Thursday, August 9, 2007

All Good Things Come to an End

Well it is official, I am stepping down as the Director of Children's Ministries for Fair Oaks Church. Here is the letter that went out this week:

Dear Fair Oaks,

I am writing today with such deep love and heart of gratefulness for our church. Like many of you I have enjoyed the blessing of watching God move at Fair Oaks. God has done many wonderful things through us; we have had two successful day camps, started the Mocha Club, sang for the City of Concord, brought back the Harvest Festival and watched God bless us with more and more children. Personally, I have grown more than I ever could have imagined as the Director of Children’s Ministries these last three years, and I am in awe of all God has done.

However, after prayerful consideration I feel it is time for me to step down from this position. This decision has not been easy, but it has become necessary for my family. Over the summer through various assessments it has become clear that my son Geoffrey is going to need an increased amount of academic support. Many of you know he has a form of autism, which makes understanding language difficult for him. We have tried public school, private school and now Geoff and I feel it is time to try home school.

I look forward to helping Geoffrey progress, yet at the same time I am very sad. I feel so privileged to have served alongside such an incredible group of passionate and joyful volunteers. I will miss serving with everyone on a weekly basis. However, I know that my ministry would be hollow if I took care of the needs of other children at the expense of my own.

I want to thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers. It has been such a joy serving with you.

Love in Christ,
Bonnie Arnwine


I'm sad yet relieved, now I have the time to focus on helping G. I'm home schooling in the fall and will be working with him on his reading comprehension.

8 comments:

Jen P said...

We were thinking about homeschooling but seeing as he is just 4 we will try public first. I know comprehension is not Eric's strength. His psych wants him to go to kindergarten next year. yikes - scary. Good luck with the teaching. I look forward to your blogs about it.

Bonnie said...

public school was great for us at first. I'll let you know how it goes!

Anonymous said...

It's always a juggle.
Best wishes

Anonymous said...

I had to step down last year as church secretary, after 5 years, so I could take a job that provided health insurance. I knew once I was married we would lose my fxs sons SSI and medicaid. It was so hard to write that final letter for the church bulletin and newsletter. I still miss working there. And even though I still attend church there it's still just not the same as when I was the secretary.

But I'm so happy to have the job I have now because there would be no way we could pay for the medical bills.

Good luck with the teaching :)

Anonymous said...

thx, we'll see how it goes. It was hard to step down and now I need to back off so the new person can take over...

Shawn said...

sniff, sniff...but so proud of you! I MISS YOU BUNCHES!!! We have got to use that little piece of technology called the telephone more often :)

Katherine said...

Great letter, Bonnie. It's always hard to step away from something you've poured yourself into, but I totally admire your choice to meet your own children's needs first and foremost. I am excited to see how this year shapes up with you and your beautiful kids!

Bonnie said...

awww, sniff, sniff...