Rev. Bob Lawrence has resigned as the Pastor of Community of Hope. Below are a copy of the letter that was sent to the community announcing his resignation, as well as the content of his letter of resignation.
Please join us on Sunday, December 11 at 6pm for a celebration of Bob’s ministry among us through a Service of Farewell. There will be a community potluck meal and reception following the service. Everyone who has been touched by Bob’s ministry is invited to attend.
Announcement regarding resignation
After much prayer and discernment, I have submitted my resignation as Pastor of Community of Hope UCC. My resignation was presented to the Coordinating Council Monday night and approved, with regret.
I am extremely grateful for the 2+ years I have been blessed to be your Pastor. My time with you has provided me with many opportunities for joy as well as growth, and I believe I have become a much better person as well as Pastor because of our time together. I will carry with me the stories of our lives together, full of grace and joy.
My Service of Farewell, and last day serving as your Pastor, will be Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 6pm. More information about plans for my farewell will be included in the Weekly Call. In accordance with the Ministerial Code of Conduct, I will sever my ties with this community at that time so that you (and I) may more readily grow into the next chapters of our lives.
Please know that I love each and every one of you and wish you great adventures as you seek where our still-speaking God may be calling you. This community will always continue in my prayers, and I trust your prayers will follow me.
Bud Abbott, Chair of the Coordinating Council, will be sending a separate announcement soon regarding plans for pastoral leadership after my departure.
Sincerely,
Rev. Bob Lawrence
Letter of resignation
After much prayer and discernment, I am submitting my resignation as Pastor of Community of Hope United Church of Christ. The decisions and dialogue at the recent Community Meetings lead me to believe it would be in the best interest of Community of Hope as well as myself for me to resign at this time.
I will continue in an administrative role through Tuesday, December 6 (to host the World AIDS Day event that is planned to happen at Community of Hope). During that time I will work with the appropriate individuals to ensure as smooth a transition in pastoral leadership as possible, but I will remove myself from community life leadership immediately.
I have contacted our Interim Conference Minister, Rev. Krista Betz, and asked her to assist with my Service of Farewell on Sunday, December 11 at 6pm.
My life has been enriched during the 2-1/2 years I have been blessed to be your Pastor. My prayers and love for each of you will continue.
Sincerely,
Rev. Bob Lawrence
