Like the long distance relay runners preparing for the Olympics in Rio, practicing the “hand off” is all important.  In church and community life leaders and staff go and come. American River Community Church (ARCC) has been serving the Carmichael community since 1948 and has gone through many such “hand offs” over the years.  Recently three significant staff transitions have been made with great hope and expectation that their collective leadership will increase the Christian impact the church of 150 members has in Sacramento County and the world.  As lead Pastor I introduce you to:

Steven Randal,
Worship & Music Director

Steven has been a music educator, local performing musician and worship leader in the Sacramento region for over 20 years.  He joined the ARCC staff July 1st.  His passion to be in the world sharing God’s love with people both inside and outside of the church has been his driving force and personal ministry pursuit.  Working with his broad network of some of the area’s finest musicians, he has been able to support and lead praise and worship ministry in Folsom and surrounding areas for many years.  Steven and his wife of 27 years reside in Folsom and have five daughters and ten grandkids.

Jessica Hankerson,
Director Wonder-Land Christian
Pre-School and Day Care Center

Miss Jessica started as the Assistant Director for Wonder-Land School in mid-2015.  The licensed pre-school and day care center is a mission arm of the church.  Jessica was moved into the Director position March 1, 2016.  She has a B.A. in Child Development from Sacramento State and a M.A. in Education from the University of San Francisco.  She loves spending time with family and friends, attending church, going skating and singing karaoke.  She will be married in August.

Svitlana Kovalev,
Children’s Ministries Director

Svitlana was born in Ukraine and 7 years ago came to the United States to join her husband.  At age 16 she became a believer in God and started to follow Jesus.  She served her church in Ukraine teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and leading art, drama, & sports for children during summer camps.  Since joining her husband at ARCC her life has been touched by the children she has interacted with as both a volunteer and paid attendant.  She is always open to helping families who have children.  She loves children and she thanks God that the children love her back!  Svitlana has demonstrated leadership and artistic gifts that will prove invaluable assets to growing a healthy children’s ministry.  She and her husband look forward to adopting a foster child

As Lead Pastor, l invite our Carmichael neighbors to meet these new staff members at a COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL SUNDAY AUGUST 21ST FROM 6:30 TO 8:30PM in the shaded courtyard at the center of the church campus.  The Steve Randal Band will provide a variety of music for all to enjoy, there will be a hop house and open gym for children and of course Ice Cream and toppings in ample supply.  Your host will be Anna Stowe, Outreach Team Leader.  Come make the “Hand – Off” fun and friendly!