Dear AGA Parents,

It is with very mixed emotions that I share that my husband and I will be moving to the Portland area this summer. I have been offered a job very close to my extended family and we need to be closer to my parents as they have been dealing with some health issues. We are really excited about the opportunity that God has provided for our family in a new season, and sad because our time here is coming to an end.

The school board and Education Superintendent, John Winslow, have already begun recruiting for a new principal for next year and will be working diligently to find a great principal for next year.

As with all transitions, we know that this school is God's school. He has an amazing plan for each one of your students and will continue to be present here and will bring the right person for the job.

Thank you for embracing me at AGA over the past 5 years, sharing all the great places to go adventuring, and just being a great school community! I will miss Alaska and the AGA community greatly.

Pastoral Search Update

No, we haven’t hired a new pastor yet, but the process has started.

On Monday, May 4, 6:30pm, we have an important meeting. Conference President, Rodney Mills, and VP Ashwin Somasundram will be at the Palmer Church to talk with us about the pastoral search process. They will be asking our members questions and taking careful notes to help guide them in gathering the right candidates for the ministry here. This will be an opportunity to learn about the process, ask questions, share input, and have face-to-face dialogue with our conference leadership. It will also be an opportunity to have a similar dialogue about the hiring process for AGA's next principal. Plan to be there!

To make it easier to fit into your busy calendar. The Conference is providing a supper at the church at 6pm. Come share the meal and join the conversation.

One more thing about transitions…

Our community is experiencing a lot of change. Here are a few facts to keep in mind to defend against potential false rumors or despair…

The Palmer Church community is not broken… With so many employees leaving at the same time, it could appear like there is a major issue that people are running away from. There isn’t. Palmer Church and Amazing Grace Academy have a beautiful community of people, and it is a joy to do ministry here. Yes, we have problems. Please know there isn't an underlying internal issue causing people to leave.

The Conference is not the bad guys… There has already been a rumor that Pastor Ryan is leaving because the Conference is pushing him out. This is far from the truth. Ask Pastor Ryan what he thinks of the AK Conference, and ask the AK Conference what they think of Pastor Ryan, and they will both have good things to say. Conference leadership is on our team and is strongly supportive of their pastors and churches. We need a supportive partnership with our conference leadership, especially through this time of transition.

Not everyone is leaving… We will be saying goodbye to a bunch of friends this year. But take a look around at who is still here, and remember that there are so many wonderful people still engaged in our church and school community.

Grieving is necessary. Believing false rumors isn’t. Take courage that God is still leading our church and school.

Baptismal Preparation

Several people have expressed interest in being baptized before Pastor Ryan leaves. This is great! Here’s the plan.

There will be baptismal preparation classes in Pastor Ryan’s office on Sabbaths, May 9, 16, & 30, and June 6 and 13. Kids from 9:30-10:30am and adults from 1:30-2:30pm.

Outdoor Calendar

We have a new outdoor calendar for Summer 2026. Don’t miss out. Notice especially that we have a church campout schedule. Plan now to be a part of it!

VBS

VBS is coming the 1st week of June! We need a little help. As we work to be financially responsible with our church budget this year, we need an additional $ 1,000 to support VBS. Support this ministry financially by marking “VBS” on your tithe envelope.

Urgent Mission Group Need

We are blessed to host many mission groups from outside of Alaska. There is a group from Weimar Academy planning to be here May 12-26. Their main work project is installing insulation and interior siding on cabins at Pioneer Campgrounds, but the contractor they had is no longer able to join the trip. Without a knowledgeable project leader, they will not be able to help with that project, and possibly not come at all. We are looking for 4-6 people with carpentry skills who could each take a day or two to lead and supervise their work. Contact Pastor Ryan (907) 795-7158.

Church Directory

Church directory pictures will be taken in the church lobby on Sabbath, starting May 2.

Registration Deadline is Next Tuesday

Women ages 13+ are invited to the Alaska Conference Women’s Ministry Retreat May 1-3, 2026, in Anchorage. Enjoy worship, prayer, and inspiring messages with guest speakers Cheri Corder and Pamela Mills. No cost to attend. Registration is required by April 28. Details and registration information are available at www.alaskaconference.org.

Join our weekly conference prayer meeting!

Monday 6:00 AM - ZOOM ONLY

AKC Daily Prayer [Computer]

AKC Daily Prayer [Mobile]

Local Church Mission

The mission of this church takes funds. As you give, please remember to make specific donations to the Palmer SDA Local Church Mission.

Around the AKC

Stay informed about the latest happenings around the Alaska Conference by subscribing to our bimonthly e-newsletter, Around The AKC. You can view past editions and sign up at www.alaskaconference.org/around-the-akc. 

We keep a close eye on our church calendar, so you can know what’s happening!

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