Last night in a personal email to the Chair and members of the Worship Committee, Reverend Greg Franklin submitted his resignation as Chaplain of the Silver Lake Institute. In reflecting on the words from Ecclesiastes 3, he said, "There is a time and a season for every purpose under heaven, and this is that time and this will be the season to bring about fresh, creative ideas, with new and hopefully younger blood in the SLI pulpit.
"For those who have been uplifted, encouraged and strengthened by our worship services, this may not be received as good news. As with any pastoral change, it is accompanied by mixed emotions and might even be received as unnecessary. But to those with a different vision of the future, this time of change and adjustment holds great possibilities. I originally thought that I could be the chaplain to help usher in the new ways of the newly independent SLI. Instead, I have discovered that I have neither the resources nor the heart for the types of new thinking apparently needed. So it behooves me to make room for someone able and willing.
"In consultation with the SLI Executive Committee, I find myself agreeing that with the decision to move ahead already in hand, there is no reason not to move ahead quickly while the year is still young and there is time to affect the direction of the SLI's Worship and Spirituality program. Last year at this time, I had a full schedule of guest speakers already prepared. This year, after promising that I would try to get non-Methodist guest speakers, I find myself unable to stimulate enough interest in the Institute by non-Methodists which hopefully can be solved by someone with broader contacts and resourcing.
"I have offered to work as a member of the Worship Committee, but not holding up the SLI Chaplain slot. I want there to be no doubt of my openness and commitment to the changes being discussed by leadership. One needs to lead or get out of the way. I feel that getting out of the way is the correct choice for me and for the Institute. I have enjoyed serving as your Chaplain, leading the worship, and praying for your needs, and will long remember the joy you helped bring to my Spirit as I served you. May God continue to be with you in these special days."
Want to warm our hearts and encourage us? Please "LIKE" each post. Click "INTERESTING" because Blogger doesn't want to use Facebook's word "Like." You are also welcome to check off other reactions also and please be honest. We all want to constantly improve the Blog. Make suggestions in the "comment" section.
Pastor Greg!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for your years of service to the Silver Lake Institute. I know I was personally move, uplifted, encouraged during your years of Chaplain. Enjoy the next Chaper of your life....many, many blessings to you!!