George Gainer, much-beloved pastor of our Pleasant Valley Church (PVC), has announced his retirement from full-time pastoral ministry. At the helm as senior pastor since 1998, Pastor Gainer’s retirement officially begins on January 1, 2022, with a special farewell service planned at PVC for the following Sabbath, January 8.

Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president, issued words of congratulation and well wishes for the future. “Pastor George and Leanne Gainer have been an exceptional ministry team for many years. Their steady and wise leadership through different seasons of challenging times has been a great blessing. They have led with integrity, dignity and love toward all, while always advancing the core identify of uplifting salvation and life in Christ as the central theme and guiding point in life. We wish them God’s abundant blessings in the next chapter of retirement and look forward to continued fellowship in the years ahead and throughout eternity.”

With this retirement decision, Pastor Gainer will join his wife, Leanne, who retired during 2020 from her longtime commitment as an elementary school teacher. They have not yet made any plans to relocate from the greater Portland area, but do plan to add more quality time with their family of three children and nine grandchildren. In addition, they have recently accepted an invitation to serve the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) as Northwest ADRA Ambassadors. In that part time role, they will visit churches and schools to share stories about ADRA’s vision for Christian service.

A PVC committee will work with the Oregon Conference soon on a replacement strategy for a new senior pastor. Pastors Greg Phillips and Emily Ellis will continue to provide leadership for the church throughout the search process. More details will be offered as they are available. For a more in-depth article on Pastor George Gainer’s life and ministry, visit the PVC website.