From the Personnel Committee – Pastor Stuart's Sabbatical

Last week, Pastor Stuart shared with our church family exciting news about his upcoming sabbatical. This comes after an incredibly difficult few years. He led us successfully through our national pandemic with skill and grace. Under his leadership, our church became a major hub for disaster relief after Hurricane Helene. So many new and exciting ministries have been born out of these two difficult events. While we will certainly miss him during the time he is away, we know this is a well-deserved time of study, reflection, physical and spiritual renewal. We are also confident that we, as a body of Christ, will be the beneficiaries of his renewed spirit and enhanced knowledge.

While he is away, many good folks will bring messages on Sunday during worship—some old friends and new. Pastor Stuart has secured some grant funding to help the church with pulpit supply costs.

Over the next Wednesday evenings he will  share  information about the pilgrimage he plans, following in the footsteps of early Celtic pilgrims who were instrumental in taking the Gospel into new areas for the first time. While this is a deeply spiritual journey, it is not without considerable costs. The Personnel Committee believes that many in our church family would value the opportunity to support and encourage our pastor and participate more in that pilgrimage by helping allay some costs. There is some funding already in our budget, but it needs supplementing.

We ask that you begin praying about your contribution. This is a very tangible way for our church family to show how much we appreciate and value the incredible leadership and guidance he has provided for us during the last 7 years. A designated fund has been set aside in the church budget to collect donations. If you want to supply funding support, you may contact Debbie in the church office, or note "Pastor Sabbatical" on a donation.

Thank you for your attention to this request,
Personnel Committee