More than 26 years ago a minister on the staff of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas made a fateful decision that impacted many lives over the next 20 years.  In August 1998 Carol West accepted the call from Celebration to become our pastor.  We had just stepped out in faith moving into a new sanctuary and now we were stepping out again to call our first full-time pastor.

Over her 20 years of ministry at Celebration Carol reminded us that we were accepted and loved as the church grew in both numbers and reputation in the community.  So many of you have shared stories about how Carol touched your lives, through weddings, funerals, sermons, and friendship.  I’ve been grateful for her friendship over the past couple of years and I have been touched by her continued love for Celebration.

In January the board of directors chose to recognize Carol’s ministry by naming the fellowship hall the “Rev. Carol A. West Fellowship Hall.”  Naming our gathering place for Carol honors her life and her ministry with us.

We’ll dedicate the new name of the fellowship hall on Sunday, March 30.  Carol and Angela will be with us in worship as we honor her ministry.  And there will be a reception in the fellowship hall after the service where we will unveil the new signage and celebrate this important moment in the life of our church.

            We hope you’ll join us on March 30 to honor Rev. Carol West.