Winter View from Parking Lot

Late November 2012

Getting a New Website Ready for 2013

As we approach 2013, with a time of transition at Girdwood Chapel, we are getting a new website up and running. It is hoped that this website will offer a cleaner, simpler interface for everyone.

December 30th -- Last Sunday with Pastor Jim Doepken

Come to worship on the last Sunday of December for Jim's last Sunday with us.

"A Different Kind of Christmas" -- Advent Sermon Series

Each Sunday.

All December.

"A Different Kind of Christmas"

Advent Family Craft Time -- 11:15 AM on Sundays

Once again, we'll be working on Advent and Christmas Crafts during the Sunday School hour over the course of Advent. We'll meet December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. It's a time to gather as a church family, to enjoy some Christmas snacks, and, of course, to enjoy each other's company.

We'll be needing help with the craft-making again this year. So, start thinking about what you can do to help us enjoy this time together.

Blessing of the Skis & Snowboards -- Sun. Nov. 18 -- 7 PM

We'll gather around a bonfire and bless our skis and snowboards the week Alyeska Resort opens.  Come and join us for this lighthearted time to start our winter season by thanking God and asking for God's blessing.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner -- Nov. 21

There will be a community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Community Center on Wednesday from 5-7 PM.

Please bring a dish to share.

We had over 100 people show up last year.

Come and join the fun.

This event is hosted by Girdwood Chapel and the Girdwood Fire Department.

Rev. Linda Jean Myers to Serve as Pastor

Rev. Linda Jean P. Meyers will serve as “Intentional Interim Pastor” as of January 1, 2013 as Girdwood Chapel says goodbye to Pastor Jim Doepken.

Linda Jean comes with a wealth of experience up in Alaska and in other settings and she will be guiding our congregation as we look forward to a longer-term pastorate to meet the needs of our church and larger community.  She has received special training for this ministry.

The following is the letter of introduction that was read on Sunday, September 2, 2012:

Dear Friends and Members of The Girdwood Chapel:

It is with humility but with great joy that I take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as your Intentional Interim Pastor beginning the first of January 2013.

I am a full Elder in the United Methodist Church who has received the denomination’s training for Interim Ministry.  This past April I finished the two year Academy for Spiritual Formation through The Upper Room Ministry.

Over the years I have lived and served in Iowa, Alaska (Wasilla, Willow and Trapper Creek 1988-1994) and Texas.  My most recent appointment was at Bethany United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas.  Although we were a small congregation (worshipping around 70 each Sunday), the congregation actively responded to hunger issues by providing a five day a week senior nutrition center, commodities and a food pantry.  There was a significant homeless population in our neighborhood, so we hosted a cold weather shelter which provided hot meals, showers and laundry services.  We had a full time Wesley nurse on site and worked ecumenically with the surrounding churches to meet the diverse needs of the community.

My husband Ron (who is also clergy, currently serving at First United Methodist Church, Anchorage) and I have two daughters, Rachel and Rebekah.  Rachel is currently a senior at the University of Arkansas and Rebekah is a sophomore at South High School in Anchorage.  I particularly enjoying traveling, reading and laughing!

I know that God has even greater things in store for Girdwood Chapel. I only ask that we open our hearts together to the Holy Spirit so that we may know God’s will and follow with generous hearts.

I look forward to meeting you all and learning the wonders of your life and faith stories.

Grace and Peace,

Linda Jean P. Myers

Pastor Jim Doepken

After 12.5 years, Girdwood Chapel is saying goodbye to Pastor Jim Doepken, who will begin serving the Seward and Moose Pass United Methodist Churches in January 2013.

His final Sunday will be December 30th, 2012