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| Resting in God"The Lord makes me rest in green pastures, and leads me beside still waters." - Psalm 23 Dear Friends: Thanks to your wisdom, faith, and generosity, I am looking forward to a sabbatical month in which I can rest and listen to God. This first segment of my three-part renewal leave begins on May 1 and lasts for one month. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee has taken the lead in planning for this experience, as it relates to the whole church, and to the pastor. I will be released from all church duties for the month. Worship is in good hands with our own lay and staff leadership. The Rev. Djalma Araujo (recently retired from First UMC) will provide pastoral care. The Board of Trustees and the Finance and Stewardship Committee are meticulous in their oversight of church business. The Wednesday Night Ministry has excellent and committed leadership, and I likewise anticipate that children's, youth, and small group ministries will continue to flourish under the guidance of Malea, Dee, and Pastor Fran, respectively. We are blessed to have a strong and healthy church which can take its pastor's brief absence in stride. Especially since the trustees have invested so much energy in the yard and kitchen of the parsonage, my home is a very pleasant place to be. Some of the time during this month, I plan to just stay home. I've assembled a stack of books I'm eager to read, and strict instructions from many of you to REST! As a way of staying focused on spiritual renewal, I will make four overnight retreats. I have reservations at a retreat center in San Jan Capistrano, a place of solitude in Warner Springs, the Mary and Joseph retreat center in Rancho Palos Verdes, and Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside. I will also attend something called "The Creativity Workshop" in New York City. I hope to discover resources and awaken creativity in a way that will be helpful to our ministry at PB UMC. The Easter season (which lasts seven weeks) is off to a joyful start. I continue to give thanks for special facets of this year's celebration of Christ's resurrection. Many of you, also, have told me you were moved and inspired by the Wilde family sunrise fish feast, the work of Derek, Dave, and Julia which gave meaning to the cross-embossed stones, the spectacular efforts of the musicians (led by Ron and R.C.) and the Voices of Praise (including soloists Sharon, Louis, and Emily), the beautiful array of lilies and springtime flowers, the innocence and joy of the children, and the love of God which pervaded everything from the pancake breakfast to the egg hunt to the flow of worship to the coffee fellowship. I carry these happy memories with me. I will be back in worship on June 4, the Day of Pentecost. Until then, I know you will continue to serve God with all your hearts. "I have no fear, for God is with me." (Psalm 23) Pastor April |
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