2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

First United Methodist Church
725 W. 9th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501

May 30-31, 2025

2026 Annual Conference will take place at Anchor Park United Methodist Church (2300 Oak Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508) from June 11-13, 2026. Stay tuned in early 2026 for report requests, more detailed information, and registration to begin.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Call Letter from Bishop Bridgeforth
Who may attend and participate in Annual Conference?
Voting Chart

The Alaska Annual Conference Session will be May 30-31 at First United Methodist Church in Anchorage, Alaska. The theme is “Blessed and Broken,” based on the story of feeding the 5,000 as found in Luke’s Gospel (9:12-17). Just like the disciples, we are called to bring what we have to the table and to recognize that God’s blessing may work in ways that defy our scarcity thinking.

🌟 Join Us for Annual Conference 2025!

Thursday, May 29 – First United Methodist Church, Anchorage

We’re thrilled to invite all pastoral leaders and lay members to the 2025 Alaska Conference — and especially to our pre-Conference day of renewal, learning, and connection!

🕘 Schedule at a Glance

Registration opens at 9:00 AM at First UMC. Join us early to take full advantage of the day’s offerings!

🌿 10:00 AM – Yoga with Rev. Lisa Smith Fiegel (ELCA)

Start your day with self-care and stillness. This gentle yoga session for all abilities was a favorite at our fall retreat. Come ready to breathe, move, and ground yourself in grace.

🤝 12:30 PM – Public vs. Private Relationships

Led by Pastor Kelly Marciales
All pastoral leaders are public figures. In this vital session, we’ll explore how to navigate relationships with integrity and rethink boundaries in an expanded way. (A full Boundaries Training will be offered virtually this fall.)

🙌 2:00 PM – Laity Session

Hosted by Conference Lay Leader Melanie Venables
A space for lay members to connect, learn, and dream together about the ministry we share across the Conference. Here is the Zoom link to join. This is open to all Laity in the Alaska Conference.

🛠️ 3:00 PM – Breakout Sessions (Choose One)

  • Young People’s Ministry Priority Session
    Hosted by Conference Staff
    A gathering space for leaders of youth to shape the purpose, outcomes and process for this priority.
  • Intercultural Competence & Anti-Racism
    With Rev. Lisa Talbott
    Explore the M.I.L.E. and how intercultural capacity helps eliminate racism in our churches.
  • People Portal Help
    With Crystal Feaster
    New to the Conference or need support with forms? Get your questions answered here.
  • Single Accountability Structure Q&A
    With Rev. Casey Banks
    For churches using or exploring this simplified leadership model. Bring your questions!
  • Housing & Hunger Ministry – Service Station
    Pack snacks for our neighbors in need. A hands-on way to serve together.

💬 Throughout the Afternoon

Bruce Galvin will be available to meet with pastoral leaders and church finance team members to answer benefits-related questions.

🍽️ 6:00 PM – Dinner Fundraiser & Youth Activity

Hosted by First UMC
All are welcome to a delicious dinner (by donation) supporting local ministry! Meanwhile, youth and families can enjoy a fun evening activity just for them.

✅ Ready to Register?

Join us for this rich, Spirit-filled gathering. Come early on May 29, and be a part of the conversations and connections that shape our Conference life.

👉 [Register Here]

Conference Session Agenda
Friday, May 30: 8 am – 8 pm Full day of AC Session
Saturday, May 31: 8 am – 2 pm AC Session


REGISTRATION INFORMATION
All clergy and lay members of the Annual Conference, regardless of whether you attend in person or online, must register to be able to participate. The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 13.

REGISTRATION – Register here (for in person and online attendance) Registration is now closed.
Guest Meal registration

LODGING INFORMATION
The hotels the conference secured have released the remaining rooms. We no longer have discounted rooms for you.

CONFERENCE RESOURCES
Pre-Conference Handbook – It’s here!
Petition form – due May 1 CLOSED
Rules Changes (no form) – due May 1 CLOSED
Ministry Display table request – due May 1 CLOSED
Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award Nomination – due May 1 CLOSED
Harry Denman Award Nomination for Clergy – due May 1 CLOSED
Outstanding Lay Person of the Year Award Nomination – due May 1 CLOSED
Kelsey-Shepard Award Nomination – due April 30 CLOSED
Memorial Roll form – due May 13 CLOSED
Worship Book
Observer Agenda
Constitutional Amendment information
Constitutional Amendment Webinar – May 19 – must register for information
Petition #4