Shaktoolik To Host 2024 Conference

The Annual Meeting delegation that met at Mat-Su Covenant Church in April wholeheartedly affirmed the Shaktoolik Covenant Church request to host the 2024 Annual Meeting Conference to be held April 10-13, 2024. More than 75 delegates and general conferees gathered at Mat-Su Covenant Church for the 2023 Annual Meeting Conference themed “Held Together” from Colossians 1:17. Associate Superintendent Brian Nanninga preached the first night on “Held Together in Christ” and also led an afternoon workshop on Christ-like conflict resolution. Pastor Dave Dahms shared a morning devotional that challenged the ministry delegation to pursue reconciliation with those who have disappointed us just as Christ pursued his disciples, and Peter, as a first priority after the resurrection. Peter Hedstrom and Rob Hall of National Covenant Properties led an afternoon workshop entitled “Being Found Faithful: Stewarding Church Finances Well.” Koyuk Pastor Don Cross preached on “Held Together in Prayer” and “Held Together with Hope” on Thursday and Friday evenings. Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff preached in the closing service on “Held Together in Mission.”

Worship was led by various Mat-Su Covenant leaders under the direction of Mel Freccero. Brad Hamilton, of Chugach Covenant Church also led worship on Friday evening. Each night, various people from different churches sang special songs. One highlight was the Covenant High Alumni

Choir’s rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus.

The Daniel Savetilik, Sr. award was given to Ken and Eleanor (in memorium) Anderson for their years of dedicated lay ministry. Ken and Eleanor served at Covenant High until its closing, at Anchorage First Covenant Church, and for more than three decades at Mat-Su Covenant Church. Pastor Dave Dahms recounted how Ken and Eleanor came to their home early the first morning of their arrival in 1990 to pastor at MatSu Covenant church to help them move in. At age 99, Ken still has the light of Christ burning in his heart. He still worships regularly at Mat-Su and delights in giving testimony to God’s faithfulness to his caregivers who read Scripture to him and take him to church on Sundays.

Additionally, two new Executive Board members were elected to serve three-year terms. Koyuk Pastor Don Cross will be serving as a Norton Sound delegate and Ed Kiokun, of Mekoryuk Covenant Church, was elected to fill the YK Delta Seat. Ben Schoffmann was re-elected to another three-year term for the Road-System seat.

“The Mat-Su team did an outstanding job hosting us this year with attentiveness, delicious food and many host homes to welcome out-of-town delegates,” Curtis said. “I am thrilled that Shaktoolik will host next year’s gathering and anticipate a rich time together feasting on God’s word , worshiping in the Spirit and song, and being encouraged in fellowship.”

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

Samaritan’s Purse will begin construction on a new church building in Koyuk this summer once the barged materials arrive. In preparation for that, the congregation has taken on the task to take the former building down. Materials that can be repurposed, such as lightbulbs, lumber and insulation were offered to the community at large. Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with several rural Alaskan communities working on projects related to disaster relief and providing new buildings for ministry needs. Last summer, Samaritan’s Purse completed the Scammon Bay Covenant Church building and parsonage. After the storm damage that resulted from the Typhoon Merbok last fall, Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff traveled with Samaritan’s Purse to assess the damage in Norton Sound communities. Curtis suggested that they make a side trip to Koyuk for the Samaritan’s Purse team to see the church building in Koyuk and meet with local church leaders there. Please pray for the construction teams, for favorable weather conditions, and for the church community as they host.