Deacon Deb’s Retirement Letter October 10, 2024

I have come to an important life decision rapidly and with great certainty. In three short days in early October, the idea grew from an inkling, a nudge, a yearning to a solidly affirmed ‘knowing.’ It happened fast.

I decided to retire from my appointment on June 30th.

The eight years I have served alongside Pastor Gene as ordained clergy at SUM have been joyful and satisfying. The love and support the SUM community has shown me as Deacon Deb has been the foundation on which I stood as I served to the best of my ability. The same holds true for my time with Copper Hill, North Canton, and Washington Hill.

And now, it is time for me to retire.

Why?

I desire more time for self-care—quiet times, exercise, reading, music, art, being in nature, and other nurturing activities.

My dance card is so full that there is not enough time left to offer my parents, children, and friends.

I want more time for travel while I am physically able and healthy.

Why now?

I have a practice of leaving a job while things are going well, when I am feeling great and on top of my game rather than waiting to feel burnt out and resentful. This practice has served me well. I am at that place now.

I’ll be leaving at a time when SUM is in a good place. We have a dream team staff. The music program is vibrant and enhances worship week after week. Church school lessons mirror sermon messages so parents and children can keep the discussion alive at home. Youth have bonded while meeting weekly for fellowship while learning the role they play at SUM. The office is warm, friendly, and a well-organized hub of all that occurs at SUM. The laity is spirit-filled, educated, and effective. There is a deep bench of talented pulpit fill (exhorters) who are growing in their faith as they preach and serve.

Sunday attendance is stable, if not increasing, and new members join regularly. The campus is kept in working order whether the job is small or massive. There are inspired people leading ministries from welcome to worship that run like well-oiled machines. The social justice and outreach efforts are far-reaching. Two teams concentrated on staying relevant through two intense phases of Reimagine Church, resulting in a well-defined brand, an authentic purpose statement with guiding principles, and now an explicit welcoming statement. We have a handle on our financial challenges with a strategy and the leadership to right the ship. The dedicated communication team gave birth to and continues to guide an impressive web and social media presence and effective internal communication process. Various small group and fellowship opportunities are available from season to season. The church faithfully honors and cares for our older and more isolated members. Spiritual growth abounds. The church remains outward-facing with an increasing number of community-focused programming and events.

The transition will be emotional. Change is always difficult, but SUM has made similar changes. This community is in a good place, and you will be fine.

I need to do the right thing for me. Retiring this June is the right thing.

I plan to savor every moment with you between now and June 30th. There is still a lot of work to do and a lot of love to share.

Respectfully submitted,
-Deacon Deb

Reverend Deborah J. Clifford
Director, Congregational Development and Church Revitalization