An Update From Pastor Ryan

You may have heard bits and pieces of a story about me running a very long way and ending up in the hospital. It’s true. Here's what happened.
This week, I ran the Bradshaw Brute 100 in Arizona, a rugged 100-mile trail race that began Monday at 6 am in Black Canyon City. I’ve been training specifically for this race since last September. I exceeded my expectations, winning the race in 23 hours and 17 seconds, finishing more than 3 hours ahead of the second-place runner. It was an incredible experience, but the effort came at a cost.
Shortly after finishing, I recognized signs of Rhabdomyolysis and went to the ER. Blood tests confirmed dangerously high levels of muscle breakdown, and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the hospital under observation. Thankfully, my numbers have improved steadily, and I expect to be discharged sometime on Friday. The situation was serious, but there appears to be no permanent damage. I feel very blessed, and I am full of gratitude.
I especially want to thank Tom and Bonnie Steinbrunner for being such a huge support. Tom was at the finish line, drove me to the ER, and stayed in touch throughout my hospital stay. I’m also grateful for the kind members of the Prescott SDA Church who visited and brought food, and for all of you back home who supported my family and me in so many ways this week.
So, have I learned my lesson? I have unsubscribed from the goal of “leaving it all out there,” and maybe I won’t push for the win next time. But I’m never going to stop pursuing appropriately sized challenges that grow me into the full experience God has for me.
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) There are many lessons you might take from the highs and lows of my week. My hope is that you would be inspired to aim high and attempt things beyond what you think are possible, knowing that God invites you into the best possible life.
Pastor Ryan

Pastoral Search Update

The church was invited to meet with the Conference leadership on Monday, May 4th. There was a good turnout of attendees. Conference President, Rodney Mills, asked our congregation some great questions to get a clear idea of what type of Pastor would be a good fit for our church. He asked for our recommendations. To recommend someone you think would be a good fit, you can give your suggestions to Stacy Peterson. Your recommendations need to fit some criteria. They must be ordained or commissioned, and if they are outside Alaska, they must have been in their current church for at least 3.5 years. All recommendations must include the person’s full name, the church they currently serve at, and contact information (phone number and/or email).

Baptismal Preparation

Classes start next Sabbath!

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

 Adventure Race

We are one month away from an unforgettable event! Sunday, June 7, we are holding our second adventure race. This is an all-day team effort that will leave you wonderfully exhausted and full of stories. 

Here are the details: Ages 12+. The race will be run in teams of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) with either a legal guardian for both kids or with two background-screened adults with two kids. Register by May 15. Will include biking, hiking, paddling, navigation, and skill challenges on a 25-mile course at Eklutna Lake.

Contact Pastor Ryan for more information. 907-795-7158

Go to the website to register: https://palmersda.org/ministries/outdoor/

AGA end of school dates:

May 18 – 6:30 pm 8th Grade Graduation

May 18 & 20 – NOON DISMISSAL

May 20 – Last Day of School

Alaska Camps

It is time to register for summer camp! Go to https://alaskaconference.org/ministries/alaska-camps/ for more information and to register. 

Cost: $199 per camper

Ages: 8 to 16

Camp Polaris: JULY 12-19, 2026

Camp Tuk: JULY 26-AUGUST 2, 2026

Camp Lorraine: AUGUST 9-16, 2026

Palmer VBS

VBS is coming the 1st week of June! We need a little help. We need some adult volunteers! Please contact Kayla @ 907-354-3009.

Date: June 1st - 5th
Time: 10 am to 12 pm (Snack included)
Ages: 4-12

Church Directory Update

Thank you to those who have already had their pictures taken. We will continue with the Church directory pictures in the church lobby on Sabbath.

Spanish Evangelistic Series (May 9–16, 7:00 pm)

Everyone is invited to a special evangelistic series at the Spanish Church, nightly at 7:00 p.m. from May 9–16. Meetings will be presented in Spanish, and if we have a strong English-speaking group, the series will be offered bilingually. Please come, bring a friend, and keep this outreach in your prayers.

AJA Community Health Expo

Join Anchorage Junior Academy for a Community Health Expo on Sunday, May 17, from 4:00–6:00 PM. Students will share what they’ve learned about health through interactive booths based on the 8 Natural Doctors. Families are encouraged to invite friends, neighbors, and non‑Adventist guests. A free meal will be provided.

A message from Carol Woodward

Thank you to my church family for the beautiful retirement party and for your love, encouragement, and support through the years. Your prayers, kindness, and friendship have meant so much to me. I am truly grateful for the many memories we have shared and for the blessing of serving alongside such a caring church family.

Join us as we celebrate the marriage of Isaac and Megan Dodge!
Since their wedding will be held out of state, we are hosting a reception for our church family to gather and celebrate this special occasion together.
📅 Sunday, June 7th
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Amazing Grace Academy Gym
Everyone is invited to attend!
The meal will be a potluck-style dinner featuring the couple’s favorite—sushi bowls. Cora Carleson will be coordinating food and connecting with those who would like to contribute items for the meal.
If you have any questions, please contact Christine Alder at 971-401-3903. If you would like to help with food, please connect with Cora.
We hope you can join us as we celebrate Isaac and Megan and bless them in this new chapter!

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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