Dear Members and Friends of Central UCC,

 

With understandably mixed emotions, I have given notice to The Rev. Dr. Shannon Michael Pater that I will be retiring 31 July 2016. This may be the most difficult decision I have made in my life in ministry. There is never a right time to retire but this time seems appropriate as we have decisions to make about Camp Beech Grove and we need the springtime to plan and prepare for next Fall's children's program.

My time with you spans 16 years with 13 of those years serving you as Associate Minister for Children and Youth, October 1999 to June 2004 and then again beginning in January 2008. Although I retained the title of Associate Minister for Children and Youth, I was honored to be a pastor to everyone at varying times through the years: visiting the sick and homebound, doing outreach ministries, caring for the church building and grounds, and celebrating weddings and memorial services and sometimes preaching. In the summer of 2014 I was pleased to serve as Acting Senior Minister while Rev. Michael was on sabbatical.

Surely you know how much serving this congregation has been a blessing and a gift to me. I thank God for that wonderful blessing. It has been an honor to be invited into your lives - to celebrate your lives and hear your stories, to see your faces in worship and in the good works of this church, to help say goodbyes to so many wonderful people who have gone from this life.

Serving as youth leader until I was sixty kept me young. I was blessed to get to know not only the youth but also many caring and gifted volunteer leaders who participated on Sunday mornings, in youth retreats, sleepovers, mission trips, and community service outings over the years.

Working with Sunday school, I continue to be delighted at the dedication of all who work with the children in Godly Play, Sunday school, the nursery and Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Program. These volunteers and staff love sharing and learning with the children. I have joy in seeing new families here this year.

Last summer, Camp Beech Grove brought life to this campus in ways that I never imagined. I am honored to be able to lead a second summer of Camp Beech Grove. I am so grateful for the volunteer and staff leadership that made last summer's camp such a life-giving experience.

The congregation is strong and well served by a) the senior pastor, b) the pastoral fellow, and c) excellent lay leadership, especially the Christian Education team that I have worked with so closely.  Rev. Michael has brought new life to this congregation. He has challenged me to think about theological questions that weren't even in my view. That has broadened me. Rev. Lacey has added many gifts to our staff. I enjoy her confident manner and clear thinking. I am grateful to be a part of this pastoral leadership team. I am also very thankful for my time working with Central's capable and engaging staff.

My life has been a gift of surprises and graces. All of you at Central UCC have graced me with acceptance and companionship on life's journey. Where my journey goes after Central is a gracious gift to be seen in its own time. I look forward to time together in the coming months.

 

With my love and gratitude,

The Rev. Ginnie Ferrell

Dear Hearts,

During times of change. two "spiritual maxims" can be helpful:

 

For nearly thirteen years, spread over two tenures, Rev. Ginnie has been a spiritual companion and leader at Central.  She has been important in the faith formation of children, youth and adults.  She has lead us in worship at times of celebration, transition, and heartache.  She has helped us to reclaim our woods, making them a sanctuary for critters, children and all of us.  She has been a shepherdess to this congregation and sheep in our forest.

 

Our gratitude for her ministry is deep; so might be our grief.  This is a significant change for our congregation and, perhaps, for some of us personally.

 

Fortunately, ever gracious, Rev. Ginnie has given us adequate notice to prepare for her retirement (31 July 2016).  She will help us with a second session of Camp Beech Grove this summer and will prepare us well for ministry into the future.

 

Please plan now to be present on Sunday, 10 July:  this will be a significant celebration as we wish her well into the next phase of her life (plans, of course, will be shared as they become clear).

 

Change can be hard and grief is part of the fabric of every community; but there is much to celebrate, for we are very grateful for the ministry of Rev. Ginnie.

 

In hopes of wholeness,

 

Rev. Michael, Senior Minister

Marion Crabb, Moderator