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Beloved,
Since assuming this office, there is one thing that daunted me more than any other single aspect of this call – the day that Ms Curtis would come into my office and say that, “I think it’s time to retire.” Well beloved, that day has come and we are currently making plans at the synod office for her to retire in Spring of 2027.
Over the last 37 years, Ms Curtis has faithfully and dutifully served this synod, most recently as the Director of Operations for our synod in the Office of the Bishop. She has seen four different iterations of the synod office, and I am now the fifth bishop she has served as executive assistant. To say that she was an institution, is truly an understatement. She has been a steady rock and pillar of this office for decades. Her professionalism, trust, compassion, and diligence are going to be things this office will likely never replace.
Transition plans are being formed, and celebrations are in the works (even though we know she would rather us not). Please be on the lookout for more information about this transition as it unfolds in the coming months. My hope is that we are able to begin the search process in December and have someone come on board to work alongside her for a period of time, but the search will dictate if that is possible. I have found great value in having someone managing day-to-day operations in the synod office as a manager of the staff. With our staff being relatively large right now, it is my intention to seek another Director of Operations to replace her position.
Until her final day is announced, please know that Ms Curtis is STILL the person to call when you have questions or need to get something on the bishop’s calendar. Further, she will continue to schedule and plan things for us even if it’s beyond her tenure in the office. Once we have made an offer to a new candidate, we will be sure to let you know how and who to contact once Ms Curtis retires.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the many ways that she has personally formed me as a leader in this church and as the bishop of this synod. Her wisdom and care for this church is unmatched. So, please join me in giving thanks for the legacy that she will be leaving with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
In gratitude,
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