The board meeting preceded this evening's worship service in the DeVos Center, which formally launches the 121st Annual Meeting of the ECC.

Retiring members include Catherine Gilliard, Stanley Long and Beth Sandell. Gilliard served as board chair and was succeeded by Darrell Griffin. An accompanying photo shows Gilliard handing over a miniature gavel to Griffin, a tradition started when Gilliard assumed the chair from her predecessor, Curtis Peterson.

"We are extremely grateful for your leadership and the way you have poured yourself into the work of this board and the church," said President Glenn Palmberg of Gilliard's service. "You presided over the board during a time of real transition," Palmberg noted.

Then addressing the other retiring members, Palmberg thanked them as well for all of their good work over the years. Long was unable to attend today's meeting.

"I love working with people who understand the call to serve the church," Gilliard said of her colleagues on the board. "I appreciate the opportunity to serve."

Sandell likewise spoke of her board service as a privilege and offered words of encouragement to those who will continue service on the board.

As a large lighted birthday cake was wheeled into the room, Palmberg led the group in singing "Happy Birthday" to Gilliard in honor of her fiftieth birthday. "I knew it was one of those decade birthdays," Palmberg quipped.

Another special moment came with recognition of Joey Ekberg (lower photo), administrative assistant to the president, who recently announced plans to leave her Covenant position to pursue other ministry to which she believes God is calling her. "This is perhaps the most difficult decision I've ever made," Ekberg said in describing her plans. "I have worked closely with Glenn and respect and admire him greatly. However, I have never felt as strong a call as I do now – to do a new and different ministry."

Palmberg affirmed her decision, expressing his appreciation to Ekberg and applauding her service to his office and the church at large. "I am deeply grateful for all that she has done – and I am still in shock," Palmberg said. "However, I do respect her decision – to make use of her gifts and training. Hers is truly a call from God and one that I support."