DATE: 31
October 2013 (Reformation Day)
TO: Friends
and Family The Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
SUBJECT: Retirement
of Mrs. Paulette Ratcliff
Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou
hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. (Matt 25:21)
It falls my lot today, as your Bishop, to
announce the bittersweet news of the retirement of a most devoted, loyal, and
fervent servant of the Lord from the National Staff of our Church – Mrs.
Paulette Ratcliff. Today will mark the end of many long years of service during
which Paulette worked for wages far below that for which she was accustomed
before her previous retirement as Secretary to the CEO of Blue Cross/Blue
Shield of Michigan. Her labors were of love and not compensation of any sort.
In that respect, she followed in the footsteps of her blessed mother, Mrs.
Betty Thomas, who likewise contributed long hours of labor to the National
Office of the AOC free gratis.
As all of you who receive the periodical photo
journals of the AOC will attest, Paulette's work is unsurpassed for technical,
and more importantly, spiritual, merit. Such a friend, sister, and professional
as Paulette cannot be replaced. She has endeared herself into the hearts of all
who are associated with the AOC.
The scripture verse appended below the subject
line above seems a bit too final to ascribe to Paulette, for she continues, and
ever will continue, in the service of the Lord. The burning lights of love
cannot be extinguished by any change of lamp stand, and Paulette will continue
to burn brightly that Light of Jesus wherever she may be found in future years.
We love Paulette and will miss her daily smile and help, but she will not go
far away. We will yet see her at church gatherings, along with our good friend,
Johnie (Paulette's devoted husband) over coming years.
I have been personally assured by Paulette that
she will be available to lend her support and counsel for any extraordinary
challenges which the Church may face in future years.
Thank you, Sister Paulette Ratcliff, for
continuing to be the friend and sister with whom God has so graciously blessed
us in the AOC.
In Christ,
Jerry L. Ogles
Presiding Bishop & Metropolitan
The Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide
