Plan a visit to Anchor of Hope

We’ve been an anchor for families and individuals living in Kenai, North Kenai, Nikiski, and Soldotna for 65+ years. We’re not only a family tradition but a place for hopeful optimism about what’s possible on the Kenai Peninsula. Join us this Sunday. You belong here and we cannot wait to meet you!

Start a new habit.

Visiting a new church can be pretty intimidating! We know because we’ve all been there. We’ve designed this page to help you prepare for your first visit to Anchor of Hope so you will know exactly what to expect.

What is the Sunday Service like?

Sunday Service typically lasts about 75 minutes.

The service will begin with about 15 minutes of music led by a virtual or live band. The words of the songs will be shown on large TVs or found in hymnals provided. Many people will sing along and you can too. Participate as you feel comfortable. We use music as a way of expressing our love for God and appreciation for what He has done for us.

Children are typically in the service with their parents and we’re totally okay with that :D There is both a “wiggle room” and a “quiet room” for parents to take their children to when needed. Children will find a bookshelf specifically for them along the back wall of the worship center (auditorium). They’re welcome to choose books or activities with their parent’s permission.

There will likely be a few times that one of the leaders will pray during the service. You might be asked to sit or to stand up during those prayers. We’ll always make sure you know exactly what to do and we won’t leave you guessing.

One of our pastors will teach a lesson from the Bible. Our goal is to help everyone understand the Bible and to apply it to their lives. The teaching will be practical and challenging, and hopefully will inspire you in your personal pursuit of God.

On some occasions we may have a Children’s Message (a dedicated time for the children to sit with the pastor before the church to experience the message in a way they will understand) or baptisms during the service. Other times we celebrate communion (some refer to it as Lord’s Supper or Eucharist) together. At every service, we’ll have a host who will explain what’s happening during the service so that there are no surprises whatsoever.

At the conclusion of our service each Sunday we take an offering of financial gifts. This offering is for those who call Anchor of Hope their “church home”. As our guest, you’re not expected to give any money. That decision is totally up to you. We have been blessed with many opportunities to serve the needs of our community, and through the generosity of our church members, we can meet those needs. You are welcome to participate as you feel you’re ready.

What if I don’t have my own Bible?

One of the things that our church is known for is the Bible teaching from our pastors. Each has an exceptional gift of taking what may seem like complicated topics in the Bible and explaining them in ways that we can all understand. You can follow the link below to browse our sermon library and see for yourself.

We want every person to feel comfortable and become confident in their ability to read and understand the Bible. If you don’t own a Bible, we’d love to give you one. There will be a Bible under the seat in front of you. You can also download a Bible app to your phone for easy access. That may be why others sitting around you have their phones out during the service. They’re not texting! Well, most of them aren’t. 😉

Watch Sermons

Sunday School @ 10. Sunday Service @ 11.

FAQs

  • People attend Sunday Service in everything from Carhartt® bibs and overalls to dresses and slacks – so come in whatever you’re comfortable wearing! We’re just excited for you to join us! We’re confident that you’ll fit in no matter how you dress.

  • We want you to feel welcome at Anchor of Hope. But we also want you remain anonymous if chose to as you check things out. You will not be asked to stand up, identify yourself, do the hokey-pokey, or anything else that might make you feel uncomfortable.

  • As our guest, we do not expect any money from you. The offering is a way for the Anchor of Hope family to pool our money together and cover our organizational expenses and be generous. If you’re new, we don’t expect you to give. Our service is a gift to you.

    If you do consider Anchor of Hope your church home, we’d love for you to prayerfully consider regular giving. You can give by check or cash at Sunday Service, or you can set up an online giving account on MissionalChurch.org/give.

    Offering boxes are located near the doors as you exit the worship center and in other convenient locations throughout our campus.

  • At this time, children sit with their parents in the worship center during Sunday Service.

    Our Lead Pastor invites the children to sit with him for 5 minutes to discuss the lesson in an engaging way for them. This time of the service is called the Children’s Message.

    There is a shelf for children located in the back of the worship center where they can check out interesting books and activities with their parent’s permission.

    There is also a “wiggle room” if you need to take your child to a different area so they can expend some energy.

  • We offer senior and handicap parking near the main entrance.

    All regular attendees and guests are welcome to park behind the building or to the left side from where you enter the driveway.

    We routinely plow the parking lot but as always be careful walking in and out of the building during the winter months.

  • There is one main entrance to the building. It is located underneath the walkway on the back side of the building from where you enter the driveway.

    When you enter feel free to grab a cup of coffee and a program. Stop by the wall boards in the main lobby to learn about opportunities to get involved.

If you have more questions.

We want to make your first visit a positive and memorable experience. Let us know how we can better do that for you!