EDITORS NOTE: The following letter was emailed to the congregation on April 11.
Dear West End Family,
As you may recall, I recently announced the pending retirement of Judy Dorris, our beloved Director of Children’s Ministry. I’m writing today to share with you that our team, with outside guidance, has identified a wonderful new leader for this vital ministry, Mary Berndt. I truly believe Mary is a provision from the Lord who will uphold the excellence of our children’s ministry and lead it into the future.
Mary currently serves in senior leadership at Daystar Counseling, one of our longtime Hope for Nashville partners. Prior to Daystar, Mary served as an elementary teacher at Christ Presbyterian Academy. The mom of two adult daughters, she is also blessed with five grandchildren.
Sissy Goff, Daystar’s director of child and adolescent counseling, tells us, “Mary Berndt has been an integral part of our Daystar community for 16 years. She brings warmth, kindness, professionalism, tenacity, and a gentle strength to every task and every person with whom she interacts. She will be a tremendous blessing to both the children and families of the West End community.”
I couldn’t agree more! Mary cares deeply about children and that they come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. We’ve already been blessed by Mary’s volunteer service in our church and are excited about the gifts she brings to this role.
To ensure a smooth transition, Mary will work alongside Judy starting on Easter Sunday through Judy’s retirement at the end of May. When you see Mary, please join me in giving her a warm welcome to our staff.
Yours for making disciples of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth,
Carter Crenshaw
Senior Pastor