Wind & Waves
Rest is a biblical principle modeled after God Himself. Scripture tells us that after God worked for six days, He rested on the seventh day; not because He was tired, but because He wanted to set an example for us to follow. A day of rest means a day to cease from normal work. A Sabbath rest is not only a ceasing from work, but also engaging in worship. A fresh, energetic life revolves around a cycle of work and rest; both are equally important. A sabbatical break is not uncommon in many fields of work, including the Pastoral Ministry. After nine wonderful years at Norwalk Grace, I will be taking a Pastoral Sabbatical. A Pastoral Sabbatical is not a vacation; it is a time for focused rest, study, and prayer. It is a time for me, your Pastor, to “cease from my regular work” in order to refresh, renew, and recharge by stepping away from my every day duties to intentionally, spiritually reenergize. A Pastoral Sabbatical is a blessing to me and to you, because the ministry will benefit by having a rested and recharged Pastor; it is an investment for the long-term ministry at Norwalk Grace. I will spend more time than normally reading, studying, praying, and being alone with God. I will be thinking and evaluating the ministry at Norwalk Grace and recording my thoughts, ideas, and reflections; as we prayerfully move into the future together. My focus will be on “being” not on “doing.” Resting is a spiritual discipline that does not come easily to us restless creatures. I plan on having significant times of silence and solitude with God. Lisa and I are planning to enjoy some of America’s national parks, the northern California coastline, the Oregon coast, and a few days visiting my family in the Seattle area. I look forward to catching up on Christian reading, doing some writing, hiking, biking, running, gardening, and cooking – all things I enjoy. I will be “disconnected” from social media and not available by phone, email, or text; except in an extreme emergency. Elders Dave Goodwyn and Ron Muir will be available if you need assistance at any time, and the church office will be open and staffed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The pulpit will be manned by Dave Goodwyn, Rob Kimsey, Tim Lansing, Ron Muir, and Joey Ramirez, who will preach a sermon series called “Fundamentals of the Faith: Growing in the Faith and Knowledge of Jesus Christ.” I believe with all my heart that I am exactly where God wants me to be, and being your Pastor is a privilege, blessing, and gift. I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate for the sake of the ministry of Christ.
