First Valley worship service planned

In addition to the second-annual community celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there is another community event planned in the Valley for the first time.

The first Martin Luther King Jr. worship service in the Valley is being held Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla. The religion-based observance is being sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska.

"We will be honoring Martin Luther King Jr., and we're honoring Christ for giving him the strength to do the things he did," said The Rev. David Blanchett of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska. "To my recollection, it's the first time there's been a Martin Luther King Jr. worship service in the Valley."

About 20 churches will be represented in the service, which promises to be upbeat, lively and entertaining. There are several musical performances scheduled, as well as guest speakers from around Alaska.

"We're really looking forward to it. It's going to have a little different flavor than your normal worship service," Blanchett said. "It's long overdue."

Blanchett is part of the planning committee for the community celebration being held at Teeland Middle School (see related story). Having two events is a plus for the community, said Kim-Marie Walker, the organizer of the community celebration.

"Two years ago, there were no community events. Now there are two, which is great," she said.