Women from across Alaska gathered May 1–3, 2026 for the annual Alaska Conference Women's Ministries Spring Retreat, an event that paired worship with practical sessions on prayer and forgiveness.
Claiming the promise of Phil. 1:6 served as the guiding theme of the retreat: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” emphasizing that God would complete the work begun in each attendee.
The weekend was filled with worship, praise and fellowship. Friday evening opened with music by Tselane Angasan-Reyes, Cecilia Angasan and Marilyn Shuler, Hillside O’Malley Church members and praise team leaders, along with Giny Lonser, Anchorage Northside Church member and pianist.
Cheri Corder, guest speaker from Michigan Conference, presented “When God Doesn’t Make Sense.” Corder, a longtime women’s ministries leader and former Missionary Care for Adventist Frontier Missions coordinator, spoke throughout the weekend.
Sabbath morning began with a prayer session presented by Judith James, Homer Company member. The session provided an opportunity for attendees to share prayer requests and bring their petitions before God.
Pamela Mills, speaker from Alaska Conference, presented the first of three sessions on forgiveness. Mills has served in family and women’s ministries for more than 45 years and has worked alongside her husband, Rodney Mills, Alaska Conference president, during decades of pastoral leadership.
Following an Alaska mission spotlight on camp ministries, morning worship concluded with Corder’s presentation, “Love in Any Language.”
After lunch and fellowship, afternoon sessions focused on forgiveness and reconciliation. Mills presented “Forgiving the Unforgiven,” followed by Corder’s session, “The Truth About Forgiving.” The evening concluded with a light supper followed by a watercolor class led by Corder. Participants, many with little or no prior experience, created hand-painted cards and expressed amazement at their work.
Sunday morning opened with a second prayer session, followed by a presentation by Mills entitled “Forgiving God,” which addressed reconciling disappointment and faith during life’s challenges. Corder then delivered the closing message, “Now Go Change the World,” encouraging participants to apply lessons from the weekend in their personal lives, families and communities.
Alaska Conference expresses appreciation to Jean Gobah, volunteer women's ministries coordinator, and the women’s ministries team for organizing the event.
Cheri Corder delivers messages during the weekend retreat, encouraging attendees to apply lessons in daily life.
From left to right: Karen Olsen, Linda Troutman and Karly Weber enjoy the weekend of fellowship and worship.
From left to right: Cecilia Angasan, Tselane Angasan-Reyes and Marilyn Shuler, Hillside O’Malley Church members, perform special music Sabbath morning.
Attendees gather for group sessions that included worship, teaching and fellowship throughout the retreat weekend.
From left to right: Pamela Mills, Cheri Corder and Judith James are recognized for their messages on prayer and forgiveness during the retreat.
Mary-Ann Guzik, Palmer Church member, shares a mission spotlight on Camp Tukuskoya ministry at the retreat.
