Pastors’ Sabbatical
The pastors’ renewal leave we have committed to doesn’t begin until April of next year, but it will be here before we know it.
Our preparation is shifting into a new gear, including monthly updates on this page. We believe this will be a transformative time for our church, to God’s glory, and your knowledge, input, and involvement are important — this is an “all church” event. Please direct your questions or comments here.
If you haven’t enrolled in a sabbatical team, please do so right away. The teams that still have availability are Counseling, Crisis Response, Renewal Assurance, and Visitation. A description of each is available at the Welcome Center, as well as sign-up options.
We are pleased to announce our application was accepted for the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs grant. (We have mentioned this from the stage, but you can read more about their generous grant here. It really is quite amazing.) Please join us as we faithfully pray for the funding aspect of Hope’s sabbatical program. You can also give, above your regular tithe, via the giving kiosk on Sundays.
Our all-church sabbatical meetings will take place at 6 pm the third Tuesdays of each month, via Zoom. Meeting ID: 881 5367 6600). Be sure to join us!
Sabbatical Teams
On Sunday, August 6th we’ll be collecting the Sabbatical serving interest cards we’ve been distributing these past few weeks.
We’re putting together teams in six areas of need in our church, to cover the ways Greg and Penny serve us and our community, and our heart is for each person to play a part. It’s an amazing way for each of us to serve the church and the people we love in a new way, and grow in our faith and calling.
Not sure where you fit? Select a few areas of interest/that speak to you, and our Sabbatical team will help guide you in the process. We know that God wants to use each of us to His glory, so this is the time to step out in faith and see how He can use you!
Cards will be provided at church, or you can also sign up digitally by clicking this link.
Administration
In charge of making sure the business of the church continues operating smoothly.
Counseling
After being trained, conduct entry-level sessions to meet, spiritual, emotional, or relational needs, referring when appropriate.
Crisis Response
Respond to people in the moment of their greatest real-life need; compassionately pray with them, and connect with a professional as appropriate.
Pulpit Supply
Identify who will preach and on what topics. It’s this team that pastors the pastor.
Renewal Assurance
Focus on the communal part of the sabbatical for the congregation, planning celebrations, and providing information.
Visitation
Write and call on members of Hope’s family.