This week, we have the opportunity to celebrate someone who has been a part of the heart and soul of Pittman Park for more than 17 years: Jodi Atkinson.
Jodi is retiring from her role as Financial Administrator at Pittman Park, and while we are excited for what comes next for her, it is hard to imagine this place without her. Since 2009, Jodi has been a constant source of care, support, encouragement, and love for this congregation. She has been more than just a staff member, she has been a part of our team, our family, and she has been there for countless moments, some joyful, some difficult, and many ordinary moments that, over time, become the stuff of a church family. She has helped people feel welcomed, cared for, remembered, and loved. Oh, she’s also been an outstanding steward and guide for the financial life of our church!
I have been especially grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Jodi. She has been a steady presence and a trusted friend, and it has been a genuine joy to serve with her. She has seen me in my highs and lows and always offered strength and love to Stephanie and I.
Now Jodi gets to step into a new season, one with more time for her husband, Rev. Dorsia Atkinson, for her children, Brian, Chris, and Danielle, and for her nine grandchildren. And I hope she enjoys every minute of it! May this next season be filled with joy, hope, and love.
While Jodi is retiring from her ministry at Pittman Park, I don’t believe for a moment that God is finished using her. One of the things I have learned over the years is that God’s call on our lives doesn’t necessarily end when a job ends. God always brings a new opportunity. I am certain that God will continue to call and use Jodi in powerful ways, for the sake of her family, her community, and the Kingdom of God.
So this week, I want to invite you to help us celebrate Jodi. Drop off a card or gift to bless her before her last day on August 31; we will have an envelope available in the church office for your cards and well wishes. And join us for worship on Sunday at our 11:00am traditional service as we celebrate her ministry among us.
Thank her for the years she has given to this church. Thank her for the countless ways she has cared for people. And pray that this next season will be filled with joy, rest, adventure, family, and a deep awareness of God’s presence.
A Prayer for Jodi
Gracious God,
We give you thanks for Jodi and for the gift she has been to Pittman Park for more than 17 years. Thank you for her faithful service, her generous spirit, her steady presence, and the love she has shown to so many.
As she enters this new season of life, bless Jodi and Dorsia. Give them time to enjoy one another, to make memories with their children and grandchildren, and to experience the joy of this new chapter.
And, Lord, continue to guide Jodi wherever you lead her. Remind her that retirement from one ministry is not retirement from your call. Use her gifts, her wisdom, her compassion, and her love in new and unexpected ways for the sake of her family, her community, and your Kingdom.
Give her joy for the road ahead, peace for the things she leaves behind, and confidence that wherever she goes, she goes with You.
We are grateful for Jodi. We love her. We will miss her. And we trust her future to you. In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Jodi, thank you. You have loved this church well, and we are better because you have been here. We are going to miss you at Pittman Park, but we are also excited to see what God has in store for you next.
God bless,
Jonathan Smith
For Jesus. For People. For Community.