Sabbatical Update From Pastor Chris

If you would like to read this letter in it’s original print form, please tap here to download a PDF.

Dear Trinity Family,

As we shared at our last two congregational meetings, beginning on May 1, and continuing through the end of July, I will be away from Trinity for a three-month time of sabbatical study and renewal.  I want to take this opportunity to share with you a bit more detail about my goals during this time along with the plans we have put in place to make sure the life and ministry of Trinity continues as smoothly as possible.

I have established three goals for my sabbatical: Renewal, Reconnection, and Creation.  It is my hope to find renewal by engaging in intentional time of physical and spiritual rest as well as constructive practices of reading, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines.  I plan to focus on reconnection by spending time with colleagues and spiritual mentors, as well as dedicating a two-week time to travel with my wife.  Finally, my main project is focused on creation.  I am arranging several conversations with clergy and other ministry leaders to discuss how they navigate the many challenges of ministry and personal life.  As I travel to these conversations I will be engaging in photographic and other visual art projects.  I am planning to compile this photography and art, along with written reflections, into a coffee-table style book.  At the end of my sabbatical time, I will be sharing what I’ve learned during a special study on two Sunday mornings; look for more details as August approaches.

To allow me to fully focus on this time of renewal, reconnection, and creation I have arranged for my pastoral duties to be covered by a wonderful team of familiar faces.  Our worship services will primarily be led by a team of three clergy: Rev. Barry Williams, Rev. Bill Havens, and Rev. Dennis Winzenried; all of whom have shared in worship with us before.  I am also excited to share that Nissa Krier, our children & youth staff, along with our Living Waters for the World team will each be leading us in worship one Sunday over the coming months.  Carla and Robert will continue to lead our amazing musical program and our Worship & Music Committee is continuing to recruit liturgists, ushers, and communion servers.

Pastoral care for more routine issues will be covered by our Elder / Deacon pairs with support from our Congregational Care Committee.  If you have a specific need, I encourage you to contact your Elder and/or Deacon first.  You may also reach out to Brenda Havens, as the Chair of Congregational Care.  In the event of more urgent or emergency pastoral issues, please contact either the church office or Rev. Bill Havens, who will be serving as our point person for pastoral issues.

I have put together a list of who to contact for various needs and support at the church; please reference this list if you aren’t sure who to contact about an issue.  You may find contact information in the church directory or by calling the June Thomas in the church office.

Audio/Visual Concerns RE: Worship: Carla Wootton

Bulletin Announcements / Inserts: June Thomas

Church Calendar / Event Scheduling: June Thomas

Church Governance Issues: Carole Hudgings

Financial Questions (Including Online Giving): Steve Kane

In Worship Announcements / Moments for Mission: Nissa Krier & Robert Reed

Items for Session: Carole Hudgings & Rev. Barry Williams

Music Program Questions: Carla Wootton & Robert Reed

MyChurch App Questions: Nissa Krier

Other Technical Issues: Nissa Krier

Questions about Communion Prep / Servers: Jeannie Reed

Questions about Liturgists: Susan Hart

Questions about Ushers: Kristin Butler

Social Media Posts: Nissa Krier

Sunday Morning Worship Email: Nissa Krier

Website Updates / Questions: Nissa Krier

Weekly Newsletter: David Bohnenkamper

Worship Slides / Announcements on Screens: Robert Reed 

I am deeply grateful for the support of our Trinity leadership as I enter into this time of study and renewal; especially for our Personnel Committee as they helped navigate many logistical concerns and helped identify the best time in the church calendar for me to engage in this sabbatical.  I am confident this time will allow me to grow in my vocation as a husband, father, and pastor.

Over the coming months I would be thankful for your prayers as I travel and study.  I would also ask two things of you.  First, please hold all our Trinity leadership in prayer as they continue the work of the church with love and grace.  Second, I encourage you to find time in the coming months to care for your own soul as well.  May this be a season of renewal for us all.

Pastor Chris