LAKEPORT, Calif. – After 17 years with Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth as their pastor, on this Sunday, June 26, members of United Christian Parish will say goodbye to the longest serving pastor in the history of the church.

Kimbell-Auth led her first Sunday worship service at United Christian Parish in July 1999, although she had already led two funerals for the Lakeport church before then. She has officiated at hundreds since and is particularly well known for her uplifting memorial services.

On June 26 she will share highlights of her ministry here using the theme “Stones of Remembrance.”

From the “stone that was rolled away” in Luke’s Easter account, to the stones of Iona, Scotland, to the stone thrown through her car window after a particularly contentious church meeting, stones have been a significant image for Kimbell-Auth.

She will tell of headstones and wedding stones, cornerstones and youth … on a rock. She has also led trips to explore church history, mission trips to help Louisiana rebuild after hurricanes Katrina and Rita and is now part of the fire recovery work of Team Lake County.

The public is invited to join the church for her final Lakeport celebration, Sunday at 10 a.m. at the church, located at 745 N. Brush St. in Lakeport.