06/26/2026
Pastor Barry will be retiring at the end of this month after serving over 45 years in ministry in The United Methodist Church, with the past 12 years at First-Centenary. His calling from God and service to the church has made an immense difference in the lives of countless people in Chattanooga.
To honor Barry and his ministry, we will be hosting a retirement reception this Sunday, June 28th, after the 10:45 services on the bridge. On this day you will have the opportunity to express your gratitude to Barry, Diana, Zach, Kathleen, and David for all they have meant to First-Centenary. In addition, you have the opportunity to express your gratitude through a financial “love gift” that will be presented to the Kidwell family. To make arrangements for your gift, please contact Rev. Mary Thompson in the finance office.
Even though Barry is retiring, Mustard Tree Ministries will not be going away. Mustard Tree is a 501c3 non-profit organization and First-Centenary will continue to partner and support them in their ministry efforts in Chattanooga and Romania. Barry will still be involved on a part-time basis through his weekly work serving hot meals on the streets, providing sack lunches in the East Lake and Westside Communities, and mission work in Romania, but the Mustard Tree Board will be hiring a new Executive Director. The Sunday evening service and meal has become part of our worship opportunities at First-Centenary, so it will continue with Pastor Will and Pastor Jason handling preaching responsibilities for the foreseeable future. We will have a better idea regarding the future of our partnership once a new Executive Director has been hired. Regarding our ministry efforts in Romania, Pastor Barry will continue to be involved but our mission emphasis moving forward will be coordinated by Pastor Will.
Thanks Barry for everything you have done and continue to do, we love you and will miss you!
