MADISON, LIMESTONE COUNTIES – Leadership has changed for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Limestone Ward.

This ward is situated near Athens and Madison. “We have had a leadership change for our congregation, which has members from the Madison and East Limestone communities,” Carol Walker said. Walker serves as Assistant Director of the Communication Council for the Madison, Alabama Stake.

“Similar to a ministry in other churches, this congregation was formerly presided over by Bishop Leif Sandstrom, along with Brent Dix and David Larsen as counselors,” Walker said.

The new Bishop is David Larsen of Madison, 60 years old. Serving as Bishop Larsen’s counselors are Brent Dix of Harvest, 59 years old, and Carson Lee Davidson of Madison, 53 years old.

“Dave and his wife Cathy are parents to six married children; they have 13 grandchildren,” Walker said. “Dave is employed at Jacobs where he consults for NASA’s aerospace structures. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, mountaineering and car restoration.”

“Dave is humbled by this new calling and hopes to lead the congregation to ‘a deeper love and appreciation for our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ and, in turn, develop deeper faith and trust in them,’” she said.

Being a Bishop is an unpaid ministry; leaders are not salaried and act as volunteers. The Bishop works closely with the youth and encourages his congregation to love and serve others by helping to meet the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and families in the East Limestone community. Service in this capacity requires plenty of support from each of the men’s families.

Cathy Larsen, Dave Larsen’s wife, said, “I have already seen the mantle of responsibility rest on his shoulders. Dave has always been a man of faith, and I have full confidence that he will be just what our ward family needs at this time. He loves those he serves.”

Everyone is welcome to come and join the congregation for Sabbath worship at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1716 W. Market St. in Athens.

Sunday worship offers a respite from fast-paced, daily living with two meetings in a two-hour period. The main meeting, or sacrament meeting, involves songs, prayers and sermons (or talks) by various congregation members and taking the sacrament (or Communion). Classes are available for both children and adults.

The Madison location at 1297 Slaughter Road has Sunday activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 256-289-4606.