Sun City church honors retiring pastors

Faith Presbyterian Church members, community guests and family attended the final worship service by the Reverend Mike Campbell and the Reverend Sheryl Campbell April 7. Those attending included Sheryl’s mother, Evie Guthrie, of Sun City West, and her sisters, Linda Pasquarell, of Richmond, VA, and Sue Larson, with her husband Mark, from Alburquerque, NM.

The Campbells began their ministry at Faith Church Oct. 9, 2017 where they received a warm welcome with pom poms waving. Sheryl was associate pastor and director of music. Mike was senior pastor and head of staff. During their nearly seven years of service, they welcomed many new members and visitors to Faith Presbyterian Church.

Their musical talents enhanced worship services with choir, bell choir, piano and flute. They also produced plays, skits and special holiday programs, sermons and messages. During the Covid pandemic, when most churches were closed, the pastors found a way to broadcast sermons and music by use of Sheryl’s cell phone strapped to a tripod. The sermons and music were filmed during the week in the sanctuary and shown on YouTube on Sunday.

Their final worship service April 7 included music like “Be Thou My Vision” with Sheryl on the flute and Pasquarell on the soprano saxophone. They were accompanied by Mike on the piano. “On Eagles Wings” featured Mike on the piano and Sheryl on the flute, a special arrangement for the congregation.

There were two sermons that day and Sheryl’s was titled “YuBeWig,” meaning a backwards “Goodbye or God be with you.” Mike’s last sermon was titled “There is a Time,” quoting Ecclesiastes 3:1-11: “A time to weep and a time to laugh...”

Following the worship service, the congregation, friends, relatives and honored guests left for Illingworth Hall where the program began. Opening remarks were spoken by the event coordinator Elder Ann Kennaly . The blessing was given by Reverend Gloria Sannermark-Hatcher. The catered lunch for more than 160 people was prepared by Ron and Jane Coughlin, longtime Faith caterers.

Following lunch, there was a video titled “7 Years in 7 Minutes,” produced by Elder Linda St. Pierre with photos by Mary Autio. Pastors Mike and Sheryl reflected on their years at Faith and thanked the congregation and visitors for their continuous support.

The program concluded with remarks and reflections by St. Pierre and Deacon Gerri Crothers. A gift basket arranged by staff, members, guests and family was presented Mike and Sheryl by Gerri Crothers.