A Word from the Pastor – Sabbatical!

This fall will mark 7 years of me having the blessing of serving our church family. So, months ago, I began talking with the church’s Personnel Committee about taking a traditional seventh year sabbatical. They and the deacons were wonderfully supportive.
 
It was my intention to take a lot of time planning all the details, making reservations far in advance, and sharing what I’ll be doing. But when the hurricane hit, all of that planning went on a big pause. Nevertheless, it’s not too late to plan a good sabbatical—to re-energize, be nourished, be inspired, and then bring that back to our church.

The plan is for me to be on sabbatical for most of September, October, and November. The first month will be resting, reading, and planning. The last two months will be (hopefully!) a pilgrimage in Scotland, from one ancient monastery to another. It will follow the path of St. Aidan, who walked it 1,400 years ago, to bring the good news of Jesus to a people who hadn’t heard it.
 
During the Wednesday Bible Studies in August, we’ll be talking about Aidan’s story and mission, to think about how it can inspire all of us today. I’m excited about it.