Introducing Rev. Lara W. Franklin
In January 2023, a Search Committee comprised of ten members with diverse talents and backgrounds was selected to recommend candidates to complete our clergy leadership team. The Search Committee worked prayerfully and faithfully to carry out the charge to recommend an associate minister to work alongside Revs. Erica Thompson and Jordan Bucey to continue the ministries of this glorious church for its members, our city, and beyond.
The candidate for Associate Minister of Mid/Later Life, Rev. Lara Whitley Franklin, comes to us with outstanding credentials and significant leadership experience. She grew up in a military family, and has served as an associate pastor, senior pastor and regional leader in ministry. Her education and experience include clinical pastoral education in a healthcare and academic settings, Master of Divinity degree and coursework completed for the Doctor of Ministry (ABD). Lara even worked as a police investigator before her calling to ministry.
We invite you to take some time looking over this brochure which contains background information and the special qualifications of this outstanding candidate we had the pleasure to get to know, and unanimously and enthusiastically recommend. She has energy, warmth, and compassion combined with diversity of thought and experience.
We are thrilled that God has called Lara to Asylum Hill Congregational Church. We thank you for your confidence in the Search Committee members and look forward to being with you in worship on Sunday, September 29 to meet Rev. Franklin. You will have an opportunity to engage in discussion with members of the Search Committee at the Congregational Meeting following the 10:00am services on that date.
Indeed, God is doing new things at AHCC!
Sincerely,
Members of the Search Committee: Lenell Kittlitz, Chair; Tory Chavey, Anderson Curtis, Connor Gallegos, Kathleen Graham, Africka Hinds, Hannah Frenette Granfield Horton, Wanda Williams McCormack Frank Virnelli, Dayl Walker