50th Anniversary

During 2024 stories and photos were collected, interviews were conducted, and stories were discovered!

50th Anniversary Jubilee Prayer:

God of grace and glory: for the gifts entrusted to us,

we thank you and remember our brothers and sisters who began this church.

For the years that have passed, relationships that have grown and for the ministry that has been done,

we thank you and remember our siblings in Christ who began this church.

For the opportunities ahead, for the ministries you have in mind for us, for the people you will gather into this fold,

we thank you and remember our brothers and sisters who began this church.

And since you saw fit for our congregation to begin its life in an elementary school cafeteria and a mortuary, with hopes of being a retreat center

we pray that we may continue to be a teaching and learning congregation

that we will trust dying and rising are always part of your plan

that we will continue to feast joyfully and serve generously all who hunger and thirst for you,

and strive to be a community of healing and wholeness for all God's beloved children and the whole of creation.

All this we pray in the name of the One who embodied your Amazing Grace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

Anniversary Year Highlights:

June: All ages camp out/retreat in Talkeetna. Great food, lots of laughter, games, rest, building relationship and soothing our souls with spectacular beauty.

Story Sundays: All throughout the summer, stories were shared about:

- mountains and mission

- Resurrection Trail trips (ice cream falling from the sky)

- Vacation Bible Schools

- Youth Gatherings

Summer ended with a

Hymn Sing & Pie Social & Book Swap!

Anniversary Year Highlights:

DECADE SUNDAYS:

Remembering each decade was a blast! What was happening in the community, state, country and world during those years? Kathy Hagen played songs of the decades to begin our worship. The Worship, Music & Arts team decorated for each Sunday.

70's Sunday: An Open Community

From Pastor Al Solomonson's words, "Liturgically, theologically, stewardship-wise, programming - whatever - this congregation is open - and with that openness, there is an eagerness joined with great talent."

80's Sunday: A Teaching Congregation

Amazing Grace added an education wing, learned alongside pastoral interns, and called the first youth director.

90's Sunday: Free To Grow

Lifting up the emphasis to "manage our resources wisely, focus on serving God and others, take an active role in our congregation."

2000's Sunday: Hub of Healing & Wholeness on the Hillside

Parish Nursing program began and Alcoholics Anonymous began meeting at AGLC. Prayer Shawls are an important part of this ministry. Pastoral interns continued in this decade.

2010's Sunday: Extravagant Hospitality

The building was renovated, expanding the narthex and kitchen and making bathrooms accessible.

2020's Sunday: Always Being Made New

Giving thanks for creativity and resilience during COVID and beyond.

Anniversary Celebration Weekend

Perfect Culmination!
November 15-17, 2024

Friday Night:

Holden Evening Prayer & Open House

Prayer around the cross

Dessert

Fire Pits

Displays of pictures filled the building

Saturday Night:

Golden Gala

Alaska Zoo provided a wonderful place for AGLC Trivia, a delicious banquet, and a hilarious photo booth! 50th Anniversary M&M's!

Sunday Worship Celebration

Celebration Worship on Sunday with a bountiful potluck and history from Jon Hawkinson. Land acknowledgement reminds us all that our history goes away beyond 50 years and of the Dena'ina peoples who have cared for this land from time immemorial.

"Love Divine - 50 years of Amazing Grace"

Love divine, all loves excelling.

Brought us here God's love to share

On this hillside above Anchorage,

along with neighbors and others who care.

The Spirit led us through many adventures,

provided leaders to guide our way.

Many families, singles and couples,

have shared their talents, day by day.

Love propelled us forward in service,

as we grew and heard God's call

To teach our children, care for each other