Farewell Celebrations
Have you ever wished things would slow down just a little bit? Most of the time, I don’t feel that way. However, since our grandson, Charlie, lives in Cleveland and turned 1 in June and is running forward into his life and living with gusto, I want time to slow down so I don’t miss it!
Here at PCUMC, there has been so much change in a relatively short period of time - and that is without mention of the aftereffects of COVID-19! Here we are at the beginning of August, with more changes on the horizon. You have known for some time that Gidget Meland will be leaving her position here and moving to Florida. Her employment here will end at the end of August. Heather Miner will be taking on the Preschool and Mom’s Morning Out programs, and Adrienne Demmin will be overseeing all Children and Youth Ministries. We will be celebrating Gidget’s ministry on Sunday, August 22 after worship.
The newer news is that Debbie Parise will be retiring from her position as Administrator. She has done so very much; her subtitle could clearly be Director of Operations. She helped us through COVID in the most amazing ways. Debbie will also be retiring at the end of August. We will be celebrating her on Saturday, August 28 at 6:00 PM.
The office is collecting love gifts and cards for both Gidget and Debbie to wish them on their way. Please send your contributions to the church, checks made out to Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, and marked as “Love Gift for Debbie/Gidget.” That way we can present each of them with a check from the church. They have both given over and above every job description that could possibly be written. You may also contribute to the love gifts online at pendletonchurch.org/give and selecting “Love Gift for Debbie/Gidget.”
Debbie’s celebration will be after the 5:00 PM worship service on Saturday because that is the service that she and Paul attend. Neither one of these missionaries in our midst would want attention drawn to them or what they have generously and sacrificially done in their service to God here at PCUMC. We are making it as gentle as we can, and yet must mark these departures with love and gratitude.
I don’t believe we’ll be saying any other goodbyes this year - but since we are learning on an ongoing basis, we are not in control. So God be with us in all the comings and goings - may we let go with love and gratitude and say hello with open hearts and hope for the future.
Pastor Cathy
