Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Welcoming Rev. Merri Alexander as our Interim Minister

Since the retirement of Rev. Melissa, we at Marshall Presbyterian have been enjoying hearing from a range of excellent ministers. Honestly, it's been invigorating to receive the Good News of the Gospel in so many different "dialects," since every minister has their own voice, their own preaching styles. We're now ready to enter the next phase of our church life together. 

We're delighted to announce that Rev. Merri Alexander has accepted the charge to shepherd us through the process of searching for a permanent pastor. She'll be leading us in worship on Palm Sunday, and again on Easter Sunday, before formally starting on April 1. Please join us in welcoming her to our congregation, and our Madison County community! 

One of the first things she told us is that God has already chosen our next pastor. We can't help but think that Holy Spirit has led us to find Merri as our interim pastor as well. 

White woman with light short hair and glasses, smiling, wearing an orange top. She's shown in portrait style, in front of a black background
"I’m convinced without a doubt that God has already chosen your next pastor. The trip you’re on is to journey towards that person. That person has no idea yet that they’ve been chosen to be your minister." 

Merri Alexander is a retired minister member of Western North Carolina Presbytery and currently serves as the chairperson of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Most recently specializing in transitional ministry, Merri has served congregations in North Carolina and Tennessee as they journeyed through changes in pastoral leadership. Prior to entering pastoral ministry, Merri served over a decade as a vice president at Montreat Conference Center responsible for adult conferences, partnership development, and Sunday worship. Merri holds degrees from the Southeastern Center for Photographic Studies, St. Andrews University, and Union Presbyterian Seminary. 



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Join us Easter Sunday with musical guests Newfound Gap

 Please join us for our Easter Service on Sunday, March 31 at 11:00. We'll be led in worship by Rev. Merri Alexander, and special music will be provided by siblings (who also happen to be award-winning musicians) Bayla, Sylvie, and Judah Davis who perform together under the name Newfound Gap. Some of you might remember them from the Christmas Concert Fundraiser for Neighbors in Need, where they brought the house down! Others may have heard them play at venues including Merlefest, The Earl Scruggs Festival, Folkmoot, Woodsongs, The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and many more. 

Black and white photo of three young people, aged around 12-16, smiling at the photographer. They're dressed casually and standing in a rural mountain setting.

We're very excited to welcome them back to Marshall Presbyterian.