Reverend Andrew Martinez

Getting To Know Andy Martinez – Elk Rapids’ Newest Minister

Contributed by Sarah Miller

 

Our newest minister in town is Rev. Andrew Martinez of First Presbyterian Church, who participated in our community-wide Ecumenical Service and Picnic in the Park on Monday, Aug. 1. Since his arrival here in June, Rev. Andy has been busy meeting many people and getting settled into life in Elk Rapids.  Here is a brief glimpse of his perspective so far.

 

You have been here just a short time.  What are your impressions of Elk Rapids and our surrounding community?

What a friendly, active community!  I’ve seen so much already – the buzzing of activity around Wednesday Night on River Street, the outdoor recreation available here, the boating community, the cherry orchards…the list just goes on and on.  I really feel at home here because I’ve experienced such a friendly welcome by people of all ages.  People know each other in this community, and I’m honored they’re bringing me right in.

 

You came here from the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  What has been the most surprising about Elk Rapids and our surrounding community?

There’s a lot of similarity between there and here, with the water, the natural beauty of our surroundings, and the many things to do. I really like the energy, enthusiasm and warmth of the people here.

 

What are you enjoying the most about being here?

I believe God has set the table for me to be here and was working to bring me here long before I arrived and began my ministry at First Presbyterian Church.  I am enjoying my work as a pastor, and also can’t wait to do more kayaking and catch some lake trout!

 

If you could change one thing, what would that be?

Like all communities, we have people who are needy in certain areas of their lives. I’d like to make sure that Jesus Christ’s help is available right smack in the middle of all of our needs. No doubt everyone in our community has things in their past that linger and get in the way of a happy, satisfied life. On Sunday, August 7^th, my sermon will be about how to let go of the past and move on with our lives now and in the future – so we can be the free and happy people we want to be.  We’ll have a “Sunday Evening Discussion time” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to talk about the sermon, and hope people in our community will join us for some great conversation and light refreshments.  I’m also planning a “Peace of Mind” sermon series that will start on Sept. 11 – plain talk about how faith can help us get through problems and fearful times.

 

What do you hope to accomplish during your ministry here?

To mobilize Christians in Jesus’ name to help this community. 

 

Rev. Andrew is excited to experience his first Harbor Days and meet more people in our community.  We will welcome his wife Lisa and daughter Joy to Elk Rapids when they join him here later this month. Lisa is a licensed professional counselor who loves to sing. Joy will be a senior this fall at the Elk Rapids High School. She is a very active teen who lives up to her name. The entire Martinez family looks forward to enjoying our community in all seasons.

 

To learn more about Rev. Andy, please drop by First Presbyterian Church at 404 Spruce St., Elk Rapids, or attend a church service on Sundays at 8:30 or 10 a.m.

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