Copyright © 2003 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee

On a glorious fall day in October, Christian Formation leaders from churches in the Diocese gathered with me for a time of learning and sharing.

When I told them I will retire at the end of this year from my position on Diocesan Staff I was struck by the depth of my gratitude for such a rich and wonderful ministry.

Thirty years of memories as an educator in the Episcopal Church paraded in front of me. I am in awe of the blessings I have received and thankful for the privilege of serving the church in this diocese.

It began when I responded to the call to teach my son’s 3-year-old class at the Church of the Ascension. Ascension was my training ground, and the community there sent me out into the world to expand my skills and my vision.

Bishop Bill Sanders invited me to serve on the Diocese of Tennessee’s Christian Education Committee, and I was sent out into the world of Province IV — the 20 dioceses in the Southeast — to learn and to serve.

When I left my staff position as minister of education at Ascension and entered the University of Tennessee for a degree in Religious Studies, I was already working as a field associate in Province IV and representing the Office of Adult Edu-cation at the Episcopal Church Center in New York.

Working with top educators across the country was an honor and a challenge I treasure. That work helped prepare me for my “Volunteer for Mission” position with the Bishop of Costa Rica. What a thrill it was to go to our then-companion diocese and assist in developing education materials for use in its small rural churches. I loved my 6 months in Costa Rica and the vivid memories of living and working in a developing country continue to keep my perspectives straight.

It was with Bishop Bob Tharp that I began my expanded ministry with the diocese. My responsibilities grew to include congregational development, clergy in transition, Church in Society and planned giving. I also did private consulting with at least half the congregations in East Tennes-see. Leading weekend vestry retreats not only brought me into our congregations’ lives, but also enabled me to meet many of our finest diocesan leaders. By the time Bishop Tharp retired, we were able to honor him with a well-developed parish-based planned-giving ministry.

I also cherish the memories made with the Diocesan Mission Strategy Task Force. They were rich with learning and spiritual development and allowed me to be out in the diocese meeting people. Some of our biggest and best-loved Lenten Retreats were held during those years.

Working with Bishop Charles vonRosenberg and his staff adds another layer of special memories. Especially dear are those surrounding the work of the Appalachian Ministries Resource Team. Delivering the hundreds of backpacks donated by churches across the diocese to Campbell County schools has become a highlight of my year. Thanks also to the Jubilee Ministries leadership, who continually challenged me to grow.

My new ministry for retirement in Greeneville, S.C., will include a chaplaincy at nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and I look forward to this new adventure.

But let me say it once again: Thank you to the wonderful people of East Tennessee, and thanks for the memories.