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Retiring Executive Board Members Honored
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (June 14, 2006) - Retiring members were recognized during today's
meeting of the Executive Board of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
The board meeting preceded this evening's worship service in the DeVos
Center, which formally launches the 121st Annual Meeting of the ECC.
 Retiring members include Catherine Gilliard,
Stanley Long and Beth Sandell. Gilliard served as board chair and was succeeded
by Darrell Griffin. An accompanying photo shows Gilliard handing over a
miniature gavel to Griffin, a tradition started when Gilliard assumed the chair
from her predecessor, Curtis Peterson.
"We are extremely grateful for your leadership and the way you have poured
yourself into the work of this board and the church," said President Glenn
Palmberg of Gilliard's service. "You presided over the board during a time of
real transition," Palmberg noted.
Then addressing the other retiring members, Palmberg thanked them as well for
all of their good work over the years. Long was unable to attend today's
meeting.
"I love working with people who understand the call to serve the church,"
Gilliard said of her colleagues on the board. "I appreciate the opportunity to
serve."
Sandell likewise spoke of her board service as a privilege and offered words
of encouragement to those who will continue service on the board.
As a large lighted birthday cake was wheeled into the room, Palmberg led the
group in singing "Happy Birthday" to Gilliard in honor of her fiftieth birthday.
"I knew it was one of those decade birthdays," Palmberg quipped.
 Another special moment came with recognition of
Joey Ekberg (lower photo), administrative assistant to the president, who
recently announced plans to leave her Covenant position to pursue other ministry
to which she believes God is calling her. "This is perhaps the most difficult
decision I've ever made," Ekberg said in describing her plans. "I have worked
closely with Glenn and respect and admire him greatly. However, I have never
felt as strong a call as I do now – to do a new and different ministry."
Palmberg affirmed her decision, expressing his appreciation to Ekberg and
applauding her service to his office and the church at large. "I am deeply
grateful for all that she has done – and I am still in shock," Palmberg said.
"However, I do respect her decision – to make use of her gifts and training.
Hers is truly a call from God and one that I support."
Board members also had an opportunity to meet Dr. David Parkyn, the
recommended candidate to become president of North Park University. He will come
before delegates to the Annual Meeting later in the week.
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