Ephesians 4:16

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Spring 2016

Participation Surpasses 100 at CYAK Young Adult Retreat More than 100 enthusiastic, God-seeking young adults, volunteers and fami-lies, representing more than 30 communities, converged at Maranatha Bible Camp in Willow for the annual CYAK young adult spring retreat. This record-setting attendance included Alaska Christian College students, participants of Aarigaa ministries from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Soldotna, as well as individ-uals from Mountain Village and Bethel. Additionally, the diversity of indige-nous groups was remarkable: Yupik, Inupiaq, Cup’ig, Cup’ik, Athabascan, and Navajo. “You could sense the hunger in students to receive and respond to the work-ing of God’s power in their lives,” Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent said. “You could also sense that there is indeed a battle in the heavenlies taking place. What brought me joy was to see the many students respond to receive prayer so that God would break chains to bring freedom in life.” The theme for the weekend was “Stronger With God.” Lindsey Clise, the newest staff person of Aarigaa-UAA, shared Friday night on the armor of God described in Ephesians 6, emphasizing the “helmet of salvation”. On Saturday morning, Byron Bruckner, CYAK director, continued the focus on Ephesians 6, adding insight on the “breastplate of righteousness” and the connection between “head and heart” in growing in God’s strength. Curtis spoke the final two sessions focusing on Ephesians 6:10-11: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power,” sharing also from two Old Testament passages. The young adult retreat has its beginnings back in 1994 when Curtis and

Kristi Ivanoff, Byron Bruckner, one college student from Shaktoolik and one other met at camp Liowa in Fairbanks. “It was 50 below, that weekend,” Curtis remembers, “But God was gathering the kindling for a fire that would grow into a blaze of God’s spirit among our college-aged young adults.” The retreat was planned by a team of CYAK staff and student leaders, and is increasingly being run by Alaska Native emerging leaders. Positions of worship leader, program director, three testimonies, two emcees were all filled with Native leaders who are on staff of being discipled in CYAK ministries. “To see the number of young adults who were in roles of leadership brought me joy.” Curtis expressed. “God is raising up laborers sent out into His harvest field right before our eyes.” Shannon Alexie, one of the Mountain Village group who worked to raised more than $1000 to attend said, “The Lord spoke to me about providing a safe, fun place for the youth and young adults in Mountain Village. There's a lot of oppression and hurt in the community that only God can heal. I want our young adult group to be lights to our dark hurting community. They need to know the love and hope that is patiently waiting for them found in Christ.” Tricia Ivanoff, of Unalakleet, was called out and sent forth to serve as Direc-tor of Aarigaa-UAF at the retreat held in September. By January, her financial support was raised and she started serving there. Curtis shared, “At the end of our time, just as we had sent out Tricia at the last retreat, I exhorted the group that ‘we are sending each other’ to go in God’s strength.’”

“God is raising up laborers sent out into His harvest field right before our eyes.”

—Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent

2 // the Sinew

I have a confession to make. Lately when I have taken communion, I have looked to see if the bread is perforated or not. In other words, has it been pre-cut, sliced almost all the way through? Why do we perforate communion bread? I suppose so that it breaks easily, uniformly, cleanly—just how we like life to be. Think of how many things are perfo-

rated around us – the return portion of our bills, food cartons, spiral notebook paper, and the list could go on. I agree, these are nice conveniences. The thing is, when we consider the call Jesus has given to those who follow him, there is NOTHING that is perforated about it. His journey to the cross? Not perforated. Nothing was pre-cut, there was no short-cut to Golgotha.

Discipleship follows the same princi-ple—not per-forated. Our theme for this

year’s annual meeting is about just that: “make and deepen disci-ples”. The road to follow Jesus is one that is messy, risky, dan-gerous, hard--but it is Jesus’ multiplication strategy and we are commanded to make disciples in spite of the challenges. There are some clear things I believe Jesus teaches us about discipleship that I want to say to us as we look forward to gather as the Alaska Conference. First, everyone has a part to play. Sec-ondly, we are making disciples as a community, for a community, to be a blessing to the world. Discipleship is not only for a select few. You have a gift to offer and your story of redemption to tell. I was not intentionally encouraged to become a disciple AND a disciple maker until I was in college. Discipleship is for the young, old and everyone in between. You are called and you may ask, “What am I supposed to do?” Give of yourself. Open your life in Christ up to younger followers. Seek out younger believers. Find even one person to help them find the way. Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies it produces many seeds.” That is the key, we have to be willing to die to ourselves so that we can become a multiplier, by playing our part. Discipleship is a community effort. Because of strong influ-ence of Western culture, our default setting is to apply this com-mand primarily as individuals. In Iñupiaq language, there is a suffix “-miut” which means “people of.” It is interesting that in Iñupiaq culture, that is how groups were named and identified—as a “people”— or in other words, a community. We are “Jesus-miut,” a people whose identity is defined and shaped by being in relationship with Jesus and with one another, across all races. So discipleship is accomplished by a community, and it is to help us to fully identify with that community established by and for Christ. This means we have a lot of work to do. Our world is fraught with many challenges because of race, gender, and economic inequality issues. Can it get any more messy than to work at al-lowing Jesus to heal the great divide between us—whether here in Alaska or in our country? But that is what we are called to as the people of Jesus. Can it be more messy than to love mercy? To answer the prophetic call to see God establish a more caring and just world? To care for the poor and the alien? This type of discipleship is a high calling. In my opinion, there is nothing perforated about this work. That is why I think, “Let’s not perforate the bread.”

No More “Perforated” Bread by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent

Women from throughout the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church will get connected, refreshed and transformed at Triennial XV from July 28-31 at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. Themed “Quench,” the Triennial is offered every three years, and features wor-ship by an all-female worship team, speakers such as ECC Women’s Ministry Director Meagan Gillian, workshops and excursions created by women for wom-en of a variety of generations, cultures, regions and life experiences. The Triennial is special, not just because it’s an all-female environment, Mitzi Barker of Community Covenant said, but because it’s multi-cultural and intergen-erational a well. “There is a special dynamic present throughout the event, one which honors the past and looks toward the future, all the while emphasizing our unity as wom-en in Christ,” she said. Barker’s enthusiasm for the event is contagious and has inspired Carla Eisberg of Eagle River to attend as well. “I am excited about Alaskan women participating in this event along with women from around the world,” she said. “Being among sisters in Christ from all over the world will be a fantastic experience. I can't wait to sing praises to God together.” “I attended a pre-conference workshop entitled ‘Exploring the Call of God in Your Life’ that introduced me to a ministry I had never heard of before, but to which I was clearly drawn, which has set me on an exciting new journey of life and ministry,” Mitzi explained. “If previous experience is any indicator, I will come away with a deeper sense of my identity as a woman of Christ and what that means as I live forward.” One of the highlights of the event includes an opening parade of nations, in which the participating women wear traditional clothing from the various Covenant conferences, Mitzi said. The women of the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Church will be wearing kuspuks as they celebrate the first year of attending as members of the newest Covenant conference. Planning for attending the conference is already underway, and Mitzi encourages women from throughout Alaska to carve out some time for themselves to attend. “We can all do with a lift, making a commitment to come away for a while, to engage with the larger body of Christ and specifically women of Christ,” she said. “At Triennial, we will learn from each other and enrich not only ourselves, but our homes and our churches.” “What a wonderful way to experience fellowship together. We could bring back a fresh vitality to the Women's Ministry at Community Covenant and the Alaska conference,” Carla added. “I really want to encourage women from rural communities to attend as well.” According to www.covchurch.org/triennial, registration for Triennial XV is $399 now through April 15 and $439 from April 16 to July 15. Discounted lodging for the ECC is currently being offered at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center for $129 per night, plus tax. Lunch will be served on July 29 and July 30, and brunch will be featured on July 31 at Triennial, but event participants must purchase all other meals independently. Alaskans who’ll be attending the event must register online and should email

Mitzi at mbarker@mtaonline.net to ensure they’re part of the conversation for

Alaska-specific information as planning for the event progresses. More information on Triennial XV is available online at www.covchurch.org/

triennial.

Alaskan Women to Get Spiritual

Thirst Quenched at Triennial XV by Mary Rall, Community Covenant Church

Spring 2016/ 3

Prior to moving to Alaska in August of 2013, Daniel and Carol Hobbs of Nome Covenant Church had pastored several different churches of different denominations over 13 years. Daniel was taking a break from full-time pastoring, but was eager to fill in when in August of 2014, the need arose for someone to speak while the White Mountain pastor was out of town. He planned to go for the weekend and speak on Sunday. When an elder in the village passed away earlier that week, Daniel was able to speak at his funeral on Saturday as well. Since that time, the need has expanded as the church has been without a pastor for more than a year. They have made multiple trips to White Mountain as a couple and as a family with their five children: Emelyne (17), Sophia (16), Elsa (15), Tobin (12) and Tristen (10). Carol shared, “Recently the children have been reminiscing about spending last Easter in White Mountain and have noted that it is their favorite Easter Sunday to date. We all took part in the annual Easter egg hunt. We worshiped together with God's people at the ITC building and shared communion. A friend brought us fresh crab.” White Mountain is one of five village church-es that are currently without a full-time pastor and in need of encouragement and shepherd-ing. What it means to serve there—even in a short term capacity-- can often be unpredicta-ble, and requires flexibility and a commitment to build relationships. However, the blessing goes two ways for all involved. An excerpt from an email report that Carol sent from their November trip, gives insight into these realities. “Our Sunday evening service took place at the ITC this time. The heater at the church had been running earlier in the day and Daniel said the building was warm around 3 when he walked down, but at service time there was an error light and it felt a little cooler than Peter wanted. About 20 of us gathered for singing and prayer and

a message. Daniel spoke about Jesus walking on the water and his words to us, "It's just me", and the comfort and hope and joy those words can bring no matter what is happening in our lives. One gentleman stayed to talk following the service and shared that it was the first time he and his wife had been able to be in service together. He expressed his desire to be a father to his kids like he didn't have in his own life. Dan-iel was able to pray with him and he gave his life to Christ. Saturday morning and evening we joined friends at the school who were watching the

Wolves play volleyball in Koyuk. BSSD live-streamed the games so we were able to watch on the big screen in the cafeteria. Sunday afternoon a couple and their girls joined us for lasagna at the ITC. We'd taken a frozen lasagna along with the hopes of sharing with a family while we were there. As you know we'd planned to leave Monday morning, but a lovely winter storm hindered our travel. Flights were cancelled for the whole day. Daniel spent much of the day getting caught up on a math class he's doing through UAF. He'd taken his computer along and was graciously allowed us to use internet at the ITC! What a blessing! Randall and Louise invited us to their house to have breakfast for lunch on Monday. Tuesday's flights were cancelled as well. Daniel was able to do another math assignment in the morning and we spent the rest of the day visiting people. We ate lunch with friends at the school. We picked up a few things to eat at the store, but friends also were very generous and shared with us. Karl had made a delicious beef stew and salmon dip he shared

with us. Dan Harrelson gave us moose burger. We were very well taken care of. Wednesday turned out to be a good day for flying and we arrived back in Nome around 12:30, just in time for Thanksgiving.. God saw we needed those two extra days in WMO this trip. We felt like we learned to know people better as we listened to their stories.” “We're thankful for the privilege of building relationships with friends in White Mountain. We love visiting every time we go,” Carol said.

Nome Family Blessed While Serving White Mountain Church

Make & Deepen Disciples 2 Timothy 2:2

ANNUAL MEETING MAY 5-8, 2016 SCAMMON BAY COVENANT CHURCH

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Curtis Ivanoff

Superintendent

Alaska Conference

Michelle Sanchez

ECC Executive

Minister

Make & Deepen

Disciples

Jason Stromstad

Pastor

Scammon Bay

Covenant Church

Daniel Hobbs visits Percy Agloinga on one of

his trips to serve the White Mountain Church.

Register on-line at

www.alaskacovenant.org

or call the conference office

907-222-6348

Fairbanks, Nome and Eagle River Continue on Vitality Pathway

“I am very grateful for ECC’s

support with resourcing our

churches to grow in becom-

ing heathier and more mis-

sional. This is about the

movement of God’s Spirit in

our churches. and my hope

and prayer is that every sin-

gle one of our churches will

be healthy and missional. I

believe every church has

room to grow, and this pro-

cess is about churches

opening up for God to prune

and shape for growth. That

is challenging work, but

bearing new fruit is worth it.

I applaud the churches in

our conference who are tak-

ing those steps.”

—Curtis Ivanoff,

Superintendent

Jacob Shirk,14, and Evans Callas, 17, of Community Covenant Church, Fairbanks, have attended all three “Vitality” Seminars that the church has hosted. Director John Wenrich said, “It is so great that younger people are engaging in the congregational vitality movement.” The Fairbanks church recently hosted the third seminar “ONE” in the

Congregational Vitality Pathway.

Our Mission Churches and ministries

working together

throughout Alaska to

cultivate disciples

so that families,

communities, and the

world are transformed

by the gospel

transformed communities

“Congregational vitality be-

gins with the Holy Spirit who

awakens the church for mis-

sion. I praise God for the

Covenant churches that are

walking the congregational

vitality pathway. The chal-

lenges are great in Alaska,

but our God is even greater.

Through these challenges

we learn to cry out for the

Holy Spirit. We yearn for the

Gospel to burn brighter and

warmer. It’s been said,

‘Vitality is never yesterday.

Vitality is today and tomor-

row.’ Let’s keep asking the

Holy Spirit for miracles!”

—John Wenrich, Director

Congregational Vitality

Debbie Bogart, of Eagle River Community Covenant Church, is serving the Alaska Confer-ence as Vitality Facilitator, working alongside churches, coaching them through the process as they follow the Congregational Vitality Pathway. Debbie was introduced to Congregational Vi-tality when she was asked to facilitate the path-way process for her church in 2014. As she facil-itated the process, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, she experienced great joy and felt His

fresh wind moving at CCC. After moving to Alaska from Washington State in 2001, she was introduced to Community Covenant Church in Eagle River by her daughter, who at that time was attending youth group. Soon after, she became a member, a lay leader, and has loved her church family and the Covenant ever since. After her third child was born, she returned to school and com-pleted her Master’s in Education. She also holds a B.A. in Communi-ty Education. Her career has been rich, working in education, higher education, community services, faith-based and non-profit work. She often provides help for other organizations and non-profits in seeking funding, strategic planning and staff development. Debbie is also a member of the first cohort in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) to be completing a certificate on the Foun-dations of Congregational Vitality offered through North Park The-ological Seminary that was launched in 2015. “North Park is the only seminary in the world to offer a certificate program in congregational vitality,” said John Wenrich, who current-ly directs congregational vitality for the ECC and who has been nominated to serve as Executive Minister for Start & Strengthen Churches.

Alaskan Facilitator Coaches

Churches Along Pathway

Fairbanks, Nome and Eagle River Continue on Vitality Pathway

“The most important thing

God has done through

Vitality is to call forth hid-

den prayer warriors, whose

prayers and leadership

have transformed a man-

made process into a place

where God is at work. We

began as a group of angry,

almost-beaten cynics, but

after being part of Vitality,

and ONE, I eagerly volun-

teered to be on the strate-

gic ministry planning team.

I believe this process is

succeeding: we are being

built into a community pas-

sionate for Christ and

equipped to do our particu-

lar work in his world."

--Carina Menaker,

C3—Fairbanks

"We are excited about

our Vitality Pathway for

many reasons. The most

obvious has been the de-

velopment of teams to

pursue congregational

assessment and observa-

tion. We are not sure

about the outcome of

this pathway, but being

on the journey together is

more than worth the ef-

fort. The enthusiasm of

our teams has the life-

signs of compelling Chris-

tian community. We are

expectant, and we are

glad.”

—Harvey Fiskeaux,

Pastor, Nome Covenant

Jacob Shirk,14, and Evans Callas, 17, of Community Covenant Church, Fairbanks, have attended all three “Vitality” Seminars that the church

people are engaging in the congregational vitality movement.” The Fairbanks church recently hosted the third seminar “ONE” in the

Churches and ministries

throughout Alaska to

communities, and the

Our Vision

flourishing churches

vibrant ministries

restored lives

transformed communities

Our Priorities Start & strengthen

churches

Make & deepen

disciples

Develop leaders

Love mercy,

do justice

Serve globally

6 // the Sinew

Transitions

As the University of Alaska Anchorage semester started this January, ten young adults settled into community and life together. The Aarigaa Disci-pleship Housing initiative, run by Covenant Youth of Alaska, is an opportunity for young adults from all areas of Alaska to engage their faith by doing exactly what the psalmist says in Psalms 133:1—“How good and aarigaa it is when kindred dwell together in unity.” These five women and five men bring their individual stories together from Nome, Unala-kleet, Buckland, Tuntutuliak, Juneau, Point Hope, and Anchorage to a new duplex facility just minutes from the University. The critical transi-tion from younger home life to adult life is often a challenge for young adults especially those coming to Anchorage from smaller home towns. The Aarigaa Discipleship House offers a safe and wel-coming environment that is encouraging in faith, life and academics. Hunter Dill of Unalakleet has lived in the Aarigaa Discipleship House since August of 2013, “Being a member of the Aarigaa House commu-nity has provided a place to identify with in a

healthy way. This sense of belonging vitalizes my well-being and reinforces my desire to do well in all things, especially my education. My hope is that our community lives into this abundant life gifted to us by our Savior.” Under the leadership of CYAK staff Jamie Rose and new CYAK volunteer Justin Eppler, the housing ministry brings gospel life into the every-day for these and many other young adults who come in for meals and gatherings. Chris Savok of Anchorage and Charis Erhardt of Juneau serve as Resident Advisors with the students. The Aarigaa Discipleship House first launched in Fairbanks, then relaunched in Anchorage five years ago utilizing the parsonage at First Covenant Church. Generous investors bought and held two duplexes for CYAK’s use, providing capacity for twenty young adults and ample space for gather-ings and visiting mission teams. As residents settle into the new facility and the ministry hits full swing, God be praised for his provision and his guidance. Please continue to be in prayer for the CYAK team and specifically for this growing min-istry initiative.

Aarigaa Anchorage Students Have a New Place to Call Home By David Rurik, Covenant Youth of Alaska

Arigaa: Tricia Ivanoff Serving at UAF by David Rurik, Covenant Youth of Alaska

Chip (Joanne) Swanson, of Unalakleet, are serving White Mountain

Covenant Church as interim pastor through May 7.

James (Rachel) Ventress, of CYAK and Nome Covenant Church,

welcomed to their family baby Mercedes Marie born on January 18,

and baby Theodore Sterling born on February 29.

Sean (Shannon) Hoffbeck, Alaska Christian College Vice President

of Operations, welcomed baby Kaylee Lynn, born on February 6.

Tricia Ivanoff of Unalakleet began serving with CYAK as Director

of Aarigaa—UAF in January.

If you’ve spent any time around Covenant Youth of Alaska you have likely heard the phrase ‘Continuum of Discipleship Care’. Early in CYAK’s ministry, it became a goal to bring the light of Christ into contact with youth and to walk with them along this discipleship journey. Tricia Ivanoff was born and raised in Unalakleet. Her life was influenced through the local Cov-enant church and through annual visits to Covenant Bible Camp. Upon graduating high school, Tricia moved to Chicago to at-tend North Park University, a move she thought would put Alaska in her rearview mirror. “A few years ago, I would have told people that I was never go-ing to be coming back to Alaska,” Tricia explained. God had other plans. In part-nership with the Covenant in Alaska, Tricia went to India twice to attend a discipleship school and serve on mission. During her time in India, God moved in her heart and prepared her to come back to her own people.

“Through God’s grace and Christ’s transforming power, I’m happy to say that I get the oppor-tunity to serve Alaska Native young adults at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.” Sending Tricia to Fairbanks is a continuation of a long story that spans the continuum of dis-cipleship care. We are thrilled to have Tricia serve with CYAK in such a vital role, and we look forward to seeing the way God will continue to grow her and use her to impact the lives of young adults in Alaska.

Jennifer Taryuralria of Tununak, Imataaq 'Frankie' Pavilla of Atmautluak, Tricia Ivanoff

of Unalakleet and Delcie Billingsley of Mekoryuk enjoy time together at Aarigaa in

Fairbanks.

Spring 2016/ 7

March April May

Monday Mountain Village Covenant Church

Former pastor Don Cross’s wife Fei is undergoing cancer treatment in her home country of Malaysia

Pastoral search process

Young adults seeking to meet together and grow together

Vince (Laura) Eben Assoc. Pastor, First Covenant

To be faithful to God in affliction

That we'll discern and follow God's lead in ministry

For the churches that are without a shepherd at this time

Bible Camp

God to provide staff for Bible Camp

The Lord to make it possible for the kids who need to be at camp to make it here

God’s Spirit to provide for and pre-pare all to serve & attend camp

Tuesday Unalakleet Covenant Church

God to lead the search team to the next pastor and youth pastor

Interim pastor Nick Bruckner

Joy for Thomas Simonsson serving in worship & youth ministry

New Song Covenant Church

Praises: growth in individuals & those coming from “outside” the church

Small groups gathering for people in different life phases

Vision for growth through outreach

Churches in the following villages are seeking pastors: Shaktoolik, Koyuk,

Hooper Bay, Mountain Village, White Mountain, Golovin and Unalakleet.

Pray for the leadership in these churches as they serve.

Wednesday Chip (Joanne) Swanson Interim Pastor, White Mountain

Grieving family losses

To minister in the power of the Holy Spirit as God leads them to encourage the flock under their care.

Nick (Nikki) Bruckner Interim Pastor, Unalakleet

For Nikki to have a healthy pregnan-cy, delivery, and baby (due April 30)

That Jack and the new baby would know and serve Jesus

T.J. (Polly) Smith Pastor, New Song Covenant

Pray for wisdom for T.J. and Polly as they seek to parent wisely and joyfully in a blended family and in adjustments

related to the empty-nest stage.

Thursday Alaska Christian College From March 26-Apr. 2, President Keith will travel with students to Mexicali, Mexico for a Mission trip. Pray for safe-ty and for God’s heart for the world to capture the hearts of the students as they serve.

Alaska Christian College

From April 11-13, ABHE—ACC’s accrediting body—will be on campus for a scheduled review of accredita-tion. Pray for staff preparation.

Students celebrate commencement on May 1.

Alaska Christian College Pray for students as many return home for the summer. Pray that they would stand firm in their commitment to the Lord, protected by the armor of God as outlined in Eph. 6. Pray for admis-sions office in recruiting for fall.

Friday Scammon Bay Covenant Church

Hosting Lower Yukon Conference in April

Hosting Annual Meeting in May

Parsonage fundraising and construc-tion planning

Tricia Ivanoff Aarigaa-UAF

Adjust to life in Fairbanks

Healthy relationships with students and staff

Our leadership team to be in tune with the Holy Spirit

Scammon Bay Covenant Church Pray for the remodeling project of the church parsonage that is scheduled for later this summer. Pray for favorable weather conditions, materials to arrive on time, safety for all volunteers and robust community participation.

Spring

Prayer

Calendar

April 18-20 WAMT: Bible Study Tools & Interpretation (Nome) April 20-22 WAMT: Suicide Prevention Training (Nome) May 1 Alaska Christian College Commencement (Soldotna) May 5-8 Annual Meeting & Church Conference (Scammon Bay) May 15 Bible Camp Registration Deadline May 31 -June 6 Leadership Camp (Unalakleet) June 6-13 High School Camp (Unalakleet) June 13-20 Junior High Camp (Unalakleet) June 20-25 Pathfinders Camp (Unalakleet) June 25-30 Trailblazers Camp (Unalakleet)

Upcoming Events & Dates

Photo by Joshua Mute

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ANCHORAGE, AK

PERMIT NO. 537

Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church

Ministry Priorities Start & strengthen churches

Make & deepen disciples Develop leaders

Love mercy, do justice Serve globally

Superintendent:

Curtis Ivanoff curtis@alaskacovenant.org

Associate Superintendent

James Barefoot james@alaskacovenant.org

Ministry Associate

Aune Carlson info@alaskacovenant.org

Financial Assistant

Cory Alverts cory@alaskacovenant.net

Sinew Editor Kristi Ivanoff

kristi@alaskacovenant.org

P.O. Box 200446 Anchorage, AK 99520 Office: 907-222-6348 Fax: 907-222-6390

e-mail

info@alaskacovenant.org

website www.alaskacovenant.org

Donations to the Alaska

Conference are tax-deductible and may be made online or mailed to

the office directly.

Left to Right: More than 35 young

adults enjoyed Native Food at the

Ivanoff’s home during a Thursday night

Aarigaa meeting.

Charis, Curtis’s daughter, accompanied

him on a recent trip to Scammon Bay

and enjoyed a game night with pastor

Jason Stromstad, Drew and Holly Wil-

liams and Shandon Rivers.

Curtis presented Doug and Linda Olsen

the “True North Award” at a Covenant

Harbor Fundraiser for the Scammon

Bay Parsonage in Gig Harbor, Washing-

ton. The award recognizes volunteers

who have served in Alaska from outside

churches over many years. Doug and

Linda have served for more than 20

years at Bible Camp and other church

projects.

Stephanie Stockhouse explains the

significance of the artistic representa-

tion made to celebrate Community

Covenant’s 20-year anniversary.

Women gathered in Mekoryuk for Bible

study and fellowship during James and

Evelyn Barefoot’s weeklong ministry

visit in February.

Curtis meets with the Executive Board

during the January meeting where they

finalized the Alaska Conference revised

mission and vision statements and

attended to other conference business.