|
I’m happy to share that Reverend Robert “Sandy” Saunders will be serving as Interim Associate Pastor while we continue our search for an Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Care. During this interim time, Sandy’s focus will be on pastoral care, an area that reflects his Christ-like love for people and long history of faithful service.
For those who might be newer to Snyder, this is actually Sandy’s return, again! He first began serving here in July of 1980 and, through the years, has worn just about every hat imaginable. After his retirement, Sandy never really left. He’s stayed connected to Snyder in many meaningful ways—serving in our children’s and student ministries, sitting on various committees, and stepping into interim roles when the church needed him most.
On a personal note, since my first day at Snyder, Sandy has been a trusted friend and advisor. He jokes that, like a “bad penny,” he always shows back up, but for me, he’s more like a welcome friend who always seems to arrive at just the right time. When I heard he was wrapping up his service as Interim Pastor at Red Springs Baptist, it was clear the time was right for him to return to Snyder. Plus, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have another Alabama Crimson Tide fan on our team!
Sandy’s interim responsibilities will include visiting our homebound members and those in nursing or assisted living facilities, and making follow-up calls to those who are ill or homebound. He’ll also share hospital visitation responsibilities with Reverend Susie Reeder, which will be especially important when Susie is heavily engaged in her responsibilities as Minister of Missions.
Sandy will also support me as we come alongside grieving families, meeting with them, offering comfort, and helping plan funeral and memorial services. He’ll work closely with Ministry Assistant Sara Barefoot to organize these services and with Executive Pastor Mike Ramos to arrange columbarium services. In addition, Sandy will assist Mike Ramos by supporting the Committee on Committees as needed.
He’ll give attention to our seniors, attending gatherings, helping plan outings, and supporting leaders like Carolyn Owens and Judy Dawkins, who make these ministries thrive.
We are grateful that Sandy continues to say “yes” when called upon. His steady leadership, gentle spirit, and sense of humor remind us all of the Sweet, Sweet Spirit of Jesus for which we want Snyder to be known.
Sandy, welcome back, good friend.
Looking forward,
Blake
| 
