03/24/04

Dear Friends,

I write to share much news on this rainy Monday. These days always remind of the old Karen Carpenter song “Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down . . .” Of course, that shows my age, too!

First –some very good news. The youth arrived safe and sound in St. Louis at about 6 p.m. They had some pizza for supper. Today they worked very hard actually knocking down walls – sounds like a good anger management course! They worked so hard that they had some extra free time. It has been a beautiful sunny day in St. Louis today, although they are expecting rain tomorrow! Please continue to keep everyone in your prayers. Those on the trip are Taylor Moore, Clay Ryan, Ben Hagan, Aaron Nathanson, John Hirsch, Katie Hockenberry, Jenny Hockenberry, Elizabeth DeSanto, and Caitlyn DeSanto. The adults are Jane Flanigan, Terry Hargrave, and Bob Magruder!

More good news – Lori Nicholson had successful outpatient gall bladder surgery this morning. She is already at home, resting. She is not exactly comfortable but she is not experiencing anything abnormal. Please continue to pray for Lori as she recovers.

Sadly, the family of Judy Richards learned that she had a stroke at some time yesterday. They are now making a decision as to when to turn off the ventilator. We, who have not traveled this road, can only imagine their suffering. Please keep them close in your prayers.

Laura Pierce’s surgery has been cancelled at this time. She continues to struggle with much discomfort and significant weight loss. The doctors will run some more tests on Wednesday. Please pray that they will be able to find the source of Laura’s difficulties.

Jim Barbour was in the office today is doing better after his surgery last week. He remains weak and tired, but is glad to be up and around!

For those that have a break this week, I hope you are enjoying it. If you don’t get a break, try to take a deep breath every so often! It feels good! I have attached a Microsoft Word Document to this e-mail. If you cannot open it on your computer you will receive a hard copy in the mail on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Blessings to you and yours, Judy

March 29, 2004

Dear Friends,
The purpose of this letter is to let you know that the Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, April 18th, immediately following the 10:40 a.m. worship service. The purpose of this meeting will be to concur with the Presbytery in dissolving my call as co-pastor of Beulah Presbyterian Church. According to G 14.0501c in the Book of Order, "when a particular church has two pastors serving as co-pastors and the relationship of one of them is dissolved, the other remains as pastor of the church." This means that in asking the Presbytery to dissolve my call as co-pastor at Beulah Presbyterian Church and in asking the congregation to concur with this action, Ken becomes the pastor of this particular church.
On March 17th, I received a call to work for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the Presbyterian Center located at 100 Witherspoon Street in Louisville. I will be working as an editor in Congregational Ministries Publishing. This is the part of the church that is responsible for developing and publishing Sunday school curriculum for all ages and also Vacation Bible School curriculum. Beulah is currently using this curriculum in their programs from pre-school through adult. Although this work will be very different from the work that I have done in the parish for the last seventeen years, it will use some gifts and skills that I have had in the "background" thus far in my professional life. I leave parish ministry with many emotions. I leave believing that this is the best way for me to respond to the call of God in my life at this time.
I have had the great privilege of serving as your pastor for almost ten years. In those ten years I have been privileged to celebrate over thirty baptisms, fifty funerals, and nineteen weddings. It has been a special joy to baptize the children of couples that I have married. I have stood with many of you in times of great sorrow and tragedy. That, too, has been one of the great privileges of my ministry with you. As I have shared my faith with you, all of you have shared your faith with me. In living and serving among you my life has been greatly enriched, my commitment to ministry has been strengthened, and my love for God's people has increased. You have given to me and to Ken one of the greatest blessings of our professional life - the opportunity to work together. My prayers for each of you and this church will continue. As Paul writes to the church in Philipi, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1: 3)
The Personnel Committee has already begun their work in re-evaluating job descriptions and they will continue this work. Even small transitions create turmoil for any institution. Your Session as well your church staff will answer any questions that you may have at this time. I, too, will be available to you through the 30th of April to offer support and encouragement and to answer any questions that arise.
Blessings,

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