Monday, January 23, 2017

Yesterday's Announcement

Yesterday in church at Cape Coral First United Methodist Church, I made the following announcement.

Good morning.
I would like to personally make an announcement.

Over the past several months, I have had an increasingly difficult time finding the joy of life. And as a pastor, when you cannot find the joy, you cannot pass on the joy. Consequently, after much prayer and consideration, I have requested and have been granted by the Conference a leave of absence. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I need to find my smile, and you need someone that can effectively lead Cape Coral Church. My last day as your pastor is today. Again, I am very sorry, I promise to pray for you and I appreciate your love and prayers so very much.


Let me add to this, since I have already been asked: there is no moral failure, I'm not getting a divorce, and I am not sick [I don't have cancer or some such thing.]

I am desperately sorry for every person that I have disappointed. Please keep me in your prayers.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

6 comments:

Janet Miller said...


Jeff, so sorrry to hear this. Bob and I will keep you in our prayers. I'm sure you will find a way to "find your smile".

Anonymous said...

You are one of the very, very best! Always and forever. So many love and adore you. Thank you. xo

Anonymous said...

I am sorry that you have been/are struggling. Find a good church. Go. Sit. Take it in. You will find what you need. It will be ok. I promise.

QMan said...

Jeff my prayers are with you. Thank you for being who you are. Reminder be true to your self and God has your back and loves you unconditionally
Paul Quinlan

QMan said...

Jeff, my prayers are with you. Reminder be true to yourself, God has your back and loves you unconditionally

Love Paul

Unknown said...

As much as I hate to accept this I'm glad u r taking this time for yourself.U r doing the right thing, it will be a good thing, U will be OK n be a " joyful Jeff" again and hear the birds sing