Dear Binkley Members and Friends:
Greetings in the name of Jesus who reconciles and redeems us to the heart of God. I write to you with a spirit filled with gratitude and hope. My gratitude swells up from the love, encouragement and joy you have shared with me for the past twenty-seven years. I arrived in your presence as an unordained, eager Associate Minister on September 12, 1992. You welcomed me, trained me, ordained me and trusted me in a church that had recently walked through a challenging controversy. My young family was supported and nourished by the generous outpouring of love and practical assistance you bestowed upon us. The call of God had led me to a beloved and magical congregation.
The hope that fills my spirit as I write these words is inspired by my trust in all of you to accept my resignation from service as your minister, colleague and friend in Christ effective March 22, 2020.
I have had discussions with many individuals, church leaders and the staff about this decision to move on from ministry at Binkley. These discussions began years ago as I attempted to discern how I could continue to offer a vigorous and energetic level of ministerial leadership at the church I love and respect. Searching for new employment while striving to fully serve this remarkable community has proven a task beyond my grasp. Time and space are necessary if I am to move forward well. Serving a church is a high calling. Serving the community in and around Binkley is a beautifully demanding calling. I have loved you and the ministries of Binkley with all my heart. You have helped me to grow.
"Where are you going Dale?" you may inquire. The most straightforward answer is, "I do not know." What I do know is that the Divine source of Love and Life that I call God is calling me to step out in faith. I solicit your prayers, encouragement and vocational suggestions as I focus on a search for new employment opportunities. You have always been incredibly supportive of me and my family during our years of service together. The foundation we all share is a firm one. It is deeply grounded in love.
In closing, I want to say how honored I have been to serve in ministry with so many incredible colleagues on the Binkley staff. Beginning my tenure with Dr. Linda Jordan, Gretchen Jordan, Anne Hunter Eidson, Martha Tate and Lori King made the ministry endeavors incredibly meaningful and rich. Ending my service with colleagues like Dr. Marcus McFaul, Dr. Stephanie Ford, Kyle Ballantine, Stephenie Sanders, Duane Gilbert and Charles Myhand has been enriching and holy. Binkley Church has an incredible staff and an outstanding congregation. I am honored to call each and every one of you my sisters and brothers in Christ. I love you. May God grant you all the peace of Christ that passes understanding.
In gratitude,
Rev. W. Dale Osborne
