On this day, twenty-four years ago, Rev. Cheryl Kimble commenced her tenure as a pastor at The Church at Highland Park under the leadership of Steve Lucas. She joined the staff as Associate Pastor with a focus on Children and Family Life. Over the years, her position evolved as she willingly undertook various roles that needed to be filled, regardless of whether they fell within her original job description. In August 2011, she was appointed acting Senior Pastor and was subsequently confirmed as Senior Pastor by committee and congregational vote in May 2012. Throughout the many highs and lows experienced by Highland Park since then, she has demonstrated unwavering leadership.
As of tomorrow, Rev. Cheryl will become the longest-serving pastor in the history of Highland Park, officially surpassing the tenure of Rev. Ray Burchette.
Cheryl reminisced on her time at HP this morning, writing to her congregation:
“As I sit here at my desk this morning, I can’t believe that 24 years ago today, I walked into Highland Park and this became my church family, my ministry, and my home. I remember so vividly the feeling when I first walked into the Sanctuary and realized this was where I was being called. I packed up my home, left my family and moved to this town I really knew very little about. Now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
So much has happened. Personally, I met and married my husband, we watched both boys get married and start their own families, and today we enjoy life with our family of 11 (5 being our grandchildren). My mother, father and sister have all died while I’ve been here, and Highland Park had several people travel to Oklahoma for each of their services. Seeing those faces gave me a tremendous amount of peace and comfort knowing Highland Park was truly family.
At Highland Park so many things have changed that I’m not sure I can even begin to list everything. I went from “please don’t make me preach” to preaching every week. We’ve changed our name, we began using technology so that our service is sent out far and wide, we’ve grown into a real sense of our identity, and we’ve shifted into an all female program staff (not on purpose, but wonderful).
Going through the ups and downs as a church family has been such a blessing to me. I look forward to our future together and I thank you for your support, love and kindness through the years.
The peace of Christ be with you,
Rev. Cheryl”
Highland Park’s Council Chair, Brian Walters, said of Rev. Cheryl:
“The Church at Highland Park is absolutely honored to have the services of the most wonderful Senior Pastor in our history. As council chair, I consider it an honor and a privilege to assist with serving Cheryl in her quest to be God’s representative on Earth for The Church at Highland Park. Congratulations on a wonderful career, Cheryl, and we wish for you and Roy all the best.”
We are profoundly fortunate to have an experienced, compassionate, and truly exceptional pastor leading us. Her clear vision for the future, dynamic approach to service, and progressive interpretation of Christianity make her an ideal fit for Highland Park. Cheryl, we are deeply grateful to consider you not only our leader but also our friend. We cherish you and eagerly anticipate the accomplishments that lie ahead.
Congratulations, Cheryl!
