The Charis Fellowship has had churches in Alaska since the 1970s, with four remaining today: Kenai Grace Brethren Church, Peninsula Grace Church, and Sterling Grace Community Church in the Kenai Peninsula and Eagle River Grace outside of Anchorage.
At the end of May, the Charis Executive Team traveled to Alaska to visit the four Charis churches in the region. Executive Director Phil Sparling, Fellowship Coordinator Tim Hodge, and Networking Coordinator Andrew Saunders spent several days connecting with leaders and attending worship services with the congregations.
“It was very encouraging to engage with each leadership team in person!” Andrew said.
“How wonderful it was to connect with our Charis Fellowship brothers and sisters in beautiful Alaska and to learn more about their unique ministry contexts and the creative ways they are serving and connecting with their communities,” Tim said. “God is doing some great things through these awesome local churches!”
Justin Franchino, lead pastor of Peninsula Grace Church, said: “We had a great time with Phil, Tim, and Andrew. It’s so encouraging to know we have a family of churches around the country walking through the same joys and challenges together! We are grateful for leadership in the Fellowship keeping us connected.”