Dear Stewart and Leaders of Arkansas Presbytery,

I am writing to give you my letter of resignation as Presbytery “Builder”, effective on April 30, 2023. I was introduced as staff at the March 2020 Presbytery meeting (days only before we shut down for COVID). As I ponder the 3 years I’ve spent in the position, I have learned a lot, made some good connections and hopefully been of assistance and encouragement to some of our congregations, ministers and members in this strange and challenging time in the life of our Presbytery and of the wider church.

As I have previously ‘flunked’ total retirement, I definitely want to continue filling pulpits and being a friend to my colleagues in ministry when possible. I would also consider interim positions both here and outside of the Presbytery and am already planning to lead some studies in churches on a ‘as desired’ basis.

When I spoke with Stewart, I agreed to share my thoughts on the “Builder” position and would be glad to do that with the personnel committee/administration committee or any other group that seems appropriate.  I will go ahead and say that I do not believe you need this particular position as it is currently configured.  I would hate to see the Presbytery jump to fill this position without giving a lot of thought about how best to make use of the freed-up salary which is quite generous.

I have asked for the termination date of April 30 so that I can be a part of the 2023 Future of the Church Grant process which I have been involved with for at least 4 years. I am also very happy to be the contact for Jason Tucker as he continues his work with Leadership Cohort 2023 and if the Coordinating Team approves Dr. Lester Ruth coming for the October meeting, I’d be glad to be the communicator and arranger for him to be here.

I am extremely grateful for the time I’ve spent in this role, for all the wonderful people I’ve met and with whom I’ve been privileged to work and for the time with our congregations. I’m thankful for Stewart and the staff, the time we’ve spent together and the work we’ve done together.

Blessings, Carol (Clark)