With a “full heart,” Joy Bedford notified the church in June of her retirement as Edu- cation Director after 20 years in that position. An effective date has not been set, pending the naming of her replacement, according to Pastor Bobby, who said plans are being made to celebrate and thank Joy for her long service.

A search committee for a new Educa- tion Director has been formed and is al- ready receiving applications for the position, which has been revised from 30 to 40 hours a week and now includes the duties of LOGOS Director. Committee members are Dawn Bookert, Chair, Jaime Cowan, Gary Nelon, Magen Smith and Theresa McKenna.

A search committee for a new Educa- tion Director has been formed and is al- ready receiving applications for the position, which has been revised from 30 to 40 hours a week and now includes the duties of LOGOS Director. Committee members are Dawn Bookert, Chair, Jaime Cowan, Gary Nelon, Magen Smith and Theresa McKenna.

In her letter of resignation, Joy said, “I will miss being a part of this wonder- ful, caring, loving staff. I will miss all of you. I am honored that I have had the opportunity to know you. I will miss the children and youth. I will miss learning and growing under Bobby’s leadership. If God found Bobby for us, I know there is an amazing person who will take my job.”

She added, “I say it all the time and it is so true: This congregation is the best; they are family. They love deeply; they care and give from and of their hearts. I am praying for the one who is called to take my job. How very blessed they will be to work for you. Thank you for letting me work for you and with you all these many years. Thank you for loving me and my family so well.”

Joy has moved into the home of her 97-year-old mother-in-law in Burnet to help take care of her. She reminds the con- gregation that she will be “only a phone call away.”

Read the full article in the August FirstWord.