<![CDATA[Wrangell Seventh-day Adventist Church - Active in Ministry]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:55:40 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Ruth- Redeemer VBS]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:11:55 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/july-19th-2026
Picture
Sabbath right after church (Image courtesy of: Joy Anderson )
From June 9–13, Bethel came alive with the story of Ruth. Six volunteers made the week possible — three from Wrangell and three from Bethel, including a husband-and-wife team who turned out to be a huge blessing. We didn't know beforehand that the wife was a science teacher, but she took over the science station and ran with it. Magnets and balloon experiments became instant favorites, with kids crowding around to see what would happen next.

Each night, Ruth took the stage in a skit, retelling her story of loss, loyalty, and redemption straight to the kids. They were enthralled — leaning in, following every word. By the end of the week, several kids had memorized the memory verse, carrying a piece of Ruth's story with them long after VBS ended.

It was a week full of small, unexpected gifts — a science teacher we didn't know we needed, a story that captivated young hearts, and verses tucked away in memory for good. Thank you to every volunteer who made it happen.
]]><![CDATA[Reaching Further: The Work of Our AV Team]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/reaching-further-the-work-of-our-av-teamThe gospel has always been meant to travel — and at Wrangell SDA Church, our Audio/Visual team is making sure it does.

Behind the scenes, Brooke handles the heavy lifting — building and maintaining our church website, managing social media, and keeping our digital presence running smoothly. James faithfully records and manages audio each week, with Marlin stepping in as backup when needed. For a small church, it's a significant amount of work. But the fruits have made every hour worth it.

Not long ago, a man came to Wrangell for a job. Before he arrived, he found us online — and reached out through Facebook. He joined our church family for the months he was in town, and later shared that the church had been a tremendous source of support during that season of his life. That connection started with a simple search. It started because we were there to be found.

That's the heart behind what this team does. Every uploaded sermon, every updated webpage, every social media post is an open door. Our newest Plan Your Visit page continues that mission, making it easy for anyone — local or just passing through — to find us, know us, and feel welcome.

We are grateful for Brooke, James, Marlin, and every volunteer who helps carry this work forward.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at Wrangell SDA Church and never miss a sermon.

]]><![CDATA[A Little Book, A Big God]]>Sun, 24 May 2026 18:30:49 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/a-little-book-a-big-godPicture
In 2019, Pastors Charlie and Dena were personally reading through E.G. White's classic Steps to Christ — specifically the recovery edition, chosen with intention. Their hearts had long been drawn to those struggling with addiction, and they hoped to use the book for an outreach event centered on that need. When the event never came together, they shared their reading journey on the church blog, and Wrangell Church made a quiet commitment: to mail a copy to anyone who asked. Not long after, Charlie and Dena stepped away from pastoral duties in Wrangell due to medical reasons, leaving that small promise in the congregation's hands.

What happened next surprised everyone.

One by one, requests began arriving — from across the United States, from Great Britain (Read that story here), and even Barbados. Every copy of the recovery edition has now been sent out, and the church continues to fulfill requests using regular editions, averaging one or two a month this year. The thread of need has never gone quiet and over 50 books have been given out to date.

These aren't mass mailings or organized campaigns. They are individual people, somewhere in the world, asking for a small book about coming to Jesus — and a small church in Wrangell, Alaska, saying yes.

Now, with Charlie and Dena back in the pulpit, there is a sweetness in looking back. What began during a season of medical uncertainty and transition has become a quiet, ongoing ministry that neither they nor the congregation fully anticipated. God, it turns out, had plans for those books all along.

If you'd like a copy of Steps to Christ, just reach out. We'd love to send you one.
]]><![CDATA[The Heart of the Storm]]>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:06:14 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/april-22nd-2026
Picture
Group at Long Term Care Singing as a part of the Women's Retreat. (Photo credit: Rose Oborn)
3rd Annual Southeast Alaska SDA Women's Retreat | Wrangell, AK | April 17–19
What happens when women from across Southeast Alaska gather in Wrangell for a weekend centered on faith, fellowship, and the peace that only God can give? Something truly special.

The 3rd Annual Southeast Alaska SDA Women's Retreat, themed The Heart of the Storm, drew together women for three days of worship, community, and renewal. Kari DeFreest opened the retreat with a devotional that set the tone for the weekend: "God transplants His desires into our hearts. He teaches us to want what He wants."

Sabbath morning brought a spirit-filled worship service, followed by a potluck and one of the weekend's most memorable moments — the group visited a local long-term care facility to sing for residents there. Watching faces light up was a reminder that ministry doesn't stop at the retreat door.

Sabbath evening, the group gathered to watch and discuss videos of women from  I Am Second, facilitated by Christie Axmaker. Sunday closed with a devotional by Brooke Reynolds and a community service project assembling Teacher Appreciation gift bags.

Dena Meigs' sermon on choices may have said it best: "When God chooses us and we reciprocate by choosing Him through all of life's ups and downs — that's the best choice."

If you've never attended, we hope to see you next year.


]]><![CDATA[Delivering Hope Through the Snow]]>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:19:43 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/delivering-hope-through-the-snow
Picture
When heavy snow blanketed Wrangell this past weekend, it didn't stop a dedicated crew of volunteers from the community and Wrangell SDA Church from doing what they do every month — showing up for their neighbors.

A solid small group of volunteers gathered at the church for the monthly Senior Box Program distribution, loading up cars and heading out across town despite the challenging road conditions. With snow falling and roads slick, they made their way to each stop, dropping off boxes packed with dry goods like pasta and cereal, canned goods, and cheese — the kind of practical help that makes a real difference in a senior's month.

But the boxes weren't the only thing delivered. At each door, volunteers paused to chat, check in, and simply be present with the seniors they served. That's always been the heartbeat of this program — not just supplemental groceries, but genuine human connection.
There's something fitting about pushing through a snowstorm to serve others. It's discipleship in action — the kind that happens not in a pew, but on a slippery front porch on a cold winter morning. The seniors who received boxes were deeply grateful, and honestly, so were the volunteers.
The Senior Box Program has served Wrangell's low-income seniors for a number of years and is always looking to reach more people who could use the help. If you know someone who is 60 or older and on a limited income, please encourage them to reach out at 907-874-3039.  
Community Service Info
]]><![CDATA[Can You Hear Him? Does He Hear You?]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:18:48 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/can-you-hear-him-does-he-hear-youTo kick off the new year, Pastor Charlie Meigs delivered two powerful messages that felt like a perfect reset for our hearts and our relationship with God.

On January 3rd, Pastor Charlie opened with "How to Hear the Lord" — a reminder that God is always speaking, but are we tuned in? He shared that God speaks to us in more ways than we might realize: through prayer, through the people around us, through Scripture, and even through the beauty of nature. The key? Our hearts have to be open and ready to receive. As Pastor Charlie put it, "Our hearts have to be knit with His." That line alone is worth sitting with for a while.

Then on January 10th, he flipped the conversation with "How God Hears Us." The encouraging truth at the heart of this message — God wants to hear from us. Not because He has to, but because He genuinely desires that connection with each of us. What a comforting thought to carry into 2026.
Together, these two sermons paint a beautiful picture of a two-way relationship with God — one where He speaks and we listen, and where we speak and He listens.
If you missed either message, you can catch both on our website at wrangellsda.org/sermons-2026 or search Wrangell SDA Church on YouTube. They're worth your time!
]]><![CDATA[Wrangell Adventurer Club: Growing in Faith and Service]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 04:31:26 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/wrangell-adventurer-club-growing-in-faith-and-service
When the Wrangell Seventh-day Adventist Church launched its Adventurer Club in September 2024, the team took a step of faith with just one brave child at their first meeting. Now in their second year, that faith continues to be sustained as the club grows in purpose and commitment.

This month, the Adventurers have been busy working on their Baking, Courtesy, and Acts of Kindness badges. These aren't just activities to check off a list—they're opportunities to learn what it means to serve others with love. The club put their learning into action by organizing a litter cleanup near the church, demonstrating kindness to their neighbors in a practical, visible way.

One of the most exciting developments has been watching the children learn the books of the Bible song from this year's Alive in Jesus Primary songs (Alive in Jesus is the new curriculum for Sabbath Schools). There's something special about hearing young voices memorize Scripture through song, planting seeds that will grow throughout their lives.

Currently, two faithful children attend the club regularly, and their enthusiasm is contagious. One family has become actively involved, and the kids genuinely look forward to their time together each meeting. While the numbers may seem small, the church celebrates this foundation. After all, Jesus reminded us that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there with them.

The team has faced the challenge of finding a meeting time that doesn't conflict with other community activities in Wrangell. The Adventurer Club team continues to navigate these practical considerations while keeping their focus on what matters most: creating a space where children can grow closer to Christ.

"We're just excited to have this club and this opportunity for outreach," the team shares. The heart behind the Adventurer Club remains the same as when it launched—a desire to invest in children's ministry and create consistent opportunities for the youngest members of the community to experience God's love.

As the Wrangell Adventurer Club continues its second year of ministry, they ask for prayer in two specific areas: that the club will grow as more families discover this ministry, and that the leaders themselves will draw closer to Christ even as they help draw others to Him.

Adventurer club is open to K-3rd grade. See www.wrangellsda.org/Adventurer-club for upcoming meetings.

]]><![CDATA[Annual Christmas Cookie Party Spreads Joy Through Community]]>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:49:33 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/annual-christmas-cookie-party-spreads-joy-through-community
Winter weather did its best to keep people home this past Sunday, December 14th, but four dedicated women weren't about to let a snowy day stop one of our most cherished annual traditions: the Christmas Cookie Party.

Despite the heavy snowfall blanketing the area, these determined bakers gathered to continue a tradition that has become a highlight of our holiday season. Armed with flour, sugar, and plenty of festive spirit, they transformed the kitchen into production lines of holiday cheer.

By the end of the day, their efforts yielded an impressive 19 dozen cookies—that's 228 individual treats ready to spread sweetness throughout our community. Using a treasured secret recipe passed down through the years, they crafted batch after batch of sugar cookies cut into festive holiday shapes. Trees, stars, snowmen, and bells emerged from the oven, ready to be transformed into edible works of art with colorful icing and sparkling sprinkles.

These cookies aren't just for show. Each batch was made with a purpose: to brighten the days of people across our community. The cookies were distributed to local workplaces, thanking those who serve us throughout the year, and to individuals who might need a reminder that they're thought of during the holiday season.

Was it tiring? Absolutely. Hours of mixing, rolling, baking, and decorating left everyone ready for a well-deserved rest. But was it worth every minute? Without question. The joy these simple gestures bring to recipients makes all the effort worthwhile.

This annual tradition reminds us that the holiday spirit isn't dampened by inconvenient weather or long hours in the kitchen. It thrives when people come together with a shared purpose: spreading kindness, one cookie at a time. We're already looking forward to next year's gathering and the smiles these treats will bring to faces throughout our community.
]]><![CDATA[Wrangell SDA Church Welcomes Pastor Charlie Meigs Home]]>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/wrangell-sda-church-welcomes-pastor-charlie-meigs-home
Picture
Garrett Holmes, AK Conference of SDA, welcomes the Meigs family back to Wrangell. (photo courtesy of Nicki Benedict)
Picture
Pastor Charlie Meigs preaches his first sermon since returning to Wrangell. (photo courtesy of Nicki Benedict)
The Wrangell Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a joyful homecoming on Saturday, November 22, as Pastor Charlie Meigs and his wife were officially installed to serve both the Wrangell and Petersburg SDA churches. The installation marked a meaningful return for the Meigs family, who previously served the Wrangell congregation from 2014 to 2019.

A large and jovial gathering of church members filled the sanctuary to welcome back their beloved pastoral family. Garrett Holmes, Vice President of Finance for the Alaska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, traveled to Wrangell to officiate the installation ceremony. Holmes warmly welcomed the Meigs on behalf of the conference, noting that there wasn't much to share about them that the congregation didn't already know. He shared that he had enjoyed visiting with the couple before the service and offered a heartfelt prayer of blessing over their ministry.

During the service, Pastor Meigs expressed his gratitude with simple but meaningful words: "It is good to be home." After leaving Wrangell in 2019, the Meigs served in the Tri-Cities area of Washington before moving to Orofino, Idaho, where Charlie worked as a bible worker. Their return to Alaska demonstrates their enduring love for the community they consider home, and his heartfelt sentiment reflected the deep connection the family has maintained with Wrangell throughout their years away.

The installation service continued with Communion, followed by piano selections performed by Garrett Holmes. The congregation then gathered for a potluck meal, extending the celebration of this special reunion.
]]><![CDATA[Fellowship, Cards, and a Time of Singing]]>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 01:54:40 GMThttps://www.wrangellsda.org/active-in-ministry/fellowship-cards-and-a-time-of-singingOctober was our church's month to serve through the Wrangell Ministerial Association's long-term care ministry. The Wrangell Ministerial Association's rotating ministry ensures our long-term care community receives consistent care and attention throughout the year, with each church taking a month to serve. 
After worship each sabbath, we gathered for a wonderful potluck featuring warm, comforting soups and an array of delicious baked goods. The fellowship around the table was a gift, the simple joy of sharing a meal together. This time of connection strengthened us for the ministry ahead.

Our Adventurers group spent time creating heartfelt cards, at one of meetings we had this month. These weren't just cards—they were tangible expressions of love and reminders that our long-term care residents are valued members of our community. Church members had the privilege of distributing these cards during one of our visits.

The highlight of our outreach was singing together for the residents. Music has a remarkable way of lifting spirits and bridging generations, and we witnessed smiles and even sing-alongs as we shared familiar hymns and songs.
Yes, it was a long day. But as we reflected afterward, we kept returning to one simple question: How do we want others to treat us? This golden rule isn't just words—it's a call to action. When we invest time in visiting those who may feel isolated, we're living out the love we hope to receive, and our church family showed up with willing hearts to do just that.
]]>