(Stony Point, NY)--The director of Stony Point Center steps aside to create a bridge to new leadership for “a new way for a new day.”
In his remarks to the General Assembly Council committee in Louisville on February 14, 2008, Rev. William Pindar stated “It is with a heart full of hope in the future and memories full of joy and accomplishment that I, at my own initiative, announce my decision to step aside as director of Stony Point Center and conclude eleven years of employment with the Center.”
Pindar will remain in the office until June 30, 2008 and formally terminate on July 31, 2008. In speaking with the GAC’s Stewardship & Mission Support and the Spirituality & Discipleship committees, Pindar reflected upon a statement made by Gracie Allen to her husband, George Burns, as her life was coming to a close. “George! Never put a period where God has placed a comma.” Pindar continued, “Stony Point Center’s legacy of mission is not at an end. It is at a transitional comma time. The remarkable service of the Center with its many guests and current groups will continue as the new vision unfolds.”
Over the last decade, under the leadership of Pindar, there have been many noteworthy Governing Board and staff endeavors and achievements. Facilities and campus grounds have been improved, the historic Gilmor Sloane House remodeled, a beautiful meditation space with an outdoor labyrinth built, programs with multicultural and interfaith partnerships established, guest usage increased, and multiple testimonies to experiences of radical hospitality and deepening vocation received.
Stony Point Center has emerged as a favorite regional and global destination for retreats, conferences, training, and individual spiritual sabbaticals. As a recent guest proclaimed, “There’s a deep, sweet spirit in this place!” There is an air of excitement and promise at Stony Point Center as the Governing Board moves forward in its leadership search process. During this time of transition, a new operations team has begun its work, staffed by two Governing Board volunteers. They report that reservations for 2008 are at the highest level in recent years and that new, measurable steps are being put in place to assure fiscal viability and capacity building.
As Pindar concluded his comments to the GAC committees, he expressed his gratitude for being able to embrace and work with the mission goals of the GAC as they became part of the ministry at SPC. He also spoke of the fellowship of vocation with many GAC colleagues, particularly highlighting the “Circle of Friends” established over the years with many of the dedicated colleagues and support staff in Louisville, at Stony Point Center, regionally, across the country, and around the globe. “I am excited by the November, 2007 actions of the Center’s Governing Board for a new day and a new way, based upon their resolve to move forward in mission with an ‘Intentional Spiritual Community.’” Pindar concluded his remarks with this prayer from the writings of a former UN Secretary- General Dag Hammarskjöld: “For all that has been, THANKS, and for all that will be, YES!”
Press Release - February 25, 2008 -Stony Point Center
