Margaret Benefiel’s Retirement Announcement
Dear Shalem Community,
I am writing to let you know that I will be retiring as Shalem’s Executive Director. Serving in this capacity for almost a decade has been an honor and privilege that is hard to express. My heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity I have had to get to know so many of you in Shalem programs and pilgrimages, through the Shalem Society, at regional gatherings, at Gerald May seminars and Contemplative Voices Award events, through prayer gatherings, and in many other ways.
I’ve realized that I have, through the grace of God, accomplished what I was led to do and positioned Shalem for a new era and new leadership. I feel ready to focus more time on the Soul of Leadership program and other programs and to devote more time to my passion for contemplative higher education.
I have let Shalem’s Board of Directors know my intention, and they have hired a consultant to help them in the search and transition process. I am committed to staying until my successor is named and ready to start, which may be the end of 2025, or may be early in 2026.
Please pray for the board as they do the important work of discerning what Shalem needs now and as they do the search and transition work.
I look forward to continuing to be part of the Shalem community, whether in programs, in the Shalem Society, or in whatever other ways best serve Shalem.
It has been a joy and delight to serve as Shalem’s Executive Director. Thank you for all your prayers, your gifts, and your service over the years. I have deeply appreciated journeying on the contemplative path with you all.
With love and respect,
Margaret
Thank you, Margaret, for your gracious and Spirit-filled leadership! Blessings.
Margaret, your influence has been a beacon in both my professional and personal development, serving as a guiding presence throughout. Spiritual leadership within an organization is a rare and invaluable quality, especially when it ensures that one’s beliefs are reflected in the mission and vision through actions. When addressing change and crisis, you embody this principle with grace. I will continue to embrace the teachings you have imparted as I practice contemplative leadership. Thank you for the dedication and gifts you have shared.
Dearest Margaret, thank you for your passionate dedication and service. Your works will continue through all those you’ve taught, inspired and touched. You have left a mark and legacy in the field of leadership and faith. Organizations and individual lives were transformed through your writings, workshops, retreats and presence. May you receive a hundredfold return blessing in health, life and love. May the Lord bless you and keep you; make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Thank you Margaret for your faithful and faith-filled leadership. May your new endeavors be blessed.
Dear Margaret:
First, I want to thank you for opening your arms to me with the fullness of Spirit.
I am ever so grateful to you for showing what true compassion, understanding and love looks like (and feels like). You are a treasure in my heart and in the mindfulness of lifes wonderful and joyful living. For this, because of you, I give back to family, community (great & small) and to the organization to which I belong – you have set the example!
Secondly, As you venture into another life chapter, I pray your wings to be like that of an eagle, gliding on balanced air, soaring with Spirit holding you and a vision so fine that you will capture life’s every movement with anticipation and gladness…never to worry about the outcome!
In this divinity I wish you full capacity to do “you” while also enjoying family, friends and the life that God in Spirit has given you!
Congratulations on a projectory that is moving forward. Retirement is only the beginning!!!
Lovingly, Judith Brown-Leigh
SOL 2024-25
So much gratitude for the love, skills, and gratitude that you brought to Shalem. May you flourish and shine in your ministry in this next phase!
Dear Margaret,
I lift my soul to Heavens in deep gratitude for your spirit, your authentic discerning skills and rooted sense of awareness.
You are a genuine soul companion. Thank for being a unique light spark of God.
May you continue to share God’s wisdom wherever your heart is called to be!
Of the One Love,
Cristina+
Margaret,
Your commitment to modeling and nurturing contemplative leadership has been a gift to us all. Thank you for allowing Spirit to work in and through you. Your faithfulness to your leadings has made both Shalem and the world better places.
Blessings on this next part of your journey.
Holding you in the Light with love,
Cathy
Dearest Margaret, I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with you in the Soul of Leadership (Boston) program. Your leadership has inspired me and I have benefitted so much from your wisdom, gentle spirit, passion for the work, skilled teaching, and deep faith. You led Shalem through some very difficult times, indeed. Well done, good and faithful servant. May God bless you as you make this transition, and as you discover what new adventures await you on The Way.
Margaret, you are my window and entrance to Shalem Institute. Thank you for your commitment and love to sustain spiritual pass. I pray for your new stage in life. With LoPeace, AJUKO
Margaret,
Thank you so much for all you have given and done in your time at Shalem. Your ministry, teaching and gifts have blessed so many lives, including mine. May God bless you in your next journey.