Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV

18 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.

19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

The time in this church’s history when Sam Hayes was Senior Pastor and Andy Yarnell was Associate Pastor is now a thing of the past. We can appreciate their impact on our lives and the life of this church community. We can take what they taught us and challenged us to be and continue to grow. But as far as their time with us it is over. They have gone to other phases of their lives and ministry. Sam has gone into retirement where he will teach eight graders with learning disabilities and Andy has moved to Pell City where he will be the Senior Pastor. I give thanks to God for His blessings to us through Sam and Andy. While they have moved on to different places, the impact of their ministry here will continue to guide and strengthen us. We are reminded to “not dwell on the past.”

God is “about to do a new thing.” A new phase in our church history is beginning. The Reverend Sherri Reynolds will join us as our new Senior Pastor on July 2. Sherri will be our first female Senior Pastor. She will also be the first minister not moving into our parsonage since the Board of Stewards voted to sell the parsonage and to give the Senior Pastor and family a monthly allowance to rent or buy a house. We welcome Sherri, her husband Rob, and her daughters to Gadsden. Sherri will lead us with new insights and visions of where God is taking us and how to be more faithful servants. She will teach us and guide us from a different and rich perspective. The experiences and wisdom she has gained as a female clergyperson will enhance our growth as Christian people. Personally, I am excited that God is “about to do a new thing!” I thank God for His wisdom in bringing Sherri to us and for His blessings we will receive through her ministry here. Through her God will make us a better and stronger Christian community.