Coast villages and watched the Excitement of Spring and leaving all of This Stuff behind and turning to look and prepare to go out there, out on the ice, to seek The Great Whales and remember what is True. Long ago and once upon a Time I watched the excitement of Interior villages as people prepared to leave all of This Stuff behind and turn and go out in the tall green timber beside the lakes and ponds for Spring Camp, to remember what is True and of The Heart. It is Time to TURN, for if we don’t pause and seek and finally find God within our own Heart, we won’t find Him anywhere. The Name of The Turning is Lent. And Now is Exactly The Right Time. “When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘what are you looking for?’” (John 1:38)

“To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn) There is a season

(Turn, Turn, Turn). . .” – Pete Seeger

“. . . to turn, turn

will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come ‘round right”

– “Simple Gifts” The old metal spatula slipped under the edge of the pancake batter, bubbling in the old cast iron black frying pan, and poked at it, prodded it, tested it. Not yet; not yet; not yet. He waited, smiling to himself. Then, when it was Exactly The Right Time (Greek: Kairos), not too early or it would be uncooked and doughy, not too late or it would be blackened in the wrong places, when it was Exactly The Right Time (Greek: Kairos), he slipped the spatula now underneath the pancake, and turned it. And smiled at the accomplishment; and anticipation of what would be. Long ago, and in the Land of Once Upon A Time, the Rev. Titus Peter (+3-11-2008) and I were in some Mission House someplace North ; and there was snow on the ground outside; and he was up early, standing at an old propane stove, cooking pancakes. He loved pancakes. “Come here, kid” he called; and I stood there watching him cook pancakes; watching him turn them at Exactly the Right Time (Greek: Kairos). And he smiled a private Titus smile doing it (What memories were in that private smile?). The Whole Art was in The

Turning, at Exactly The Right Time (Greek: Kairos). I am standing in the Hallway between The Church and The Parish Hall, wearing vestments because it is Time for a service to be beginning. I am looking out the window; the window between the Rev. Michael Kippenbrock (1932-1935) and the Rev. Claudius Shelton (1936-1939); the window with the stained glass hanging that Mayo Earnest made once upon a time. I am looking at the peace of The Churchyard, the peace of the white snow across the yard, the green spruce trees, the silently singing birch trees. And I sigh. It is Time. And I TURN. Now facing the Sanctuary; now facing the far end of the wooden Altar, now facing the sorrowful pleading wooden crucifix hanging quietly on the Western wall. And step through the Doorway into It. Because one must find God in here, before you can find Him out there. It is Time to TURN. The name of the Turning is Lent. It is Spring and the days are long and sunny and snow sparkles and blinds in its BRIGHT LIGHTING and there are a MILLION THINGS HAPPENING and ohhhhhhhhhhh isn’t it good that it’s not December anymore but SPRING! (And The Spirit whispers, poking, prodding). Long ago and once upon a Time I wandered through Arctic

Turning

ST. MATTHEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

FAIRBANKS, AK

THE REVEREND SCOTT FISHER

VOLUME 109

NUMBER 1

FEBRUARY 2014

PUBLISHED 4 TIMES A YEAR

January—February 2014 Volume 109, Issue 1

O Ye Frost and Cold

Stories from St. Matthew’s:

x� Sharing the Good News with Bella Jean

x� Reflections on Lent

x� Wintertalk 2014

x� Being Together

x� And more!

Inside this issue:

Sunday School

2

Meet More of the Vestry

6

2014 Annual Meeting

8

Seasons of Life 12

Comments from the Senior Warden

14

Three Year Strategic Plan

15

Vestry Minutes 23

Teachers. Attendance & Curriculum: Glenda Aasland continues to be the 9:15 teacher with assistance from Laura Reed. There are usually 2-5 children attending. 11:15 is consistently being taught by Cindy Stragier and Patty Meritt, with Ivy Mostella often helping. Attendance has been smaller than usual with an average of about 8 children. The good news regarding attendance is that the children who are coming seem to be more consistent, which makes it easier to plan and build on the ideas from one week to the next. They really responded to the baptism lesson on 1/12; and the Feast of Saint “Lucy” was a big success. Thanks to Ivy and Lisa for coordinating that. The last two weeks I was out of town, and Will helped Cindy with Candlemas and Marcie helped the other week. We have had about 12-15 kids the last 3 weeks and could use a third adult. Last week they did the Good Samaritan and this week we did the 10 Best Ways (Godly Play story for the 10 Commandments). Robin Barker has committed to doing some of the classes during Lent and heading into Easter. Between now and then we will be following the lectionary or the

questions the children seem to need to explore.

Godly Play: we having been moving into more Godly Play lessons. There was no Christmas Pageant: due to no volunteers and few children attending. We did act parts of the story out during regular class sessions. The boys especially seemed to like the flight to Egypt – camping in the desert and making tents, where they had their snack. They also enjoyed re-telling the story of the Holy Family with the Godly Play materials. New Director Needed: We are seeking a person who feels called to work with the children to commit to leading the Sunday School. Please contact the Vestry, Scott, or Patty if you are interested. Recently the Vestry discussed compensation for this position, but has decided not to include it in the budget. If you would be willing to do this job, approximately 5-10 hours per week, but need compensation, please let the Vestry know.

We continue to need your talents! Thanks to Ned Gaines for his harmonica week, sharing the gift of music with the children and to Marci Ward for her able and helpful substituting when needed and for Linda Evans and Diana Childs’ assistance. Even volunteering for one week is a great help! The shoebox project was a success with 67 shoeboxes lovingly filled and sent to foreign countries where the children will learn about Jesus and see the wonder of His love through your generosity.

Report from the Sunday School By Patty Meritt

Page 2 O Ye Frost and Cold

The Light of Winter Voices

Walking into the Darkest part of the Winter, they are lit by a Star, by Christmas lights, by 12th Night bonfires. Here come the people of God. Now the Light grows, and they follow on – remembering, telling stories, puzzling about Life. We sit, as they pass by, and overhear…………. That’s what I did. I sat on the bank of the Yukon, remembering. Remembering and remembering and remembering. Berries, moose, fish. Trust what we know. Well, I’ve been on my own since I was13. I stole my first car when I was 9. He was a “One Shot “hunter; and you don’t see many of those. . . and he always taught us – when you give something away, when you give meat away, you always give the best. Make sure his hands are open. Otherwise, sometimes . . . . . and THE THING is: you HAVE to HAVE GOD. You HAVE to know about God and Jesus. We got all these programs to help; but if you don’t have God when you’re trying to get healing, you’ll just FLOUNDER.

Children’s laughter is the sweetest sound! Sharing their laughter fills our hearts with joy. Our granddaughter is 9 months old and just learning to walk. Watching and listening to her laughter and squeals of delight is amazing. Our two year old grandson woke up to the surprise that his daddy was home from the Slope. His hide n’ seek around the room divider rang with giggles and shrieks of “I love you, Daddy” and “Daddy loves Dexter.” So many blessings!

The Best Laughter By Bonnie Marsh

Sunday School Shoeboxes

Page 3 Volume 109, Issue 1

RECTOR The Rev. Scott Fisher 460-0835 PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

Hilary Freeman 457-4820

PRIESTS The Rev .Shirley Lee TREASURER Brad Johnston

The Rev. John Holz SEXTON Bruce Gadwah

The Rev. Steve Reed ORGANIST Mary Ellen Koeller

The Rev. Bella Jean Savino CHOIR DIRECTOR Barbara Hameister

The Rev. John David ALTAR GUILD Cathy Giacomazzi

SENIOR WARDEN Allen Todd 322-3877 SUNDAY SCHOOL Patty Meritt 978-6626

JUNIOR WARDEN Victor Apodaca 334-462- 8988

YOUTH MINISTRY

Valorie Adams 452-6744

CLERK Pat Sackinger 479-6808 HEALTH MINISTRY Charlotte Perotti

VESTRY Ned Gaines 687-1963 ENDOWMENT BOARD Allen Todd, Chair 322-3877

Allan Hayton 244-1925 WEB GARDENER Gary Bender

Karen Kiss NEWSLETTER EDITOR Maggie Castellini

Linda Evans UNITED THANK OFFERING Helen Howard

Arlie Nethken

Jeremy Johnson - Endowment Board Liaison

DAUGHTERS of the KING The Rev. Bella Jean Savino

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9AM — 4PM

Phone# 456-5235 Email: sfisher@mosquitonet.com Website: stmatthewschurch.org

. . . and that’s THE THING about guys – they NEVER throw away their clothes. They just wear them till they wear out. That’s why we can never find any used clothes for THE GUYS in the Program. Old People say that’s the Most Important Time to pray for your kids – the month before their birthday and the month after. ‘Cause lots of time people leave around their birthdays.’

Winter Voices

HILARY WRITES By Parish Administrator /Secretary Hilary Freeman

As Fr. Scott announced at the Annual Meeting on January 26, 2014, my plans are to retire as secretary/parish administrator at St. Matthew’s sometime this summer. It has been a blessing to me to be able to serve my church family all these years, since Monday, May 6, 1985. Gene and I are not going anywhere. It is just time to be able to sleep in when I so desire, play in my garden, and take lots of time to go through the accumulation of travel goodies, family boxes in storage, etc. My thanks to all of you who have been part of the team that keeps St. Matthew’s being the spiritual realm/center that it is. Each one of you counts. We are all God’s children. May the Lord be with you as someone is called to fulfill this position in the church office, especially with the new technology. In His Service, Hilary

…. Since Monday, May 6th, 1985

Bella looks back on the last year

As I think about the past year, I am thankful for my husband, my family, my friends and others who are part of my life. I sure miss my daughter and son and the grandkids who live so far away, but I keep them in my thoughts and prayers, and they are close to me in my heart, and I know that God is watching over them and taking care of them - no matter where they are and whatever they are doing. As mother and father, grandpa and grandmother, we are blessed with gifts of children and grandchildren, and we should treasure them and raise them in the best way we know how - by loving them and showing them to respect and have consideration for themselves, for others and for everything around them. We teach them the right way, they in turn will pass that down to their kids. We all make mistakes in our lives, and most of the times we learn from them, to become compassionate, loving, kind-hearted, understanding, forgiving, to have the knowledge and wisdom to know the difference between right and wrong, and to be able to spread that goodness and love of God to everyone around us. What I enjoy doing in my ministry, besides the church services like the Holy Eucharist,

Weddings, and Baptisms, is going out to the community with the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) to the home-bound - especially the sick ones with cancer, Parkinson’s and other illnesses. This is a wonderful ministry that brings smiles to their faces and they are so thankful for someone from the church to come, to visit and to pray with them and for them. Give them a call, stop and have a cup of tea with them just to let them know that you are thinking of them. I remember when Jesus says, "Whatever you do unto others, you do it unto me" I went to Circle and did a Christmas Service at the end of December. It was cold, probably about -30. I spent the night at the Tribal Hall which was warm and had electricity and also has a wood stove, so the wood heat felt so good. I held the Service there that night. Before the service I had kids help me put together some goody bags with candy, mandarin oranges and mixed nuts. They just had fun, laughing and enjoying themselves. We were thinking about doing a Christmas play but were not able to do it. The kids love to sing Christmas hymns, so we sounded like singing angels - isn't that wonderful? For those who came, I am thankful and thankful for the lodging and everything else.

Daughters of the King, we are the Interior Chapter, the farthest north and there are 10 of us right now. This is a wonderful ministry for women and girls but so far we don't have a Junior Chapter for the girls. DOK (Daughters of the King) is an Order for women and by reaffirming the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of Prayer, Service and Evangelism, dedicating ourselves to the spreading of Christ's Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. As DOK, our Vision Statement - Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our Vision is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and become reflections of God's Love throughout the world. If you want Jesus Christ in your life, think about it and pray about it. Call me or any of the Members or else talk to us in person if you are interested in becoming a member. Myself, I am glad that I made that choice to follow Him, he is my Lord and Savior, my King. We Meet once a Month, the 2nd Thursday of each month at St. Matthew's Church in the Parish Hall, telling our stories about how we are serving our Lord and Savior throughout the month. We also devote our times to prayers for others in the Church and in the community, and then share food we bring and take time to visit and enjoy spending time with each other. Gwich 'in Singing - every Saturday at 1PM in the Parish Hall of St. Matthew's Church we meet and sing. We start with a prayer and then sing our heart out to God. I feel that we are singing for Him, praying to him through the Chilig with our whole heart and we are blessed for that. We all get better at singing as time goes on. We

(Continued on page 5)

Sharing the Good News — My Ministry By The Rev. Bella Jean Savino

Page 4 O Ye Frost and Cold

They did that laser surgery on my eyes - WHOAAAA! Iron Butterfly Time! Psychedelic, Man. Purple Lights and EVERYTHING. I was driving home and MAN, comet trails and everything. They should have given me an Escort. When I used to sit with Uncle Peter [John], he always used to ask me: “Are you awake? Are you AWAKE?” Then, after he died, his spirit came to me and said, “NOW are you awake?” We moved up in August and have NEVER driven in snow before. It’s AN ADVENTURE, right? That’s what Mom said – that in the early days, Fairbanks was all spruce trees. Then, when they were cut for lumber and cabins, the birch trees came in. They’re in a better place. That’s what I tell myself when I get to cryin’ around over them, missing them. They’re in a BETTER PLACE. She bawl us out and say, “You kids shouldn’t be running around out here. Don’t you know there’s BEARS out here!” But we weren’t scaredy cats. Not afraid of NOTHIN’. You know how I could tell I was channeling my Uncle? When I heard that noise, the FIRST THING I did was I grabbed my 9 millimeter and ran outside. Ohhhhhh, that’s one of my favorite games. Well, NOT favorite; but I play it all the time. It’s called “Where is?” Ohhhh, no thank you. I don’t want any caribou. I’m scared of them. Because they go “cariBOOO!”

Winter Voices

I sat in the front pew of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina, Maui, on Christmas Eve. Although I was in paradise I was a little homesick for St Matthew’s. The resemblance to my home ended with my sitting in the front pew. Could anything be more different from our log cabin church nestled in snow and dark? There I was in an open air church (no walls along the sides), surrounded by warm night air and tropical plants. I thought of St. Matthew’s where the people I know and love would be huddled together in the warmth of the church. In Lahaina, I didn’t know a soul, but I turned around to talk the women behind me. Both had previously lived in Fairbanks and knew St. Matthew’s well. One was married to the organist, Father Bob Nelson, who used to be at St.

Matthew’s. He was barefooted and dressed in shorts. We had the usual “small world” conversation before the service started. I have to admit this is the first time I have gone to church in flip flops. During the service I watched a lizard scurry across the back wall, listened to the choir sing Christmas hymns and settled into the comfort of Episcopalian rituals. The message of Father Bill Albinger, rector at Holy Innocents, was: “The holiday we don’t want to change celebrates something that changed everything. For something that was a non-event in a hick town, where is the glory in that? From that shack came a child that changed everything. The angels tell us to

not be afraid and bring a message of light and life and hope. Christmas is a journey we are invited to take. For Christmas to happen, Mary and Joseph had to say yes. Will we open our hearts and say yes to God? This takes courage. “Mele kalikimaka.” (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian) As the service concluded with Communion and women in white dresses hula dancing to “Silent Night,” I realized that no matter where life takes me, if there is an Episcopal Church nearby, I can connect and be a part of something much bigger than myself.

Christmas Eve in Maui By Nancy Tarnai

Sharing the Good News, continued…..

kool-aid. ( I should say that they were hard to get from the store and were not available at all.) People shared their food with each other like the caribou, moose, fish and so forth. They helped each other and shared what they had without expecting money or getting paid for it. I remember People were happy then, they liked to tease each other - good sense of humor and laughter. Laughing is good medicine for the spirit. Nobody had money, when they did have any, they bought the groceries they needed, and maybe gas for lanterns - just the necessity and that is it. We learned to appreciate what we had and be thankful for it. Today everything has changed so

also get a chance to share food together and to visit before we go our separate ways. Singing is a wonderful way to minister to others. Let us be thankful that we have voices to sing with and use them. As I was growing up, I was kind of shy, but one thing I remember was I didn't say much, but I always smiled at people when I met them on the road and usually said "hello". When I saw their smiles, it made me happy inside. When I visit my friends, usually they invite me to eat with them and we just enjoy ourselves eating, laughing and talking. At that time, wherever you went to visit, people usually said, "eat" or "drink tea" since we didn't have juice or

(Continued from page 4)

Page 5 Volume 109, Issue 1

He told me, “Your son needs to learn what NOT to tell his mother”. I’ve never ever seen snow before. I’ve never seen it colder than 30 above. THIS IS WONDERFUL! I’m just hanging out here, trying to stay warm and being gay. . . so I told the Mayor: What is it with this snow clearing policy? Why do you grade it down to glare ice? And WHAT – is there A ROCK SHORTAGE? Where’s the gravel? . . was in my bathroom brushing his teeth, and said to me, “What kind of toothpaste you buy? My mouth keeps gettin’ slippery.”. “LOOK AT IT!” I said to him. “THAT’S BRYLCREAM, not toothpaste.” . . and when we were in VietNam, we all made a vow: if we make it out, just ‘LIVE FREE or DIE.” I’m just standing here lookin’ at that open water. My life’s pretty messed up . . . and it looks so inviting. That’s the temptation, huh? What’s the MOST AMBIGUOUS Body of Water? NOYES Slough! NO-YES Slough! Ever since they cut that Mental Health Center, she’s been home. And she brought all her friends. They sleep in the living room like, Goodness, sardines ‘cause they have nowhere else to go. I just got out; been in the Army 8 years. Did 2 tours – Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s HARD to adjust to civilian life once you’re out. This is HARD.

Winter Voices

much, but we still could reach back and get hold of those things which were good and hold onto them. For instance, sharing food, meat and fish and I am blessed with friends who do that!!! Maybe we can help someone by giving them a ride, helping them with groceries, cutting wood for them, sharing meat or fish without expecting payment (money) - especially the Elders. We need to take care of the Elders and to teach the kids the good ways of life and to take real good care of them as they are the future generation. May God bless each of you, With Love, Hugs and Prayers. Bella J. Savino

PART OF A CONTINUING STORY………………. In January of each year, the Parish of St. Matthew’s meets for its Annual Meeting and, among the tasks for the Meeting, is the calling of new members to serve on the Vestry. The Vestry is composed of 9 members, elected for 3 year terms, and serves, in a sense, as “The Board of Directors” for The Church. They have the overall responsibility for

the Property, financial and otherwise, of the Church. Minutes from the monthly meeting are always posted in the Parish Hall and, also in the Parish Hall, are their framed photographs. There are three officers: A Senior Warden, appointed by the rector; a Junior Warden, elected by the Vestry; and a Vestry Clerk. The 2014 Vestry of St. Matthew’s consists of Allen Todd, Senior Warden; Victor Apodaca,

Junior Warden; Pat Sackinger, Vestry Clerk ; Jeremy Johnson; Ned Gaines; Allan Hayton; Linda Evans; Karen Kiss; Arlie Nethken.

Meeting the 2014 St. Matthew’s Vestry

Page 6 O Ye Frost and Cold

What’s THE LOUDEST Body of Water in Alaska? NOYES Slough! NOISE SLOUGH! The wind blew that tree down and one limb came through and pierced the cereal bowl he was eating out of. While his wife was sitting there. The next Summer they moved Outside. She said she wasn’t going to live in a place like this. We’ve been here since September, from the East Coast, and we REALLY LIKE it. We don’t mind the Dark; and we really LIKE these wonderful, beautiful two-hour sunsets. There was this Black guy, from the West Indies or someplace. He’d been in the Boer War in Africa; and he had a small claim on ----- Creek. Couldn’t find anything, but he found just a little bit. Just enough. So, he put the dust he found on the soles of his boots; and came to town; and took the boots in to be repaired. The cobbler took the soles off; and saw the gold; and thought, “WOW! This guy’s hit it; and he doesn’t even know it!” When the guy came in to pick up his boots, the shoe repair guy asked him “You find anything up there?” And he told him, “Nawwwww, there’s nothing there”. “Well, me and some of the boys wanna buy you out – buy your claim!” “Nooo, “ he said, “There’s nothing there. I don’t want to cheat you.” “Well, we still want to buy you out”. So he sold the claim to them for A LOT of money; and used THAT money to open a restaurant on The Trail. And made good money. And those other guys? They never did find anything.

Winter Voices

Victor Apodaca [Victor was elected at the January 2011 Annual Meeting to serve a three year term on the Vestry]. My name is Victor Apodaca and I have been attending St. Matthews since October 2010. I have served on the Youth Committee, the Youth Minister Search Committee

working as a civilian contractor embedded in the 401st AFSB in Afghanistan. I am married to Cindy and have two children, Vic, who attends St Matthews, and Julia, who resides in Anchorage. I enjoy hunting, fishing, wood working and reading and I am a rabid University of Alabama football fan. Roll Tide!

and on the Endowment Board, as well as being in the third year of my service on the Vestry. I am honored at the trust that the congregation has placed in me and endeavor to perform to the best of my ability for our church. I am from Alabama. I moved to Fairbanks in September 2010, after taking a job in Fairbanks while I was still

Rampart, fishing, hunting and gathering for the winter months.

I have been in the field of education since 1975, starting out as a special ed aide in the classrooms of Rampart for four years, eleven years as a member of the Yukon Flats School Board, five years as a teacher in Rampart, three years as Superintendent of Yukon Flats School District, and six years as Principal of Effie Kokrine Early College Charter School. I have also worked for the University and Doyon Foundation as a curriculum writer of Native Ways of Knowing

Linda Evans [Linda was elected at the January 2014 Annual Meeting to serve a three year term on the Vestry] Do'eentaa? (How are you?) I am happy to be on the Vestry again. I was on it before a few years back. My relatives come from Tanana. My husband is Paul Evans, Sr. of Rampart. We live in Fairbanks for now. We have been married forty-three years and have four grown children, Judy, Kristina, Paul Jr., and Robert Evans and two beautiful grandsons, Ryan Ostlund and Justine Evans. We spend our summers in

and implemented an Upward Bound program for Interior-Aleutians Campus that served Lathrop High School and Effie Kokrine Early College Charter School. This spring I am retiring from education and moving back to Rampart for the summer and fall to enjoy the peace of the Yukon River. I am very interested in the native language so I imagine I will do something in that field to learn and teach the Koyukon Athabascan language. I am happy to serve St Matthews Church and its people. Baasee'.

I’m Not Sure it Ever Really Ends By Christopher Houlette

baptized in April, married in July. My dog/friend of 15 long years passed in June. I had a completely unexpected bout of Vestibular Neuronitis (an inner ear infection that results in terrible and near unceasing vertigo) in August that essentially shut me down for almost 2 weeks. I turned 40. I sold my land and cabin of 13 years in September. We got a new puppy in October. My Mom nearly succumbed (is

(Continued on page 9)

experiencing Lent in 2013 was a first-time thing for me. I grew up around some Catholic friends and I knew of Lent, but did not really know anything about it. I decided for my first go ‘round that I would go to church for Lent. Consistently. With intent. I would engage with this thing called church and try to understand it from the inside. I was then baptized on Easter night.

2013 was a busy year. I got engaged in February,

I asked Fr. Scott once, early last year, “How long is Lent anyway?” and this is how he responded… “I’m not sure it ever really ends.”

I, in turn, was not sure what to make of that at the time. I suppose I am not sure even now. There are many things that I am unsure of.

For those of you that do not know me, the church is new to me, more or less. Without going into too many details, suffice to say that

Karen Kiss [Karen was elected at the January 2014 Annual Meeting to serve a three year term on the Vestry]. My name is Karen Kiss; and I have just been voted in as a new Vestry member. This will give you some background on who I am. I have been going to St. Matthew’s some thirty years; serve on the Altar Guild; and have previously been on two other Vestries – serving as a member,

Junior Warden, and Senior Warden. I am also in my second year of serving on the St. Matthew’s Endowment Board, and in a 4 year study with EFM (Education for Ministry). I believe it is important not only to be a member of St. Matthew’s, but to take part in its responsibilities. I was originally born and raised in San Jose, California, arriving in the Great State of Alaska, June 1968. I have had the good fortune to live not only in Fairbanks, but in

Anchorage, Bettles, King Salmon, Galena, and North Pole. My work career was with Safeway stores; and currently I work a summer job with HAP-Alaska. I have two children (Kelly and Michael), and two grandchildren (Travis and Rachael). I enjoy retirement by quilting, knitting, reading, and enjoying each day. The service which I usually attend is 8AM. I look forward to serving the members of St. Matthew’s.

More Vestry Members

been members of St. Matthew’s for the past ten years and I have served previously as a Vestry member. I am originally from Georgia. My first visit to Alaska was in January of 1976 when my Army unit flew from Savannah, GA and we parachuted onto Ladd Army Airfield. It was -30,

the sun low on the horizon, and the first of many visits that eventually convinced my family that Fairbanks was a great place to call our home. I presently work at Fort Wainwright and support the training of Soldiers. I like dogs, my Grandkids, and the outdoors.

Arlie Nethken [Arlie was elected at the January 2014 Annual Meeting to serve a three year term on the Vestry.] Hello, I am Arlie Nethken. I attend the 0800 service and look forward to serving you as a new Vestry member of our Church. My wife Carolyn and I have

Page 7 Volume 109, Issue 1

I KNOW I’M GOING TO BE IN HEAVEN, PRAISE GOD! – But WHAT ABOUT YOU??????????? If you say you’re a Christian, and your Life doesn’t look any different than it was before you were a Christian, then something is wrong and you’re kidding yourself. You know . . . the Holidays are REALLY HARD for some of us. I’m TRYING for my kids, and people say “Happy Holidays!” and I say it back – but this is A REALLY HARD TIME for some of us, with REALLY HARD memories. She had an old photograph on her wall of two steamboats landing in --------. She was looking at it and said “I used to hate it when two boats would land like that . . . because I usually had a boyfriend on each boat.” You’re tryin’ to learn OUR language and seeing how hard it is. Now you can imagine what it was like for US trying to learn YOUR language . . . and NOTICE we’re sitting here using YOUR language and not MY language. Ten years ago God told me to forsake everything and live as a homeless person. And He has watched over me ever since, as long as I’m faithful to Him. When I have kids, I’ll NEVER live here. There’s just NOTHING for them to do in the Winter, and I think that’s why there’s all this drug use. . . . this person here, she has OLD Blood.

Winter Voices

Page 8 O Ye Frost and Cold

. . . and my brothers were there throwing VIPERS at each other and I was telling them “COME ON! I’m GOING TO TELL MOM. You won’t even have time to yell for ‘Help’” Ten seconds if they bite you. . . and they wouldn’t let us play in the backyard because there was some big snake – an anaconda – back there that night, and it might eat us. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A GUMMY BEAR! HAHAHAHAHAHA! John Starr told me, when he and David Salmon would stay together for meetings, David would get up at 4 in the morning and be ready to go every hour. John Starr said he was younger than David, so he never say anything to him. ------ would get up at 3 in the morning. My parents used to laugh. They’d wake up and see him standing behind the stove, just waiting for them to get up so he could visit. He’d get mad at people. “I don’t understand why people sleep so late”, he’d tell ‘em. “When they die, they’re going to sleep lonnng time.” Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, she went Home for Christmas. . . told him I was living in Fairbanks now and he said, “Ohhhhh, you’re one of those BINGO Indians” . . . and I don’t want to go back to that lifestyle – usin’ drugs. 25 years. Look where it got me! I know I can do it if I believe in God and myself. I DIDN’T KNOW SO MANY PEOPLE LOVED ME until I almost died.

Winter Voices

In keeping with the requirements of the National Canons of the Episcopal Church, and Diocesan and Parish Canons, St. Matthew’s held its Annual Meeting of the Parish Sunday, January 26th, in the context of the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist that morning, the 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany. Following the reading of the Morning’s Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23), the rector said an Opening Prayer. He then underlined two transitions that would be becoming apparent in the meeting: - Sunday School Director

Patty Meritt is resigning in May, at the conclusion of the Sunday School year.

- After 28 years, Parish Administrator and Secretary Hilary Freeman will be retiring this Summer.

He then called the Meeting to order at 10AM; and the following actions were discussed or taken. 1. Laura Bender was elected to serve as Annual Meeting Secretary; a quorum, with 58 members present, was declared; the proposed agenda was approved; and the 2013 Annual Meeting minutes were approved. 2. A number of written reports were received. These included the rector’s report on 2013 services, the Junior Warden Report by Tom Marsh, Youth Ministry by Valorie Adams, Altar Guild by Cathy Giacomazzi, Health Ministry by Ann Fleenor , Sunday School by Patty Meritt, Pioneer Home by Lynn Slusher , United Thank

Offering by Helen Howard , the Choir Directors’ Reports by Barb and Jim Hameister, the “Fern, Flowers, and Outdoor Container Plants” by Pat Sackinger, Education for Ministry (EFM) and the Prayer Shawl Ministry by Bonnie Marsh, Retiring Vestry members’ Reports by Marlin Collins and Shannon Houlette , the Senior Warden’s Report by Allen Todd, and the Interior Deanery Report by Bonnie Marsh. [Copies of these Reports are all available from the Church Office; or at the St. Matthew’s Website – www.stmatthewschurch.org] 3. A number of brief oral reports were then heard. These included Junior Warden Tom Marsh – mentioning the completed 2013 projects, including the new flooring in the Parish Hall; and the projected future needs, including the church roof and replacing the 2nd Avenue sidewalks; retiring Vestrymember Marlin Collins – who thanked the congregation for allowing her to serve, and that she has learned “that it takes a multitude of knowledge, skills and experiences, not to mention time, from many people to keep the church running smoothly”; Youth Minister Valorie Adams – who spoke about 2013 Projects like February 2013 PLUME Youth summit, confirmation classes, garage sales, Vacation Bible School, and the Christmas Party; and highlighted 2014 projects like Summer Camp at Camp Bingle, a Pilgrimage to Ireland, and the July Episcopal Youth Event in Philadelphia; Ann Fleenor for the Health Ministry – mentioning the Health displays in the Parish Hall , monthly

blood pressure screenings, and the Prayer Cards by Marlin Collins; Lynn Slusher – on the quiet Thursday ministry at the Pioneer Home; Helen Howard for the United Thank Offering – noting that the St. Matthew’s 2013 UTO ingathering was $1,396.30; Barb and Jim Hameister – on the St. Matthew’s Choirs; Pat Sackinger on the Flowerbeds – noting that 70% of the gardens are perennials; and Bonnie Marsh - on Education for Ministry and the St. Matthew’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. She also spoke about her work on the Executive Committee of the Interior Deanery and praised Archdeacon Anna Frank for her diocesan knowledge and “you have to do it” attitude. Senior Warden Allen Todd then spoke about the Vestry’s “Three Year Strategic Plan” and, as also chair of the St. Matthew’s Endowment Board, announced

there is $10,133.79 available to award in 2014

for Endowment Board Grants. [Application

Deadline June 30th; contact Church Office for details]

4. Linda Evans, Karen Kiss, and Arlie Nethken were elected to the St. Matthew’s

(Continued on page 9)

(Unofficial) Summary of the Minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting

Sunrise at the Annual Meeting

Page 9 Volume 109, Issue 1

Last night she was so happy – sitting up, and we were all here visiting and eating chicken. And NOW, today . . . We watch you through Sunday mornings. At 8, you’re just kindof waking up and “Scott has thoughts”; at 9, YOU’RE SERIOUS; and then at 11 YOU’RE AWAKE AND EXCITED AND THINGS ARE HAPPENING!!!!! . . drove a dogteam, 7 dogs, up to The Village. And when he drove into The Village, a pair of brand new slippers came flying out of a cabin at him. Brand new. So, he stopped and went back and threw her in his toboggan and took her back to his village. And that’s how I came to be! If my Grandmother hadn’t thrown those slippers, I WOULDN’T BE HERE! It’s QUITE A REVOLUTION our Bishop has done. I haven’t been back to Denali Center since she died. Too hard; too many memories. I spent a lot of time there with her. I CAN’T attend a service at St. Matthew’s without weeping. So, if your Church wanted to start their own Crematory, our company. . . Can I tell you something? WE GOT MARRIED!!!!! We flew out to Washington, DC and GOT MARRIED! After 16 years, WE’RE MARRIED! Grampa, when you were a little boy, had cars been invented yet?

Winter Voices

now, as I write this, merely existing in a near coma like state in a hospice center) to cancer in early December. The wife and I bought a new house later that month.

There was also gardening, raising and butchering chickens, limiting out at Chitina. I met most of the Wife’s family on various occasions and sometimes wonder what I have gotten myself into. There was traveling, a family wedding (other than ours), field archaeology, guest lectures, berry picking, canning vegetables, smoking salmon, shed construction… and wonderful people and experiences throughout.

2013 was a doozy.

(Continued from page 7) But the question is, “What’s ONE THING you have learned in Lent?” Clearly, the above is many things.

I looked up Lent, to get a concise definition. There are lots of them; a solemn observance, the preparation of the believer, self-denial and/or traditional abstention. Fasting. That said, I did not necessarily take the typical approach to Lent, so I am not sure that I could come up with a typical answer… whatever that means.

I guess, in thinking about it --which I have been doing for some days now, among all of the other things I have been thinking about -- I would have to say that I learned that the Holy Spirit really does run in

and through everything. Now, that certainly means something different to each of you as you read this. For me it means that everything is somehow involved in everything else. Somehow “it” is all connected; we are all connected.

So, what’s ONE THING I have learned in Lent? In the end I guess I have to say this, I’m not sure it ever really ends.

[Editor’s Note: Christopher’s mother, Ingeborg Johnston, died in Indiana three days after he wrote this. Her sister, Christopher’s Aunt Ursala, died suddenly two weeks later. “Everything is somehow involved in everything else”. And Everyone is somehow involved in everyone else.]

Vestry, succeeding Marlin Collins, Shannon Houlette, and Tom Marsh. 5. Laura Bender, Jim Hameister, and Allan Hayton were elected as delegates to the October 2014 Diocesan Convention in Juneau, with Marty Thomas, Roslyn Allen, Caroline Frank, and Kenneth Frank as Alternates. 6. Helen Burrell, Robin Harlow, and Nancy Tarnai were elected to terms on the St. Matthew’s Endowment Board. 7. Bernice Aragon and Allan Hayton were elected as delegates to the Spring 2014

(Continued from page 8)

Interior Deanery meeting, with Marlin Collins as Alternate. 8. Parish Treasurer Brad Johnston presented the 2013 Financial Report, noting that we ended 2013 with a surplus of $2,052, which has been transferred into the operating reserve and that all bills were paid on time in 2013. Brad mentioned that 85% of our operating income comes from Sunday offerings. 9. Senior Warden Allen Todd presented the proposed 2014 Budget of $341,179 (2013 Budget was $336,114. 2013 Actual was $323,039). He noted that one significant change from 2013 was that last year ½ of the youth ministry position was paid out of the Pitka reserved funds. In 2014 this will be paid entirely out of

the operating budget. He also mentioned that St. Matthew’s needs to be committed to raising a larger portion of its budget through fund raising and pledge support. It was moved and passed unanimously to accept the proposed Budget. 10. There was some brief wondering about missing the Summer schedule of two services at 8 and 10AM, and this will be referred to the Vestry for further discussion. The meeting then adjourned at 11:20AM and we continued with the Eucharist. The Secretary noted that it was 23 degrees ABOVE zero (as opposed to -50 in 2013) .

More 2014 Annual Meeting, continued . . .

I’m Not Sure it Ever Really Ends, continued . . .

Shalak naii, nakhwenjit doonch’yaa? All my relations, how are you all? We appreciated the opportunity to participate in this year’s Wintertalk conference. The topic at this year’s training was “Asset Based Community Development.” During the session Charleen Fisher-Salmon developed a workbook so that this training could be shared with all the parishes for their own uses. It was an interesting process that mixed beliefs of the faith community with community development in a way that respects the Indigenous perspective. It is our understanding that Bishop Mark Lattime would like Val Adams and Charleen Fisher-Salmon to travel to share this training at different places. Val and Charleen would love for Anna Frank to be involved as well. If you are interested in having us travel to your community to present the ABCD model, please contact the Bishop's office.

We would love to share ABCD with rural Alaska. We look forward to working with our Alaska Native communities. Anna Frank, Charleen Fisher-Salmon, Mary Nathaniel, and Val Adams will get together and decide when is the best time for us to present what was learned to the community of Chalkyitsik. Bishop Lattime has stated that his office would support travel to the villages to share ABCD with "shalak naii" (our people) in rural Alaska. We will begin with traveling to Chalkyitsik first. We are really excited and looking forward to going to Alaska communities and sharing, with our people, our newly found knowledge of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and what was learned at WinterTalk 2014. Mahsi' Choh for this opportunity to share through empowerment!!

WinterTalk 2014 By Charleen Fisher-Salmon and Valorie Adams

Page 10 O Ye Frost and Cold

I know, sigh. When people Outside ask me, “What do you DO up there? How do you survive BEING DARK all the time?” I tell them, “I turn on the light”. When she was growing up in the village, when she was a little girl, she stole the Baby Jesus from the outdoor Nativity scene. She thought He looked cold. She took Him home that night, wrapped Him up, and slept with Him. The whole village was in an uproar over WHO STOLE JESUS. So the next night she took Him back, rang the church bell, and ran away. We saw a mountain lion up our way. It was just passin’ through. . . that Time they saw a Bigfoot, A WHOLE FAMILY OF THEM, down under the bank in Manley. Church is simple. Just open your door and smile and tell people to come in and eat. THAT’S IT! I knew there was a “Pirate Stage” and a “Fire Truck Stage” and a “Dinosaur Stage”, but NOBODY TOLD ME THERE WAS A “BRITISH STAGE”. He came downstairs last night and said “Hello Mum. Let’s have crumpets.” Thank Goodness I once watched Julia Childs; and I now have the Butterball Turkey people on speed dial. Well, we live outside Two Rivers and I got our tree too early. It started turning brown already in the living room; so I took it outside and just spray painted it green. “Hey”, said my kids when they came home, “IT’S GREEN AGAIN!”

Winter Voices

[NOTE: “WinterTalk” is the National Episcopal Church’s annual gathering of those involved in Indigenous Ministry. This year it was held in Marysville, Washington February 15-17. Among those attending from the Diocese of Alaska were St. Matthew’s Youth Minister Valorie Adams, Charleen Fisher-Salmon from Beaver, Janet Bifelt from Hughes, Judy Gau from Tanana, Gladys Derendoff from Huslia, Archdeacon Anna Frank, and Bishop Lattime. Below, Charleen and Valorie reflect on the experience.]

“One of My Favorite Reflections” Shared by Lynn Slusher

Happy Moments…………………Praise God

Difficult Moments……………..Seek God Quiet Moments…………………Worship God

Painful Moments……………….Trust God Every Moment………………….Thank God

WinterTalk 2014 Participants

“But Oh What Fun!”

[“You asked for Newsletter thoughts, Mentioning dogteams. . . . “] Yes, I have driven a dogteam... in 1965 in the Fort Yukon Winter Carnival. Titus Peter lent me his team of four dogs for the Cheechako Race. His five minutes of so-called 'instruction' was mostly in silence. He showed me the brake and that was about all.

When the race started, I was totally exhilarated by going out alone on the wide frozen Yukon River and yipped and screamed with joy and excitement. Very soon one of the dogs got his leg over a trace and I was concerned lest he rub his leg raw so I stopped the

Adventures in the 1965 Ft. Yukon Winter Carnival By Helen Howard

Page 11 Volume 109, Issue 1

again with me stumbling behind, currently being about 3 miles from the village. Shortly afterwards (?Tony) Robbins, a local lawyer, with his 3 big black labs caught up with me and said, "Get in". I remonstrated that he was in the race, but he would not hear of me walking, and I climbed into his basket. Once again we caught up with my team that someone had captured, and I finished the race triumphantly: second --- disqualified! But Oh What Fun!

cactus. (Don’t know how they expect me to reach my arm into a hedge to get at them - but obviously it does not give them a sufficient sense of security.) My birthday morning followed the usual drill. With the exception of one Mourning Dove (a disproportionately small-headed bird) who tried to fly off in the wrong direction. Unfortunately a flight of about 5 feet in the wrong direction would have had him crashing into the side of the 'Arizona room' (it would be called a screened in porch in most of the rest of the country). With about 6 inches to spare he banked right (aiming now for the main part of the house) and stretched franticly for altitude. Would have made it if he hadn't hit the top of his head on the bottom of the eaves. And for just a moment I got to hold a Moorning Dove in my hand.

A gift from heaven.

A Report from the Tucson Branch of St. Matthew’s. . . [Longtime friend, observer, commentator, and Fairbanks resident Mrs. Helen Brown is now in Tucson, Arizona, where she still observes and comments…….] The best birthday present of all ....... Every morning I go out the front door, pass the hedge that fronts one side of the house, go down the driveway and get the newspaper. The flock of birds (mourning doves and a species I have not yet identified) that spends its morning under the hedge flies in a panic to the tops of a nearby cactus cluster. I take the paper into the house and immediately come back out with a small bowl containing one shredded slice of bread, which I strew across the gravel yard. Those few especially brave birds who returned during my brief absence, rather than showing any gratitude for my morning offering, again fly, helter-skelter, to the safety of their

The Best Birthday Present of All By Helen R. Brown

team with a "Whoa" and the brake. I fixed the dog's leg and walked back to the basket, but Titus hadn't told me they would start so quickly. So the team pulled the sled out of my hands and I chased after them. Very soon a Great White Knight on a snowmachine (Moses Gabriel) came and picked me up. We zoomed after my team and found them stuck in an overflow, so I got off and Moses zipped away. But just when I caught up to the sled, the dogs pulled out of the overflow and took off

And for just a moment I got to hold a Mourning Dove in my

hand.

1965 Fort Yukon Winter Carnival

Holy Baptism On Saturday, November 30th, in a long planned family gathering at The Church, the Rev. Bella Jean Savino baptized 5 months old Hendrix Andrew David Koyukuk, Andy Esmailka’s grandchild. Hendrix’s Godparents are Robert Gochenauer, Jordanna Pitka, Harlan Esmailka, and Aaron Pilot; and a reception followed the Baptism in the Parish Hall. With the memory of Christmas still lingering, the Church filled Wednesday evening, January 8th for the first baptisms of 2014 – 2 years old Mary Jane Sucaro Mancuso, 4 months old Greyson Wade Joseph Solomon, and 3

months old Carter Alan Mitchell (the rector’s great great nephew!). Mary Jane’s Godparents are her aunt Fatima Mancuso and Valorie Adams; Greyson’s Godmother is Nicole Anderson; and Carter’s Godparents are Darcy Peter, Colette Wiehl, Ottowa Wiehl, and Edward Wiehl. Continuing Family gatherings, Sunday morning, February 2nd, during our Candlemass celebration, 1 month old Jaylen Wayne Neighbors was baptized, the grandson of Amanda Estrada. Jaylen’s Godparents are Jordan Owen and Quinton Neighbors. And finally, Wednesday evening, February 12th, the Church filled

for the baptism of 2 months old A’siah Crystal Lillie. A’siah Godparents are Alicia Hill and Jonathon Scott. She had attended Wednesday night Church faithfully, with her parents Julian Lille and Clara Perdue, every week, awaiting her birth, which was shortly before Thanksgiving. Now she was baptized shortly before Valentine’s. So what else is there really, she shows with her beginnings, except “Thank you” and “I love you”? Holy Matrimony Friday evening, December 20th, the Rev. Bella Jean Savino celebrated the wedding, filled with hope and smiles, of Shannon Marie

Seasons of Life through the Seasons of Mid-Winter

Page 12 O Ye Frost and Cold

Winter Voices

From the darkening days of early November (losing 6 minutes 41 seconds of daylight on November 7th) into the growing Light of the coming Spring (gaining 6 minutes 49 seconds of daylight February 15th); from the glowing All Saints candles of the last weeks of the Church Year, through the promising Green of Epiphany, from Thursday, November 7th through Saturday, February 15th, for the three months since the last Newsletter accounting, St. Matthew’s gathered for 209 services. An accounting and some of the details:

38 Sunday Morning Eucharists 57 Private or Home Communion visits 4 Sunday afternoon Fairbanks Correctional Center Eucharists/Visits 1 Prison visit, out of Fairbanks 5 Tuesday Morning Denali Center Eucharists 12 Wednesday Morning Eucharists 12 Wednesday Evening Eucharists 5 Thursday Morning Pioneer Home Eucharists 4 Celebrations of Holy Baptism, 6 Baptized 1 Celebration of Holy Matrimony 2 Private Confessions 7 HouseBlessings 1 Reception into Columbarium 10 Commendations of the Dying/Departed 3 Receptions of the Body & Overnight Visitations 16 Funerals 2 Funerals, out of Fairbanks 1 Thanksgiving Covered Dish 16 Weekday Advent Evening Prayer services 4 Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Eucharists 1 Christmas Eucharist, out of Fairbanks 1 Midnight Compline “Pot Banging to Scare Away The Great Dragon of Darkness” 1 New Year’s Eve Eucharist 1 New Year’s Day Potlatch 1 12th Night Christmas Greens Bonfire 1 Memorial March/Prayers for Justice 1 Parish Annual Meeting 1 Valentine’s Dinner with Ambiance

Yeah, I got this tweet during the Christmas Eve service: “N.S. your dad’s jigging in the Church”. He flew out after New Year’s to see OUTSIDE for the first time in his life. He’s in Chicago now. HAHAHAHAHA! It’s -50 there and +20 here! People ask how we can laugh at times like this, but we have to try, to lift the Sadness up. She’s a Praying Woman; one of God’s Warriors. My motto has become: “I’ll work long, but hard is out”. I will tell you what I always think. I NEVER think of them as MY children, but as God’s Children. He gives them to me and He can take them back. Our New Year is starting with a HARD Bang – TOO much happening TOO Fast! It’s Time to OPEN OUR EYES. I believe in God; but I don’t have faith in Him anymore. He’s DESTROYED my family . . . and I don’t know why. They all believed in Him. So WHY DID THEY DIE? Gosh. Does it seem to you there’s kinda been more funerals than normal this Winter? The best parts of the Newsletter are those things you put along the sides – those Voices. You put me in there once. . . lived in Barrow for 17 years. You could tell you were at The Top of the World. All the satellite dishes didn’t point up at the sky; they all pointed flat towards the horizon.

James and Justin Johnson Nelson. And they’ve been smiling members of every church activity since. They’re easy to spot. They’re the ones with REALLY BIG smiles. Funerals, Burials Early Wednesday morning, November 13th, 78 years old Steven Horner passed away in Denali Center, following hospitalization for cancer. Born in Kobuk, and raised in Beaver and the Fairbanks area, Steve ALSO went fire-fighting, because the rector remembers firefighting with him several millennia ago. Wednesday afternoon, November 20th, in 30 below temperatures, St. Matthew’s filled for his funeral, led by the rector. Burial followed atop Birch Hill Cemetery. Thursday, November 14th, one of the St. Matthew icons - 87 years old Maggie Beach- breathed her last. She had lived the last year or so in Anchorage, but she never really left here, or our hearts. Born near the Canadian border, she was raised in Fort Yukon and, when she moved to Fairbanks, became part of St. Matthew’s. Active in the Daughters of the King, the Altar Guild, a chalicebearer on Sundays (and always on Christmas Eve), a member of the Diocesan Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna, Maggie was in everything. For years, she and the late Dorothy Pitka were the two grandmothers, praying on Wednesday mornings, who held everything together. She loved water from the Black River, dancing in her white fur trimmed dancing boots, anybody who needed a grandmotherly hug, and YOU. She arrived from Anchorage Monday evening, November 18th, and spent the night resting here with her Lord. St. Matthew’s then filled for her

funeral the next day, Tuesday, November 19th, in a service led by the rector, the Rev. Shirley Lee, and the Rev. Bella Jean Savino. Burial followed atop Birch Hill Cemetery and, as it ended, ravens flew overhead in formation, in tribute, heading North. Thursday, November 21st, also in Anchorage, 57 years old Matthew W. O’Brien Jr. ended his prayerful and faithful (& too short) walk with cancer. Grandson of the late Charlotte Adams of Beaver (and hence the rector’s nephew), and oldest son of Florida (Adams) Gierke and Matthew O’Brien Sr, Matt worked construction throughout the State and enjoyed moose hunting and his family and especially, especially, helping anyone he met or knew of that needed help. He leaves behind his parents and brothers and sisters, his widow Lily, 9 children, and grandchildren, and everyone who remembers his large hearted laugh and appreciation of Life. Friday evening, November 29th, he rested overnight here at St. Matthew’s. The Church filled with prayer and witnessing and singing. His funeral service was held at the Nenana Tribal Hall Saturday, November 30th, presided over by Pastor Stephen Duplantis of the Nenana Assembly of God. The Rev. Marilyn Duggar of St. Mark’s/Nenana and the rector assisted. As the sun set, turning the sky brilliant red, his body was laid to rest across the River, on the hillside of Nenana Cemetery. Thursday, November 28th, Thanksgiving Day, here in Fairbanks, 82 years old Ellen C. Lind passed away. With old Nenana roots, Ellen was born in Nenana, and lived most of her life here in Fairbanks. Family and friends gathered at

St. Matthew’s Thursday afternoon, December 5th for her funeral, led by the rector. A covered dish potlatch followed in the Parish Hall. Saturday, December 7th, peacefully in his sleep, 77 years old Joseph Timothy “Tim” Malcolm passed away in North Pole on his 77th birthday. Born and raised in Eagle, Tim was a noted fiddle player. Family and friends gathered at St. Matthew’s Wednesday, December 11th for his funeral, led by the rector; and his old friend, the Rev. Trimble Gilbert, led his funeral and burial services now back home in Eagle Saturday, December 13th. Peacefully and prayerfully, on Thursday, December 12th, 65 years old Donna Bertha Horace slipped away just before Noon, at Denali Center, completing her faithful walk with cancer. Born and raised in Fort Yukon, Donna was a woman of deep faith, and hence her twinkling eyes and continuous joy. She, with her family, ALWAYS sat in THAT pew on the left, in the front, on Sunday mornings at St. Matthew’s. She leaves behind two daughters, grandchildren, one great grandchild, sisters, many nieces and nephews, and many friends. St. Matthew’s filled for her funeral Tuesday afternoon, December 17th, in a service led by the rector and filled with stories of her faith. Her final services and burial were at home in Fort Yukon in the days following. Friday afternoon, December 20th, 54 years old Terrance “Terry” Carroll, while family and friends gathered and remembered and prayed, completed his walk with cancer in Denali Center. And prayers were said. Born and raised in Circle, and a US Marine Corps veteran, Terry’s services and burial, officiated by

(Continued on page 20)

Seasons of Life, continued . . .

Page 13 Volume 109, Issue 1

The more I learn, the more my respect is growing for Bishop Cochran and all what he did. I was walkin’ last night over that way, about 10 o’clock. Over towards Chena Courts. A car pulled up and they got out and all jumped up. 4 kids. Took my wallet and hood. . . . and the Chief put two men with rifles at either end of the Village and told ‘em, “Shoot anybody who tries to come into our Village”. And that’s how they kept THAT Spanish Flu out of their Village back then, when it was destroying everybody else. And THAT’S WHY their VILLAGE still has most of their Culture. They didn’t all die off back then.

It’s beginning to look like this might be the year the ice goes out before the dogteams. We’re LEFT BEHIND. We’re all just waiting. We’re all, just like, sitting on the ice, waiting. They’ve left us behind. No marten in our country now. I see no tracks. Or lynx either. Funny, huh? I set a deadfall, piling the logs up, and then a trigger. I use moosemeat for the bait. That’s how I caught that wolverine. People ARE worn out. A LOT of funerals. They just CAN’T donate any more. They CAN’T afford it. Got nothing left. I’ve had to hunt moose for the first time because the caribou have changed their trails. Because of all the fires that’s been up there, you know, the country’s just all burned up.

Winter Voices

Comments from the Senior Warden By Allen M. Todd, Senior Warden

Page 14 O Ye Frost and Cold

I’m watching the weather ALL THE TIME when I’m out there. Because I DEPEND ON IT. It’s not like here, in Fairbanks, where maybe it’s inconvenient. Out there, our lives DEPEND ON IT. That was that Summer when the fish glowed. You’d open the SmokeHouse and the fish would be there glowing, on the racks. THAT WAS STRANGE. . . carried her in a basket on the bicycle across Eastern Europe, right after the war. Did I tell you that your parish hall is a corner of the kingdom of heaven? ONE THING I have learned in Lent is it ain't just about giving up moon pies and RC colas for 40 days. . . Newsletter looks very good and is very interesting reading. It is like discovering a hidden part of my heart. “The edge of Lent” Sounds like a great name for a soap opera!!

a starting place, not an ending place. Over the next few years we will take a more detailed look at the ministries that make up St. Matthews. That review will be integrated into the planning cycle. In 2014, we expect to focus issues on two areas: 1) planning for transitions and building an operating reserve, and 2) Sunday school and nursery. The announcement by Patti Meritt that she will no longer be heading up Sunday school after the 2013-2014 academic year helped to bring the Vestry’s attention to the need to focus attention on this important ministry. In future years, we will focus on other ministries. In the past, St Matthews has developed its budget based on last year’s expenditures and forecasting next year’s costs. We plan to use the strategic planning process to look at each ministry, ask for guidance regarding

Last May the vestry met with Father Scott Fisher and the Reverend Shirley Lee in order to develop a three-year strategic plan. Many thanks to the Reverend Shirley Lee, who graciously volunteered her time to facilitate the planning process.. The purpose of any strategic plan is to identify longer term goals for the organization to make sure where we are headed is where we want to go. As far as anyone could remember, this is the first strategic plan St Matthews Church has had in many years. The strategic plan is intended to be a living document that will be amended by the vestry with input from members of the congregation. We will be circulating copies of the strategic plan to the parish, along with comment sheets, beginning on February 23rd. The three-year strategic plan is

what we should be doing, and use the input to build a budget based on need. It won’t mean we can afford everything we may want. But, it will help St Matthews, and in particular the vestry, to understanding what we “should’ be doing and help to focus our efforts on raising the funds to fulfill our mission. As we move into the future, it is important we keep St. Matthew’s healthy and growing. We will continue to provide the “core” worship service that sustains our current parish members. We also need to ensure St Matthews is a place that nurtures young families, teens, young adults and those in need. The planning process makes sure we keep planning for that future, taking the steps today that allow us to carry forward the loving faith community that is St Matthew’s, into tomorrow.

Winter Voices

“. . . to carry forward the loving faith community that is St Matthews, into tomorrow.”

“As we move into the future, it is important we keep St. Matthew’s healthy and growing.”

Priorities Members identified the six highest priorities (in order of importance) for the next three years: Financial 2. Buildings and grounds 3. Attending to the church body 4. Planning for staff transition 5. Outreach 6. Compliance Financial “St. Matthew’s has a unique makeup that encompasses people from the greater Fairbanks community as well as an extended membership throughout Interior Alaska. The Church is a hub of activity for its members and others within the Fairbanks community. To serve such a range of activities requires adequate financial resources. For the past several years St. Matthew’s has worked very hard to balance its budget, barely meeting that budget most years and occasionally dipping into its reserves.

Financial resources are an essential ingredient in order to fulfill the mission of the Church, pay a very small staff, ensure the utilities are paid and keep a roof over our heads. Focusing on financial issues is essential to fulfilling all other missions of St Matthew’s.” Short-term goals for this include 1) Establish financial

oversight committee (completed 9/9/13)

2) Conduct fundraising during current year, starting immediately.

Long-term goals include 1) Long-term pledges/annual

pledge drive 2) Transition into an annual

fundraising plan Building and Grounds “St. Matthew’s has a rich history that goes back near the founding of Fairbanks. . . The Church provides more than just a place to worship on Sunday; it is a home to many ministries, We also host

activities for many groups within the larger Fairbanks community (e.g., 12-step programs). More than just love is required to keep St. Matthew’s a safe and comfortable place for parishioners and community members to meet.” Short-term goals include 1) Sacristy roof repair/

replacement, and survey condition of the roof

2) New floor for parish hall (completed 9/26/13)

Long-term goals include 1) Capital Plan for facilities

maintenance 2) Form volunteer corps to

assist Junior Warden and Sexton

3) Develop schedule for regular maintenance

4) Form Capital Plan committee (vestry and congregation members

5) Remodel office

(Continued on page 16)

Summary of the Three-Year Strategic Plan

Page 15 Volume 109, Issue 1

On Saturday, May 11th, 2013 the 2013 Vestry of St. Matthew’s (Senior Warden Allen Todd, Junior Warden Tom Marsh, Vestry Clerk Marlin Collins; and members Pat Sackinger, Victor Apodaca, Ned Gaines, Shannon (Torrence) Houlette, and Jeremy Johnson. Member Allan Hayton was unable to be present) met with the Rev. Shirley Lee, acting as a Facilitator, for a one-day Planning Session. The purpose of the planning session was to create an action plan for the next three years for St. Matthew’s, to focus the efforts of the Vestry on the most important priorities and challenges The Church faces. Subsequent Vestry meeting throughout the year fine-tuned the result; and it was endorsed by the Vestry as a whole at their January 13th, 2014 meeting. On Sunday, February 23rd, 2014 the Vestry released the Report to the congregation, and they now seek congregational input, criticisms, and comments. Complete copies of the Report are available in the Parish Hall (where it is posted) or through the church office or on the St. Matthew’s website (www.stmatthewschurch.org). Written comments can be turned into the Church Office; or emailed to vestry@stmatthewschurch.org. The Vestry hopes you will prayerfully read through the Report and Comment. This will be the basis of how they try to make decisions over the next three years. Ask yourself what you are reading here. Ask yourself what you are NOT reading here. The complete Report is 9 pages long. What follows is an edited Summary of the Report.

PRIORITIES

Financial

Buildings and grounds

Attending to the

church body

Planning for staff transition

Outreach

Compliance

“ to create an action plan for the next three

years…”

“ to focus the efforts of the Vestry on the

most important priorities and challenges…”

Page 16 O Ye Frost and Cold

Attending to the Church Body “St. Matthew’s is not only a beautiful building; St. Matthew’s is a community of people, united in the body of Christ. Like a building, the church members require love and attention. How do we keep up spiritual health, develop leaders,

and communicate with one another? The Church body action plan strives to strengthen these parts of the church body.” Short-term goals include 1) Support for the basic

church functions (e.g., funerals, baptisms, Eucharist celebrations, Sunday School)

2) Recruit a new web page gardener (Completed 1/15/14)

3) Resume publication of printed newsletter (Completed 12/7/13)

Long-term goals include 1) Improve spiritual health 2) Develop leadership and

membership for programs and committees

3) Strengthen leaderships at St. Matthew’s

4) Foster and develop communication methods that reach out to St. Matthew’s members and potential members

(Continued from page 15)

Planning for Staff Transition “Spend a “normal” day at St. Matthew’s and be prepared to be amazed by the number of people and groups that utilize the Church. The high volume of activity at St. Matthew’s would not be possible without the continuity and organization provided by the small staff. They provide the structure that allows St. Matthew’s to fulfill its many ministries. Key members of the staff have served St. Matthew’s for many years. We love and value each member of the St Matthew’s staff and the invaluable contributions they continue to make to the Church. We also know that change is inevitable and recognize the need to record the knowledge of current staff in order to be prepared for transitions when they come.” Short-term goals include 1) Document office

functions 2) Create written office

standard procedures (e.g. Annual Report to Diocese)

3) Prioritize area used for records storage

Long-term goals include: 1) Archive material,

including digitizing documents when appropriate, and creating a searchable database

Outreach “St. Matthew’s will remain viable so long as it continues to maintain its membership. In the past few years, the Church has recognized the need to include young members in order to maintain the vitality of the Church. The position of the Youth Minister was

created to both acknowledge and address the need to bring in children and young families. We also see the need to be a welcoming place for new members of both the greater Fairbanks community and Interior Alaska.” Short-term goals include 1) Host the Diocesan

Convention (Completed Oct 6, 2013)

2) Recruit new participants to existing church programs.

Long-term goals include 1) Stabilize funding of youth

minister position and youth programs

2) Develop outreach programs

3) Increase Sunday services attendance

Compliance “Compliance quite simply is making sure that the activities of the Church are consistent with the Canons of the Episcopal Church, the law of the land and other applicable standards. Compliance includes, for example, Safe Church training to make sure that youth that participate in activities at St. Matthew’s are nurtured and protected. It means making sure we comply with wage & hours laws, accounting practices and the host of other standards that underlie a well-run Church.” Short-term goals include 1) Form a compliance

committee Long-term goals include 1) Perform a compliance

review 2) Perform risk analysis 3) Develop and implement a

compliance plan

Three-Year Strategic Plan, continued . . .

“More than just love is required to

keep St. Matthew’s a

safe and comfortable

place for parishioners

and community members to

meet.”

Page 17 Volume 109, Issue 1

The St. Matthew’s Endowment Fund is accepting grant applications for 2014. There is $10,133.79 available for grants to benefit the worship, ministry, and mission outreach of St. Matthew’s. No funds can be used for the normal operational expenses of St. Matthew’s. If you have questions or would like to submit an application, please contact the Church Office. The Endowment Board would also be happy to answer questions you might have.

Deadline: June 30, 2014 Funds awarded: September 21, 2014

St. Matthew’s Endowment Fund Grants

At the beginning of 2013 we deposited a portion of the restricted funds, designated for the Youth Minister’s position, into our operating checking to enable us to meet current obligations in a timely manner.

As a result the Diocesan Tithe, payroll, payroll taxes, & our bills were paid timely each month in 2013. We believe we can continue to do so in 2014 without borrowing from restricted funds as long as weekly offerings keep up. We will need an average weekly offering of $6,000 ($6,523 all sources) to meet our proposed 2014 budget. That is up from $5,600 ($6,252 all sources) actually received in 2013.

I would feel more comfortable if we had more operating cash to start the

The Details for those who would like them……………

[Parish Treasurer Brad Johnston’s Report for the January 2014 Annual Meeting provided a good sense of “how money worked” here at St. Matthew’s last year. His Report follows. If you have any questions, check with him or any Vestry member]

We ended 2013 with an operating surplus of $2,052 which has been transferred to our operating reserve fund in our money market account. In 2012 we had a surplus of $11,401 which we had to retain in operating checking.

Our operating cash (checking account balance less current liabilities) on December 31, 2013 (after the operating reserve transfer) was $4,771; in 2012 it was $1,178.

year. We typically get 33% of our income in the last 3 months of the year. 14% of our annual income is received in December alone. This year it was 36% & 22%. This means that the rest of the months are lower. Our expenses, however, are spread out fairly evenly throughout the year so we end up operating at a loss each month until late in the year. Hence the need to start the year with sufficient operating cash.

In 2013 we drew $11,341 from our building fund reserves - $3,125 for heating system repairs and $8,216 for the new parish hall floor. We also released $16,703 from restricted funds to cover 50% of the cost for the Youth Minister position.

The Parish Treasurer’s Report on 2013 By Brad Johnston

“how money worked” here at

St. Matthew’s last year

Page 18 O Ye Frost and Cold

The Rev. Richard Treadwell is remembering his earlier time in Alaska, “A very quiet man with great wisdom took me under his wing and taught me a lot about being a human being - Philip Peter, Deacon, Fort Yukon. Years before, when I was sick, I remember Philip Peter telling me, ‘Being together, not being alone, is very important at times like this.’ He is remembering Phillip telling him this, because he and his family have found the depth of this Wisdom from Phillip again in the last year. The Rev. Richard and Shirley Treadwell served the Church throughout the Interior – in Beaver, Stevens Village, Circle, Eagle, and Fort Yukon – during the 1960s, before finally retiring in Oregon. In March 2013, their 18 years old granddaughter Teil Diaz was critically injured by a shooting, here in Fairbanks. It was Monday in Holy Week. Prayers were said with her, and her mother Darcy, in the ambulance as she was being quickly medivaced to Anchorage. She was hospitalized in Anchorage a long time, before finally being shipped for additional treatment Outside. She survives today because of …prayer. Below, in correspondence, Teil’s Grandfather reflects on this.]

Greetings Scott. . . . I posted this in November on the

Facebook page "Pray for Teil." . . . the recent anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood (St. Stephen's, Fort Yukon, Dec. 30, 1964) brought it all back . . . Last November they replaced Teil's skull at Children's Hospital, Seattle ... huge hospital, huge City. My tale is of the night of the surgery. Late Friday evening, Shirley and I were waiting in Teil's room for her to return from recovery. The door of her room burst open and in came Teil whose bed was being pushed by a nurse. Within minutes we learned that very nurse whose name I have now lost, has a Grandmother living in Beaver, Alaska - Elsie Pitka (we knew Elsie and Elman well in our salad days), ... not only that but the nurse's mother, Teresa Pitka, was born in Beaver. [NOTE: Teresa is related to Elsie through Elman’s sister Alice] What are the chances!!! I believe the nurse said some people of Beaver helped with her nursing school costs. Beaver, when Shirley and I lived there (1966-1970 ... I know, dinosaurs) claimed around 70 people and I think they counted some dogs in that number ... around 30 registered voters as I recall. Here's my point: Out of the greater Seattle Metro Area of 3.8 million people God has drawn a nurse to care for Teil ... a

nurse whose roots are from a very small village on the banks of the Yukon River ... In His Love, Dick

Another letter followed, as he reflected further on the experience back here with his hospitalized granddaughter:

“For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and sees everything.” Here, Scott, is something our Lord has seen. . . . I remembered what I wrote to our Bishop those first days. To my mind, Native response was even more amazing than the nurse story. This story you will know as true and of a truly remarkable people which is well worth being seen and known. Setting: Teil was shot Monday in Holy Week and this was my letter, in part, to our Bishop from ANMC CCU … So here we are 2 Easter with a Collect: “Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith …” Our Native friends have done just that with enormous faith in God. Darcy and daughter Teil are Gwichyaa Gwich’in. The Critical Care Unit waiting room has been full of people, the hallways too; some driving the seven hours from Fairbanks just to sit with us. Facebook,

“This story you will know as true and of a

truly remarkable

people which is well worth

being seen and known.”

Finding “Being Together” Again

“Being together, not

being alone, is very important at times like

this.”

now, being together, stranger and friend, family. “All of this is simply what Native families do,” they tell us. An amazing people. And this Alaska Native Medical Center allows it all; along with daily Native drumming … dancing … singing; CCU room walls decorated with photos from home; nurses who hug and cry with you. I have not seen these things outside in our Western Culture … and yet they are enormously healing expressions of the heart and faith … of today’s Collect.”

piled all over; for anyone who is hungry, who needs nourishment. There are strangers giving our daughter hugs in the hall, and handing her cash, checks . . . ; her office picked up her electric bills for the duration. An old Eskimo man with no English, seeing my anguish, kneels before me to tear up his newspaper and hand me a paper cross! (It still hangs on our refrigerator door.) Years before when I was sick, I remember Philip Peter telling me, “Being together, not being alone, is very important at times like this.” … so here we are

I’m told, is a buzz. The Villages of Venetie, Beaver, Arctic Village, Fort Yukon are holding nightly radio prayer vigils and fundraisers. Each day food appears in the Critical Care Unit waiting room; moose head soup, king salmon, store food … a complete ham dinner with all the trimmings on Easter Day. We seldom know from whom … especially since there are so many Eskimo people also bringing their offerings … seal soup, muktuk … our common denominator seems to be Sailor’s Pilot Bread, crisis, family, faith. The food is

Page 19 Volume 109, Issue 1

Selected Correspondence: Secret Advent Thank Yous

health and happiness with what you have chosen and I thank you and I will thank you every day of this next year, when I use and remember them. You have given me a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life. May God richly bless you, Andrea Backlund January 11th 2014 To the Editor: I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my

January 2nd, 2014 Dear Secret Advent Friend: I'm not sure that I can adequately express my appreciation for the way you have shown me your consideration and care this Advent time, but I will try. Your gifts tell me that you gave much thought and affection to selecting them -- nourishment for body and soul is evident in each one. You have told me that you desire my

Secret Advent Friend for the lovely card, Word Roundup Puzzle Book, large bag of Alaska carrots and especially for your kind thoughts and your prayers during the Advent season. The carrots, incidentally, are great to eat raw, and some are soon to help out a moose stew. God bless you! Oliver Backlund

[On the First Sunday of Advent, at St. Matthew’s, names are exchanged during the services. The name received becomes your “Secret Advent Friend” and you become St. Nicholas, who was known for doing good deeds secretly. This frequently involves anonymous presents for others left under the Advent wreath throughout the Season. Some of these relationships have lasted for years.]

“You have given me a gift

that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

“… so here we are now, being

together, stranger and

friend, family.”

“Being Together” Again, continued . . .

St. Nicholas Icon

Pastor Nathan Smoot, were held at home in Circle Friday, December 27th . On Wednesday, December 25th, Christmas Day, sadly, 49 years old Angela Faith Peter died, here in Fairbanks. Born in Fort Yukon and raised in Arctic

Village, Angela was always bright and shining, smiling and laughing. St. Matthew’s filled for her funeral, led by the rector, Thursday afternoon, January 2nd. Appropriately, and very Angela-ish, a brightly colored blue balloon, brought by a friend, escaped during the service; and bobbed along cheerfully wayyyyy up on the Church’s ceiling for the next several days. Her final services and burial were at home in Arctic Village. Thursday morning, December 26th, as the sun of a new day was breaking here in Fairbanks, 78 years old Shitsuu (“Grandmother”) Maggie Roberts, who had arrived in Fairbanks during the Night, left for

(Continued from page 13) the True Christmas. Born and raised by her parents, the late Johnny and Sarah Frank, at Gold Camp, near Venetie, Maggie was a True “Cultural Bearer”, teaching and telling stories and living the Traditional Strengths and Values and Life. She had just spent a wonderful Christmas Dinner at home with her Family in Venetie, before she was medevac’d in. St. Matthew’s filled to overflowing for her funeral Monday, December 30th, in a service led by the rector; and her final service and burial were at home in Venetie after the New Year. Later that same afternoon, Thursday afternoon, December 26th, in the Fairbanks Hospital, 64 years old Lorraine “Lorry” Lambert also left for Christmas. Daughter of the late Rose Lambert of Nenana and St. Matthew’s, Lorry’s eyes shined, and she enjoyed Life. And cats. And swans (and would often call the rector to talk about the hopefulness of swans). St. Matthew’s filled for her funeral, led by the rector, Friday afternoon, January 3rd. Her final services and burial were in Nenana the next morning, Saturday, January 4th. The rector will be watching for swans this Spring; and remembering. Monday, January 6th, on the Feast of Epiphany, shortly before midnight, unexpectedly and suddenly, 65 years old Lois Druck Verney, sighhhhhhhhhhhhh, also left for Christmas, from the Fairbanks Hospital. Born in Fort Yukon and raised in Venetie and Chalkyitsik (where she helped babysit the family’s new next door neighbor – the just arrived in Alaska and now current rector of St. Matthew’s), Lois was the daughter of Leah and the late Joe Druck; and always the protecting oldest sister of her brothers and sisters. She loved

them all, 13 of the children in total, fiercely. St. Matthew’s filled for her funeral, led by the rector and the Rev. Shirley Lee, Friday, January 10th. Her final services and burial were at home in Chalkyitsik in the days following. Two of the original collection of brothers and sisters survive her – Joey and Peter; and her ever faithful mother Leah; her husband Frances, and all of the next generations. Tuesday morning, January 7th, 49 years old Bernice Marie Hildebrand Joseph reached the end of her faithful and strong walk with cancer. And the State of Alaska, especially the Interior, said a quiet and very sad “oh”. Born in Tanana and raised in Nulato, Bernice was a forceful advocate for the importance of education, and a powerful role model that success was possible. Working on her Ph.D. at the time of her death, Bernice served as Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community, and Native education at UAF. A community gathering of Remembrance was held at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Thursday, January 9th. It was the largest gathering the rector had ever seen at the Tribal Hall. It began with a powerful and moving Invocation by retired Archdeacon Anna Frank. Bernice’s funeral service and burial were held at home in Nulato Saturday, January 11th. Later that same day, at Noon, on Tuesday, January 7th, surrounded by family and friends and her community, 78 years old Jennie Ruth Baker of Minto peacefully and prayerfully completed her walk with cancer. Jennie, the sister of the Rev. Luke Titus, was a kind woman of prayer and great faith. “Memorial Tea” was eventually held in the St.

More Seasons of Life . . .

Page 20 O Ye Frost and Cold

Johnny Wallis Memorial

Maggie Roberts’ Funeral

Matthew’s Parish Hall throughout the week, until she returned home for her final services and burial in Minto that weekend. Saturday, January 11th, Darren “DP” Moses, who had just celebrated his 23rd birthday several weeks earlier, died tragically here in Fairbanks. Darren was the grandson of the late Beatus Moses Sr of Allakaket, The Rev. Stephen Reed led a funeral service for Darren Thursday, January 16th; and later flew to Allakaket for his final funeral and burial. Sunday morning, January 12th, 70 years old Ronald Franklin Solomon quietly and surprisingly passed away here in Fairbanks. Born and raised in Fort Yukon, Ronnie was one of the late Hannah and Paul Solomon’s 14 children. Among other accomplishments, he was an Air Force veteran. He absolutely always had a kind and welcoming smile on his face. Two brothers now, and four sisters, survive him, along with other family members, and friends throughout the State and Canada. St. Matthew’s filled for his funeral service Wednesday, January 15th, in a service led by Bishop Mark Lattime. His final service and burial, again led by Bishop Lattime, were held at home in Fort Yukon in the days following. Also Sunday, January 12th, 68 years old Louise Luke passed away at home in Anchorage. Born in George Lake, her parents moved the family to Tanacross, where she was raised, and she later moved to Healy Lake. She was of the Naltse’en Clan. A fluent speaker of her language and a teacher of traditional life and culture, Louise had moved to Anchorage several years ago for health reasons. Among her

last requests of her family was to have a service at St. Matthew’s. Consequently, St. Matthew’s filled for a service, led by the Rev. Luis Uzueta of St. Jude’s/North Pole, Saturday morning. January 18th. A potlatch followed throughout the day and night in the Parish Hall. Her final service and burial was held at home in Healy Lake in the days following. Monday morning, January 13th, 79 years old William Earl Vesper passed away quietly and peacefully in Denali Center, where he had been for the last week or so. Born and raised in Michigan, Bill served with the US Army for 22 years throughout the world (He was Elvis Presley’s Sergeant!) and, shortly before he was discharged, he met and fell in love with Dorothy James of Fort Yukon. They were a couple and inseparable for almost 40 years, before Dorothy’s passing in 2008. He missed her these last years. St. Matthew’s filled for his funeral, led by the Rev. Shirley Lee and the Rev. Bella Jean Savino, Thursday, January 16th. His burial will be this Spring. Friday morning, January 17th, quietly and peacefully, in Denali Center, 67 years old Bella Irene Martin-Klatt completed her long walk with declining health and cancer. Born and raised in Fort Yukon, Irene moved to Fairbanks after raising her children. These last several years, as she struggled with her health, she faithfully received Home Communion nearly every week.( The rector had seen her in the Fairbanks Hospital shortly before he left January 11th; and, though unsure of the future, she was unafraid and accepting. Faith.) St. Matthew’s filled for her funeral, led by her friend the Rev. Bella Jean Savino and the rector (just returned), Thursday , January 23rd; and her

final services and burial were held at home in Fort Yukon in the days following. Tuesday, January 21st, 58 years old Lorrayne Rose Juneby passed away in Anchorage. Born and raised in Eagle, she lived in Eagle, Fairbanks, and Anchorage throughout her life and loved her family – three daughters, two sisters, one brother, ten brave grandchildren, and more. They all gathered at the Tribal Hall Sunday afternoon, January 26th for her funeral, led by the rector (with Roberta W. helping with the music). A Traditional Potlatch followed (her daughters are going to traditionally tan the moosehide of the Potlatch moose, in tribute to her). And Wednesday, February 5th, in the Fairbanks Pioneer Home, with complications from Alzheimer’s, 82 years old Stephana “Trudy” Wright slipped away. Born in Utah and raised in California, Trudy arrived in Alaska when her father was transferred to Ladd Field in Fairbanks; and she loved it. Attending Fairbanks High School, she met there Lawrence “Link” Wright; and they were married in in 1954. They never separated until his death in 2004, after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. She had cared for him in his Alzheimer’s his last several years. Her funeral is scheduled here at St. Matthew’s Saturday, March 1st. There were numerous other deaths over the last three months that should be noted. Here are several of them: 61 years old Zelma Silas of Minto, daughter of the Rev. Berkman and Sarah Silas, passed away Tuesday, November 12th in Minto; and her funeral was held there November 16th ; Tuesday, December 3rd, 85 years old Niilo Emil Koponen, a

In the Season of Mid-Winter . . .

Page 21 Volume 109, Issue 1

The Churchyard in Mid-Winter

significant Statewide and community figure, passed away in the Fairbanks Pioneer Home; and a community gathering was held Sunday, January 5th at the Pioneer Park; Thursday, January 2nd, 57 years old Sam Iqqagaq “Juuku Sam” Kanayurak Jr died tragically here in Fairbanks; and a funeral for him was held Saturday, January 18th at the Tribal Hall; Friday, January 24th, 89 years old Charlie David Sr died at home in Tok; and funerals were held here in Fairbanks Wednesday, January 29th and finally at home in Tetlin Saturday, February 1st; and finally 70 years old Sam “Sammy” John of Fort Yukon, the brother of Lois James and Sally Herron, died Friday, January 31st; and his funeral and burial were held at home in the days following. There were others. A Christmas Hymn: “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan. . . “(Hymnal #112) Birthdays, Anniversaries, PotBangings, Bonfires, etc. We note and celebrate birthdays

and anniversaries every week, but several are worth noting – prayers were said at the Thanksgiving Eve service, Wednesday, November 27th, for The Rev. Deacon Montie and Lynn Slusher, celebrating their 38th Wedding Anniversary and, on Wednesday night, December 11th, we celebrated Bruce and Charlotte Perotti’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. Sunday, December 8th we noted Irene Roberts-Bogenrife’s 80th Birthday (she has now taken off for her 80th birthday present – a trip to Hawaii). That Sunday, December 8th, was also our friend Debra DeLong’s last Sunday. She and her companion PomPom have now migrated to Alexandria, Virginia. Sunday, November 17th, 67 colorful shoeboxes piled up in front of the Altar; ours and the Sunday School’s offering to the Samaritan Purse’s Operation Shoebox Project. Two weeks later, on Sunday, November 24th , the Last Sunday of The Church Year, 38 lit votive candles shined on that same Altar – one for every person baptized or confirmed in the last year. On Tuesday, December 3rd, through the work and persistence of Vestrymember Ned Gaines, new LED Christmas lights were installed on the spruce tree outside. Various folks help all of the time with EVERY service, but please note that the Rev. John David (priest at St. Peter’s/Sitka 1991-1994) came out of his retirement in the back pews to begin helping with the services Sunday, December 8th; the Rev. Deacon Teresa Thomas of St. Stephen’s/Fort Yukon helped lead the Advent Evening Prayer service Wednesday,

December 11th (assisted by 8 years old William Fisher); and the Rev. Lee Davis (and his wife Mary Margaret) returned from the deserts of Arizona to help with services December 22nd. To journey from November into February is to walk through the Darkest Darkness, into the growing Light. We prayed, doing our best to intercede and help it along. Saturday night, December 21st, twelve of us gathered at Midnight outside the Church doors to “Bang-Pots-And-Yell-And-Scream-To-Chase-Away-The-Great-Dragon-of-Darkness” (a little known service you haven’t noticed in your Book of Common Prayer). It seems to have worked, as it does every year, for The Lord is merciful and we ARE GAINING Daylight each Day. Sunday, January 5th, to mark the End of The Christmas Season, we gathered for our Traditional 12th Night activities – singing Christmas carols (including “White Christmas” in memory of Fred and Helen Brown’s participation in previous years) and burning the Christmas greens. We are deeply aware that Tradition says that if we don’t do this, Spring won’t come (This is how we gain permission from various community officials to build a bonfire in Downtown Fairbanks). Bruce Gadwah managed to build the best bonfire we have ever had (see previous page); its bright flames soaring into the star filled Night (and followed by the magic wonder of SkyLanterning). And this too seems to have worked, but might require fine-tuning. January became the warmest January on record, with +30 temperatures (instead of the traditional -50) the last week of the month.

More Seasons of Life . . .

Page 22 O Ye Frost and Cold

Installing the Christmas Lights

Bella Jean’s Christmas Party

Monday, January 13th On Monday, January 13th, the Vestry of St. Matthew’s met for the final meeting of the 2013 Vestry. Present were Senior Warden Allen Todd, Junior Warden Tom Marsh, Vestry Clerk Marlin Collins, Allan Hayton, Pat Sackinger, , Jeremy Johnson, Shannon Houlette, and Parish Treasurer Brad Johnston. Vestrymembers Ned Gaines, Victor Apodaca, and the rector were unable to attend. Following an Opening Prayer, by Pat Sackinger, with the Senior Warden presiding, the following actions were discussed or taken: 1. The amended Agenda was accepted and the December minutes were approved. 2. Brad Johnston presented the December Treasurer’s Report. Operating Income in December totaled $72,633 (Year Total Operating Income = $325,091); Operating Expenses in December totaled $29,128 (Year Total Operating Expenses, including a Diocesan Tithe for the Total Year = $323,039). This resulted in a 2013 Net Surplus of + $2,052. It was moved and passed to put this Surplus into the Operating Reserve Fund. It was also moved and passed to take up “Fund Raising” at the next Vestry meeting. 3. In keeping with long standing St. Matthew’s tradition, and motions from the previous years, $4400

was available from 2013 to be donated for Outreach . (The amount is derived from a percentage of money spent on Church Utilities; and is to be split evenly between the Fairbanks area; and beyond the immediate area), Following prayerful discussion, it was moved and passed to evenly divide the $2200 for the Fairbanks area between the Fairbanks Youth Advocates Program and the Fairbanks Community Service Patrol. It was then moved and passed to donate the $2200 (“beyond Fairbanks”) amount to the Galena Bible Church for their flood relief efforts in Galena. 4. There was discussion and final approval of the 2014 Budget to be presented to the congregation at the Annual Meeting. There was discussion of possible nominations for election at the Annual Meeting; and the various Parish Reports needed for the meeting. 5. There was discussion about the final editing of the Vestry’s “Three Year Strategic Plan”, with various members assuming responsibilities. 6. Pat Sackinger gave a Report on The Sunday School, and the need for beginning planning with Patty Meritt’s retirement in May. The need for a Sunday School Committee will be announced at the Annual Meeting; and again before Easter. 7. Following the announcement that the next Vestry meeting would be immediately following

the Annual Meeting, as is required by the Parish Bylaws, members adjourned to the Church for the Closing Spiritual Exercise and Prayers. In February 2013 members had been asked to write down their “Fears, Worries; Hopes, Dreams; and Goals for the 2013 Vestry” and place them in a sealed envelope. The rector then placed them together in a sealed envelope under the Altar. The envelope was now retrieved; and members read their responses. Retiring Junior Warden Tom Marsh then closed the Meeting with Prayer. Sunday, January 26, 2014 In keeping with the Bylaws of St. Matthew’s, immediately following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Vestry was held in the Parish Library. The following were present: the Rev. Scott Fisher, Rector; Allen Todd; Victor Apodaca III; Jeremy Johnson; Pat Sackinger; Allan Hayton; Linda Evans; and Arlie Nethken. Ned Gaines and Karen Kiss were unable to be present. The rector opened the meeting and the following actions, prescribed by the Bylaws, were taken. 1. The rector announced his appointment of Allen Todd to continue as Senior Warden. 2. The Vestry elected Victor Apodaca as the Junior Warden;

Summary of the January 2014 Vestry Meetings

Page 23 Volume 109, Issue 1

and Pat Sackinger as the Vestry Clerk. 3. It was unanimously moved and passed to ask Brad Johnston to continue as Parish Treasurer (According to the Bylaws, this is a one year term). The rector announced he had checked previously with Mr. Johnston; and he had agreed to continue if asked. 4. The Vestry elected Jeremy Johnson to serve as Vestry Representative on the St. Matthew’s Endowment Board, which will be meeting within two weeks. 5. The rector asked new members to provide photographs, for the Vestry Photograph in the Parish Hall; and requested Newsletter biographical introductions. 6. There was brief discussion about the planned Valentine’s Dinner scheduled for Saturday, February 15th; Patty Meritt’s May resignation from the Sunday School and the need for a Sunday School Committee; and the need this year to repair the Sacristy roof, which is leaking in these warm temperatures. 7. It was agreed the next meeting will be held Thursday, February 13th, at 5:30PM.

Youth Group gift-wrapping at the Bentley Mall

O Ye Frost and Cold

Confirmation Classes Beginning

January—February 2014

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 1030 Second Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99701-4355 Change Service Requested*

March 14, 2014

Can’t come to Church? Church will come to You!! As the monthly listing of services shows, there are a number of Lay Eucharistic Ministers trained and willing to bring the Eucharist to those who are sick, shut-in, or unable to come to Church. If you would like someone to bring you the Communion, or know someone who would like that, please contact the Church Office at 456-5235 or slip a note in the offering plate on Sunday mornings.

We are nearing Lent & the Holy Easter season.

Therefore, it is time for the 2014 YOUTH & ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES to begin.

There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall.

Youth Confirmation Classes

Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m

upstairs in the Parish Hall....beginning March 26th.

Adult Inquiry and Classes

Sundays immediately (sortof) following the 11:15 Eucharist

in the Church…...beginning March 30th.

Bishop Lattime will do CONFIRMATIONS May 18, 2014 at the 11:15 service.