Alaska Anchorage Mission
The Alaska Anchorage Mission is one of 134 missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States, centered on Anchorage. Below you’ll find the mission office address, tips for letters and packages, weather, language and temples.
At a glance
- Organized15 Oct 1974
- Mission leadersJames and Melody Ledesma began serving around July 2025, according to the Church Newsroom.
- LanguageMissionaries here usually teach in English and Spanish; your call letter tells you your exact language.
- Nearest templeThe nearest operating temple is the Anchorage Alaska Temple, in the mission area.
- WeatherNear Anchorage, the warmest month is usually July (average high about 66°F / 19°C) and the coolest is January (average low about 18°F / -8°C), with roughly 1,163 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are September.
- The Church hereAlaska has about 33,574 Church members.
This is an unofficial family guide, not affiliated with the Church; always follow your call packet and the Missionary Portal.
Mission office
Address & phone
- Office address
- 3250 Strawberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, United States
- Phone
- +1 907-345-7579
Source: Unofficial third-party directory (latterdaymissions.com) — may be out of date unofficial — confirm before mailing as of October 8, 2026
We haven’t verified the mission’s email yet — use the contacts in your call packet or the Missionary Portal.
Mission leaders
Who leads the mission
James and Melody Ledesma
Serving since July 2025 · new leaders expected July 2028
Source: Church Newsroom 2025 · as of October 8, 2026
Letters & packages
How to send letters & packages
Domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx shipping usually works well; many missions prefer packages to the mission office, but ask whether to send to the missionary's apartment instead.
- Your missionary can email weekly on P-day (preparation day: their weekly day for errands, letters and rest); letters and packages are optional extras.
- Confirm the current mailing address with the mission office or the call packet before sending — offices move.
- Small, padded envelopes usually travel faster and cheaper than boxes; declare contents honestly and avoid restricted items.
Weather & climate
Seasons, rain & live weather
Profile: cold-winter · about 1163 mm of rain a year · wettest months: Sep.
Monthly averages
| Avg high | Avg low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°F / -2°C | 18°F / -8°C | 88 mm |
| Feb | 30°F / -1°C | 20°F / -6°C | 63 mm |
| Mar | 34°F / 1°C | 24°F / -5°C | 55 mm |
| Apr | 44°F / 6°C | 31°F / 0°C | 44 mm |
| May | 53°F / 12°C | 41°F / 5°C | 62 mm |
| Jun | 62°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 59 mm |
| Jul | 66°F / 19°C | 55°F / 13°C | 92 mm |
| Aug | 64°F / 18°C | 53°F / 12°C | 126 mm |
| Sep | 56°F / 13°C | 46°F / 8°C | 144 mm |
| Oct | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 128 mm |
| Nov | 32°F / 0°C | 24°F / -5°C | 95 mm |
| Dec | 28°F / -2°C | 20°F / -7°C | 98 mm |
Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo historical weather data (2016–2025, ERA5 reanalysis) for a ~1° grid cell near the mission city. Approximate; local altitude and coast effects vary.
Language
What you’ll speak
English, Spanish
English uses the Latin alphabet; spelling is irregular, so listen a lot. Accents vary widely by region (US South, Caribbean, Scottish, Australian, Nigerian, etc.).
Assignments can include other languages; your call letter states your language.
Nearby temples
Closest temples & distances
- Anchorage Alaska Temple — Operating (January 9, 1999) · in or near Anchorage
- Anchorage Alaska Temple (New) — Dedication scheduled (13 June 2027) · about 8 mi (13 km) from Anchorage
- Fairbanks Alaska Temple — Under construction (27 September 2025) · about 259 mi (417 km) from Anchorage
The Church in Alaska
Members & congregations
- Church Membership
- 33,574
- Stakes
- 9
- Congregations
- 82
- FamilySearch Centers
- 15
- Temples
- 1
- Missions
- 1
Practical
Time zone, currency, calling code
- Time zone
- America/Anchorage
- Currency
- USD
- Country code
- +1
- Organized
- 15 Oct 1974
Culture & food
Customs & local food
- Greet with a handshake and a smile; first names are common.
- Be on time and keep appointments short and friendly.
- Respect "no soliciting" signs and private property.
- Regional cultures differ a lot: rural South, big cities, Mountain West, etc.
Foods: BBQ and regional comfort food, Tex-Mex / Mexican food, Casseroles at ward dinners, Fast food on a budget
Family groups
Connect with other families
- Alaska Anchorage Mission Moms and Friends (LDS)
- Alaska Anchorage Mission
- Alaska Anchorage Mission – Petersen
- Alaska Anchorage Mission – Lewis
- Forrey’s Finest – Alaska Anchorage Mission
- Alaska Anchorage Mission 2012-2014
- Alaska Anchorage Mission – President Forrey
- Anchorage Mission Alumn (Orton & Hendricks)
As listed by latterdaymissions.com (unofficial). Groups may be private, renamed, or inactive.
Common questions
Quick answers
Who is the mission president of the Alaska Anchorage Mission?
The mission leaders are James and Melody Ledesma, who began serving around July 2025, as announced by the Church Newsroom. Mission leaders usually serve about three years, so new leaders are expected around July 2028.
What is the Alaska Anchorage Mission office address?
An unofficial directory lists the office at 3250 Strawberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, United States. Offices move, so confirm the current mailing address in your call packet or with the mission office before sending anything.
How do I send a package to a missionary in the Alaska Anchorage Mission?
Domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx shipping usually works well; many missions prefer packages to the mission office, but ask whether to send to the missionary's apartment instead. Confirm the current address with the mission office first.
What language do missionaries speak in the Alaska Anchorage Mission?
Most missionaries here serve in English and Spanish. Your call letter states the language you will teach in.
What is the weather like in the Alaska Anchorage Mission?
Near Anchorage, the warmest month is usually July (average high about 66°F / 19°C) and the coolest is January (average low about 18°F / -8°C), with roughly 1,163 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are September. Use the packing list from your call packet as the final word.
What temples are near the Alaska Anchorage Mission?
Operating temples nearby include Anchorage Alaska Temple.
When was the Alaska Anchorage Mission organized?
The mission was organized on 15 Oct 1974.
Other missions in Alaska
Other missions nearby
Next steps
Official: Missionary Portal · Missionary resources