It is with real regret that I write this post. Regret because Rev. Allen has submitted her resignation to the session of Fourth United Presbyterian Church. After hearing the circumstances and how her need to be near her grandmother in North Carolina was so deep in her soul, we accepted Sonya's resignation. But, the motion to accept her resignation was amended to pay her salary a month after she has left in gratitude for the work Rev. Allen has done among us. She protested, but we were having none of it. The motion passed unanimously and with a great deal of sadness.
I am not going to try to say much at this point, though I will later. But I will say that I am very sad to know that Rev. Allen, my co-pastor, the only pastor I have ever shared the responsibilities of being a pastor with, is leaving. A pastor that has opened her heart to our congregation and a pastor that I care for very much, who has been trustworthy and kind throughout our work together and when I needed her has been my pastor.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Words for those who grieve
I share with you the agony of your grief,
The anguish of your heart finds echo in my own.
I know I cannot enter all you feel
Nor bear with you the burden of your pain;
I can but offer what my love does give:
The strength of caring,
The warmth of one who seeks to understand,
The silent storm swept barrenness of so great a loss.
This I do in quiet ways,
That on your lonely path
You may not walk alone.
-Howard Thurman
The anguish of your heart finds echo in my own.
I know I cannot enter all you feel
Nor bear with you the burden of your pain;
I can but offer what my love does give:
The strength of caring,
The warmth of one who seeks to understand,
The silent storm swept barrenness of so great a loss.
This I do in quiet ways,
That on your lonely path
You may not walk alone.
-Howard Thurman
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