Dear United Methodist Siblings across Alaska,

We know it has not been easy to be the body of Christ during this time of Covid-19. Thank you for your faithful diligence in learning how to create and participate in worship online; to create and participate in discipleship groups, and committee meetings online, in being leaders in making and encouraging mask use and other mitigation measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  Thank you for your faithfulness in seeking to DO NO HARM and DO GOOD by ceasing in-person gatherings during the times of widespread community transmission. Your sacrifice HAS made a difference.

With vaccines rolling out to some of our most vulnerable, and infection rates across the state dropping, your willingness to refrain from gathering is helping your fellow Alaskans. We are not yet out of the woods, but the needle is moving in the right direction, and a part of that is thanks to your willingness to sacrifice in-person gatherings the last ten months. Hang in there just a little bit longer, because we can see the Light at the end of this long dark tunnel, and the day is fast approaching when we will be able to safely gather again.

Thanks for helping to do your part of Loving Neighbor as self as together we stand strong against COVID-19.

Your fellow Alaska United Methodists,

Sarah Aho, MPH, Epidemiology Specialist, State of Alaska
Rebekah Porter, RN, MSN, MPH, Nurse Epidemiologist, State of Alaska
Elizabeth Ripley, President & CEO, Mat-Su Health Foundation
Heather Harris, MPA, Director, Anchorage Health Department
Sandra Woods, MS, DrPH, RN, Nurse Educator
Carlo Rapanut, Alaska Conference Superintendent
Andy Bartel, Lead Pastor, St John Anchorage
Joanne Hayden, Alaska Conference Lay Leader
Lonnie D. Brooks
Autumn Krueger, Pastor - St. John Anchorage
Karen Martin Tichenor, pastor, Soldotna UMC
Von and Jan Cawvey - St. John Anchorage
Keri DeBoer, MSW, LCSW
Christina DowlingSoka - Co-Pastor Willow UMC
Michelle Dangol - Highline UMC Seattle
Emma Bowman, RN, South Peninsula Hospital, Homer United Methodist Church
Lucy and Bill Kunkler