Covenant News

Karen Farmer to Retire End of September

CHICAGO (July 17, 2000) - Karen Farmer, long-time presidential administrative assistant for the Evangelical Covenant Church, will retire the end of September, bringing to a close a 40-year career.

Farmer is perhaps as well-known throughout the Covenant as the three presidents she served since leaving her home church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in January 1960 to accept a position as secretary to Robert Honnette, secretary of the Covenant. She became administrative assistant to President Milt Engebretson in 1983 and continued to serve in the same capacity with presidents Paul Larsen and most recently Glenn Palmberg.

"I have appreciated the confidence and trust that they have placed in me," Farmer said in reflecting on her role. "I have always considered this position as an opportunity to serve the Lord, which I have tried to do to the best of my ability." Although her role may have been one of serving and assisting others, Farmer said, "I am the one who has been blessed."

Farmer expressed appreciation to the leaders of the church, administrative offices staff and the hundreds of pastors and staff members throughout the Covenant for their assistance over the years. "I couldn't have succeeded without all of you," she said. "I hope in some way I have helped to advance the work of the Covenant church – after all, isn't that what it's all about?"

President Palmberg expressed regret that Farmer is retiring, but said he understands the appeal of spending more time with family, especially Farmer's new grandchild. "It has been a joy to work with Karen and I will miss her," Palmberg said, "but I must respectfully honor her decision."

Palmberg praised Farmer's work over the years, describing her as "an extremely competent, careful administrator. She handles an enormous amount of detail and responsibility and she does it with integrity and total respect for confidentiality," the president continued. "She never loses track of details and follows through on everything. She is one of those dedicated people who do the job regardless of what it takes or how much time it consumes. And she does it all with a pleasant, cheerful disposition."

Palmberg said the Covenant "will never fully realize the role she has played in its life," noting she has played a central role in the smooth functioning of the president's office and the Covenant as a whole.

Farmer's husband of 38 years retired several months ago following years of service at Swedish Covenant Hospital. "I am looking forward to doing some things I haven't had time to do before," Farmer said, including "traveling with my loving and supportive husband and Covenant companion, Pat; spending more time with our wonderful sons, Tom and Steve and Steve's lovely wife, Jodi; and being grandma to Gretchen, our adorable six-month-old granddaughter (accompanying photo)."

Farmer said that retirement does not mean an end to her personal interest in the welfare of the church and operations at the administrative offices. I will continue to pray for all of you and the work you do each day so faithfully for Christ and the church. I will miss you all very much!"

Palmberg noted Farmer's commitment to continue to serve as needed to insure a smooth transition. "I pray God's richest blessings for Karen, Pat and their family as they look forward to new opportunities together," Palmberg concluded.

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