May 7, 2013 in Assembly
Departing VP Offers Words of Hope
“Under her leadership, this church has navigated some very difficult years, “said Bishop Claire Burkat as she introduced Pat Robinson, departing vice president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
“She loves Jesus and she loves this church,” said Burkat. “She leads with great wisdom and humor. She has a contagious love for Jesus.”
Robinson, a member of Reformation Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, served the synod for the past twelve years.
“I would say that I am just a humble servant trying to do God’s will,” said Robinson.
She thanked the synod for the opportunity to serve them and for the chance to look at the church globally through her visits to our companion synods.
Outgoing Vice President Pat Robinson receives a standing ovation from the Assembly.
“I tell others I belong to the greatest synod in the ELCA,” she said. “We have the diversity, youth, and vigor.”
She left the synod with hope for the future, reading Jeremiah 29:11 to the assembly: “For I know the plans I have for you, “says the LORD, “they are plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NRSV)
“Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, I leave you with hope for your future,” said Robinson. “We’ve had to do with less, but we are doing more.”
