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  • David Laughlin

    Pastor leaving
January 30, 2010

Bittersweet departure

David Laughlin

DUNCAN — For every arriving there is a departure and for every hello there is a good bye. The Rev. Joe Running has been in Duncan for more than four and a half years. Sunday he is saying goodbye to All Saints’ Episcopal and hello to Fayetteville, N.C. and his wife.

Running is leaving Duncan for Fayetteville, N.C. because his wife has taken a job at a VA hospital. “She found a wonderful opportunity at a hospital in Fayetteville,” he said. “I would like to stay, but I am close enough to retirement.”

Running said his wife had been employed by Solutions of Duncan Regional Hospital, but recently lost her job because of downsizing. He said she looked local to find employment but he search came up fruitless.

“We looked at Lawton and Oklahoma City, but the truth is moving is moving, whether it is Oklahoma City of Fayetteville,” he said.

Running hasn’t secured a full time job in Fayetteville yet but is optimistic about his chances, “I know God isn’t going to leave me on the sidelines too long, I have gifts that I can bless people with. We are really stepping out on faith that I will find something.” Running said the move would bring him closer to family.

“Duncan is a wonderful town to live in, our congregation has been great. Our initial plan was to retire in Duncan,” Running said. Over the course of his four year tenure at All Saints’ Episcopal Running said some of his best moments were to see four members step into full time clergy positions.

Running has been involved in numerous civic activities, “It is disappointment that I have to depart from those, but will have to see what happens in Fayetteville.”

Running has been moving throughout his entire life, “Life is a journey, those who are fortunate enough to move around are getting so many different experiences,” he said. “Obviously I am sad about leaving but I am excited about all the possibilities.”

Running’s last service is going to be Sunday. “It really is bittersweet, Sunday is going to be an emotional day.”

Running’s wife is already in Fayetteville, she left After Christmas. “I am so excited to be with her again. Home is where your hat is but you carry alot of people in your memory and heart.”

— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.

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