Larry Wood, senior minister, came to St. Andrew by the Sea in May 2014. A graduate of Northwestern University, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served United Methodist and Congregationalist churches. Westminster John Knox Press has published two of his sermon collections. Larry and Rexene are the parents of Hannah, Hope, and Molly.
George Myers, our associate minister, grew up on the Gulf Coast. In a career spanning more than fifty years, he has served as senior minister of the First Baptist Church in Gulf Shores from 1983 to 1999, led Volunteers of America in Mobile from 1999 to 2007, and was one of the co-founders of the Christian Service Center. He has left a deep impression on this area. George and Carole have been cherished members of the St. Andrew family since 2004.
Sara Hunter is our assistant pastor for all ages, with special emphasis on youth. Originally from Georgia, she and her husband Shumbe now live in Spanish Fort, and are raising a beautiful family that includes Marley, Lyla, Malloy, and Laura Josephine. With degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, Sara has also completed a Masters in Criminal Justice.
Dana Guthrie, director for children's ministries, recently retired after 29 years in Alabama public schools as a beloved elementary teacher. She also comes to St. Andrew with many years of church experience. A big fan of Alabama football, Dana takes great pride in her two grown sons. She looks forward to helping St. Andrew develop programs for young families.
Pat Strahan, our much-loved administrative assistant, keeps us all connected. She has graced the church office since 2006, and considers herself blessed to be part of such a loving community. Born and raised on the beautiful Mississippi coast, she has been married to Mike for over 40 years. They both enjoy boating and biking.
Joan Hand has served as director of music since the inception of St. Andrew in 1998. For almost all her life, she has played music in church. Having earned degrees from Birmingham Southern College in music education and piano (with a minor in organ), she raised four children and served as director of the Gulf Shores campus for Faulkner State Community College. Joan’s love for St. Andrew is very much a family affair, with children among us.
Dr. Roger Jones, choral director, comes to us from a distinguished career with the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he taught, conducted the University Orchestra, and served as principal conductor and musical director of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. As he and Dee have enjoyed retirement on the Gulf Coast, he has also conducted the Baldwin Pops Band. A gifted composer, he blesses St. Andrew with a number of original works and arrangements.
Leo
nard Atwater, buildings and grounds superintendent, is “our right arm and left arm,” as Pat Strahan says. With training as a nuclear electrical technician, and experience as a supervisor, he became a senior nuclear electrical instructor before retiring to Gulf Shores. In addition to singing in the choir, he sets up the church for events and keeps our physical plant in good order.