The following post is from Angela Lowe, chair of the CBF Council on Endorsement and chaplain coordinator of Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kan.
In the post below, Lowe reflects on the chaplaincy and pastoral counseling luncheon at CBF General Assembly where retiring chaplain endorser George Pickle was honored. Learn more about CBF chaplaincy and the legacy of George Pickle in the latest issue of fellowship! magazine.
George Pickle honored at chaplaincy and pastoral counseling luncheon.
The chaplains and pastoral counselors luncheon began with a welcome and blessing by CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter.
Suzii blessed those gathered by stating that “this is witness that serves the reign of God that other ministers may never touch and often done by only all of you. George Pickle is the essence of chaplaincy—that one person to one person relationship with those who are endorsed and all the respective endorsing organizations.”
After a delicious meal and table conversation, Clarissa Strickland emceed the luncheon with “pickle” humor which filled the room with laughter. She stated that George was a “sweet dill” who waxed strong in the land of CBF chaplains and pastoral counselors and represented CBF well.
Pickle was presented a framed certificate representing the CBF Council on Endorsement; military soldier sculptor representing Jesus, the shepherd, embracing and carrying the soldier’s load presented by Jim Pope and Jim King; an AAPC Distinguished Service Award presented by Jim Pruett; and Keith Ethridge presented Pickle with a certificate from the National VA Chaplain Center.
Ron Craddock reminisced about Pickle flying to the carrier where he served as navy chaplain. Craddock stated that it was “great to see George’s face and introduce him to his crew which rendered honors to George.”
Cecilia Walker explained with a broad smile that she would not drive 16 hours to speak three minutes for just anybody, yet she would to honor Pickle who had helped her through the tremendous grief of losing her daughter. She stated that George listened to her cries and pain and helped her “get up and go back to the ED.”
Wayne Lanham, a close friend of George’s from his freshman year at Baylor University, talked about their college days and their respective chaplain experiences stating that “George embodies a real friend.”
Bo Prosser affirmed George as his hero and said “all of us are richer for the hero you are to us.” Prosser presented George with a “Book of Letters” compiled of notes of many chaplains and pastoral counselors.
Prosser stated that the Chaplaincy Endowment will be named the “George Pickle Endowment.”
Pickle received a standing ovation after he shared the gratitude from his heart.