Service Times: Sun 9 & 10:45 AM
12407 Pintail Street
Hospitality. Community. Laughter. The church family at Anchorage Grace Church goes out of its way to create opportunities to enjoy all three. (Homemade goodies, coffee, and an encouragement from Pastor Jeff Crotts to consider the sanctuary ‘…a big living room’ immediately after service made the room seem very homey as the sounds of conversation and laughter filled the air…and great (did I mention homemade) goodies were enjoyed. That’s just a preview – this visit ended well!
Back to the beginning:
Anchorage Grace Church (AGC) meets in the gymnasium at Grace Christian school. I enjoyed a warm greeting and was provided a nametag before being directed to the sanctuary with a super-informative bulletin in hand. (Side note: THANK YOU for nametags – I am a fan.)
I was impressed with the variety of instruments represented on the worship team. I’ve heard violins and flutes, but a clarinet and a trombone, too? It’s wonderful to see so many different musicians enjoy an opportunity to use their talent to serve and glorify God. Another highlight of the music service was that three of the worship leader’s children were in the band. (He joked that he learned to play marbles rather than piano. I’m glad his son stuck with the lessons!) What a beautiful principle to model – serving as a family. I also learned two new verses for “Above All” – how have I never heard those before?
AGC is very involved in their community. They partner with Mountain View Baptist and help keep their food pantry stocked as well as to assist with their Coat and Blanket Drive. In addition, AGC has a goal to provide 1,300 boxes of stuffing, volunteers, and $9,000 for the upcoming Thanksgiving Blessing. Church partnerships are a beautiful thing…I think Jesus would smile (John 17). The bulletin also outlines several weekly opportunities for everyone in the family to get involved and grow in this community.
I appreciated the way that AGC lays out their missions commitments. “And you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” Acts 1:8 This scripture is broken down into “Our Jerusalem =Anchorage, Our Judea = Alaska, Our Samaria = Pacific Rim, and Our Uttermost Parts of the Earth” with a list of ministries supported in each of those areas.
The teaching was great – God’s Wrath. I know, it doesn’t sound like it, but it really was an encouragement! (The sign of a great teacher…making God’s Wrath an enjoyable topic!) It was a blessing to be reminded that God (not me – or you) will pay back every evil act, that there is a reason for suffering, and that my eternal outcome is secure. What a relief to sit back and let God be…God! The sermon was brought to a close with “Take Home Points.” “Bottom Line” people (myself included) love that! The main points of the sermon were available in print upon request, and sermons are available online.
I met several people and enjoyed the genuine warm welcome I received on the day of my visit. I was further blessed to receive a phone call and offer for a visit – including homemade cookies – from one of the staff pastors. (Note the running theme of homemade treats here…) J
If you are in south Anchorage and have the opportunity, make it a point to visit this church family. The warm hospitality at Anchorage Grace will leave feeling embraced and offer you several opportunities to show Christ’s love to our city in practical ways. (Did I mention the cookies?)
Thanks for a wonderful visit, Anchorage Grace Church!
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