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The recently announced performance schedule for Brad Sherrill's landmark presentation, Prophets, has been postponed due to medical reasons. Previously posted performances have been rescheduled for January 19-24.

Revised Schedule of Prophets Performances
January 19......Central Lutheran Church - 7 p.m.
January 20......Central Lutheran Church - 7 p.m.
January 21......St. John UMC - 7 p.m.
January 22......Valley Christian Conference - 7 p.m.

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Summary
Ever received one of Northern Lights Baptist Church’s pamphlets? (See below) Strongly toned, it nonetheless piqued my interest since receiving them at home in West Anchorage via recruiting members, and during teaching stints at East High.

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Have you ever attended the consecration of a new Bishop? I hadn’t until September 4 when as an invited guest, I attended the consecration of the eighth and newest Episcopal bishop of Alaska.

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Summary
Visited six months ago, Hillside Baptist might not be the best choice for a first time visitor. Their website didn’t list service times without clicking around, and poor signage made me miss the church the first time.

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In 2004 I attended a dramatic solo recitation of the Gospel of John, in its entirety, by Brad Sherrill at St. John United Methodist Church. What an experience that was! A spare stage with a few key props provided the background for bringing this Gospel alive. And it's going to happen again!

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Rarely do opportunities to study scripture and church issues with theology school faculty come to Anchorage. Tonight begins the 2-day lay workshop with Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology faculty at United Methodist Church at Chugiak. Start time is 6:30 p.m. A complete announcement with downloadable flier is located on my August 21 post below.

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What’s going on here? A greeter at the door, a lobby filled with tents and happy people, an energetic church service filled with music, testimonies, positive reports from ChangePoint leaders, and an unusually upbeat message from Teaching Pastor, Dan Jarrell? So many activities were planned that they had only two services. That’s not the ChangePoint I usually see.

Homecoming

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Several years ago I attended the Alaska Lay School of Theology for two days at St. John United Methodist Church. For a minimal price, I was treated to an incredible study of the parables of Jesus by Alyce McKenzie of Southern Methodist University. My knowledge of the meaning, use, and interpretation of parables was increased during those two days. I urge you to consider taking advantage of this year's school. Lonnie Brooks, school coordinator, recently shared information about this year's session.

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Survey Results Surprising
Reader sentiment was pulsed regarding unfulfilled pastoral promises per my previous blog post. Although this was an unscientific survey, it is an indication of a problem people don't tolerate in friendships, and find unsettling in trusted relationships represented by pastors and parishioners.

40% of survey respondents reported they were promised something by their pastors that did not come to fruition. The pastoral promises, were grouped as follows:

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Then
Previously, I’ve attempted to visit First Assembly of God. A year and a half back I passed on attending after noting there were few cars in the parking lot minutes before church services were due to start. Instead, I went to another church, pleasantly discovering a wonderful life changing service.

Websites Are Important

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The Municipality of Anchorage's Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting July 19,6:30 p.m. in Assembly Chambers at the Loussac Library to discuss the Karluk Manor project. Karluk Manor (currently the Red Roof Inn) is intended to provide a housing alternative for chronically homeless individuals living on the streets or camps around the city. 24 deaths among this group have occurred since May 2009.

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Why Write About Church Music?
In visiting Anchorage churches, I've experienced virtually every type of church musical style. Sometimes the music accentuates the spiritual tenor of the service, and sometimes not. Often the music is unadulterated Pop 40 entertainment, and narcissistic with no reference to God, salvation, or the mission of the church.

Rural CAP has announced a community forum for June 30 on the Karluk Manor (Red Roof Inn conversion) project. Regardless of your belief system, this is an important meeting for the community. Come hear more about this critical first-step solution to the spiraling cycle of homelessness and death in Anchorage.

From Rural CAP's Melinda Freemon:

Not a single voice from Anchorage's faith community was raised pro or con at the June 22 Assembly meeting which addressed amending Assembly Ordinance 2010-43. This ordinance governs the clearing of homeless camps in Anchorage. As amended it now provides five business days notice before the camps may be cleared.

At the June 8 Assembly Meeting, there was faith community testimony and support for longer notice times. The Assembly postponed further action until June 22 to allow for further deliberation.

Carolyn Rinehart of Anchorage's First Congregational Church has kindly shared information about a unique opportunity for Alaskans. NACCC Meeting Illustration Created by Diane Barske - First Congregational Church - Anchorage

Summary
Located in the Huffman Business Park, Anchorage Faith & Family Church, a small church, offered me a warm greeting, tempered by the perennial guest-distancing question, "Is this your first time here?". Visiting on May 30, I then experienced a near first in my Anchorage church visits when my greeter actually showed me the way to the worship area, kindly pointing out the bathrooms on the way. A 5-piece praise band played very upbeat contemporary Christian music for about 20 minutes.

Great Guest Basics
A warm welcome, a good cup of coffee, refreshing contemporary Christian music, a mission team sendoff, and an empowered sermon. Cornerstone Church provided this and much more during my May 23 revisit. The way Cornerstone treats guests and members ensures eager returnees.

Blame It On The New Sign