Press Release
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PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE: VISALIA FIRST PREPARES FOR TWO LANDMARK WEEKEND SERVICES TO HONOR PAST LEADERSHIP AND INSTALL NEW LEAD PASTOR
Visalia, California – In the first two weeks of June, two historic services will take place at Visalia First to celebrate the church's past, present, and future.
On Sunday, June 5 at 9 and 11am, the church's leadership will change hands during the Installment Service of newly elected Lead Pastor, Dr. Mark Merrill. Merrill and his family have relocated from the state of Georgia, where he served as the Georgia Network Superintendent for the Assemblies of God. Prior to that role, he pastored The Assembly at Warner Robins.
Pastor Rich Guerra, the SoCal Network Superintendent for the Assemblies of God, will speak on June 5 and formally install Pastor Mark Merrill. Guerra himself served as Lead Pastor at Visalia First for 12 years.
The following Sunday, June 12, the church will honor Pastors Mike and Karen Robertson's Day of Celebration during one 10am service as they complete 14 years as Lead Pastors and transition to the role of Global Pastors. This Day of Celebration will feature guest speaker Dr. Sam Chand, other special guests and friends of the church, and include a brief video message from the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Doug Clay. The service will end with a receiving line for attendees to express appreciation for Pastors Mike and Karen. Some of the Central Valley's best food trucks will be serving lunch on campus after the service.
Through powerful worship, profound speakers, and inspiring videos, the first two weekends of June will be focused on honoring the past, celebrating the present, and anticipating the future. The church family and its leadership are thrilled about what has gone before and what is ahead.
This is an exciting time for those interested in the church to share in this great anticipation of what's ahead and to discover what God can do in their lives and the lives of their families. There is something for every age group at the church, and the team at Visalia First looks forward to welcoming all who enter their doors.
To find out more about Visalia First, visit the church's website at www.visaliafirst.com and follow Visalia First on Facebook and Instagram. You can reach the church offices by calling 559-733-9070.