What a joy to return to a congregation who cared enough to offer me three months of time away—a restorative and healing time. Thank you.

What delight to glimpse the ministry this community of faith did together and the excitement it engendered! You are faithful and creative people.

Now we get to build together on the gifts of the last three months–the skills, creativity, and faithfulness of the congregation and the new insights I gleaned.

I return with a deep appreciation of Sabbath. While there is plenty of work to do, I pray that each of us will find holy places of rest and reflection in the midst of the business of life.

Photos: church school takes over the service and surprises the pastor!