WORKSHOP LEADERS AND THEMES
Communicating with God
Join the Spiritual Life staff of AK Child & Family for a drum circle experience that reminds that we are all a part of the One heartbeat! Drumming gives an opportunity where we can be free to connect with ourselves, others, and God, to release, restore and heal. It is a universal language where all people ca be a part, free from words and concepts to we can experience life with an open, Godly heart.
Leader: Kelli Williams
Kelli Williams has served the mission of AK Child & Family as the Director of Spiritual Life since 1999. Prior to her transition to AK Child & Family, Kelli was the Director of Youth Ministries at 1st United Methodist Church of Anchorage. Kelli is a Certified Chaplain through the international Fellowship of Chaplains and is a certified Veriditas Labyrinth facilitator. Kelli began her work in human potential as the sole proprietor of Vital Capacity Wellness Consulting where she worked with individuals and organizations at reach their God-given gifts and graces. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Research / Psychology from the United States Sports Academy and earned her bachelor's degree in PE & Recreation from Seattle Pacific University. Kelli has been honored with the Church Women United - United National Office of Human Rights Award. Through her work, the Spiritual Life Department of AK Child & Family has also won the Lutheran Services in America Award for Excellence.
Join the Spiritual Life staff of AK Child & Family for a drum circle experience that reminds that we are all a part of the One heartbeat! Drumming gives an opportunity where we can be free to connect with ourselves, others, and God, to release, restore and heal. It is a universal language where all people ca be a part, free from words and concepts to we can experience life with an open, Godly heart.
Leader: Kelli Williams
Kelli Williams has served the mission of AK Child & Family as the Director of Spiritual Life since 1999. Prior to her transition to AK Child & Family, Kelli was the Director of Youth Ministries at 1st United Methodist Church of Anchorage. Kelli is a Certified Chaplain through the international Fellowship of Chaplains and is a certified Veriditas Labyrinth facilitator. Kelli began her work in human potential as the sole proprietor of Vital Capacity Wellness Consulting where she worked with individuals and organizations at reach their God-given gifts and graces. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Research / Psychology from the United States Sports Academy and earned her bachelor's degree in PE & Recreation from Seattle Pacific University. Kelli has been honored with the Church Women United - United National Office of Human Rights Award. Through her work, the Spiritual Life Department of AK Child & Family has also won the Lutheran Services in America Award for Excellence.
Supporting the LGBTQ Community
Join us for a conversation about how to support the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside the walls of your church! St. John United Methodist Church's LGBTQ+ Outreach team build connections with community organizations with the intent of sharing God's love with others with the hope of healing some of the harm the church has done to this community. Learn how this support has impacted the lives of our LGBTQ members and their faith.
Leader: Rev. Autumn Krueger
Autumn Krueger has lived in Anchorage, Alaska since 2017. She first fell in love with Alaska while working at UMC Birchwood Camp, responding to a lifelong longing for Alaska and a deep passion for working with young people. She especially loves walking alongside individuals as they learn more abouth ow they can love God, themselves, and others. When not working, you will find Autumn cooking new recipes, gardening, general crafting, and adventuring outside with her dog, Kavi. Autumn was ordained as an elder in the UMC in 2021 and is a member of the Dakotas Conference. She served Anchor Park UMC in 2017-2020. In 2020 she was appointed to St. John UMC as the Pastor of Student and Family ministry at First UMC and St. John UMC in Anchorage. She holds a bachelor of Arts from Dakota Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology.
Join us for a conversation about how to support the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside the walls of your church! St. John United Methodist Church's LGBTQ+ Outreach team build connections with community organizations with the intent of sharing God's love with others with the hope of healing some of the harm the church has done to this community. Learn how this support has impacted the lives of our LGBTQ members and their faith.
Leader: Rev. Autumn Krueger
Autumn Krueger has lived in Anchorage, Alaska since 2017. She first fell in love with Alaska while working at UMC Birchwood Camp, responding to a lifelong longing for Alaska and a deep passion for working with young people. She especially loves walking alongside individuals as they learn more abouth ow they can love God, themselves, and others. When not working, you will find Autumn cooking new recipes, gardening, general crafting, and adventuring outside with her dog, Kavi. Autumn was ordained as an elder in the UMC in 2021 and is a member of the Dakotas Conference. She served Anchor Park UMC in 2017-2020. In 2020 she was appointed to St. John UMC as the Pastor of Student and Family ministry at First UMC and St. John UMC in Anchorage. She holds a bachelor of Arts from Dakota Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology.
I stole your land and now I'm keeping it: How to Create an Appropriate Land Acknowledgement.
A Land Acknowledgement is a step toward healing the land of our ancestors and a step toward reconciliation with the descendants of survivors of forced removal and annihilation of cultures of Indigenous inhabitants across states and territories of the Western Jurisdiction. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a land acknowledgement for their local area as well as consider other actions beyond the Land Acknowledgement that will lead to genuine reconciliation and authentic relationships with Indigenous people.
Leader 1: Glenna Kyker, PhD
Glenna Kyker grew up Choctaw in Southeast Oklahoma and taught school in Navajo Nation border towns in New Mexico. Because of her concern for educational justice for Indigenous and other marginalized students, she entered the field of special education and eventually earned a doctorate from New Mexico State University. After retiring in Florida, she founded and directed A Special Program in Rethinking Educations (ASPIRE), a nationally recognized inmate-led program at Raiford Prison. Glenna served as Florida Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries and Texas Conference Director of Native American Ministries. She lives in Grand Juncion, Colorado.
A Land Acknowledgement is a step toward healing the land of our ancestors and a step toward reconciliation with the descendants of survivors of forced removal and annihilation of cultures of Indigenous inhabitants across states and territories of the Western Jurisdiction. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a land acknowledgement for their local area as well as consider other actions beyond the Land Acknowledgement that will lead to genuine reconciliation and authentic relationships with Indigenous people.
Leader 1: Glenna Kyker, PhD
Glenna Kyker grew up Choctaw in Southeast Oklahoma and taught school in Navajo Nation border towns in New Mexico. Because of her concern for educational justice for Indigenous and other marginalized students, she entered the field of special education and eventually earned a doctorate from New Mexico State University. After retiring in Florida, she founded and directed A Special Program in Rethinking Educations (ASPIRE), a nationally recognized inmate-led program at Raiford Prison. Glenna served as Florida Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries and Texas Conference Director of Native American Ministries. She lives in Grand Juncion, Colorado.
Leader #2: Judy Halverson
Judy Halverson has served as a United Women in Faith Social Action Coordinator at the district and now at the Oregon-Idaho Conference level. In 2020 and 2021, she collaborate diwth Rev. Dr. Allen Buck and Evan Johnson, Co-chairs of the Or-ID Committee on Native American Ministries and Todd Bartlett to develop resources for local churches to access the greater NORthwest Area Circle of Indigenous Ministries website. Judy continues to advocate for United Women in Faith local units to collaborate with their local churches to develope Land Acknowledgements. Judy and her husband live in Boise, Idaho.
Judy Halverson has served as a United Women in Faith Social Action Coordinator at the district and now at the Oregon-Idaho Conference level. In 2020 and 2021, she collaborate diwth Rev. Dr. Allen Buck and Evan Johnson, Co-chairs of the Or-ID Committee on Native American Ministries and Todd Bartlett to develop resources for local churches to access the greater NORthwest Area Circle of Indigenous Ministries website. Judy continues to advocate for United Women in Faith local units to collaborate with their local churches to develope Land Acknowledgements. Judy and her husband live in Boise, Idaho.
Leader #3: Rev. Murray Crookes
Murray Crookes, Siberian Yup'ik, is the grandchild of a boarding school survivor. He says his family values "have placed primacy on the whiteness and proximity to privilege." His father is a naturalized Canadian; his father was from England. Murray grew up in the rain forest of Southeast Alaska and in Pawhuska, Oklanhoma, Osage TRibal Captial. He attended Oklanhoma City Unmiversity and seminary. He met his wife in Argentina while in an academic exchange program; they have two daughters, 12 and 8. Murray pastored churches in the Oklanhoma and Oklanhoma Indian Missionary Converences before coming home to Alaska. He is the founding pastor of Every Nation UMC and is currently serving Anchor Park UMC as associate pastor. He is vice-chair of the Western Jurisdcition Commitee on Native American Ministires (CONAM). Murray and his family and their dog Lady live in Anchorage. (Murray sai
Murray Crookes, Siberian Yup'ik, is the grandchild of a boarding school survivor. He says his family values "have placed primacy on the whiteness and proximity to privilege." His father is a naturalized Canadian; his father was from England. Murray grew up in the rain forest of Southeast Alaska and in Pawhuska, Oklanhoma, Osage TRibal Captial. He attended Oklanhoma City Unmiversity and seminary. He met his wife in Argentina while in an academic exchange program; they have two daughters, 12 and 8. Murray pastored churches in the Oklanhoma and Oklanhoma Indian Missionary Converences before coming home to Alaska. He is the founding pastor of Every Nation UMC and is currently serving Anchor Park UMC as associate pastor. He is vice-chair of the Western Jurisdcition Commitee on Native American Ministires (CONAM). Murray and his family and their dog Lady live in Anchorage. (Murray sai
Helping New Neighbors on the Road from Harm to Home
In September 2022, the Denver International Rescue Committee (IRC) approached Marcia Canter to see if her church would participate in the first co-sponsorship of a family in Denver. They knew Marcia as an author who had facilitated an online book club for refugee children during the summer of 2020. She learned more about the organization and what they were attempting to do. Marcia recruited seven more people after a church meeting in January 2023. This core group, with the support of United Women in Faith, the church, and the community, raised $5,000 to sponsor a family and then found them an affordable home. The week of Easter 2023, a single mom and three children arrived from Columbia. The school children have been enrolled in school and Mom and the oldest daughter are now in English as a Second Language classes. The core group have supported them in obtaining government assistance as well as helping look for employment. Other churches and groups have expressed interest in sponsoring families as a result of their success.
Leader: Marcia Canter
Marcia is the president of her local unit and the Mile High Metro District of the Mountain Sky Conference. She is the author of three books for tweens and a collection of Christmas stories for adults. She enjoys the challenges of new adventures.
In September 2022, the Denver International Rescue Committee (IRC) approached Marcia Canter to see if her church would participate in the first co-sponsorship of a family in Denver. They knew Marcia as an author who had facilitated an online book club for refugee children during the summer of 2020. She learned more about the organization and what they were attempting to do. Marcia recruited seven more people after a church meeting in January 2023. This core group, with the support of United Women in Faith, the church, and the community, raised $5,000 to sponsor a family and then found them an affordable home. The week of Easter 2023, a single mom and three children arrived from Columbia. The school children have been enrolled in school and Mom and the oldest daughter are now in English as a Second Language classes. The core group have supported them in obtaining government assistance as well as helping look for employment. Other churches and groups have expressed interest in sponsoring families as a result of their success.
Leader: Marcia Canter
Marcia is the president of her local unit and the Mile High Metro District of the Mountain Sky Conference. She is the author of three books for tweens and a collection of Christmas stories for adults. She enjoys the challenges of new adventures.
Women, Leadership and Change
United Women in Faith is making a difference for countless women, children, and youth around the world. This workshop will explore the organizations international work. We will discuss the impact of this work on poverty through the lens of our economic development initiatives, enhancing capacities of local women leaders, and building successful partnerships with Central Conferences women and their local United Methodist Women rganizations. Participants will hear inspirational stories of local women leaders who are making a difference in their communities. They will identify points of commonality across the cultural and regional boundaries, as ordinary women and as changemakers. They will experience aspects of United Women in Faith’s Initiative, Training for Transformation, that develops leaders and empowers local women. They will recognize the importance of United Women in Faith member support in making this work happen and transforming lives.
Leader: Andrea Reily Rocha Soares:
Andrea Reily Rocha Soares is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, serving as a regional missionary for leadership development with women in Latin America. Regional missionaries are selected and supported by United Methodist Women and placed in collaboration with the church’s General Board of Global Ministries. Andrea was commissioned in October 2015. Andrea serves as the main connection to the national office of United Methodist Women on health, empowerment, and gender issues throughout Latin America. Andrea is a native of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil and after November 2015, an elder in the Methodist Church in Brazil. Prior to entering mission service, she was assistant pastor of the Central Methodist Church
Women - Putting the Power in Philanthropy
Philanthropy means love of humankind. This workshop will share data on volunteer and financial giving in Alaska; highlight how women drive charitable giving decisions in the family and encourage women to embrace their leadership in this space to help United Women in Faith and our mission thrive.
Leader: Elizabeth A. Ripley
As President & Chief Executive Officer of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Elizabeth leads initiatives to build upon community strengths and make Matanuska-Susitna a healthier place to live. Because MSHF owns 35 percent and controls 50 percent of board seats at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the foundation strategically combines hospital governance with philanthropy and advocacy to create lasting, systemic change. Elizabeth has held numerous positions in healthcare, including hospice, volunteer management, marketing, hospital foundation development, and hospital administration. She has served on the boards of The Foraker Group, Philanthropy Northwest, and Grantmakers in Health. She was recognized by the Alaska Public Health Association with its long-term
Philanthropy means love of humankind. This workshop will share data on volunteer and financial giving in Alaska; highlight how women drive charitable giving decisions in the family and encourage women to embrace their leadership in this space to help United Women in Faith and our mission thrive.
Leader: Elizabeth A. Ripley
As President & Chief Executive Officer of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Elizabeth leads initiatives to build upon community strengths and make Matanuska-Susitna a healthier place to live. Because MSHF owns 35 percent and controls 50 percent of board seats at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the foundation strategically combines hospital governance with philanthropy and advocacy to create lasting, systemic change. Elizabeth has held numerous positions in healthcare, including hospice, volunteer management, marketing, hospital foundation development, and hospital administration. She has served on the boards of The Foraker Group, Philanthropy Northwest, and Grantmakers in Health. She was recognized by the Alaska Public Health Association with its long-term
Mini-Discernment Event, Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner
Have you ever wondered if that tug in your heart is God calling you to service? The Deaconess and Home Missioner is a community of lay people called to full time ministries of love, justice and service. Join us in this mini-discernment event, where you might find an answer to the questions, "Is it I, LORD?"
Leader: Maria (Chivi) Capezio Crookes
Deaconess Maria (Chivi) Capezio Crooks is a Deaconess of the United Methodist Church, a mom of 2, and wife to Murray (who happens to be a Pastor). She was born and raised in Argentina, where her family still lives (mom and dad, 2 brothers, one sister and 9 nieces and nephews, one great-niece). She holds a BA in Creative and Professional Writing from Alaska Pacific University and is enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program there, as well. She has several published stories, and a self-published book of devotions and self - reflection.
Have you ever wondered if that tug in your heart is God calling you to service? The Deaconess and Home Missioner is a community of lay people called to full time ministries of love, justice and service. Join us in this mini-discernment event, where you might find an answer to the questions, "Is it I, LORD?"
Leader: Maria (Chivi) Capezio Crookes
Deaconess Maria (Chivi) Capezio Crooks is a Deaconess of the United Methodist Church, a mom of 2, and wife to Murray (who happens to be a Pastor). She was born and raised in Argentina, where her family still lives (mom and dad, 2 brothers, one sister and 9 nieces and nephews, one great-niece). She holds a BA in Creative and Professional Writing from Alaska Pacific University and is enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program there, as well. She has several published stories, and a self-published book of devotions and self - reflection.