The Pastor’s
Book Shelf (or his E-books):
The Land Called Holy by Robert L. Wilken
The
Unmaking of Israel by Gershom Gorenberg
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The Pastor’s Perch
September 3, 2014
Ready or not!
I have returned! (Sort of) In some ways it is
like I never left while in others, it seems so foreign to be back. But back
I am.
I would like to first thank all of you for
making the sabbatical possible. From the Sessions approval to each of you
who stepped up in some way to lend a hand, you are all to be thanked.
Second, I truly hope that the learning that has come out of the sabbatical
will help inform our future.
Notice I did not say “my sabbatical” because it
was all of ours. In a sense, “my” portion of the sabbatical has lead to
some personal learnings as well as insights to help foster our community.
However, I am sure all of you have come away from your own insights into
our community, both good and bad. So now the question is how do we share
these insights. This is the power of sabbaticals. Yes the pastor gets “time
off” but the congregation also gets “time off” from the pastor.
I am eager to begin our sharing as we enter
the fall. While I will bring some of experiences to the Session and Deacons
at a joint meeting next week, I look to share with you some of my insights
during worship, through email messages and also through our own chats. But
this is not a one way street. Please feel free to share your own insights
of “your” sabbatical experience with me.
Sabbatical
Insights
The main emphasis of my studies was centered
on the Jewish tradition of Sabbath. My intended aim was to see how these
traditional practices can help inform our Sabbath practices in the
Christian Church. But do not think Puritan Sabbath practices and Blue Laws,
the intent is far more spiritual. So
look for these insights in the coming weeks and months.
A Special
Welcome
Finally, I just wanted to take a moment and
welcome Margaret Roberts, our new Youth Director. I know you have heard all
about her, or perhaps you haven’t, but know that I am very excited about
having her join us this year. On Sunday, we will more formally welcome her
to the community.
Blessings
Todd
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