History of the Alaska Moravian Women’s Fellowship

The Alaska Moravian Church Province has had an active group of Moravian Women in the Moravian Villages since the formation of the Moravian Church in Southwest Alaska.  In the early years, when the material goods were scarce the women were taught how to sew and make garments, helped with the church functions, sewed baby gowns for newborns, which were then donated to the area hospital. 

In more recent years, the Women’s Fellowship formed officers, book of order, and by-laws adopted from the North Carolina Moravian Province.  In most of the villages, the women meet weekly and have a church service, give funds toward the Alaska Moravian Province and help the local church and community as needed; mainly with fundraising activities, such as craftwork and bake sales.  In the past, the Ladies Aide was formed in each village, but to date only the West Coast District villages have viable Ladies Aide Groups that meet regularly and provide aid to their local pastor in their community.  

The Anchorage Moravian Women’s Fellowship

The AncMC Women’s Fellowship started with Mickey Romer (wife of Albert Romer Sr.) initially.  Bonnie Alexie and Anna Anvil continued meeting over many years in their homes.  They continued faithfully over the years even though the numbers dwindled.  They made crafts and were able to give funds annually to the Province.

In December 2001 the Women’s Fellowship group reorganized with the election of officers.  We felt our way through the process without much written guidance, something like new babes trying to walk on wobbly feet.  Since then it has been actively moving forward with 5 officers working together growing spiritually and meeting the annual financial giving to the Alaska Moravian Province ($450-800+) and helping families during their bereavement ($200+).  

Over the past 3 years, there has been growth and success of our organization and we commend the officers and the Fellowship members for their faithful work in making the Women’s Fellowship what it is today with the help of our heavenly Father.  We have business meetings to regroup, work on the schedule and upcoming activities.  Our devotional time and studies has 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.

Newly elected Officers for 2007:

President                                                                      Carrie Anvil-Kiana

Vice President                                                              Anna Leonard

Secretary                                                                      Julie Brown

Treasurer                                                                      Natalie Angapak

Spiritual Leader                                                            Annie Wassilie

Outreach & Visitation Mission Coordinator                   Alice Hess

AncMC Fuinctions Coordinator                                    Grace Haroldsen

This coming year 2007, we will be involved in fundraising activities, such as selling bags and crafts.  We will help with the Easter Love Feast, Thanksgiving Love Feast, Church Family Pot-lucks, and be involved closely with the Anchorage Moravian Church Choir. 

Ladies Aide

The Anchorage Moravian Women’s Fellowship has selected Anna Anvil as the Ladies Aide for the Anchorage area.  This position is in charge of handling fund raising and needs for the Pastor and his family.

All women are encouraged to come and meet at Anna’s place where all women are invited to come to Anna’s to learn to sew with fur and make arts and crafts on Monday’s from 6 – 8pm.

This falls into a position Anna has always encouraged in helping the Church Pastors and families.

Anna Anvil (back ground)

Anna “Angilian” Anvil is a Yup’ik Elder in the Anchorage Moravian Church.  She is a woman, whose life has spanned a pivotal time of change in the history of Yup’ik people.  Yet Anna Anvil has remained a role model, whose steadfast resolve to preserve the art of Yup’ik skin sewing is an inspiration.  As a role model, Anna has been one of the Elders involved in the Anchorage Moravian Church since its early beginnings in Anchorage in 1973.

Anna was raised in the traditional manner of the Yup’ik people.  As a child she was taught the art of skin sewing by her Grandmother Elena “Cikigaq” and her Mother Lucy Beaver.  In turn Anna became a teacher in her own right.  She is well known in the Yukon/Kuskokwim delta region for her fine sewing skills of parkas, mukluks, mittens, slippers, fur hats, dolls with doll parkas, Eskimo yo-yos, kuspuks, slippers, and grass weaved dance fans.  She is always willing to give her time and expertise in order for young women to learn.  In this day and age of artists and regalia makers are keeping their family secrets of patterns and how to make traditional clothing.  Anna has always given her patterns, assistance and expertise to anyone wanting to make their regalia to the best of their ability.  She says, “I will not need these patterns and secrets in heaven”.

Carrie Anvil-Kiana’s comments

Time Management

Time management is not just keeping busy but includes finding God’s focus for you, choosing a direction and moving ahead to accomplish your goals. Managing time is one of the most difficult yet, helpful skills a woman can develop. It takes maximum effort and realistic planning.

First, you must acknowledge that you have time, the same amount God has given to everyone. You, with God’s help must determine how to use your time (Proverbs 3:5 & 6) says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Some woman (geared towards women, but applicable to men) make mistakes in letting others decide their priorities and make their  schedule, (Romans 12:2) says: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Remember that by using small bits of time faithfully, you can accomplish great things, (Ecclesiastes 9:10) says: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

The “woman of strength” arose early to plan for the day’s activities, (Proverbs 31:15) says: She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants.

Just as she had “maidservants,” women today have appliances, vehicles, as well as utility and telephone/cell phones/email services. These blessings from God are ready to help and serve women in daily, everyday tasks, giving them a maximum amount of time to spend with the Lord and to serve others!

Barbara Bush said, “How much better is the women who trust in God. She can regard the past as part of God’s plan for her life. She can enjoy her family, her home, her entire life now because she knows God will add to her everything He wants her to have.

In closing:

We are to have a willing attitude and do everything in our home with pleasure because we are doing it for the people God has given to us to love.

All women are invited to come to Women’s Fellowship, bring a friend and let’s come and Praise the Lord together!

Prayerfully submitted by:

Carrie Anvil-Kiana

Anchorage Moravian Church Women’s Fellowship President

© Copyright 2006 Anchorage Moravian Church
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