July 18-August 14)
Recently, I was having trouble with two apps on my laptop. For the life of me, I could NOT figure out how to solve the issue. I decided to swallow my pride and ask one of our AV/Tech team for help, and he quickly suggested the simplest of solutions: have you tried shutting it down completely? Ah, well, I stammered…laughing at myself for not considering the obvious! I also immediately remembered the words of writer Anne Lamott:
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
This is true for ALL of us throughout the rhythm of our days and weeks and the seasons of our lives. Jesus himself practiced taking time away to recharge and center himself, and calls us to do the same:
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28b-30, The Message
Precisely for this reason, our United Methodist Book of Discipline, Paragraph 350.2 states that clergy (pastors and other appointed ministers) are asked to take a month’s renewal leave every four years.
A renewal leave is a bit different from a vacation. It is a time for intentional refreshment of body, mind and spirit. With the full support of Trinity’s Staff-Parish Relations Committee, I’ll be taking a month away this summer, beginning July 18 and returning on August 15. As I begin my seventh year as your pastor, I consider this wonderful opportunity to pause and drink deeply from the well of God’s grace, for the sake of my own soul, but also for the sake of this congregation and community, and my call to continue to be a spiritually healthy leader. In addition to simply resting, my time will be filled with 1. some summer outings with beloved family, including celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary, and a few days in Washington D.C. with our oldest child 2. a week-long spiritual retreat for clergy leaders/pastors 3. time to “putter at my own pace” and get some house organization done (this may sound like work, but it is good for my soul and something I don’t often have time for!)
While I’m away from worship, you’ll hear from some of Trinity’s beloved guest preachers: Rev. Dwight Stewart, Rev. Darneather Murph-Heath, and Rev. Bill Obalil. In addition, Rev. Stewart and Rev. Murph-Heath will be “on call” for any pastoral care needs. Our wonderful Trinity Office Administrator, Lise Renne, will be the primary point of contact, along with Staff-Parish Relations Chair Jim McGowan.
Look for more details before I officially begin my leave. Meanwhile, I hope and pray that you also can find ways to “unplug” this summer. I covet your prayers for me, as I pray for you–always.
Every Blessing,
Wendy
