I'm stepping away for a sabbatical, starting today. A sabbatical is an extended time for intentional rest and renewal. Borrowing an old phrase, it is a time to 'sharpen the saw'.
Sabbaticals typically last from 2 months up to a year. In my case, I will be out of the office starting today and I'll return the end of September. My first Sunday back in the pulpit will be October 4.
Sabbaticals provide not only a time of rest, but disruption from the normal routines. That is true for the person taking the sabbatical as well as those who are picking up the slack. Fortunately, New Hope is in very good hands. Erik Holm will be assuming the Head of Staff responsibilities as well as take the lead in the pulpit. You can contact Erik through the church web page or directly through email: eholm@newhopepres.org
Aside from some travel for vacation, I'll be spending most of the time in the area. The work I want to do doesn't require a lot of miles as much as a change of schedule. I know people want to protect this time away and I appreciate that. At the same time, if we bump into each other, please don't feel awkward about saying, 'Hello!'. This is where I live and I like the community we live in. I may not be keen to talk about 'church stuff', but there is plenty of other things in life besides that- at least for the next 11 weeks. :)
I won't be trying to maintain this blog during the sabbatical, though towards the end of September you may see me firing it up again.
Have a blessed summer!