I am thrilled to be back with you after an incredible sabbatical. It was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. I’ll be unpacking my learnings from my experiences for you over these next few months through my worship services, small groups, and a seminar or two, but the overwhelming feeling that comes through for me right now is one of gratitude. 

It takes a lot of hearts, heads, and hands to cover for a colleague when they’re gone for three months. And I am so grateful to Shanna, Lisa, Catherine, Talia, and Bromleigh for their work and leadership. 

If not for the excellent planning and execution of our boards and committees and their highly competent chairpeople, we’d be sunk. So thanks to the fantastic people in Compassion in Action, Racial Justice, Small Groups, Seminars, Family Promise, and the Congregation Ministry Review Board for all they have done to keep our ministries moving!

And a very hearty thank you to our Church Council and Executive Committee, who have accomplished some incredible things while I’ve been gone. Thank you to Donn, Barb, Jim, and Beth, who have kept a steady hand on the wheel, and to all our church volunteer leaders, whose time and talents are a gift for us all. 

And for you, my beloved church, who understand the need for we pastors to take some time away from the work of ministry to minister to ourselves and our families, thank you! Your support is essential in making these experiences possible, and it has been an incredible experience that will inspire my work and ministry for all my days ahead. 

I’m excited to be back! And I look forward to stepping bravely into our future together, inspiring the world and one another to heed God’s call to be a voice of hope and love for the world as the United Church of Gainesville.