Pastor Andy is Retiring
The First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint announces that after 30 years as an ordained pastor and dedicated service Pastor Andy Kennaly will retire from church leadership. The community is invited to a celebration in his honor in the church Fellowship Hall on Sunday, May 18. The worship service is at 10:30 am with a send-off party from noon to 2 pm.
Pastor Andy has served as solo pastor of the Presbyterian church since May 8, 2011. During this time, he has been a true spiritual leader by example. In addition to preaching inspiring messages, leading workshops and retreats, officiating at funerals and weddings, providing pastoral calls and visits and spiritual direction, he and his wife, Shawna, model a Christian care-of-creation lifestyle.
“We are profoundly grateful for Pastor Andy’s years of creative, dedicated service to this congregation and the community,” says Bill Love, Elder. “We are blessed to have had his faith-filled guidance and companionship all these years.”
Pastor Andy states, “I am appreciative of the many places I’ve worked, but especially First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint, Idaho, where 14 of those 30 years have been based. Same dynamics: trust, patience, curiosity, all a shared adventure and the living out of baptismal promises. Thank you for your support and encouragement over these years given to me and my family. There have been too many “once-in-a-lifetime-experiences” to count. Love’s creativity and the dynamic nature of life have found many ways to express the depths of Wisdom that echoes for those with ears to hear it.”
The Kennalys plan to stay in Sandpoint to continue to appreciate the area, grow food and nurture bees, explore new places and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Church members and friends are delighted that they can continue to connect to his poetry, essays and messages. Pastor Andy says in a statement, “Though my pulpit ministry will conclude on Sunday, May 18, 2025, my words will continue to be shared through writing. I post my works of spiritual meditations, journal reflections, poetry, and notes through Substack, found online and via the Substack App.
Join the church in a celebration of service starting with worship at 10:30 am Sunday, May 18 followed by the party from noon to 2 pm at 417 N. Fourth Ave. in Sandpoint.