Our church has lots of families with lots of kids. A Sunday morning may see over fifty children race for children's church and Wednesday night AWANA's ministry can often seem overwhelming with over one hundred kids attending. The entire ministry of the church is designed around the philosophy of "strong families growing in Christ, reaching families for Christ". Families are encouraged to serve in the church together and children are given many opportunities to minister. It is not uncommon to see elementary age children assist in leading music in the morning worship service or teens share a puppet presentation Sunday night. The idea of family extends to the church body as a whole where we are continually seeking a spirit of genuine caring that shares both hurts and joys with one another. On a recent Sunday morning a family, behind on their roof with winter coming, requested help and several families responded immediately that afternoon with assistance, while another couple received warm applause when announcing the birth of their new son. The joy of our fellowship together is seen even when families move on from Alaska to elsewhere. Dozens of families throughout the world continue to keep in touch with the church family sharing prayers, joys and the Lord from far away.
Our church services and ministry strive to reflect living, growing worship by God's people in Jesus name. There are open times of prayer and sharing. There is a concentrated effort to teach the scriptures as God's inspired, inerrant and absolutely authoritative word through verse by verse exposition with application to real life. There are numerous opportunities for a variety of individuals to take part in church services from music to reading scripture. Service times are open ended to allow for God's particular work and ministry that day. Worship style varies from Sunday to Sunday, reflecting the unique contribution of the individuals leading the service and their gifts.
The church family seeks to have a heart that is willing to do what God asks. There is a high level of commitment to God in the church body in the areas of service, giving and family, evangelism and missions. Both men and women serve faithfully on Sunday and during the week in AWANA, bible studies, Sunday school, children's church and other activities. Many are sincerely trying to have a witness for Christ on their jobs and in their homes. Many have a strong desire to serve the Lord any way and anywhere He asks. Several have been on short and long term missions trips and desire to do so again. Many also recognize the danger of becoming "ingrown" and "playing church" and want to continue reaching out to the lost and hurting with true eternal life in Jesus.
The church family is made up of believers drawn from the communities of Eagle River, Chugiak, Peter's Creek, Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska. The church facilities are located in the Birchwood area of Eagle River, which has a population of 25,000. The area is still growing and provides lots of opportunities to influence families in the military, business or government for the Savior. Our "formal" mission support includes: Crisis Pregnancy Center, and Native Alaskan Missions; Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp - Missouri, Wycliffe in Indonesia, Arab World Ministries, GBIM in Ireland, World Vision, Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF).
Eagle River Grace is also a member of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The church benefits from and contributes to the national fellowship in various ways, such as international missions and youth conferences.
We would like nothing better than to share with you eternal life in relationship with the Creator who made you that comes only through Jesus Christ. If you are interested, please contact us for information or prayer.
