Ponderings of the General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley Sue Westfall

March 30, 2026

 

Blessings in this most Holy of Weeks as we observe Jesus’ last week of life and his redemptive death before his glorious resurrection on Easter Morn. In this world bristling with war, injustice, political strife, and so so much suffering, I urge you not to go from the hallelujahs of Palm Sunday to the Alleluias of Easter without entering into and deeply acknowledging the agony and anguish our Lord suffered and so many others are suffering now. Jesus entered fully into all that humans experience in so doing, blessed and redeemed us all. Blessed Holy Week and Easter to you!

On a completely different note, March 31, 2026, is the last day I will be serving as your General Presbyter. I have so appreciated serving you in this way and marvel at the brilliant leadership and witness everywhere apparent in this presbytery. And now that particular relationship is over. With the Personnel Committee and Executive Council, I have signed the Separation Agreement found here:

Please note a couple of things I, by agreement, will not be doing:

• I will not be leading any classes or seminars for or in the presbytery for one year from Mark’s beginning date (April 1). This is to give Mark the opportunity to share his wisdom and leadership (and remember, he is a teacher by profession and a very very good one!) with you all. You will be deeply blessed.
• I also will not preach in any pulpit in the presbytery for one year from April 1. This, again, is to give Mark every opportunity to bring you good news and to get to know the marvelous congregations here. I urge every church in this presbytery to invite him to preach in your pulpit in the coming year(s). Again, you will be truly blessed not just by the Word he will share but also by getting to know him as your presbytery leader.

Those are the things I will not be doing so don’t even ask.

The Separation Agreement does affirm some things I will continue to do:

• The Separation Agreement makes it explicit that I am still a member of the presbytery and expected to participate in what we members of the presbytery are all enjoined to do. In that regard you may see me at presbytery meetings, workshops, etc. offered by the presbytery, committee meetings, and other presbytery events. I remain a friend to my colleagues here and look forward to our engagements.
• I can participate in weddings and funerals as invited by the pastor or session.
• I can apply for a different position in the presbytery. I have no plans nor wish to do that but it is allowable.

I am very much looking forward to retirement. I will be staying in Birmingham for the foreseeable future and can be reached at suewestfall@gmail.com and by phone at 520.490.1261. Again, let me say what a joy and privilege it has been to serve among you. With you now, I am eager for Mark’s leadership in this presbytery. And for you I remain,

 

As ever in prayer,

Sue