Alaska Synod Assembly 2012

Click HERE for discussions with this year's workshop presenters.

April 26-28, 2012

Joy Lutheran Church
10111 E Eagle River Loop Rd.
Eagle River, AK 99577
907-694-9601

Click here for Assembly Schedule

2012 Alaska Synod Assembly Workshops

Economic Life - Rev. Dan Bollerud

The ELCA social statement on Economic life begins as follows.  “Economic life pervades our lives the work we do, the income we receive, how much we consume and save, what we value, and how we view one another. An economy (oikonomia or "management of the household") is meant to meet people's material needs. The current market-based economy does that to an amazing degree; many are prospering as never before. At the same time, others continue to lack what they need for basic subsistence. Out of deep concern for those affected adversely, we of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America here assess economic life today in light of the moral imperative to seek sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all.”  Economic policies and principles as well as religious views and values have been much in the limelight in our political discussions.  Let us take a look at what scripture says about our economic life as we enter into these discussions in the public sphere using the ELCA social statement on Economic life as our guide. 

'Future Vision for the M/V Christian' - Sharon Geldaker & Rev. Stan Berntson

Come and share with us a viewing of PBS VISIONARIES program, featuring the M/V Christian.  Afterwards, Executive Director, Don Johnson, Pastor/Skipper Stan Berntson, and First Mate/RN Sharon Geldaker RN, will share the newest Vision for the M/V Christian's ministry in Southeast Alaska.  Exciting developments are taking place, involving training Native partners, Dennis & Roberta Jack from Angoon to transition aboard, as we all, as mission partners, live into Lutheran Indian Ministries' mission goal of training up Native Christian leaders to minister to their own & others.  Question & Answer time included.  Join us!
The How and Why of Mission Interpreters-   G.H. Knutson
How to recognize leaders in your congregations who can share the faith stories of how we, as Lutherans, make a difference in the world using our time, talent, and resources. 

The New Epistles: Social Media and your Congregation- Rev. Julia Seymour and Rev. Martin Eldred
Does your congregation have a website? A Facebook page? A Twitter account? A Blog? Do you know what these things are?  Are all of them necessary? Are any of them? Social Media is not a passing fad but a real and serious way of communicating- both to current members of your congregation and your larger community. This workshop will answer question, give how-tos and guide best practices in sharing the Good News in the 21st century.

Hunger Advocacy - Kristi Johnson

Currently, one in five Alaskan families report that there have been times in the past twelve months when they did not have enough money to buy food for their family.  And around the world, 1.4 billion people live on less than $1 per day. Yet, the possibility exists to end hunger in our time. But, our voices are needed to make that happen.  Andrew Steven Watson, LSSA staff member, seminary student, and hunger activist, along with other members of the Hunger Jubilee Alaska organizing task force, will lead this interactive, engaging workshop that will give you practical tools you and your congregation can use effectively to urge those in power to take the steps necessary to end hunger, to be the voice of those who have no voice.         

Labyrinths and Spirituality- Pastor Marcia Wakeland
Labyrinths are at least 5,000 years old and found in all parts of the ancient world. No one knows what they were used for in those times, but about 1000 years ago, they were adapted into the Christian tradition as a way of praying while walking. There has been a resurgence of interest in the labyrinth as a way of opening our hearts to the Holy, and churches, hospitals and health centers across the country have been installing indoor and outdoor labyrinths as a way of making prayer and offering healing. This workshop will explore what labyrinths are (and are not), how they might be used on the spiritual journey and provide an opportunity to walk the outdoor labyrinth of Joy Lutheran, with its unique 'chalice' design.

Soul Café - Edwin Rourk

A workshop to discuss Soul Cafe, our new online community. Come and learn more about our sacred space on the web - a transformative enablement tool that allows all of us to communicate and collaborate within an ever changing and critical time in the history of the Church. It is unlike anything that's ever been utilized by any denomination. Soul Cafe is a tool engineered to connect geographically separated church entities and individuals to come together towards real solutions to the issues, challenges, and concerns that face the Alaska Synod and the greater church.

The How and Why of Mission Interpreters - G.H. Knutson

How to recognize leaders in your congregations who can share the faith stories of how we, as Lutherans, make a difference in the world using our time, talent, and resources.

The New Epistles: Social Media and your Congregation - Rev. Julia Seymour and Rev. Martin Eldred

Does your congregation have a website? A Facebook page? A Twitter account? A Blog? Do you know what these things are?  Are all of them necessary? Are any of them? Social Media is not a passing fad but a real and serious way of communicating- both to current members of your congregation and your larger community. This workshop will answer question, give how-tos and guide best practices in sharing the Good News in the 21st century.

Labyrinths and Spirituality - Pastor Marcia Wakeland

Labyrinths are at least 5,000 years old and found in all parts of the ancient world. No one knows what they were used for in those times, but about 1000 years ago, they were adapted into the Christian tradition as a way of praying while walking. There has been a resurgence of interest in the labyrinth as a way of opening our hearts to the Holy, and churches, hospitals and health centers across the country have been installing indoor and outdoor labyrinths as a way of making prayer and offering healing. This workshop will explore what labyrinths are (and are not), how they might be used on the spiritual journey and provide an opportunity to walk the outdoor labyrinth of Joy Lutheran, with its unique 'chalice' design.

To Change the World: In Fact, How do Christians do it? - Rev. Pat Keifert

Description: Christians of various stripes seek to change the world they live in; over time they have been variously successful.  Recent scholarship suggests some helpful ways of thinking about how we change our world; some of the research might surprise both conservative evangelicals and mainline cultural protestants.  This workshop invites attenders to reflect on both this body of scholarship and their own ways they seek to change their world.

Eagle River Nature Center Tour - TBA

Youth - Ian McConnell