North Star United Methodist Church

06/14/2026

did you know?

The hooked staff a Methodist bishop carries is called a crozier (or crosier), and is often referred to simply as a pastoral staff. In the United Methodist Church, it symbolizes the bishop's role as a spiritual leader and a "shepherd of the flock of God".

Key Details and Symbolism

The Crook: The curved hook at the top mimics a traditional shepherd’s crook. Historically, it represents drawing back wandering sheep to keep the congregation united and safe.

The Staff: The long rod provides strong support and guidance, reminding the leader that their primary duty is service, care, and teaching rather than just authority.

Usage in Methodism
While not mandatory in all traditions, many Methodist bishops use a crozier during special ceremonial events, ordinations, or annual conference sessions. They are often uniquely crafted by artisans and woodworkers, reflecting the regional identity of the church.

This is our Bishop Bridgeforth’s staff, in front of our screen, at Annual Conference. Could it be leading us on The Way?

06/14/2026

Lay Pastor Joe Nightingale is commissioned!

06/08/2026

4 Lay Servant Ministries courses are now on the Calendar for July and August 2026.
1 Basic Course (here) and
3 Advanced courses (just scroll up).

All are held on Zoom.

06/04/2026

Summer 2026 CE Courses: In the months of July and August 2026, leaders from the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC will offer a series of Continuing Education Courses for Lay, Clergy and church leadership teams. These courses range from one to five weeks and will be taught fully online via Zoom. Check....

06/03/2026

This is our pantry

As hunger and economic uncertainty increase in families across the U.S. in 2026, Global Ministries is relaunching the Feeding Our Neighbors initiative, with applications accepted from United Methodist annual conferences rather than local congregations.

The revised structure is intended to streamline administration while ensuring broader geographic distribution of resources and stronger coordination of efforts. Annual conferences are encouraged to prioritize support for both rural and urban congregations operating established food pantries and feeding ministries within local churches.

Annual conferences in the U.S. seeking to participate in the program can learn more and apply between June 1 and July 31, 2026: https://bit.ly/4x5INJh

05/31/2026

CCli 11365984
streaming 156300

05/31/2026

May 31st Announcements and Bulletin

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

Join us for worship service today at 9:30a
We will have Kenai UMC joining us because it is the 5th Sunday.
There is a pot luck lunch following the service.

Psalms 8:1
O Lord , our Lord,
How excellent is your
Name in all the earth,
Who have set your glory
Above the heavens!

05/24/2026