The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Presents
Ann-Henley Saunders
Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations and Young Adults
F
First Presbyterian Church, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
For months, I’ve listened in awe as your Associate Pastor Nominating Committee shared their dreams for this position and this church; your unwavering commitment to serving Christ’s mission in and beyond the church’s walls; and their enthusiasm about this “new era” at FPC, inspired by Isaiah 43:19 above. Without a doubt, you are the church I’ve been praying for. I prayed God would call me to a church that was deeply relational in its approach to ministry; governed by Christ and attentive to God’s Spirit; and known by its loving witness in and among the communities it serves. Ultimately, I prayed God would lead me to a church that sang a song to me – a song I knew deep within my heart. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” That is the song I sing when I think of you. If the way be clear, I can’t wait to witness the new things God will do through us together.
Blessings to you all,
Ann-Henley
“Ann-Henley has a bottomless well of joy that she freely gives to all she meets. She is smart, articulate, very creative, and passionate about the Christian faith.” The Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes President Princeton Theological Seminary “Ann-Henley is a force to be reckoned with! Her passion for Jesus and the Church inspires those around to go deeper in their own faith. She is a blessing to any church she is able to serve in.” The Rev. Charlene Han Powell Associate Pastor for Education & Engagement Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church “You are so fortunate to have Ann-Henley coming your way! She entered our lives as a summer intern at FPC Allentown (yes, the same family of faith where you found Tony!) She has the light of God so clearly shining through and she will bless so many at FPC Atlanta!” Julie Pepper Chair of the Personnel Team First Presbyterian Church of Allentown
“Ann-Henley is who we have been waiting for in our community at First Presbyterian and, what we like to call, beyond the church walls. She has an immense love for God and for all of God’s people, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Her unique experience plus her unmatchable personality give me, as a young adult, much excitement and hope for what is in store. I am thrilled to welcome Ann-Henley to Atlanta and introduce her to all of you.” Lauren Meyer, (Co-Chair) “Our committee spent several meetings focused purely on the human characteristics we were seeking, and Ann-Henley Saunders embodies them all. She is first and foremost passionate about her faith, and she possesses an infectious spirit. It is rare that someone lives up to the expectations set by their glowing references, but Ann-Henley does so with her high energy and her relationship-focused approach. We can’t wait for her to become a part of the fabric that makes up our First Presbyterian and Midtown Atlanta communities.” Matt Wirth, (Co-Chair) “We are thrilled to offer this call to Ann-Henley Saunders. Immediately after commencing our search, we noticed that there are few young adult ministers in the entirety of the Presbyterian Church. It is an area that the PCUSA has traditionally not done a great job in their attempts to reach. So as a committee, we were looking for someone who not only would be able to minister to the young adult population of Atlanta, but also someone who would have the ability to help create a national framework for reaching out to the young adult community across the country. Ann-Henley is just such a person. From day one, she has felt called to minister to the young adult community. She has a unique vision and tireless zeal for how to reach the young adults of Atlanta and beyond. She will bring this passion to First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and in the years to come, we will be forever touched by her ministry here. We could not be more excited to extend this call to Ann-Henley!” Peter Boorn, (Committee Member)
APNC Members
“Ann-Henley Saunders’ strong faith and leadership will be a great addition to the FPC family. She will bring high energy and organization to the Emerging Generations position. At Princeton Theological Seminary, she was a real “go-getter” and in charge of recruiting students to attend the seminary, and excelled in this position. She will be bringing that same enthusiasm and passion to an area of our church that requires additional focus, which is Young Adult Ministries and outreach. She shines and stands out wherever she goes, whether it’s at UVA, 5th Ave Pres in NYC, working for an NFL owner, or being on a TV show! The APNC is excited to welcome Ann-Henley Saunders to First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta.” Wilson Covington, (Committee Member)
Lauren Meyer, Co-Chair Matt Wirth, Co-Chair John Baum Stuart Bondurant Peter Boorn Wheeler Bryan, Jr.
Wilson Covington Ann DuPre Catharina Chang Earnest Duggan Lansing Ben Ost