Dear Grace Community,
This May I leave for a month-long sabbatical. I am grateful to our session and to you the congregation for granting this time of rest. I love serving as your pastor, and I am aware that I am tired in a way that means I’m not as effective as I’d like to be. The blessings of 8.5 years of serving with you are many, and at the same time, I need time for restoration.
During my sabbatical there are three area clergy on call for pastoral emergencies. If you need pastoral assistance, contact the church office, and Dr. Martin Burch will connect you with a pastor. In addition, I hope you enjoy the variety of preachers and worship leaders on Sunday mornings.
I do not plan to be involved in any worship or regular activities at Grace during May. I look forward to worshiping with different churches during the month.
Keeping the Sabbath is mandated in the 10 Commandments, and it is the commandment I break most freely without pause. My prayer is that this time of sabbatical will be a time to rebuild sabbath into my life. I am grateful that Grace has a policy that allows for this time.
I look forward to being back with you in June.
In Christ,
Catherine
APR