and the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee. Burial followed atop Birch Hill. On Monday, November 1st, in Anchorage, 67 years old Charlie Crow of Circle quietly finished his struggle with cancer. A smiling and polite gentleman, with a sense of humor and deep faith, Charlie often stopped by St. Matthew‘s when in town. Friday afternoon, November 5th, St. Matthew‘s filled for his funeral. The service was led by the rector, the Rev. Steve Matthew, the Rev. Mary Nathaniel, and the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino. Final services and burial were at home in Circle the next day. Saturday, November 6th, 91 years old Traditional Minto Chief Neal Moses Charlie Sr left. Widely known for his knowledge of Traditional Culture and Wisdom, he and his wife (of 64 years) Geraldine were honored many times for their work in preserving and teaching that Knowledge. Tuesday, November 9th, the Pioneer Park Civic Center filled for his funeral service and potlatch. The service was led by the rector, the Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor, Archdeacon Anna Frank, the Rev. Helen Peters, the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino, the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee, and other gathered pastors of the Fairbanks community.

Final services and burial followed at homer in Minto Saturday, November 13th. Monday, November 8th, our friend and neighbor, 90 years old William George “Bill” Stroecker left. Though he literally was St. Matthew‘s neighbor (walking by everyday and saying “hello”), Mr. Stroecker was everybody‘s neighbor. His story and life was the story of Fairbanks. With Alaskan roots back to his grandfather climbing Chilkoot Pass in 1897, he never left Fairbanks, except for two brief periods of time involving school and World War II. He was involved with everything - from Key Bank to playing a trumpet to the Salvation Army to President (for 46 years) of the Alaskan Goldpanners Baseball Team. Through the courtesy of Catholic Bishop Donald Kettler, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic was borrowed and filled (and overflowed) for his service Friday, November 12th. The service was led by the rector and the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee. Burial will be this Spring. Wednesday, November 17th, 22 years old Roberto Lavette Burgess Jr. of Stevens Village died tragically and unexpectedly in Stevens Village. A gifted young basketball player and friend to many, St. Matthew‘s overflowed into the streets for his funeral service, led by the rector, Saturday, November 20th. Three ravens flew down and watched as the service ended, and his casket was loaded in to go home. Young people were weeping. His final funeral and burial service, led by the Rev. Steve Matthew, was held at home in Stevens Village Tuesday, November 23rd. Monday, November 22nd, surrounded by family in the Anchorage Hospital, 71 years old Hazel (Tritt) Nowottnick finished her long struggle with cancer, and left. Hazel was the daughter of the late Rev. Paul and Julia Tritt of Venetie. Family and friends gathered at St. Matthew‘s Monday afternoon, November 29th for her funeral service, led by the rector. Her final funeral service and burial was held at home in Venetie Tuesday, November 30th. With his two daughters beside him at Denali Center, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th, 73 years old Hubert Preston Griffin quietly ceased his struggle with cancer and left. A former Vestrymember (twice) at St. Matthew‘s, Hugh faithfully attended St. Matthew‘s and always carried with him his North Carolina sense of courtesy. He was always a gentleman; always interested, and always a friend of this Church. He





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also was a devoted fly fisherman. Friday evening, December 10th we gathered for his funeral, led by the rector, the Rev. Lee Davis, and the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee. Flies he had tied and left behind were distributed with the programs. His final services and burial were held back home in Concord, North Carolina. Someplace over there he‘s now casting and smiling in a River of Light, eyes shining. Saturday, November 27th, in the distant Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, 58 years old lifelong Fairbanksan Carl Bradford “Brad” Brooks passed away, having led a full life – from spending time as a ―roadie‖ for the Grateful Dead to being the oldest in a family lineage of Eagle Scouts. St. Matthew‘s filled for his funeral, which included bagpipes and a granddaughter‘s Polynesian dance tribute (that combination says something about Brad), Friday afternoon, December 3rd. The service was led by the rector, with Tom Marsh assisting. A reception followed up the street at Big Daddy‘s Bar-B-Que. There were tie-dyed t shirts, Carharts, and Hawaiian print shirts there. And stories. On Monday, November 29th, in Wasilla, 74 years old Elaine M. Jacobson, longtime St. Matthew‘s Choir Director, Sweet Adelines charter member, and national award winning high school science teacher, passed away. Elaine had retired from directing the Choir; and been in Wasilla for the last year. With special presentations by the St. Matthew‟s Choir and the Sweet Adelines, and her grandson Joshua Nash returning to his familiar role as Crucifer, St. Matthew‘s gathered Saturday afternoon, January 8th to remember and sing and say ―thank you‖. The memorial service was led by the rector, the Rev. Lee Davis, and the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino. In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 11, 80 years old Elsie (Purdy) Simpson passed away at the Hospital in Anchorage, with family beside her. "Tell everyone I love them,‖ she called; and left. Born and raised in Chicken, Elsie had lived in Fairbanks for at least 60 years (but still called Chicken Home) and knew everyone, and took in and helped everyone who needed help. Former paper boys, neighbors, family, and friends filled the Tribal Hall Saturday afternoon, January 15th for her funeral, led by the rector and the Rev.

Deacon Bella Jean Savino. A potlatch followed; and burial will be this Spring. In the quiet evening hours of Saturday, December 18th, in the Fairbanks Hospital and surrounded by family, 67 years old Alvin Martin Sr passed away. Born and raised in Fort Yukon, where he spent time with his Grandfather Sam Alexander on his trapline, Alvin loved cooking and helping others. Tuesday afternoon, December 28th, St. Matthew‘s filled for his funeral. The service was led by the rector and the Rev. Deacon Bella Jean Savino, with assistance from Fairbanks Native Association Executive Director Steve Ginnis and Bible Baptist Church Assistant Pastor Leon Groff. Final services and burial were held at home in Fort Yukon Wednesday, December 29th. In the Season of Christmas, as the year was ending, Wednesday, December 29th, 43 years old Ben Andrew Brice, the son of Al and Carol Brice, died unexpectedly here in Fairbanks. With family roots to Barrow, and an accomplished artist since he was young, Ben was, as his mother sighed, ―a Gift to us‖. St. Matthew‘s filled for his funeral Tuesday, January 11th, in a service led by the rector, the Rev. Lee Davis, and the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee, with nephews newly trained acolyte (and Ben‟s Godson) Jonah Henderson and newly trained crucifer Tavis Henderson assisting. On Sunday morning (appropriately enough) January 9th, at Denali Center, surrounded by family and friends and prayer, 86 years old Stevens Village Elder Lillian (George) Pitka left to go Home to be with the Lord she had followed and loved for so many years. One of the first TCC Health aides in the region, Lillian ran her store and cut fish down in the canyon and (the rector is convinced) held us all together with her prayers. She loved the Lord Jesus and going to church, every church, any church, and they all gathered Wednesday, January 12th at the Tribal Hall for her funeral, led by Pastor Marvin Carroll. Her final services and burial, led by the Rev. Stephen Matthew and the Rev. Helen Peters, were held at home (in at least -50 temperatures) in Stevens Village Saturday, January 15th. That same Sunday, January 9th, over in Stevens Village, 60 years old John “JT” Thronsen passed away after a brave struggle with cancer. JT lived most of his life in Fairbanks, but had moved to Stevens Village to be closer to his stepdaughter and grandchildren.





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Prayers were said with him during his Fairbanks hospitalization the previous week, when he left to return

home, knowing this was coming. The Rev. Stephen Matthew and the Rev. Helen Peters held his funeral and burial service Saturday, January 15th in Stevens Village, jointly with the service for Lillian Pitka [See above]. Monday morning, January 10th, in Denali Center, 82 years old Paul Solomon Jr quietly slipped away. Born, to Hannah and the late Paul Solomon, and raised in Fort Yukon, Paul had lived the last several years in Denali Center, following complications from several severe strokes. He faithfully attended services in Denali, and his family faithfully watched over him. His mother alwaaaaays asked about him. Thursday, January 13th, St. Matthew‘s filled for his funeral; the service being led by the rector, Archdeacon Anna Frank, the Rev. Steve Matthew, and the Rev. Deacon Shirley Lee. His final service and burial followed the next day, Friday, January 14th, at home in Fort Yukon. The rector flew over to assist the Rev. Mary Nathaniel and the Rev. Deacon Teresa Thomas. It was at least -50. Two weeks later, on Monday, January 24th, again at Denali Center, 80 years old Harry Nicholia peacefully passed away, surrounded by family and friends. Born and raised in Tanana (actually born at the Yukon River Rapids), Harry worked on steamboats, fought fires in the Summer, and trapped in the Winter. He lived the Life and taught it to others. He faithfully attended St. Matthew‘s, and services in Denali Center, when his health permitted. Tea was held for him at St. Matthew‘s, in the days following his death, and the Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home overflowed Thursday, January 27th for his service, led by Pastor David Henry. His final services and burial, led by the Rev. Helen Peters, were held at home in Tanana Saturday, January 29th. Finally and tragically and unexpectedly, 31 years old Martin John Baalam died at home in Birch Creek Saturday, January 29th. Born in Fairbanks to William Isberg and Jeanette Miller, Martin was the administrator for the Birch Creek Tribal Council. On Wednesday, February 2nd, Candlemass, the rector led a Visitation and funeral service for Martin at the Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. His final services and burial were held at home in Birch Creek Friday, February 4th. There were other deaths, needless to say, during this time period that aren‘t recorded here, because their services weren‘t conducted here, or by St. Matthew‘s clergy – from Richard Welch in Denali Center in September to Hughes Elder Martha Oldman in early November to Timothy Krupa in late November to Mike Mastel Sr. in Fort Yukon in late December to others and others and others. Their deaths, like their lives, affected us all though..

Goings and Comings Throughout the time period, we kept standing and waving to folks off for new adventures. The icon of Our Lady of Alaska left August 29th (bound for Anchorage and Bishop Lattime‟s consecration September 4th); we threw a party for Joan Wilcox, Susan Stitham, and Becky Snow September 12th, before their moves South; longtime Fairbanks attorney Barry Jackson left for warmer places too September 19th (while we were doing “Talk Like a Pirate” Liturgies); choirmember Diana Chase migrated October 31st; our gifted 8 o‘clock musical friends Dick and Charlotte House left January 9th; and Tree Michael Nelson, our computer guru, WebGardener, and faithful sexton, resigned and left January 14th . While they were all leaving, other folks stopped into visit or stay. Fr. Jim Kolb stopped into Midnight Compline September 10th; the Rev. Jan Hotze of St. Michael‘s/Haines was here September 12th; Duckie, Skeeter, Ingrid, Bubba, Bama, Spike the Octopus and many others visited October 3rd for





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SUMMARY of the

JANUARY, FEBRUARY

2011 VESTRY MEETINGS

January 18 The 2010 Vestry of St. Matthew‟s met for their

final meeting of the year Tuesday, January 18th.

Present were: Senior Warden Roxy Wright-

Freedle, Junior Warden Karen Kiss, Vestry Clerk

Marty Thomas, Dawn Jagow, Tom Marsh, Arlie

Nethken, Irene Todd, and Treasurer Carolyn

Nethken. Vestrymember Clarence Bolden and the

rector were unable to attend. Following an Opening

Prayer by Tom Marsh, and approval of the

December minutes as amended, the following

actions were discussed or taken:

† The final Financial reports were presented,

noting that December Operating Income

totaled $39,806 (Year Total: $298,220) and

December Operating Expenses totaled

$26,382 (Year Total: $301,732). This

resulted in a December Surplus of +$13,425;

but a Deficit for the Year of -$3511. Money

will be transferred from the Operations

Reserve Account to cover the deficit.

Overall, it was felt that the Financial Picture

showed good stewardship on the part of the

Church and Vestry, but there was just not as

much income.

† There was discussion about the coming

Annual Meeting, the presentations during the

Meeting, and needed nominations.

† Plans were discussed for the presentation of

the Youth Director position at the coming

Sunday services on January 23rd, to prepare

the congregation for the Annual Meeting.

† There was discussion about a possible Vestry

Spring Retreat; and Fr. Luis Uzueta of St.

Jude‟s/North Pole will be contacted as a

possible resource.

† Plans were drawn up for cleaning and locking

the Church, and the advertising of hiring a

new sexton.

With the announcement that the next meeting of

the Vestry immediately follows the Annual Meeting

January 30th, the meeting

adjourned with a Closing Prayer

by Senior Warden Roxy Wright-

Freedle.

January 30th The Annual Meeting of the

Vestry, required by the By-Laws of St. Matthew‟s

to immediately follow the Annual Meeting of the

Parish, was held Sunday afternoon, January 30th.

The following were present: Roslyn Allen, Marlin

Collins, Karen Kiss, Tom Marsh, Arlie Nethken,

Pat Sackinger, Shannon Torrence, and the rector.

The following required actions were taken: Karen

Kiss was appointed by the rector as Senior Warden;

Tom Marsh was elected by the Vestry as Junior

Warden; Shannon Torrence was elected by the

Vestry as Vestry Clerk; and Roslyn Allen was

elected by the Vestry as Vestry liaison to the St.

Matthew‟s Endowment Board. Carolyn Nethken was

asked to continue as Parish Treasurer and she

agreed. With some discussion about the Vestry‟s

role, and the decision to hold the next regular

meeting Monday, February 7th, the meeting

adjourned

February 7 The Vestry of St. Matthew‟s met Monday evening,

February 7th, with the following present: Senior

Warden Karen Kiss, Junior Warden Tom Marsh,

Vestry Clerk Shannon Torrence, Roslyn Allen,

Clarence Bolden, Marlin Collins, Arlie Nethken,

Pat Sackinger, Irene Todd, Parish Treasurer

Carolyn Nethken, and the rector. Following an

opening dinner, and prayer by Senior Warden Karen

Kiss, the following actions were discussed or taken:

† An introductory “IceBreaker” Game was

played, with those present being asked to

draw a picture from their childhood, showing

them and their families in a typical Summer

activity. [NOTE: The Vestry declined to allow these drawings to be posted in the Parish Hall, but it should be noted that this Group – Vestry + Treasurer + rector - is



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made up of 7 Oldest children, 1 Youngest Child, and 3 middle children. They were raised in 8 different states – including 2 in New York, 2 in Georgia, and 2 in Alaska. Their Family Origins stretch from Denmark to Nulato to the Sea Islands off the South Carolina coast.]

† The January 18th minutes were approved, as

presented. † The rector gave a brief lecture on church

functioning and understanding St. Matthew‟s

and the Vestry‟s role. The Parteo Principole

(The 80/20 Rule) was noted. † Parish Treasuer Carolyn Nethken gave a

Presentation on Finances 101 and presented

the January 2011 Financial Report. January

Operating Income totaled $21,993 and

January Operating Expenses totaled

$26,805. This resulted in a Monthly Surplus/

Deficit for January of -$4,812. There was

discussion about methods to lower the

energy bills. † The Vestry toured the Church and all three

floors of the Parish Hall, familiarizing

themselves with security and cleaning

features.

† There was discussion about holding a March

Fundraiser at the Tribal Hall, and Shannon

Torrence, Irene Todd, and Roslyn Allen will

explore further details.

† Dave Freedle’s bid to replace and repair the

front doors of the Church this Spring was

accepted.

† There was a wide-ranging discussion about

moving towards the hiring of a new sexton;

and Job descriptions will be posted in the

Parish Hall.

† It was decided to work towards updating the

Parish Directory, and Marlin Collins will work

on this, with Shannon Torrence, Tom

Marsh, and Karen Parr.

† The work of the Youth Ministry Committee

was presented, discussed, and encouraged.

† The Shrove Tuesday Dinner on March 8th was

discussed and the Vestry, as in previous

years, will host it.

† The Vestry Retreat was discussed, with

March 26th or May 21st as possibilities and

Fr. Uzueta will be contacted.

† There was discussion, which will be continued

at the next meeting, about a St. Matthew‟s

Facebook Page or Group.


Summary of Vestry Minutes . . .

the Blessing of animals; Arctic Coast Clergy the Rev‟ds Elijah Attungana, Wilfred Lane, and Jerry Norton were here October 24th; and the Rev. Layne and Casey Smith returned from their time in Texas Sunday, November 7th. We had parties – from Gran‟ma Hannah Solomon‟s 102nd Birthday Party October 10th, to Zelma Joseph Axford‟s ―Thank You Jesus that I no longer have cancer!‖ Party December 3rd. We had Ptarmigan Soup Christmas Eve; and every Sunday, thanks to Renee Thompson and others, the church fills with the smells of French Toast, Sourdough Pancakes, and bacon. The weather may be strange this Winter (it rained Thanksgiving week, shutting down the State), but we are eating and praying our Way into Spring.




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St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

1030 Second Avenue

Fairbanks, AK 99701-4355

Change Service Requested* March 4, 2011

Can’t come to Church? Church will come to You!! As the monthly listing of services shows, there are a number of Lay Eucharistic Ministers trained and willing to bring the

Eucharist to those who are sick, shut in, or unable to come to the Church. If you would like someone to bring you the

Communion, or know of someone who would like that, please contact the Church Office at 456-5235 or slip a note in the

offering plate on Sunday mornings.

.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8: Shrove Tuesday

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9: Ash Wednesday

TUESDAY, MARCH 29: 108

th Anniversary of the 1st Service in

Fairbanks

SUNDAY, APRIL 17:

PALM SUNDAY

MONDAY, April 18: Holy Week Continues

FRIDAY, April 22: GOOD FRIDAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 23rd/SUNDAY, APRIL 24

: EASTER Vigil with the Lighting of the Easter Fire

and the Celebration of the Easter Baptisms Saturday Night; Celebrations of EVERYTHING

Sunday morning

Documents

SEEING MY GRANDFATHER’S COUNTRY: THREE BRIEF STORIES … · Whether Boat trip or Night Dream, what matters is the Lesson: To understand himself and his role and purpose in God‘s