Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The End of an 18 1/2 Year Era



On Sunday, May 5th, Ken and the stake presidency were released.  Thus ends an 18 1/2 year era for us.  Ken served in this stake presidency as 1st counselor and in the last one as executive secretary, for a total of 18 1/2 years.  So that's 18 1/2 years of being gone every Tuesday night.  That might be the biggest change: having him home on Tuesday evenings.  I'm used to having the puncher (remote) all to myself!  But, honestly, I don't think he'll be fighting for the remote.  That's not how he rolls.  I think he'll be out doing yard work or out on his bike.  

When Elder Golden of the '70 was here, he said that in the 200 or so stakes he has visited, this is the first one that has had all five members of the presidency in for the whole term.  So I guess that's a distinction.  These are wonderful men who have blessed Ken's life a lot.  That's the hardest part about the release- losing that close association.   
  A few weeks ago, we all went out to dinner together, and afterward, we presented President Lyman and his wife with a gift to thank them for their service.  

Ken wasn't jobless for long:  The day after he was released, the bishopric of our ward called him to be a gospel doctrine teacher in the ward.  They also asked him to speak on the atonement in sacrament meeting for our Invitation Sunday- which he did Sunday. He's excited for a new challenge and new opportunity for service.  A change is as good as a rest- right?   Other than about a year as a scoutmaster when we lived in Washington, and a few months when we first moved here in 1985 as Cub Master, this is the first time in our marriage that he hasn't been in administration in the church.  It will be a change and a new challenge for him.  

5 comments:

Pam said...

I wondered how your big release weekend came out. Wow! That's fast Ken receiving a new calling! He'll be awesome, whatever way he serves!

Joan Morris said...

Congrats to Ken and you! I'm sure Ken will enjoy his new calling and you both will enjoy a little more free time.

Pal & Hatty said...

Jobs well done Ken - you are a good man and will make a wonderful gospel doctine teacher! I guess some of the only things we can count on are change and taxes! Now you are master of both!

Kristen Mackrory said...

Can I come to your gospel doctrine class?!? I would love to be a student and learn from you in that role.

What a big change. I hope it goes smoothly!

Shonna said...

What a great group of people! Did all the brethren mean to dress in blue? And they sure didn't let Daddy rest between callings, did they? It's been a while since I've checked your blog. It's a good thing we KIT in other ways. I sure love you Mom!