I.         Hymn               Savior, like a Shepherd Lead us      TCH#688

           Hymn                      Jesus Is Lord of All 

II.        Scripture Reading                   Ephesians 4:1-6, Titus 2:11-14

III.         Prayer                                                        Elder Walter Larson

IV.        Call to Order                                                  Pastor Nicholson

V.        Establishing a Quorum

VI.        Appointment of Tellers & Parliamentarian

VII.       Approval of Agenda

VIII.      Reading of 2006 Council Minutes                         Fay Romer

IX.        Election of Secretary for Council & Joint Boards

X.        Annual Reports

A.     Pastors and Elders Report                   Pastor Nicholson

B.     Trustees Report                                           Mike Franks

C.    Treasurer                                                 Natalie Angapak

D.  Women’s Fellowship                                    Carrie Paton

E.   Youth Program                                                 Alice Hess

F.   Children Youth Facilitator                       Joyce Ekamrak

G.   Sunday School                                                Fay Romer

H.   Hospital Chaplain                                       Walter Larson

XI.        Elections (to begin following the Pastor’s/Elder’s Report)

A.  Three Elders   (3 yr, 2, yr & 1 year terms)

B.     Three Trustees   (3 yr, 2 yr & 1 year terms)

C.    One Church Delegate for Synod 2007

XII.              Old Business

XIII.      New Business

A.      Budget 2007

XIV.     People to Be Heard

XV.     Adjournment

XVI.     Offering

XVII.    Hymn              So Send I You                                    TCH#440

XVIII.   Benediction                                                    Pastor Nicholson

Commentary:  Five Years of Ministry - Where Are We Going?

Pastor William H. Nicholson

January 14, 2007

On January 14, 2007, at 2 PM, we gather to rejoice and thank God for what He has done in our midst during 2006.  "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask for or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

Each day is a blessing for it is the “day that God hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”.  For a reviewing process of achievements significant for understanding where we are as a church spiritually, organizationally with an emerging strong and solid membership base, and where our vision is are definitely helpful to see where we may go in the future.  So too in the celebration of what God has done in our midst helps us to strengthen and determine our future mission as a Church. 

The following partial listing of five years of achievements should give the Lord Jesus the glory and in a way commends all of those that contributed their gifts, time and dollars to achieve.  I know that there is some thought being put to doing some formal planning process and moving forward; strategic planning may lead to creation of practical goals and objectives for the next five years into 2011.   Again, the following which literally goes back about six years should help you as an older or new member to better reflect as to where we’ve been and may be going:

            -   Anchorage Moravian Church (AncMC) became an established Church within the Alaska Moravian Church in January 2001.  Articles of Incorporation and a Church Constitution were ratified and a functioning Board of Elders and Trustees were elected and the Church took on a life of its own.

            -  On December 19, 2001, The Rev. Isaac Amik, President of Alaska Provincial Board (APT) installed The Rev. William H. Nicholson, Master of Divinity, as the first ordained pastor of the AncMC. 

            -  The old Moravian Fellowship membership was encouraged as a result of new blood into the life of the newly organized church.  While older weekly Church programs continued, new and growing small groups within the Church began to flourish by 2002 and most continue to this day.  These are the Sunday School Classes, Confirmation Classes, Women's Fellowship Group, Moravian Choir, Men's Group, Wednesday Night English and Yupik Bible Study & Prayer Group, Children's Church, Young Peoples, and an AA program which began in late autumn 2006.  Especially the Moravian Choir group has undertaken a specific outreach program that has positively impacted many.  The Choir is actively pursued by civic organizations and churches because of the joy and professionalism they display.

            -  By winter of 2004, the Moravian Church non-denominational service at ANMC grew exceeding State of Alaska Fire Marshall standards.  As a result the hospital administration pressured the Moravian congregation to hold evening services elsewhere.  It was recommended by the ANMC Director of Volunteer Services, Ms. Audrey Armstrong, that the ANMC service be a religious service only for patients and their families.  Eventually in 2004, the Moravian leadership acquired the TUMC facility for their evening Non-denominational Singspiration.  This service initially was small but has grown significantly to standing room only some evenings.  A standing group of 17+ lay leaders appointed by the Board of Elders to assist the pastor and help lead the TUMC evening service, but their main reason for existence was to lend support for the ANMC Sunday evening services, where singing, testimonies, the Word is read and a brief word shared to encourage patients and address their prayer needs.  Lay leadership has enriched the church immensely.

            - Under much exertion and able leadership by Sister Natalie Angapak, assisted by Nellie Kiunya, and Offering counters, the Church Treasury has matured with extremely accurate computer printouts showing very comprehensive monthly and annual reports.  By 2005 the Church established itself as a non-profit with IRS.  In 2006 through direct Trustee input the Building Fund and General Fund has been deposited in four separate banks to assure that the dollars are safe.

            -  In order to assure smooth relationships and minimize conflict within the life of the Church in 2003 a Church Life and Discipline Policy was adopted by the Church Council.

In order to bring in worshippers the Trustees commissioned a new Transportation Program in 2004 and the Joint Board authorized purchase of a small seven passenger Church van.  Thanks to Mr. Paul Kiunya and Joseph Chimelegrea the transportation program is a healthy ministry outreach opportunity.

            - The Church Boards of Elders and Trustees was enlarged from three to five members in January 2005, a recommendation made by Pastor Nicholson before he was deployed overseas as a military Chaplain to Iraq.  This has worked well, but in the future it is important to assure that leaders elected by the Church Council live in Anchorage, Alaska.  For most of 2006 three Elders bared the brunt of the responsibility.

            - The Hospital Chaplain position was created by the Eldership of the AncMC on November 16, 2003 and approved by Alaska Moravian Church Synod in January 2004.  A salary package for Hospital Chaplain Walter Larson was approved.  In November of 2006, this position was again approved until May 31, 2009.  The Chaplain position while very busy has freed up Pastor Nicholson to perform other duties in line with his pastoral agreement.

            -  During 2005 and while Pastor Nicholson served overseas at Iraq the congregation was ably led by an Administrative Pastor – Nelson Angapak and a Visitation Pastor – Fred Nielsen.  After Fred Nielsen remained in Bristol Bay in summer of 2005, Walter Larson filled in.  This development showed that the AncMC has adequate human resources to assure continuity in the future.

            - A small group policy was adopted late in 2006 which guides small group ministry and gives them accountability.

            - Over the course of five years the following pastoral and public services occurred according to the updated Anchorage Moravian Church Registry as of December 6, 2006:

            39  Infant Baptisms

            13  Confirmations (7 more expected 2006/07)

            3    Adult Baptisms

            8    New Members added formally by Affirmation of Faith or Right Hand of Fellowship

            8    Marriages either in Church or Justice of the Peace

            29  Funerals or Memorial Services

            - The Building Fund was zero in 2001. By November 2006 the Building Fund & General Fund has grown to nearly $340,000.  Thankfully dollars raised was due to a stewardship emphasis during October's Permanent Fund month and up to three regularly scheduled yearly fund raisers – the Autumn Jubilee, AFN Convention Singspirations, and AFN Singspirations.  Annual Church Budgets have been approved since January 2002 and since then congregational giving has grown significantly, always remaining in the black.

            - Two important standing Church Committees made up of the Church membership were formed within a year of Pastor Nicholson’s tenure that took on a life of its own.  Initially sharing excitement, by 2006 a couple of important committees that have significant impacts upon the Church future have slid into dormancy for various reasons.  These two include a New Church Planning Committee and Deputation Committee made up of a cross-section of our active Church membership was created to address a specific plan for building fund raising in the lower forty-eight states.  A business plan RFP was adopted by the Church Council in January 2004, but was not implemented.  An aggressive effort for purchase of a church building on A Street was launched in early winter 2004, but was stalled due to discovery of a buried tank.  The recommendation was not to purchase the building and grounds unless this tank was pulled out by the seller and the property deemed environmentally safe.  This was not done so the AncMC leadership did not follow through with purchase.  We feel God's hand in on all of these decision making processes.  Through this we have grown in understanding what it may take to secure a church in the future.

            - Initial sentiments by the pastor, Boards and membership from 2002 on is that the  Anchorage Moravian Church should keep an eye open to a possible move, whether it be a church and land purchase, leasing arrangement, or outright purchase of land.  Impetus for a move was first felt keenly for a time because three congregations (TUMC, Samoan, and Moravians) were using the TUMC facility which was an overcrowding and time usage problem.  The Moravian Elders met with the Covenant leadership for a possible move to C Street, which did not work out.  Under former Trustee Leon Kiana’s leadership several options where looked at which included leasing a strip mall at International Airport Road, leasing a 7^th Day Adventist Church on 10 Avenue downtown as well as several smaller commercial buildings in the mid-town area.  By 2005 the Samoan community left TUMC.  Importantly this gave the Moravian Church more leverage to use the present TUMC Church facility.  Scheduling church program opportunities were more favorable. 

The wonderful convenience of TUMC has given us an ease of worship in the afternoon with very low monthly fees, yet a possible danger is that it may take away a sense of urgency.  The urgency that should always be there is “progressively moving on” in the Lord’s timing.

By December 3, 2006 feeling a sense of restlessness in my spirit and need to take five year inventory of where God wants me, I have explored a possibly of moving on into new ministry opportunities elsewhere.  However out of this in December 2006 two Joint Board meetings were held where the pastor and Joint Board members discussed present conditions and the future of the Anchorage Moravian Church. 

From the Joint Board discussion, it is apparent that a number of the membership have inputted their sentiments.  At least one of the leadership has expressed interest that I should remain as pastor for at least another three years.  Showing this type of support the Joint Board agreed to hired Administrative help and increased the Pastor's salary as shown in the 2007 Church Budget.  So too there is interest in assuring adequate meeting space for the evening service and looking a special planning process for the Church to follow in the months ahead.

In conclusion I believe it is God's Will that we remain excited about the future of this church.  We must remain together committed to the life of the Church by faithfully tithing and involving ourselves in leadership.  We must move on in faith believing even if we don’t have the resources, now, God will provide as we move forward.  In my eyes I see spiritual growth, numerical growth in membership and I see people of faith.  I see people wanting to join our Church.  There is growth occurring daily and it is apparent God is on the move and will do what He wants. 

What kind of faith do we have?  It is the hope of any pastor worth his salt to share that all must, even our Church membership must exercise  faith in God to meet all of our needs, personally and corporately.  Heb. 11:1 is very clear that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.  Also in Hebrews 11:6, “without faith it is impossible to please Him”.  If we are not exercising our faith and moving forward I don’t think God will reward us in the way He wants to. 

According to my Theology of Heart which is very Moravian, Abraham is a wonderful example of faith.  Abraham obeyed; in Hebrews 11:8, “By Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place which he would receive an inheritance.  And he went out not knowing where he was going.”

By faith (Hebrews 11:25) they passed through the Red Sea as if on dry land.  It is always been my feeling that we can move through our own “red sea of finances” eventually when we make a decision to secure our own facility.  “Many saints of old through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises.  Certainly I believe that faith is even more important than having a vision and practical goals to achieve it.  God rewards a people willing to move on in faith believing that He will meet what is necessary. 

We have taken some small and big steps in the last five and six years.  Where are we going?  I believe in 2007 or soon thereafter, we may see some good changes especially with more spiritual muscle and spiritual horsepower in the Church office to help the pastor and leadership.  God has richly blessed us with diverse gifts, a diverse group of men and women if who would exercise their faith to the limit will begin to see even more good things happen for your benefit.  

So too, as an Anchorage Moravian Church pastor, I have been wonderfully appreciated.  I acknowledge deep and sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Anchorage Moravian Church. There is much fulfillment in ministry and the leadership role God's grace as allowed me in the congregation, the broader church, and the surrounding community.  I look forward to the next three years of ministry.  

As a church body may we continue to pray, attend church regularly, tithe regularly and invite others to enjoy the kingdom of God in our midst.  

Thank you.  

2006 Pastor and Elder's Report

Anchorage Moravian Church Council

By The Rev. William H. Nicholson

January 14, 2007

On behalf of the Board of Elders I thank you for your support of the Anchorage Moravian Church during this past year.  A deepening of ministry continues among us.  It’s been a year of challenges as well as blessings for leaders, lay leaders and individual members of the Anchorage Moravian Church. 

A special emphasis was to invite new Moravian families who are moving into the area.  So too an ongoing emphasis on importance of tithing helped us to meet and exceed the 2006 Church budget.  While the church has enjoyed growth numerically, it has also grown in depth of outreach and service.  The following new activities happened during the old year: 

- Several individuals donated school supplies and clothing for orphans in Kirkuk, Iraq through Major Barry Flye.

- Donations of used furniture were sent to a needy family at 36^th & Minnesota.  A Thanksgiving turkey and food basket outreach touched six families.

- Support for Anecia Chicklak’s Friday Night Street Ministry, clothing and food donations for family in village of Chuathbaluk, and attempt at Christmas food baskets for over 50 families.

- Outreach/attempt to send clothing to Hooper Bay due to big village fire.  We identified where to send cash donations at Sea Lion’s Corporation Account – the “Hooper Bay Disaster Fund”.

- Excellent Men’s Group met for a couple of months with leadership provided by Leon Kiana.

- New Believer’s Class & Discussion time (four sessions) with Pastor Nicholson helped those who recently accepted Jesus Christ as Savior or who had rededicated their lives to the Lord.

- Thanks to a generous and anonymous contributor, AncMC opened up it’s first-ever Church Office at 4105 Turnagain Blvd, Suite 217, Spenard area, and established regular working hours for the pastor.

- Development of Prayer Crisis Warrior response team headed up by Sisters Ledia Scott and Ina Carpenter.

- Love Offerings & Benevolence Outreach to at least three families.

- Special Recognition and Potluck for deploying 2^nd Scout Battalion Soldiers and their family members.

- Moravian Choir group undertook a specific outreach program that has positively impacted at least two southwestern Alaska Communities (Togiak & Kwigillingnok), churches in the Southcentral area and several civic groups.  This has improved the quality of life and given worship opportunities for elders and patients in several hospitals and assistive living centers.  The Choir is actively pursued by civic organizations and churches because of the joy and professionalism they display.

- Re-institution of Confirmation Class after Pastor Nicholson returned from service in Iraq.

- Begin Power Point Presentations on Freedom in Christ series – The Bondage Breaker at Wednesday Night Bible Study and Prayer Group.

- Special Power Point Night Presentation by Pastor Nicholson on his Chaplain experiences in Hostile Fire Zone, Iraq

- Three Fund Raisers for the New Church Building Fund – Fur Rondy Jubilee, Fall Holy Spirit Exposure Jubilee, and AFN Jubilee including Permanent Fund Drive Stewardship emphasis in October 2006.

- Update development of Membership Brochure

- In November Children/Youth Committee recommends hire of Children’s Facilitator to conduct children’s programs at afternoon and evening services on Sunday’s as well as a special children’s program on Thursday evening.

- Youth Program on Friday night continued at Alice Hess’s residence.  First ever Youth trip to Alaska Moravian Youth Festival at Akiachak happened in November 2006.

- Volunteer Crew assisted TUMC lay people in installing new chairs.

- “Thank God It’s Thursday” AA group began in autumn 2006.  This is a program needed for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

- Special unified TUMC and Moravian Advent worship service with Jim Campbell & Pastor Nicholson speaking & Moravian Choir singing.

- Adopting a special Small Group Policy which helps small groups in the life of the Church to understand their role in the life of the Anchorage Moravian Church.

- Adopted a new Server Group listing which is still in operation for 2006/2007.  And development of a new Singspiration Lay Leader Listing to be approved by the Elders on first meeting of New Year 2007.

- Joint Board and Interview Committee met at conclusion of year to hire an Administrative Assistant who will begin work by mid January 2007.

- Significant action was the signing of a new agreement to extend Hospital Chaplain Walter Larson’s contract for three more years ending May 31, 2009.

We are fortunate to have special speakers and participants who enriched our church:  These are Mr. Steve. Borell, Gideons International, Auburn Adventist High School Choir from State of Washington, Niel Moree – Moravian missionary to Wycliffe Bible Translators, Missionary Marvin Parazoo of Kenai, Auggie Alexie, and The Rev. Martha Blanchett.  In addition while Pastor Nicholson was away on National Guard or Commercial fishing operations, several members of our Church filled in.  They are Nelson Angapak, William Sallaffie, Carl Ekamrak, and Fay Romer.  They are to be thanked for their service.

Non-denominational Singspiration events would not have been such a blessing as they are without close to 20 individuals who help lead worship.  Each one of the lay people are to be commended for their help.  This ministry has great potential for further growth as many people visit us.  So too we are thankful for each one of you who have committed to the life of the Anchorage Moraivan Church.  We desire you to use your gifts of ministry anywhere you feel God’s Spirit leading you. 

The Anchorage Moravian Church continues as a full-program church with the aim of meeting the spiritual needs of our congregational membership.  If any family is hurting, the church has rose to the challenge of trying to help wherever they can.  We continue weekly with two worship services Sunday with a third service offered by lay leaders at the Alaska Native Medical Center Conference Room, a Wednesday Night Bible Study & Prayer meeting, Thursday Night Women’s Fellowship Group & Thank God It’s Thursday Group and a regular Friday night Young Peoples meeting.  Soon hopefully with Joyce Ekamrak taking over the Children/Youth Facilitator position and securing volunteer workers, a regular Thursday night Children’s night will happen soon.  An important part of this is that the facilitator will assure that there are children’s program’s going on during church at 3 PM and evening services at TUMC.

With new Administrative Assistant staff help in the pastor’s office, it is expected in 2007 that Pastor Nicholson will enhance visitation, private communion, and counseling opportunities.  So too he hopes to be able to spend more quality time studying God’s Word and in prayer.  Specific pastoral ministrations were performed in 2006 that impact not only our church family, but the extended church family.  They are as follows:

- 12  Infant baptisms

- 2   Reception of Members

- 2  Magistrate for the Day Weddings

- 5  Memorial/Funeral Services

Lastly Pastor Nicholson resumed Alaska Moravian Church committee obligations during 2006.  As Co-Chair he attended at least two Moravian Seminary Board of trustees meetings, one to hire a new Dean, and second one was to develop a new budget for 2007.   He sits on the Chukotka Native Christian Ministry Board.  He attended Synod in January 2006 where he was asked to sit on a committee to review an Alaska Moravian Church Children’s Protection policy to be reviewed in January 2007.  This Child Protection policy may be an addition to how we do things in Sunday School and any children or youth program in the church.

The Pastor and Elders of the Anchorage Moravian Church continue to pray for each one of you.  They are also encouraged as you pray for them.  If anyone needs help, please call any of them, anytime.

                     Anchorage Moravian Church

Annual Meeting 2006 Trustee Report

Prepared on January 14, 2007

During the Year 2006, the Board of Trustees, Carrie Paton, Felix Hess, Eileen Hishon, Paul Kiunya Jr, and Mike Franks met monthly with Chairman and Pastor William Nicholson and Church Treasurer Natalie Angapak. 

The duties as trustees include overseeing the temporal affairs of the congregation; planning, development, and maintenance of church property, and preparation and oversight of the monthly expenditures of the church budget. Insure payment of pastor’s salary, payment of all dues, and sufficient funds raised for the adequate support of the congregation.  The monthly financial reports with Quick Books formatting are excellent ones, well prepared by our Treasurer, Natalie Angapak.

During the year while the following listing is not exhaustive, we were able to oversee several important activities: 

1.       Oversaw the Church Budget for 2006.  During the past year, the Trustees Board recommended that the General Fund and Building Fund be installed in separate banks.  This was done for security and guarantee purposes; the funds were installed in Wells Fargo, 1^st National Bank of Alaska, North-rim Bank, and Alaska Federal Credit Union. 

2.       Assisted in fund raising primarily through Carrie Paton’s  and other trustee leadership during the Fur Rondy Jubilee and AFN Jubilee.

3.       Recommended to the Joint Boards a new 2007 Budget which incorporated sufficient dollars to salary four employees, i.e. Pastor, Hospital Chaplain, Children & Youth Facilitator, and new Administrative Assistant position to begin in mid January 2007..

4.       Discussion continues on looking for a new church and property.  Mike Frank led a charge to see if the AncMC could secure new land being developed south of Anchorage Native Medical Center.  It was felt that the initial investment would be too large and that the Church did not have sufficient funds to go forward.  Information was made available on land that might interest us at Raspberry and Northwood, but the land appears to be excessively priced.  A couple of other buildings were looked at in Anchorage as possible  opportunities, but it does not seem apparent they would met our needs.

5.       Recommend hire of an Administrative Assistant for Pastor Nicholson to the Joint Boards.  Led interview process for hire of administrative person.

6.       Recommended that the Joint Board meet with Pastor Nicholson to discuss his ministerial agreement and future plans.  Out of this came a decision for the pastor to remain longer.

7.       Recommended to the Joint Boards that $3,000 be given to TUMC to help pay for their new Carpet. 

8.       Amended the Transportation policy to give more flexibility for the Church van to be used during special worship services of the AncMC.

9.       Assured that insurance coverage for the Church van and the Church services and liability concerns be addressed for continued adequate coverage. 

The Trustees Board continues to play an important role in assuring that the Church operates efficiently within the established budget.  We are thankful for the two-term service of Carrie Paton, Trustee who will be taking a one-year rest.

Please continue to pray for God’s guidance and blessing as we endeavor to do His work.   

Prayerfully prepared and submitted by,

Pastor Nicholson/on behalf of the Trustees Board

                                         Anchorage Moravian Church

                  Women's Fellowship Report

             By Carrie Paton

            January 14, 2007

2006 Women's Fellowship Officers:

Carrie Paton, President

Carrie Kiana, Vice-President

Natalie Angapak, Treasurer

Lucy Skolnick, Secretary

Alice Hess, Spiritual Leader

Grace Haroldsen, Outreach Coordinator

Elena Franks, AncMC Functions Coordinator

 

The Anchorage Moravian Church Women's Fellowship is a circle of women from the Anchorage Moravian Church congregation.  Our prayer is for the women to unite and to grow spiritually by meeting regularly on a weekly basis.  In 2006, we met on Thursday evenings at TUMC from 6:45 PM - 8 PM.  We do craft work, have a devotional, offering, and a prayer time.  Each officer has a turn to lead on a rotational basis and that has helped each of us to get into the word and to be actively involved in leadership.

We have business meetings to regroup, work on scheduling and to plan other activities.  Our devotional time and studies have helped us to grow together spiritually over the years.  Our prayer time has brought us closer as Women of Prayer as we pray for our Church, families, and for those who need prayer.  Some activities we did this past year were helping with Easter Love Feast, Thanksgiving Love Feast, Food Drive for Pastor's Family, Church Family Potlucks, and Christmas Candle trimming.

We had elections in December.  The 2007 officers are:

Carrie Kiana, President

Anna Leonard, Vice President

Julie Brown, Secretary

Natalie Angapak, Treasurer

Annie Wassillie, Spiritual Leader

Alice Hess, Outreach Coordinator

Grace Haroldsen, AncMC Functions Coordinator

 

Submitted by,

Carrie Paton

             Children Youth Facilitator Annual Report

Joyce Ekamrak

January 14, 2007

First of all, I am thankful to be allowed to serve the Lord in this capacity. It has been, and still is, my prayer that my intentions remain pure; that I serve to further His kingdom, not my own pride & glory. This position was made specifically to enrich present programs and initiate new programs for our children and youth at the AncMC. I wish to commend present leaders, Barbara and Alice, for their untiring service. Please understand that I do not wish to replace, but rather work with all interested to reach children and youth for Christ and do so in such a manner that will impact the spiritual growth of children and youth for life. Therefore, it is imperative that all involved should approach every aspect of this program, whether new or old, with an open mind,  fervor to teach children/youth and a heart to serve the Lord.

I was hired as the Youth Facilitator by the Children and Youth Committee (CYC)  in October 2006. I have met with the CYC and glad to say that I was well received by the committee at my first meeting with them in December. 

There are many options available to us, especially here in Anchorage. Our first mission is to gather volunteers. We need more volunteers for nursery during the 3pm service, monthly Party Clubs, weekly midweek services, and possibly children’s church or worship. If we have sufficient number of people, volunteers may only need to serve once a month or every two months. You my or may not have to lead but at least help the leader. Please contact me if you are interested or have any questions. I can be reached at 344-3700 or via email at jyckmrk@yahoo.com.

I am proposing a monthly Family Fun night. Activities will vary each month, and it will just be a time to just play and rejoice in the Lord. This spawns from the idea that the family is a unit, and need to spend time together and just have fun and bond together. I suggest sledding at Kinkaid park, serving hot chocolate, for our first family fun activity. We need a consensus which night or day is best.

                          2006 Sunday School Department Report

January 14, 2007

The Sunday School Department of the Anchorage Moravian Church continues to be blessed with several dedicated and creative teachers who have been faithful in teaching your children every Sunday this past year. 

Sunday School is in progress from September through May. 

Current teaching staff and class assignments include:

            Preschool/Kindergarten:              Carrie Kiana

            1^st – 3^rd grade                            Barbara Nicholson

            4^th – 6^th grade                            Martha Larson

            Junior High/High School              Alice Hess

            Adult                                          Walter Larson      

            Catechism                                   Pastor Nicholson

There is a wonderful feeling when the children stand in front of parents, friends and guests and sing. The Sunday School group has grown to as many as 15-20 standing up here at a time. It is always uplifting when our elementary classes sing during the afternoon church service with voices praising God.

Additional materials have been needed for teaching this past year with more children attending classes. The number of Sunday School Pics have also been increased with the number of adults increasing as well and we may need to increase again very shortly.

We are currently looking for additional teachers and teachers who would be willing to fill in when needed and even help our teachers when the classes are very full. Please contact me or one of the teachers if you would like to help.

The Moravian Sunday School Staff would like to encourage everyone to invite friends, relatives and acquaintances to join us for the study of God’s Word. Please welcome everyone to experience the growth and witnessing taking place in the Anchorage Moravian Sunday School.

Fay Romer

Anchorage Moravian Church

Sunday School Superintendant

2006 Hospital Chaplain Report

By Walter Larson

January 14, 2007

 When I developed this 2006 annual report, a few days ago, there were three (3) patients listed on the Moravian Patient listing at the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC).  At this time I was aware that there were four (4) more unlisted.  This is an average or normal load every visiting day during 2006.  Some days very rarely we have no list, but will have two or three unlisted.    In addition we usually have out patients that need to be ministered to that are temporarily housed in the Quyana House or hotels around town.  The ones in the hotels, I rarely visit unless they request a visit from the Chaplain. 

During many of my visits, my wife, Martha, accompanies me.  Sometimes it is very appropriate for her to share and pray with the patients.

Although the ANMC is the main hospital visited, I get calls from time-to-time to visit Moravian patients at the Regional Hospital and a Catholic run hospital called Providence.  Once I was called to visit in a Children’s Correctional facility.  Another location for visitation has been the Providence Extended Care Center, where some Moravian Elders have received critical care.

Every since the Hospital Chaplain position was created by the Anchorage Moravian Church and approved in November 16, 2003, it has been a part time position.  This job important takes part of the Anchorage Moravian Church pastor work load.  Similar to the village pastors and the pastor in Anchorage who is “on call” 24 hours daily, the Chaplain job requires availability at all hours.  This past year, I have been called out numerous times at all hours of the day or night.  There have been times when I have called upon Pastor William Nicholson of the Anchorage Moravian Church to visit patients and to assist those who are dying. 

During 2006, I participated in at least two Memorial services, one for Andrew “Kugstun” David and the other for Kansa R. Kaufman as special speaker.  I also served as an Elder of the Anchorage Moravian Church.

Finally for the Alaska Provincial Board and Alaska Moravian Church leadership and Church members, it is important to let you know that patients appreciate the Hospital Chaplain ministry.  The impact of this ministry is positive, since patients also come from all over Alaska, who sometimes request spiritual help when they realize a pastor from the Moravian Church is available.

On November 12, 2006 the Chaplain Salary Contract was extended with a term ongoing until May 31, 2009.  The Anchorage Moravian Church was requested by APB to issue the monthly stipend for 2007, which should begin soon. 

Currently I am an elder of 65 years old.  On day I will not be available for this position.  But it is my hope that this specialized work as pastor, counselor, and “patient advocate” (if you ask me about this word, I’ll try to explain what an advocate does) will continue because it is needed.  Instead of the work load diminishing it seems it has increased during 2006.

© Copyright 2006 Anchorage Moravian Church
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