Good Shepherd celebrates 25 years in Valley

Special service set for Sunday, with potluck to follow

By CASEY RESSLER-Valley Life editor

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is celebrating 25 years in the Valley this weekend with a special service this Sunday.

The church first started meeting in the old Presbyterian Church, and after a few different interim locations, settled at its present location on Bogard Road next to Wasilla High School.

"On Sunday we are going to have some of the founders talk about what it took to establish the church and the rest of the church's history," said Pastor Duane Hanson, who has been with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for the last 14 years.

As with anything that has been in the Valley for the last 25 years, the church has seen tremendous growth and lots of changes.

"I think the church really reflects the Valley. The growth and the diversity of the people are two things that go hand in hand with what the Valley has been undergoing."

Part of that growth has meant adding a new sanctuary and expanding the church, a project that was recently completed.

Hanson said the church has become a place where people from all walks of life can come together.

"We have people from all over the spectrum of social and political makeups," Hanson said.

"A lot of times, you tend to go with folks who share the same beliefs as you, but we have a lot of blending of people. That makes for a healthy church I think," he added.

The strong sense of community has kept Good Shepherd Lutheran Church a strong force in the Valley.

"As we get more and more polarized as a society, it's nice to have a church to bring everyone together," Hanson said. "That's one of the greatest challenges in American culture. The church offers a gift to Americans to come together."

On Sunday, Bishop Ron Martinson of Anchorage will be speaking, as will some of the church's founding and longtime members.

Normally, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church holds services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., but this Sunday, there will only one service presented, at 10:30 a.m.

"We're bringing everyone together for one big, special service," Hanson said.

Following the service, there will be a community potluck.