A Message from Your Scribe

Dear Brothers: 

Last night, I submitted my resignation via letter to the Clerk of the Session of First Presbyterian Church.  The text is as follows:

Dear (Clerk):

After meditation, prayer, and consultation with trusted family members, friends, and colleagues in ministry, I submit my resignation as installed pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Denton effective June 30, 2016. 

When I began work as temporary supply pastor (2010) and through to this date, the congregation has faced significant challenges -- challenges that require change.  From nearly the beginning, the changes I proposed and my manner of ministry have met with quiet, consistent, and now organized opposition from certain members and staff.  In addition, the mission and ecclesial posture  of the PCUSA -- of which I largely concur -- are no longer in keeping with the views of certain members.

I thank God for the opportunity He has given me to serve as pastor in this setting.  He has led me in the past, and I have every confidence I will be similarly led in the future.

Sincerely,

Rev. Paul R. Dunklau

As a result, the "status" of our noon meetings of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE has changed.  Personally, I am willing to continue to meet -- individually or as a group -- if there is interest.  The setting, however, will no longer be at First Presbyterian Church.

Diana and I love Denton; we feel God's direction to stay here.  We have been blessed to be involved with many entities that are of direct benefit to those in need in our area.   My initial plan is to take interim training through the PCUSA and be available for congregations in Denton and/or the North Dallas area in general as needs arise. 

Finally, I will no longer be using this email for correspondence.  Feel free to contact me at any time.  I can be reached at prdunklau@gmail.com and/or 940-206-3582 (text messages welcomed).  I realize this announcement will be something of a shock, but I trust, in time, that you will understand.

With gratitude to God and for you, I remain...

Your Scribe,

Rev. Paul R.Dunklau

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1114 W. University Drive

Denton, Texas  76201

Office:  940-387-3894

Office Fax:  940-387-3877

Mobile:  940-206-3582

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

No TNL Tomorrow

Dear Brothers:

With my quarterly responsibilities on the THR Presbyterian Hospital of Denton's Board of Trustees, I cannot be in attendance tomorrow.  In addition, there are weddings coming up and other community-oriented commitments going forward into the next few months.

Thus, THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE will begin a Summer Hiatus!  I'll have more information forthcoming on the date/setting for future meetings.

I wish you a blessed Summer -- replete with all the resources you need to keep spirit, mind, and body strong!

Peace be with you!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE for Wednesday, May 4!

See you tomorrow, gentlemen, for nourishment and lively discussion.  Sandwiches from The Egg & I will be provided.  (Your free will donations are most appreciated.)

We'll have a round table conversation about what's on your mind, and I'll have a short presentation of interesting (hopefully!) points on what some call "Post-Christian America."

See you soon!  Invite a friend!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

TNL Meets Tomorrow (Weather Permitting)

Dear Brothers:

Moments before I began this missive, Dawn Cobb of the Denton Record Chronicle reported that we were at "Level 4" ("Level 5" being worst) for violent thunderstorms/tornados in our area.    Currently, we're under a watch, but that may change.

With optimism born of faith, I'm planning on meeting with you tomorrow, and I hope you can come.  If things are not good, I'll be in touch via this medium and email.  Boxed sandwiches will be on hand (email your order:  prdunklau@gmail.com).

I'll have a short devotion, and then I propose this for conversation:  for quite awhile, I've been of the view that the problems in our country are primarily spiritual and cultural and not political (although on the latter, we have both "sides" saying, in so many words, that "the system is rigged."  If they are spiritual and cultural problems, what makes us think that political "solutions" are going to remedy them?  I'd be very interested to know what you think.

At any rate, I hope to see you tomorrow.

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

P.S.  Keep Bear Manor in your prayers; he had hip replacement surgery earlier today.

NO Nicodemus League Today

Gentlemen:

Sorry for the late notice, but TNL will not meet today, 4/20.  We will gather next Wednesday, 4/27, at the usual time.

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE MEETS TOMORROW!

Brothers

I hope you'll be able to join us for an "Easter Edition" of TNL!  We'll enjoy sandwiches from "The Egg & I", great conversation, laughter, and a quick review of our namesake:  Nicodemus! 

It's the usual time (12:00 Noon-1:00 PM) and place (Sybil Hopper Room) here at First Pres!

See you soon!

Your Scribe,

 PRDunklau

No Meeting Tomorrow

Brothers:

Unfortunately, I have a rehab evaluation that will keep me over our time together.  Thus, our next meeting will be next Wednesday, April 13th, at the usual time!  See you then to continue the celebration of Easter!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

P.S. Email your prediction on who will win the Masters -- for a special prize!  Select from the full field or after the cut.  Submission deadline:  Friday at midnight!  Good Luck!