First Presbyterian Church Pastor Kennaly announces retirement

By Reader Staff

After 30 years as an ordained pastor, Andy Kennaly is retiring as the faith leader of the First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint.

Kennaly served as the solo pastor at First Presbyterian since May 8, 2011, and the community is invited to a celebration of his retirement and send-off party Sunday, May 18 in the church Fellowship Hall (417 N. Fourth Ave.).

Worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the party will go from noon-2 p.m.

“We are profoundly grateful for Pastor Andy’s years of creative, dedicated service to this congregation and the community,” stated church Elder Bill Love. “We are blessed to have had his faith-filled guidance and companionship all these years.”

A celebration in honor of Pastor Andy Kennaly’s 30 years in the pulpit will take place Sunday, May 18 at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. and the send-off party from 12-2 p.m. Courtesy photo

In addition to preaching, leading workshops and retreats, officiating at funerals and weddings, and providing pastoral calls, visits and spiritual direction, he and his wife, Shawna, strove to model a Christian “care-of-creation lifestyle,” church officials wrote in an announcement. 

“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,” Kennaly stated.

“Thank you for your support and encouragement over these years given to me and my family,” he added. “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 and continue to appreciate the area, grow food and nurture bees, explore new places, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. 

“Though my pulpit ministry will conclude on Sunday, May 18, my words will continue to be shared through writing,” he stated.

Kennaly posts spiritual meditations, journal reflections, poetry and other notes at andykennaly.substack.com.

Contact the church office at 208-263-2047 or office@fpcsandpoint.org for more info.