I learned this past week that my ministerial leave has become a source of consternation for at least one of our younger members at the Conejo Church. This youngster recently peppered his mom with questions about my “sabatnical”:
• He's leaving? Why?
• But doesn't he rest every night like I do?
• Are you sure he will come back?
• Who will take care of his office?
• Will he take his computer with him?
• Wouldn't it be easier to read in his office where his books are?
• I just don't get it!
Good questions all. This initial series of four articles, writing in anticipation of this ministerial leave, seek to articulate why I’m leaving for these months and what I plan on doing. My "sabatnical" officially begins Monday, May 11 and continues through Monday, August 24.
The word that keeps coming to my mind as I think about this season of ministerial leave is “gift.” You, the Conejo Valley Church of Christ are granting me a very generous gift of time, financial support, and encouragement that I might pursue spiritual renewal, personal growth, and ministerial enrichment. My prayer is that you also will see this time as a gift for our Church: a season to hear fresh voices from the pulpit, an opportunity for you to experience the blessing of using your gifts to serve in a greater way, and a chance for the Conejo Valley Church to reflect upon its history and calling in God’s ongoing mission to our ever-changing world.
Thank you for this wonderful gift. I do not take it for granted. Please pray that we all may share the benefits of this season. Know that I will bear you up in my prayers. And rest assured that I am looking forward to returning to the Conejo Church this fall to re-engage in ministry with renewed faith, energy, and creativity.
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have a great time, Andy. I think you have a good plan. May those days in Israel and Athens fill you with visions of what was and can be.
ReplyDeletecharles
Gonna miss you Dad! Have a great sabbatical!
ReplyDeleteWhat an opportunity God has provided! Look forward to hearing how God is moving during this special time...and about those runs in Isreal & Greece! You & your beautiful family are in our prayers. - The Knapps
ReplyDeleteAndy... we are truly excited about this opportunity for you. May you be not only blessed by this adventure, but touched by God. Our prayer is that this will be a season of experience and growth for you as you rest, reflect, pray, discourse, travel, and study. My advice is to allow yourself to be blessed by not only the planned but by the unplanned as well. You may come back with more questions than you left with, and that would not be a bad thing either. God has made all of time and space, and declared it all good. So, whatever you encounter will be good and useful for his purpose.
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