SUMMER 2021
Conference, Locals, Teams Work Together For Elim Church Parsonage Construction After seven years of fundraising and months of planning, a team of Minnesota builders, Conference office staff, Elim area residents, and friends from around Norton Sound convened to start the construction of the 1076 sq.ft. structure that will be used to house future pastoral staff. In less than one week, the team transformed the empty gravel pad to an enclosed structure with windows, doors, and roof,. In May of 2014, former pastor Bob Curtis and the church leadership decided that the then-parsonage was in such disrepair, that rebuilding would be the best move forward. The village governing body donated a lot near the church and provided gravel and labor needed to lay the pad. Kenny Takak, Elim Covenant Church Chairman, and Interim Pastor Chip Swanson urged the Alaska Conference to commence planning for summer construction after a large donation was received in early 2021 that completed the fundraising goal. “Given the varied concerns about Covid-19, at the time we decided to move forward I had wondered how challenging it would be find volunteers, Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff said. “God has been faithful to
provide and I will say that Kenny has set an example of faith in God’s provision each step of the way.” Curtis reached out to Pastor Rick Millikin of Mat-Su Covenant Church, who has hosted many work teams prior to begin brainstorming. Rick connected with Doug Gjerstad, of Montgomery, MN, who had served on a prior work team in the Mat-Su Valley, who agreed to lead the construction planning and management. Doug recruited Dean Adolph, a colleague, also from Minnesota, to serve on the team. Doug identified a 6 -week construction schedule with six work teams needed to complete construction. After much prayer and many phone calls, Curtis connected with Pastor Barry Anthony, of Moose Lake Covenant Church (Moose Lake, MN) who had brought work teams to Alaska in previous summers to work at Chickaloon Retreat Center and the Aarigaa House in Anchorage. With just four weeks left before the MARC plane was to fly, Barry was able to identify five other experienced workers to commit to serving as the lead(Continued on page 2)
Pictured above: On day one, materials needed to be moved and unloaded on the gravel pad that was prepared for the structure. Dean Adolf and Doug Gjerstad of MN, discuss plans for water service with Elim’s Roy Daniels. Clarence Savetilik, of Elim, prepared fresh salmon for the group as he served as the primary cook for the visiting volunteers. Koyuk Pastor Don Cross, Pastor Barry Anthony of Moose Lake, MN, and Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff enjoyed fellowship together through the week. Leon Hedberg, of MN and others are blessed with favorable weather as they secure flooring joists. Elim village leaders supported the project in many ways, including providing heavy equipment as needs arose. Victor Nylin, of Elim, was a welcome sight as materials needed to be transported. Pre-constructed house panels made the exterior framing a quick project. Associate Superintendent Brian Nanninga and Elim church board chairman Kenny Takak take an afternoon walk in the sunny weather as they get acquainted for the first time. The Minnesota team took a break for a group photo in front of the Elim Church. The Elim parsonage is roofed and ready for the Unalakleet group that would continue with siding and interior work.
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. Ephesians 4:16
ECC Ordains Alaska Pastors Savetilik Award Honors Elim Volunteer Pastor Heather Smith of Eagle River Community Covenant Church and Chugach Covenant Church Pastor Ben Schoffmann received their permanent ministerial credentials on June 26 at an Ordination service hosted by Mat-Su Covenant church, with friends, family and colleagues there to celebrate. The ceremony was held in concert with a broadcast ceremony as part of the ECC annual meeting, along with 97 others being ordained in other conferences around the country.
Mary Christine Amaktoolik, of Elim Covenant Church, was honored at the April Annual Meeting as the 2021 recipient of the Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award for her many years of faithful volunteer service in the church. Over the last two decades, Mary has served in various ways including as a Sunday School teacher, church board member, and worship team leader. She has been active in hosting various teams that have served in Elim as well as many “behind the scene” tasks to serve in ministry of the church. Mary’s ministry extends into the community through the many different public service positions she has held including store manager, teacher aide, IRA council member, village-based counselor and city clerk. The Daniel Savetilik, Sr. Award is given annually in order to recognize Covenant lay persons for their significant contribution to ministry in Alaska.
Executive Board Members Elected Top: Supt. Curtis Ivanoff, Assoc. Supt. Brian Nanninga, Pastor Todd Michero, Pastor Rick Millikin, Bruce Kovarik, Ben Schoffmann, Heather Smith.
Elim Parsonage
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off work team. Unalakleet Covenant Church also confirmed that they would send a team for the second week of construction. “God’s hand was all over this project. From the materials arriving on time to the excellent weather we had—the skilled work team came together, and challenges that we encountered were resolved as the community and the team worked together,” Dean explained. Curtis and Brian Nanninga, Associate Superintendent, traveled to Elim a few days before the team arrived to work with local church and community members to make final preparations, from food to housing to materials. Clarence Saccheus of Elim served as the cook for the volunteers, and Pastor Don Cross from Koyuk flew over to assist the team and enjoy the fellowship with Curtis and Brian there. In week 2 of the project, Lloyd Perrigo from Nome, Luther Savetilik from Anchorage; and Tim Daniels, Chip Swanson, Merle Towarak, Abel Razzo and Brad Webster added their service to the project. “Partnership has been a theme as members of the body of Christ converged from all around to share their talents,” Curtis said. “ ‘The Lord is building it’ has been our mantra, and we pray that this house will strengthen Elim Covenant Church as they continue to share the good news of hope and life in Christ.”
2 // the Sinew
Sarah Miller, Mat-Su Covenant Church, was elected for the road-system, 3-year term. She has been married 35 yrs. to David Miller. They have 4 grown children and six grandchildren. She currently works for Mat-Su Borough School District as an Intensive Special Education Aide. Before settling in Palmer, Sarah served with her husband in Alaska Yearly Meeting of Friends Church. They started out in youth ministry in Noorvik, then in pastoral ministry in Anchorage, and concluded with the Friends Bible School in Kotzebue. She is the daughter to the late Jacob & late May Nelson. She is a graduate of Covenant High School and holds a degree in business management from Barclay College. She is also in process of attaining a Certificate in Medical Reimbursement through UAF. Adam London, Bethel Covenant Church, was elected for the 3-year YK Delta seat. Along with his wife, Shirleen and 5 children are blessed to serve at Bethel Covenant Church. He is an Alaska Christian College Spruce hen (2002) as well as a graduate of North Park University (2004) and North Park Theological Seminary (2012). He has previously served with Covenant Youth of Alaska, Unalakleet Covenant Church, Nome Covenant Church, Alaska Christian College, and Amundsen Educational Center. Adam has a heart to see village pastors supported well financially, relationally, and spiritually. Beda Prentice, Koyuk Covenant Church, was raised and adopted by grandparents Alfred and Ethel Adams of Koyuk, who were active leaders in the church. She grew up attending Sunday school, church and traveled to the get-togethers. She gave her life to the Lord at age 33, and has been serving in the church since. She feels blessed to have her husband walking alongside of her graciously, growing and serving the Lord. They have eight children.
Confirmands Affirm Faith in Elim and Unalakleet “Get the word out. Teach all these things. Don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.” —1 Timothy 3:16 The Message Danny Amaktoolik, William Simpson, Aiden Amaktoolik, Cara Barr, Oogenisy Miller, Colie Aukongak, Searaya Saccheus were the Elim Covenant Church confirmands this spring. Pastor Chip Swanson led the group during his 3-month interim term in the spring.
Seven wonderful young people had their faith in Jesus Christ confirmed by their own confession and by responding to the ancient questions asked of anyone who would be welcomed into the life of the Church. The above verses show us how, many times, we overlook the value our youth are to our congregational life, not just Sunday School! The second verse warns anyone who would overlook their value and even take advantage of them in their growing faith in Jesus Christ. This confirmation class was admittedly a short course. But there are smiles on every face of those seven young people. And on this Confirmation Sunday, parents and other relatives had smiles on their faces
and agutuk in their mouths as these youth were honored for the work they did and the faith they showed. I don’t believe anyone will forget that day and what it means for Elim Evangelical Covenant Church’s future. The Confirmation message, based on the above verses, urged the church to plan services that continue to value and include our youth. The church is not a building! It is the Body of Christ, as he intended, not broken, but one in him for the good of the whole community of Elim. Today in many churches young people do not feel welcome. How do we know? They are not there! When Jesus Christ gave his “Great Commission”, he commanded and taught
the way to “fish” for men, women, boys and girls, to make disciples. Baptize and teach obedience to all his commandments. That has been the way the Church has made disciples for the last two thousand years. The good tradition! And whether it is called “Confirmation” or “Catechism” the fact is--this is the way most disciples have been “made”. As someone has said, our youth are not the “church of tomorrow,” they are part of the church today! May we all do our part to continue to make that happen in all of our churches.
—Chip Swanson, Interim Pastor, Elim Covenant Church
The Unalakleet Covenant Church confirmation program consists of a two-year course through the Old and New Testaments, guided by the ECC confirmation curriculum. The group, which averaged about 10 students this year, met prior to the Sunday morning service for class, then had opportunity to serve in the morning service through Scripture reading, greeting, folding and handing out bulletins, ringing the church bell, and leading the call to worship. Pastor Nick Bruckner enjoys adding community-building experiences over the course of a year including a retreat, Sourdough breakfast gatherings, making ulus together and participating in subsistence activities together. “The purpose of confirmation is to give students an opportunity to learn more about Christianity, explore and affirm their faith as they develop a personal relationship with God in the setting of the local church,” Pastor Nick explained, “The students have homework each week and prayer journal that they keep.” Confirmation Sunday is a celebration of their journey in faith. Each confirmand received a Bible with their name engraved on the front.
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The hybrid three-day annual meeting conference was River. Nightly services were broadcast statewide via l provided a worship team to lead music as we gathere scholar and North Park University professor, was the around the theme “Convinced.” Pastor Vince Eben wa with an “Eskimo kiss,” in the spirit of 1 Thessalonians dinner together with Dr. Johnson to share about Alask Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff’s 50th birthday was ce Pre-recorded songs were also broadcast via KICY and pictured to the righ). As a memento of his time with u Next year’s annual meeting conference is scheduled
s headquartered at Community Covenant Church in Eagle live-stream. Each night, a different Anchorage-area church ed in person and virtually. Dr. Boaz Johnson, biblical conference speaker sharing from the Old Testament as inspired to extend a unique welcome to Dr. Johnson s 5:26. Alaska conference ministry leaders enjoyed a ka’s ministries and connect more deeply with the speaker. elebrated on Saturday evening with ice cream bars for all. d livestream for a two-session singspiration (Koyuk’s choir us, Dr. Johnson was presented with a sealskin bow-tie. to be in Bethel.
Promotion Ceremony Honors JBER Chaplain
Chaplain (Colonel) Masaki “Mark” Nakazono (pictured far left) was honored in a promotion ceremony in February at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff attended and offered the prayer of consecration during the service. Mark earned his Master of Divinity degree (‘94) from North Park Theological Seminary and was ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1998. After serving in church ministry from 1987, Mark was commissioned to active-duty service as a United States Army Chaplain in 2002. Mark has served as a Command Chaplain and Senior Army Chaplain here in Alaska since 2020. Mark is married to Patti Sue and has two grown sons who currently live in Illinois. Major General Peter B. Andrysiak, Commanding General U.S. Army Alaska (pictured far right above) hosted the ceremony.
God’s Leading for New Young Adult Ministry Doris VanAmburg, C3 Fairbanks
When the nudging of God was felt upon my heart to begin a young adult ministry, I ignored it. I made excuses, and I let fear rule my heart. Yet, God continued patiently applying the pressure. I’m so thankful for a gracious, faithful God. The invitations were written and mailed. Monday Mexican night; 6-8 pm, free food, fellowship and Bible study. Monday night came, and with it, so did about 20 young adults! It seems when God lays a burden on a heart, it is often because He is at work on the other end in someone else’s heart, moving, applying pressure, creating interest. It has been challenging to keep my focus on God and trust his equipping as we lead these Monday night young adult sessions. There is the temptation to give into fear, not being enough, not having all the answers to difficult questions. However, it is so exciting to see young
parents and other young people who are making some of the biggest decisions of their lives want to include God in those decisions. And in this season, God has invited us to join him in ministry to these hearts. I want to be faithful to trust in God’s equipping grace so that I might bear fruit that will last. May you be challenged and encouraged to step out or step up if the prompting of the Holy Spirit is leading you to a work in your community, church or family. He is faithful. We can trust him. We can make a difference in eternity. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8. “...but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruitfruit that will last.” John 15:16b.
Above: Young adults gather weekly in Stan and Doris VanAmburg’s home for food, connecting, and discussing issues of faith as they interact with God’s word in community. Doris VanAmburg shares her love for God and God’s ways weekly with the group made up of singles, marrieds and new parents.
6 // the Sinew
PRAYER MATTERS
Take Hold, Lift Strong, Raise High
Churches Seeking Pastors • Golovin Covenant Church • Shaktoolik Covenant Church • White Mountain Covenant Church • Mekoryuk Covenant Church • Elim Covenant Church • Hooper Bay Covenant Church
Church Infrastructure Needs Some of our church buildings and parsonages need renovation or upgrades for safe use. Pray for funding sources and laborers for the tasks. We are also looking for ways to assist churches in attaining equipment and internet access necessary to be connected in this increasing digital age.
Alaska Christian College
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5:17
Pray for the Fall 2021 class and returning ACC students. Pray for staff positions currently open to be filled as well. Pray for safety for the work teams serving in Soldotna this summer.
Elim Parsonage Project Pray for remining needs for skilled workers for project completion. Pray that God would call a pastor to minister in Elim, as the home is completed.
Conference-wide Upcoming Events & Dates July 19-26
Pastor Fishing, Fun and Fellowship Week, Soldotna, AK
Sept. 17-19
Covenant Women’s state-wide retreat, North Star Bible Camp, Willow, AK
Sept. 24-26
CYAK Young Adult Retreat, Camp Maranatha, Big lake, AK
Oct. 5-7
Pastor & Leader Retreat, Camp Maranatha, Big lake, AK
Oct. 10
National Pastor Appreciation Sunday (all of October is Clergy Appreciation month
Nov. 12
Alaska Christian College Fundraising Dinner, ChangePoint Church, Anchorage, AK
Tr a n s i t i o n s Mary Gandee, Shaktoolik Covenant Church Pastor, and Eric Gandee, youth pastor, concluded their time in Shaktoolik in mid May. They have relocated to Tucson, AZ. Jaime Nanniga, of Anchorage, is serving as Alaska Conference Office Manager, as well as CYAK Communications Manager. Kristi Ivanoff, Alaska Conference Director of Communications and Events, has scaled back her hours to focus on publications and media. Abel Razzo, of Unalakleet Covenant Church, is serving the Unalakleet Church as the Youth Pastor. Lon Swanson, KICY, will be concluding his service in August as he is retiring. Lon will be moving back to Illinois. Sarah Bender is serving in two part-time ministry roles. She serves CYAK as Administrative Assistant and also serves First Covenant Church as the Director of Youth Ministry. Sarah concluded as the NextGen Pastor at Chugach Covenant Church in December. Sam Cross, from Nome Covenant Church, is now serving as the High School Youth Leader at Eagle River Community Covenant Church. Jason Battiest, of Kenai, serves CYAK as the Statewide Young Adult Ministry Director. He concluded with Alaska Christian College this summer. Krista Pitsch, ACC Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, completed her service with the college in January and is now working with Kenaitze as Education & Employment Coordinator. Grant Gardner, of Maple Grove, MN, at ER Community Covenant Church is serving as Chickaloon Retreat Center Facilities Manager. CYAK Conclusions: Hanna Palmer, Communications Manager; Qaanaaq Jackson, Admin. Assistant; Chad Benkert, Mission Development Coordinator; Tom Mute, Aarigaa Mat-Su Leader; Aune Carlson, Human Resources Manager (August 31); Ivgan Snyder, Ministry Leadership Intern.
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537
When KICY’s long-time broadcaster would not be available for this year’s broadcast at the basketball state tournament in Palmer, many people within the Alaska Conference stepped up to provide coverage for the games. Pastor Rick Millikin took the lead in organizing a play-by-play team that included Josie Stiles, as well as former KICY volunteer Doug Swanson, Pastor T.J. Smith and Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff.
Alaska Conference
of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Elim Covenant Church “Get Together” March 3-5, 2021 Ministry Priorities Start & strengthen churches Make & deepen disciples Develop leaders Love mercy, do justice Serve globally Superintendent: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@alaskacovenant.org Associate Superintendent Brian Nanninga brian@alaskacovenant.org Office Manager Jaime Nanninga info@alaskacovenant.org
Congratulations ACC Graduates
Financial Assistant Rebecca Gramm Sinew Editor Kristi Ivanoff kristi@alaskacovenant.org P.O. Box 200446 Anchorage, AK 99520 Office: 907-222-6348 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. Back Row: Joseph Wahl (Sterling), Minnie Harris (Metlakatla), Brittney Jimmie (Scammon Bay), Royale Lowe (Sitka), Cherelle Miller (Kenai), Elliot Wilson (Soldotna); Front Row: Kelly D. Baber (Belgrade, MT/ Soldotna), Miranda L. Bell (Hooper Bay), Simon J. Andrews III (Mountain Village), Tessa Coopchiak (Togiak), Miranda Rexford-Brown (Barrow), Jessica Robblee (Bellevue, WA)