Dear Friends, June 2010
We signed a contract signed as pastor and congregation back in 2003, that called for a three month Sabbatical leave after seven years of service to the congregation. At the time we started our relationship, I felt like the Sabbatical clause was an indication that I intended to be with you and among you.
The sabbatical is to permit the pastor time to refresh his personal relationship with God, with his immediate family, and with his sense of call as a minister of word and sacrament. I know several pastors and churches that have taken a Sabbatical, and tell of the benefits they each received. The pastors tell me the church gains self-confidence and a greater appreciation for the various roles the pastor tends in their midst.
2010 finds this congregation in the hands of reliable lay leadership. Kay Redshaw and Dena Strell have secured the Moderator/Vice Moderator roles in a way that provides the congregation with leadership that is calm and understanding. Mike Knapp leads the Trustees with knowledge and patience. Jim Taylor guides the Deacons with a deep sense of caring.
You will have to talk with each other when there are needs to be addressed. You will have to listen for the feelings behind the words. You will have to tend the Spirit of the congregation in responsible ways. You can do it. The church leadership can help.
The pastor will leave after the VBS worship service on Sunday July 18 and return to the office on Monday October 18. I will spend time with my children and grandchildren. I plan to attend a couple of Continuing Education events. I plan to try to write some songs to sing during Advent, by studying the scriptures with my guitar in hand. I trust the Spirit will provide me with praises to sing, and refurbish the well-springs where the poems and sermons come from.
You will do the things you are used to doing. The Sunday pulpit will be filled with a variety of interesting and gifted preachers from near and far. You will gather each week to share the experience of meeting God, in prayer and sacrament and in the company of God’s saints. You will have to talk with each other more than usual, so you can share the tasks that need to be done.
Trusting in the Spirit that holds us together,