Rev. Dan and Kris-Ann Wilcox
Missionaries in Unalaska, Alaska

Daniel and Kris-Ann Wilcox, along with their three children Esther, Jaden and Lydia, moved in June 2007 from the York District of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the UMC, to Unalaska, Alaska.   Unalaska is one of the central islands in the Aleutian archipelago, in southwest  Alaska, and one of the largest fishing ports in the U.S.  It is also the  most populated of the islands, with 4200 year round residents.  As they adjust to life on 'The Rock,' the Wilcoxes have enjoyed numerous delights from nature, including blueberries, salmon berries, wild rhubarb, wild strawberries, and Dan has had a few opportunities to go fishing.

Daniel is an ordained elder with membership in the Central Pennsylvania conference, and is pastoring the Unalaska United Methodist Church.  He grew up in Central PA, in several locations as his father, Paul  Wilcox, is also a Methodist pastor.  As an elementary student Daniel, along with his family, had the opportunity to live in Fairbanks, Alaska while his father was pastor of St. Paul's UMC.  Dan most recently pastored Emmanuel UMC in Windsor, PA, where he was for seven years.

Kris-Ann is also an ordained elder, although she is currently on family leave.  She was pastored at Aldersgate UMC in York, PA for 6 1/2 years before going on leave in January 2007.  While not officially appointed, Kris-Ann is active in the ministry of Unalaska UMC, working in various areas.  Originally from the  Western Pennsylvania Conference, Kris-Ann grew up in Butler, where much of her family still resides.  Kris-Ann's introduction to Alaska came through two VIM team trips, first in 2003 to Nome, and then in 2005 to Unalaska, both of which Dan also participated.

While the history of the Methodist Mission goes back to 1886 in Unalaska, the present congregation was only chartered in 1992, with some establishment work for two years preceding.  The primary mission of the congregation is its outreach the Bering Sea fishing community and to the native Unangan population.  The Wilcoxes are excited as they seek to discover new possibilities for ministry and open doors to the community.