Pastor Steve is on vacation with his family in Denver this Sunday. He asked Pastor Jon to communicate this message during worship this morning, July 12, in his absence:
Dear Members and Friends of Hilliard UMC,
On Tuesday, July 7, I received the sad news that Beth Palmer has made the decision to resign from our staff here at Hilliard UMC. I have invited Pastor Jon to read her resignation letter to you this morning:
July 7, 2026
Dear Pastor Steve, Marilyn Hoeflinger, and members of SPPRC,
After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to resign my position as Director of Adult Discipleship at Hilliard UMC. My last day will be Sunday, July 26, 2026.
I am immensely grateful for 21 years of good ministry together! You have given me countless opportunities to do meaningful work, to learn and grow and try new things and explore creative ways to love people and help them connect with God and grow in their faith. It has been the best work of my life, the best context in which to live out my calling from God — a privilege and a pleasure to serve alongside you.
Over the last two years I’ve lost three parents and have helped lead HUMC through a season of substantial and difficult change. God has given me so much clarity around my purpose and calling in this time and is leading me in new directions.
Pastor Steve, I have truly appreciated your leadership, your perceptive and open-hearted wisdom, and your contagious energy in these initial weeks! One of my goals has been to offer a stable presence to the congregation and staff during the time between pastors, and now you’re here — HUMC is in good hands!
I wish you all the best as you regroup and rebuild and continue to care for the spiritual lives of people I love dearly. You will continue to be in my prayers.
With much gratitude,
Beth Palmer
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Pastor Steve continues…
Beth clearly treasures and loves our church. After discussion with her, I believe that Beth’s departure is a response to God’s call, just as it was with her arrival. As your pastor, I am aware that Beth has helped so many of you grow in your faith journey and that many of you will be grieving this loss. She has had an incredibly positive impact on the spiritual lives of our adults.
I propose that we set aside time on July 26 following our 11am worship service to properly celebrate her time with us. Our Staff Parish Relations Committee and I will be involved in planning a sendoff to remember. We will be in touch within the next week or so as we share plans to celebrate her amazing ministry with us at Hilliard UMC.
Until then, please be in prayer about this transition, for both Beth and our congregation. If you’d like to offer help in planning her sendoff, please be in touch with me or with Marilyn Hoeflinger, Chair of our SPRC Team.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Steve