Latest News
Appointment Announced
Bishop Grant Hagiya is pleased to announce his intention to appoint the Rev. Jennifer K. Smith to Saint John UMC as an associate pastor, effective July 1, 2012.
Welcome Jenny, Aaron, Isabella (and Zoe, too!)
The Staff Parish Relations Committee met with Jenny on April 12 and enthusiastically endorses the appointment. Jenny is a near perfect match to the criteria we requested in an associate pastor, coming with great background in social media and communications, contemporary worship, great interpersonal skills, musical background, and more.
Pastor Jenny is currently a provisional elder in the Pacific Northwest Conference. (She is interviewing for full membership and ordination in mid-May.) She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and her Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary. While at seminary, Jenny interned for three years at Stillwater UMC in Dayton, Ohio. Jenny has served as associate pastor at Anchor Park UMC and East Anchorage UMC for the past two years. [Read More...]
UPDATED! Important Staff Parish Relations Announcement
The Staff Parish Relations Committee announces that Bishop Hagiya intends to name the Rev. Jo Ann Schaadt to Moses Lake United Methodist Church in the Pacific Northwest Conference, effective July 1, 2012.
Jo Ann, who will have served six years here at Saint John UMC, returns to a solo pastor position in her home conference. We are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Jo Ann and Sara and keep them in our prayers as they begin this new chapter in their lives. Jo Ann is busy getting her house ready for sale and planning her move, but will continue in all of her ministry areas, including the mission trip to Cameroon.
Jo Ann’s last Sunday here at Saint John will be June 17. Plans are in the works to honor Jo Ann’s many contributions to our lives between services that day. We will, of course, also celebrate Sara’s place in the church!
Congregational Events
May Eagle Wing Online
The latest edition of the church newsletter, the Eagle Wing, is now online. Here is a direct link to the pdf file.
Spirituality and Leadership Retreat
A great opportunity to grow in grace is coming to Anchorage in May. Sarah Wilke, publisher of the Upper Room devotional, will be here to talk about growing our spiritual life with the disciplines of the Spirit. May 18-19, at First UMC Anchorage! (Click the poster for a larger view…)
Lent event pictures!
Everyone had a great time at this year’s Lent Event as children of the church, preschool and neighborhood made Easter and Holy Week themed crafts in the Life Center. Thanks to all who made it happen!
History corner
Click this image to see a copy of a letter sent from former pastor David Fison to church members here in Anchorage, while he was itinerating in Arkansas in 1978. As a mission conference church, Saint John was largely supported in its early years by Methodist churches throughout the country, and our pastors traveled regularly to develop those supportive connections. That ministry of connectional support continues still, though now our pastors raise funds for primarily for other congregations here in Alaska!
The letter indicates that Pastor David was a busy man, speaking to an average of two church groups every day, and encouraging folks to support the building of our sanctuary!
