Statement of Appreciation

Since his resignation as president of the church last November, Brother Grant McMurray has received many communications from members. He has asked that we publish the following statement of appreciation.

I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the many hundreds of people who have written cards and letters, sent e-mails, or made telephone calls of love and support on the occasion of my resignation as church president and retirement from church appointment. No one can fully appreciate how heartening and uplifting these are to me, and also to my family.

Some came from longtime friends and colleagues and others from people I had never personally met. Some came with multiple signatures from congregations and institutions. But all conveyed the same essential message: We are blessed by a loving community and a grace-filled God. In difficult times it is very healing to be reminded of those truths.

The volume of correspondence is such that I hope everyone will understand that I am simply unable to respond personally to each one. However, I have received and thoroughly read every card, letter, and e-mail and trust this statement will express the gratitude that is in my heart.

After thirty-three years of full-time ministry I have found life to have a very different pace these past few months. I miss the daily associations and the challenges of church leadership, but I know this time of renewal and rediscovery is what I need at this point in my life. The mission of the church is never far from my heart, and my prayerful support goes out daily to those called to lead, now and in the time to come.

Thank you for your prayers and for your gracious and sustaining love. Each letter has reminded me that we are indeed a community of love and peace.

--W. Grant McMurray