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.

Fall 2015

Vitality Workshop Competes with Berries and Fish;

Inspires Harvest of Revitalization in Nome Church

by Nora Nagaruk, Nome Covenant Church

On a mid-August weekend in Nome, approximately 35 Nome Covenant Church berry-pickers and salmon fishers sacrificed most of their weekend to forego the harvest and meet together to consider what it means to be a healthy, missional church. John Wenrich, director of Congregational Vitality for the Evangelical Covenant Church, and Debbie Bogart, Eagle River Community Covenant Vitality Team Leader, led discussions with the group about the Holy Spirit, church vitality, and where Nome Covenant Church finds themselves with respect to both. Harvey Fiskeaux, pastor of Nome Covenant for 20 years, invited John to present a workshop after hearing him share at a Midwinter Conference. “The heart of his message included the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church,” he recalled. Pastor Fiskeaux has maintained a passion for prayer and values the work of the Holy Spirit. All weekend, Wenrich and Bogart clearly and repeatedly emphasized that the Holy Spirit and prayer must be relied upon throughout the entire pathway of becoming a healthy, missional church. “Prayer needs to mark every step,” Wenrich encouraged. Bogart added, “If you are going to do it without the Holy Spirit, it won’t be done.” Attendees, ranging from teenagers to elders, had compelling reasons for attending. Sam Cross, 17, explained, “I felt that it was important to come because change is an important thing in life. Changing the church for the good is important.”

With glimmering eyes and a smile, Tula Huffman, an elder originally from White Mountain, expressed, “I want to see more life. The Holy Spirit is life and brings life to us. I want to see vitality in our church.” The weekend workshop called Veritas (rhymes with ‘berry-toss.’) is a Latin word meaning “truth.” Jesus said, “…you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)

“In the work of church vitality,” John shared, “There is no vitality--being set free, filled with life, becoming a healthy, missional church--without reality, mean-ing to become aware and accepting the truth of where one really is.” It’s not easy for a church or individual to be evaluated, even with a simple, gut-

reaction type of evaluation. One key exercise in the Veritas workshop did just that. Four types of churches were written on the corners of a big piece of paper: Healthy Missional, Stable, Critical Moment, and At-Risk. By the end of the exercise each participant had placed an “X” on the page closest to the type of church he or she felt Nome Covenant is and an arrow toward the type of church Nome Covenant may become should nothing change. Per exercise rules, Pastor Fiskeaux had to place his marks lastly, watching vulnerably as the participants placed their “X’s” and arrows on the page. After all made their marks, a rich discussion ensued. Dawyn Sawyer, an active member of the church community, explained, “I

(Continued on page 6)

“In the work of church vitality, there is no vitality--being set free, filled with life, becoming a healthy, missional church--without reality; meaning to become aware and accepting the truth of where one really is.”

—John Wenrich

2 // the Sinew

“I’ll follow you over there,” was Hunter’s re-sponse when I invited him to meet me at Gary and Linda’s house at 9 a.m. I was going to be leading prayer, as I do periodically, during CareForce on KICY’s morning prayer time at 9 a.m. Most Monday mornings I call in from my office or from my home to join in prayer with listeners across western Alaska, but this July Monday morning, I was in Shaktoolik, and Hunter had decided to follow. Those words—

“I’ll follow”—struck a chord in my heart when he said them, and I want to tell you why. But first, a few details... Hunter and four other young adults joined me on a spontaneous minis-try trip of encouragement in July. On a warm Sunday afternoon, we boat-ed the 37 miles from Unalakleet. As we landed ashore, we paused and prayed, “Lord, you have plans for our steps, we are willing to serve you

in whatever way you have in store.” We had offered to share in church Sunday even-ing. Tricia Ivanoff, Laurel Katchatag and Hunter Dill, all from Unalakleet, shared testi-

monies about ministering in India, Honduras and Madagascar. The church joined us in prayer as together we prayed for God to draw many people to Jesus in those parts of the world. People in Shaktoolik blessed us with singing. A young girl sang a translated song with her grandma. After the service, we gathered around a bonfire on the beach with chil-dren and youth, some of whom had been to Covenant Bible Camp that summer. They were excited to see their counselors from Bible Camp in their home village, and we were filled by their welcome. We made a late night trip to learn about the “old site” and learning of God’s work in Shaktoolik from years past. So that morning appointment with CareForce came early. Hunter did, in fact, follow me there and Hunter shared and I prayed for the requests. We enjoyed pancakes in that home, and prayed for the couple as well as the church. God guided each conversation and the mutual edification was like eating “spiritual pancakes.” It was pure joy to serve with the young adults, to see God work in and through the team. We received great blessing and on Monday afternoon, we got back into the boat and headed back to Unalakleet. The words “I’ll follow you over there” kept echoing in my mind. And then it hit me. I realized that in that brief 24-hour ministry trip, every single one of our Covenant ministries in Alaska played some role. First, we were serving in a local church, which is where the foundation of God’s work is centered. Several of those young adults themselves have had significant care and input from their home churches. What we call the “institutional ministries” were also represented. All of us in the boat had just served at Covenant Bible Camp and Covenant Youth of Alaska ministry has been an integral influence in their disciple-ship journey. Alaska Christian College and North Park University stu-dents were in the group. Hunter and I participated with KICY’s radio ministry of encouragement.. Caleb, being from Minnesota, was partner-ing with his Alaska Native brothers and sisters. Do you see it? Each of us has been invited by Jesus to follow. I witnessed five young adults effectively, willingly and joyfully serving as a result of being trained in following Jesus. I was encouraged that every one of our ministries had played a part, and I give God thanks. That brief 24-hour trip uniquely encouraged me and spurred me on in my work. I was reminded of the work we have been commissioned by Jesus to do—to make disciples. I pray our churches will be filled with many whose heart cry to Jesus is “I’ll follow you over there,” and that we will grow in the making of disciples. Photos of the Shaktoolik trip can be seen on page 8.

“Come Follow Me” by Curtis Ivanoff, Superintendent

I didn’t know you I didn’t understand I tried to do it on my own But I couldn’t even stand

I couldn’t see the light just then I was shrouded in the dark The weight was pressing in on me Alive and very stark

You did not abandon me, As you said you never would And those you placed around me Loved as you knew they could

They showed me how to know you They taught me how to love They spoke your words of wisdom When I didn’t think I was enough

And slowly through this past year I’ve learned to love the most The one who bleed and died for me I could no longer coast

I put my heart and soul in everything I do But not until I’ve bent my knee And brought it all to you For this I thank you Lord and close with one last plea:

That someday Lord you’d use me To show others what was shown to me That your love is freely given No matter how we see

We begin a new series this issue related to caring for one another in our church families. Scripture is

full of “one another” exhortations related to how we are to engage and relate together. Jenn Steinbrecher, Alaska Conference office manager, has served since January of 2014. She leaves us this month to move to Florida, but I have witnessed 20 months of life trans-formation as Jenn has been well cared-for by

her church family at Community Covenant Church in Eagle River. Jenn was raised in the Mormon church but came to know Jesus as her redeeming savior through the consistent and persistent love of some key people around her. Jenn is one example of how the love of Jesus, shown through His church, changes lives. When Jenn left Hiland Correctional Center in December of 2013, a group of people committed to help Jenn with practical needs, emotional care and spiritual care. In time, she put her faith in Jesus Christ, ac-cepting his forgiveness to walk in freedom. Now she is able to take the next step of her journey. She chose to write a poem to express how she has expe-rienced God through the care of others. Do you have a testimony of how you were on the receiving end of being cared for by your church family? Send your story to kristi@alaskacovenant.org

—Kristi Ivanoff, editor

o e a n o t h e r

by Jennifer

Steinbrecher

Fall 2015// 3

Numbers Aren’t

Everything, but...

It was 1997 when Amanda Paniptchuk last went to Bible Camp in Unalakleet as a camper. When Amanda’s son, who suffers from a sei-zure disorder, wanted to attend Path-finder camp in June, Amanda decided to serve in the kitchen, in order to be available if there were any issues related to his health. “I first attended Bible Camp back in late 80's. It was always so fun to attend Bible Camp to be around people who believe and to see old friends and meet new ones in Christ.”

Amanda discovered that, although there are several new cabins where canvas-walled tents once stood, and there are other updates such as a climbing wall and “the Ark,” some things haven’t changed. “Attending Bible Camp, even as an adult, made me grow in my spiritual life and gave me more of an understanding and encouragement in my walk,” Aman-da explained.

“It was so refreshing to see how God

really works in people's lives. It is always so good to see others learn about God and become stronger in their walk,”

Amanda added. Amanda, originally from Elim, works at the Paul E. Asicksik School in Shaktoolik as an instructional aide. She has five chil-dren ages 16, 14, 11, 9, and 5, so she un-derstands how difficult it can be to take a week from subsistence activities and fam-ily responsibilities to volunteer. But, Amanda plans on making it back next summer. “I plan on my kids attending again next year and plan on attending myself as a volunteer,” she said. After her return, Amanda enthusiasti-cally explained how she hopes others who have been away from Bible Camp for awhile would consider serving in some way next year. “I would strongly encourage others to come and volunteer and see how awe-some it is to be in a little community with no electronics and technology with the focus of God and what he has made.”

It’s truly amazing how God has brought LifeGroup together. It started out as just an idea and within a few weeks God had brought to-gether the people and resources to make it reali-ty. We still look back in awe at how it all came together so seamlessly. God seemed to have planted the idea in many hearts without us knowing. LifeGroup is a small group that meets on Mon-day evenings in the church sanctuary. The target audience is young adults both currently attending and those who would normally not attend a church service, but all ages are welcome. Currently we have members ages 1-55, and childcare is provided to make it more accessible to families. We start with worship then watch a video sermon from a Covenant Church called LifeChurch.tv, based in Oklahoma, that produc-es video messages for groups like ours. After the sermon we do group discussion followed by prayer.

It has been tremendous seeing a wide variety of people come. We have seen people that have never been to church, we have people from dif-ferent churches, and people who are strong be-lievers voice how encouraging and essential this group has been to their spiritual growth. Multi-ple people have given testimony to the group being an answer to prayer in their desire for fel-lowship. Watching an online sermon may seem a bit unconventional but it works really well for us. It works better than reading a book because any-one can come at any time and not feel like they have missed out. It doesn’t require a ton of prep and has proven to be extremely effective in reaching a wide audience. It started off with just eight people attending back in May and we now average 15 on a regular basis. It’s truly been more than we could have hoped for and we look forward to what God has in store for LifeGroup this winter.

Bethel LifeGroup Growing and Enjoyed

Weekly by Church-goers and Others by Val Thomas and Alessandra Chung, Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church

Is your church trying something new to reach people in your community? If so, share what your church is doing

with us in the Alaska Conference Office with an email to kristi@alaskacovenant.org. For more information about

“LifeGroups” or to watch LifeChurch.tv broadcasts, check out www.Lifechurch.tv.

Involved Mom Enjoys Serving at Bible Camp

...Bible Camp’s 2015 statistics represent great things. Of course the numbers we are talking about are not really numbers, but young people whose lives were touched with the love and truth of Jesus, thanks to volunteers who gave sacrificially of their time, resources and talents. Here’s a brief reporting of amazing ways God is increasing the size of the work through the Bible Camp ministry: 329 campers from 31 different villages and towns were served by more than 90 staff and 12 junior staff; 34 members of the staff were volunteering for the first time. All 19 Alaska Covenant churches were represented with campers or volunteers and several other non-Covenant Villages were represented as well including Buckland, Emmonak, Gambell, Savoonga, Kalskat, Kotzebue, Kwiillingok, Nunaptichuk, St. Mary’s, Tuntutuliak, Chevak, Noorvik, Kasigluk, Sitka, Shageluk, Stebbins, and Kiana. Two work crews from Fairbanks and Gig Harbor, WA, also joined in the fun and spent countless hours working on the road into camp. Behind the scenes, many more faithful ones interceded for all involved.

Alaska high school students from as far west as Mekoryuk and as far north as Nome were part of the 75 students and 22 adults from Alaska that traveled more than 3500 miles to attend CHIC in Knoxville, TN. “Covenant High in Christ” is best recognized as “CHIC” by the thou-sands who attend every three years and experience the powerful truth of God’s love through the sharing of his Word and worship. This year, there were more than 5,000 in attendance. From the time they arrive, CHICsters are stunned not only by the vol-ume of the music, but also by the sheer number of their peers who have intentionally gathered out of a desire to play, worship, learn and grow in understanding and in faith with others from throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Through the years, CHIC has been modified and diversified, innovated and revolutionized, however, a few key elements remain: CHIC is a tri-ennial event where thousands of youth gather for small group Bible study and devotion, large group gatherings with dynamic speakers, and music, and outdoor recreation. CHIC acts as a catalyst in students’ lives, helping them see the big pictures of God’s Kingdom and inspiring them to dive deeper in their faith —together. Students and leaders began each day at CHIC by attending base camps, which included interactive and educational experiences that emphasized the “Shift” theme of the conference. Participants were encouraged throughout the week to change their perspective on how they view God, how they experience worship, how they represent Christ in the world, the nature of the kingdom of God, as well as how they can be an instru-ment for change in the world. Through experiential events such as the Project Blue water walk, wor-ship music and creative activities that allowed them to express them-selves, participants were able to better understand how they can person-ally shift their lives to better serve and understand God. For some Alaskans, attending CHIC also meant venturing out of the state for the first time. Kirstian Haugen, 16, of Unalakleet, was one such rookie traveler and eager to share about a few of her experiences: “Going to CHIC was my first time going out of the state. I was so scared, yet so excited. The temperature was too hot, the humidity was different and there were so many people! Everything felt so early to me when really it was late there. The sun would set and it would be super dark out.” Kirstian added, “I got to see how God worked in a different part of the world, and how he uses his people to encourage and help others with their walk. Chapel sessions were amazing. All the thousands of students together in one room worshiping was a different feeling. You can feel everyone coming together as one, having fun, worshiping the same God. The messages were so powerful and touching, too. You could tell how God was working through them to help change and moti-vate people through what all the speakers were saying.”

“When we ask God to move a mountain, God might hand us a shovel, and say, ‘You are my

hands, you are my feet.’” —Shane Claiborne, CHIC 2015 base camp speaker.

One concrete way students were invited to engage was through giving. Funds

from the CHIC offering will support clean water efforts through Project Blue.

Students were told that if each person gave $10, they could raise $55,000. The

total amount was more than double that number: $126,015.

Students’ Challenged to Experience

a “Shift” in Life, Faith, Perspective

Students’ Awareness of World Water

Crisis Grows and How They Can Help

by Mary Rall, Eagle River Community Covenant Church

Twenty-seven high school students and eight adult leaders from Eagle River Community Covenant Church participated in Project Blue service projects at CHIC. Through Project Blue, the participants had a chance to 1) become aware of the need for clean water and sanita-tion in India and around the world; 2) become engaged

in the issues of injustice that exist in the world, due to the lack of clean water and sanitation; 3) work together to raise funds for Covenant World Relief projects in India, and throughout the world, to provide clean water and sanitation for poor, marginalized communities. Though the need is great, there was so much hope in joining the work that God is doing. It’s really two-fold and ties in with the CWR tagline “partners in transformation.” CWR hopes for transformation on both ends of Project Blue. While Project Blue participants were working for transformation in communities to have access to clean water, event organizers were equally hoping for transformation in each participant’s understanding of poverty, injustice and water access is-sues. In addition, students were challenged to see “others” as brothers and sisters with dignity and respect. Ultimately, the underlying desire was that students would be transformed more into the likeness of Christ. On a big picture level, there are several opportunities and hopes. Bringing clean water is a fast way to save lives. Clean water makes peo-ple healthier by eliminating waterborne diseases and promoting better sanitation so people lead healthier lives. Clean water gives people more time. When people no longer have to walk miles to access water or spend extra energy for water used in essential household tasks, then they are freed to attend school, enter the workforce and to better their families and communities. Clean water betters the economy. As more people are able to enter the workforce and are healthier, the economy of the country grows. Clean water promotes equality, because women are disproportionately affected by the lack of clean water. They are the ones who typically spend hours gathering water and traveling to wash clothing, and wom-en are expected to care for children who are sick from water-borne illness. When women have access to clean water, they can spend their time doing other things to better their family and communities. Girls who used to have to spend their days carrying water can now go to school. As communities form water committees, women are often the leaders of these committees. When women are seen as having leadership abili-ties and skills, family dynamics and community structures change. Through Project Blue, CHIC2015 participants worked together to raise money that can help this important work continue through Cove-nant World Relief. For information how your church or youth group can participate in the cause for clean water world-wide, check out www.covchurch.org/relief/projects/project-blue.

Peter Swanberg , of Community Covenant , participated in the Pro-

ject Blue Run at CHIC 2015 on July 17. The 5K run/walk benefited

Project Blue and Covenant World Relief’s efforts for clean water .

“When we ask God to move a mountain, God might hand us a shovel, and say, ‘You are my

Shane Claiborne, CHIC 2015 base camp speaker.

6 // the Sinew

see areas where we are weak, and this was a good non-confrontational, intentional way to address the true function and priorities of the church and our church in particular.” Wally Johnson, long-time Nome resident and leadership team member, explained, “The leadership team works with the pastor who then works with the congregation. It’s good for us to understand: ‘What is the health of our church?’ It’s important for our community and region. It has impact.” The weekend ended with a wonderful potluck of smoked salmon, baked salmon, salmon spread, blueberry scones, blueberry sauce, blueberry cheesecake and many other yummy foods, followed by an informal question-and-answer, reflection, and commentary time. Wenrich reminded the church, “A healthy church pursues Christ. A missional church pursues Christ’s priorities in the world. A healthy, missional church does both.” Prayer and a harmonious acapella version of Doxology capped off the weekend. Undoubtedly, many grabbed their berry buckets and fishing poles to take advantage of the last few hours of daylight the weekend afforded as recreation resumed on the tundra and on the river. Was the weekend worth the sacrifice? Peter Hansen, an avid fisher-man who grew up in Nome, answered emphatically, “Absolutely! We have a pastor that has been praying for years over our church. It’s changed physically with a new building as a result of his prayers. And he’s prayed for revival, so it’s going to be exciting see it change spirit-ually.” Church leadership met after the weekend and decided to continue in the journey along the Congregational Vitality Pathway outlined in Veritas. John explained, “Vitality is a journey, not a quick fix. Healthy mis-sional churches know how to handle their anxiety in a Christ-honoring, civil way. You will have to learn new skills to become a healthy, missional church.” As Pastor Harvey reflected on the Veritas weekend he remarked, “This is a bright moment for our church.”

(Continued from page 1)

Nome Hosts Veritas Workshop Debbie Bogart, Vitality

Team Leader for Commu-

nity Covenant Church

visits with Pastor Nathan

Hanna from Mekoryuk at

the Nome Veritas work-

shop. Nathan attended

the conference to get an

introduction to the Vitality

Pathway to present to his

church on Nunivak Island.

The week immediately before CHIC, Unalakleet Covenant Church partnered with Foundation For His Ministry, sending a Mission team to Tlacolula, Oaxaca in Mexico to

put on a VBS at a children’s home for orphans and other homeless children. Besides VBS, the team did various work projects, such as repairing yard work, kitchen

prep, old generators, and cleaning. The team was multi-generational with 7 adults and 7 youth. The team also included 2 members from Kenai, AK and 3 from Baja,

California. The group picture from left to right is Angela Nashalook, Aly Daniels, Adam London, Sarah Titus, Lydia Titus, David Maya, Valentina Maya, Katie Daniels,

Margo Daniels, Leiscia Chadwick, Fisher Dill, Danny Maya, Tim Daniels, and Mary Beth Daniels.

Transitions

Nick Bruckner is serving as interim pastor for Unalakleet

Covenant Church. He will continue to serve as Bible Camp Director

simultaneously.

Adam London has completed his service as Unalakleet Covenant

Church Youth Pastor. He is transitioning to full-time ministry with

Covenant Youth of Alaska to serve as Director of Operations. He

will continue to live in Unalakleet.

Ruth Johnson, of Mat-Su Covenant Church, is now serving with

Covenant Youth of Alaska as Program Director.

Kyle (Bethany) Brown, of Chugach Covenant Church, is moving

to Maryland at the end of October to continue his service with U.S.

Army. He has served Chugach as a bi-vocational pastor.

Jenn Steinbrecher, Alaska Conference Office Manager, is moving

to Florida in September to be closer to family.

Cory Alverts, of Covenant Youth of Alaska, will serve as interim

office manager for the Alaska Conference office.

Fall 2015// 7

September October November

Monday Covenant Women Retreat

Speakers, worship leaders and commit-tee members as they lead women to “Wait, Hope, Expect” (Ps 33)

For travel mercies for women traveling from out of the area; God would unite in relationship Village and Road System

Alaska Conference Office

Office manager Jenn Steinbrecher’s move and adjustment to Florida

Transitions in office staff to best utilize gifts and resources for God’s glory

Discernment in pursuing new paradigms for conference ministry

White Mountain Covenant Church As one of the village churches without a pastor currently, pray for lay leadership and church board to find strength and inspiration for caring for their communi-ty and church. That God would call others to serve and pastor.

Tuesday Arigaa—Anchorage, Fairbanks

Year of growth for students in their relationship with God and others

Growth for student leaders to mature and reach out in their circles of influence

More students to be involved

Curtis (Kristi) Ivanoff Conference Superintendent

Grace for the family as they move into a new home in a busy season and for kids as they adjust to new neighborhood and move farther from friends and familiarity.

Shaktoolik Covenant Church This village church is also without a pas-tor currently, but has housing available for both a pastor as well as someone to work with youth. Pray for people to re-spond to God’s call to this place

Wednesday New Song Covenant, Anchorage

Youth ministry development

Personnel needs in worship leading

Continued growth from those that have not been previously involved in the church

James (Evelyn) Barefoot Conference Assoc. Superintendent

Grace as they downsize to be more free to travel and minister in villages. Financial provision and increased opportunities to minister together in various ways. Details regarding sale of their home.

Koyuk Covenant Church As one of the village churches without a pastor currently, pray for lay leadership and church board to find strength and inspiration for caring for their communi-ty and church. That God would call others to serve and pastor.

Thursday First Covenant Church, Anchorage

New Congregational Care Ministry Team as they initiate a new care plan

Community Outreach Team as they desire to impact justice issues in city

Unity and vision for pastoral team

Merge Ministries

New ministry opportunities and loca-tions to open up in Alaska

New teams to form and serve here

Continued relationships between host churches and prior work teams

Hooper Bay Covenant Church

For Patrick McLean and other lay lead-ers during the search for a pastor

Sunday school ministry and Awanas ministry for children.

For youth to be hungry for God's Word.

Friday Covenant Youth of Alaska

Chickaloon Retreat Center Develop-ment and stewardship

For young adult retreat; that God will call people to himself and to ministry

God to strengthen & protect ministry families in demanding fall season

Nome Covenant Church

Selection of Vitality team and leaders

Growing children/youth ministry

Motion toward youth intern housing

Community and culture of Nome to be reached with the gospel

Golovin Covenant Church As one of the village churches without a pastor currently, pray for lay leadership and church board to find strength and inspiration for caring for their communi-ty and church. That God would call oth-ers to serve and pastor.

Fall Prayer Calendar

Important Dates

Covenant Women’s Retreat, Willow Sept. 18-20 CYAK Young Adult Retreat, Big Lake Sept. 25-27 Pastor/Leader Retreat, Big Lake Oct. 6-8 ACC Vision Dinner, ChangePoint, Anchorage Nov. 7 WAMT: Mission and Ministry of ECC, Bethel Nov. 10-13

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ANCHORAGE, AK

PERMIT NO. 537

The Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church

Ministry Priorities Pastoral Care

Youth Ministry Leadership Pathways

Congregational Vitality Church Planting &

Evangelism

Superintendent: Curtis Ivanoff

curtis@alaskacovenant.org

Associate Superintendent James Barefoot

james@alaskacovenant.org

Interim Office Manager Cory Alverts

info@alaskacovenant.org

Sinew Editor Kristi Ivanoff

kristi@alaskacovenant.org

P.O. Box 770749 Eagle River, AK

99577

Office: 907-694-6348 Fax: 907-694-6378

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.

Curtis Ivanoff, superintendent

traveled by boat to Shaktoolik

with four young adults in July

to encourage the church and

youth there. After participating

in the evening service, the

team joined in a beach gath-

ering complete with a bonfire,

seed-spitting contest and a

variety of other games. James

Barefoot, associate superin-

tendent, also visited Shak-

toolik in September to meet

with the church board

(pictured bottom right). For

more details about Curtis’ trip,

read “Come Follow Me” on

page 2.