Always a bittersweet time at Annual Conference, Friday’s retiree recognition was no exception. During the afternoon session, fellow clergy, laity, leadership, and families had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the clergy retiring class of 2024, and their spouses, for their many years of tireless service and dedication to ministry.
Celebration
The time of celebration began with a welcome and introduction by Rev. Donna Banks, Chair of the Board of Pension. Banks expressed deep gratitude for the new retirees and their service, sacrifice, and commitment to and for Christ. The 37 retirees were recognized earlier in the day during a special luncheon, and many fellow clergy and friends expressed what an honor it was as a body of believers to celebrate together those who have served so faithfully before us and among us.
2024 Class of Retirees
The 37 retirees include:
Sheila Ahler, Robert Albritton, Jane Almon, James Bell, Jane Brannock, Patrice Cheasty-Miller, Suzanne Cobb, Sylvia Collins-Ball, Joyce Day, Rodney Dorn, Henry Dunbar, J Farron Duncan, Laura F Early, Edie Gleaves, Richard Greenway, Martin Greer, Elizabeth Haas, William Craig Ham, Donna Hammond, William Holliday, Brenda Jones, Jimmy Oxendine, Elizabeth Reynolds, Curtis Keith Sexton, Mary Anne Shivers, Charles Cooper Smith, Jon Strother, Thomas Sweeley, David Wade, Clinton White, Jaye White, Kathie Wilkinson, Kristin D Williams, Ben Witherington, Toni Wood, Sam Wynn
Benediction
After recognizing the individuals, Bishop Shelton concluded the time of honoring the retirees by leading Conference delegates and families in an acapella version of the Doxology, followed by a word of thanks and benediction.
“Look at this group of servants and imagine the years of sermons written and delivered and challenges encountered. Yet, they still stand here resilient and reflecting the faces of joy in the love of Jesus Christ. Now, go and rest and go in peace. Amen.”