Missy Darling to Retire
January 11, 2023
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
Over 18 years ago I was at Redeemer one weekday, probably for Altar Guild, when I heard that the current receptionist was leaving to take a full-time position. My husband Chuck had just retired from UC, and I having just retired after 32 years of teaching, thought a part-time position could be just the right fit for my next stage of life. I asked our then rector, Bruce Freeman, if I might apply to be the next receptionist. After he had discussed it with Senior Warden Ted Terry, I heard from him. He offered me the position but only from August until the end of December when Admin would reevaluate. Here I am 18 plus years later.
I have had so many varied tasks over the years from preparing birthday and anniversary cards, ordering supplies, helping with weekly bulletins, to scheduling most of the volunteer ministries before the MSP on-line scheduler arrived, but I have always believed my most important tasks were welcoming people in the door and answering the phone to assist the caller.
Being your receptionist has been such a gift in my life. I have been rewarded in so many ways including getting to see those adorable preschoolers, meeting others from our diocese, working with loyal reliable vendor reps, working alongside so many wonderful lay and clergy colleagues, and getting to know so many of you and your families. It has been my pleasure to assist whenever and wherever, and if I couldn’t, to locate the right person who could.
I now find that it is time to retire once again and to discover what God has in store for me next. I will miss very much being your receptionist, but lucky for me, I will still see you all in church.
With gratitude,
Missy Darling
Dear Redeemer family,
One of the first people I met at this church was Missy Darling. It was during the final stage of job interviews, Krista and I were visiting Cincinnati and we were being given a tour of the church. We were ushered into the office area and there, behind the front desk, was a bright, smiling face. I remember the sense of warmth and welcome that I felt immediately. That’s Missy. She has been the first face of Redeemer for so many people over the years, which means the first impression people have had of us has been one of warmth and welcome. Working with her has been an unmitigated joy, and I’m honored to call her a friend. And I have decided to feel ok about congratulating her on her retirement from the role of receptionist because I know that it’s not goodbye. Missy will continue to be an integral part of our church community, which means more people will be blessed by her smile and by the kindness she shares with everyone she meets. Missy, I’m proud of you, I thank God for you, I love you, and I look forward to seeing what the next chapter brings your way!
Your friend and brother in Christ Jesus,
Philip †
