Rev. Susan Robb to retire this summer

This summer, Highland Park United Methodist Church and the Cox Chapel community will say farewell to Rev. Susan Robb, HPUMC Senior Associate Minister.

After leading Cox Chapel for nearly two years, Rev. Robb is confident that now is the right time to retire. “My husband and I are looking forward to spending more time together, more time with our family, and more time finding ways to serve the community,” she said.

Rev. Robb began attending HPUMC over 30 years ago with her husband, Ike. Several years later, while in seminary, she was approached by Rev. Mark Craig, former Senior Minister of HPUMC, who encouraged her to see what life was like on the other side of the pew.

Since joining the HPUMC staff over 20 years ago, she has shared her incredible gifts with countless ministries in a multitude of positions: Director of College Ministry, Director of Sunday Morning Adult Classes, Executive Minister, Senior Associate Minister, and more.

“The term ‘pastor’ is almost always conflated with the term ‘preacher,’" said HPUMC’s Senior Minister, Rev. Paul Rasmussen. “But the word really represents something much more comprehensive. A pastor not only has to communicate publicly, but they have to deal with a range of pastoral care needs, teach, write, counsel, visit hospitals, manage conflict, and administrate. Many can specialize in one area, but few are skilled in all. Susan Robb is as complete and thoughtful a pastor as I have served with in my time at HPUMC. She is simply the best, and her standard of excellence will be difficult to replace.”

Rev. Robb thanked the Cox Chapel community for how they helped her persevere through the challenges of this past year. “In moments when I had doubts about preaching into a camera lens, when I was afraid that no one was on the other side of the camera lens, or doubted that what we were doing was making a difference,” she said, “you offered encouragement and notes saying how our service had offered words and songs of hope during these difficult times.”

HPUMC will celebrate Rev. Robb and her faithful service with a reception in June.

We’re also excited to announce that stepping in to lead the Cox Chapel community will be Rev. Jeremiah Booker, HPUMC Associate Minister.