August 2011
Dear Faith Lutheran Church members, staff and friends,
As I write this my departure for a two-month sabbatical is just 10 days away. (July 25-September 25) That hardly seems possible! I’m looking forward to my various “adventures” at the Benet Pines Retreat Center in Colorado Spring, the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York and with International Volunteer HQ in Ghana, Africa. (See page 8 of the July Beacon of Faith for more details.)
Yet… being away from (and out of touch with) the congregation and the staff of Faith Lutheran Church will be difficult. I know I will miss the support of, and interaction with, church members and colleagues, as well as the day-to-day busy pace of ministry. In many ways my time away will be as challenging as it will be fulfilling!
So, please remember me in your prayers, as I will be remembering you. I’m thankful that there is no reason to be concerned about Pastor Carolyn’s pastoral and administrative leadership or the ministry of the church staff. Also, I know that the Church Council will be focused on discernment while I’m away, and that congregation members in various leadership positions will make sure ministry happens, for which I am grateful. Once again, I thank the Staff Support Team, the Endowment Committee and the Church Council for making this respite possible.
May each of you sense God’s power and presence in your lives each day. You will be in my thoughts and
prayers until my return on September 26.
Blessings…Pastor Jea
