“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” ~ Genesis 2:1-3

When we became Faith First Community Church in January of 2024, to make it official, you extended a call letter to me to be your settled pastor. In a pastoral call letter, both denominations suggest offering a sabbatical after about 5 years. That was how the call letter from Faith UCC read. Most of you will remember I took my sabbatical (after 10 years instead of 5) the summer we began worshipping together.

Preparing to be gone for 12 weeks is difficult. I have to make sure everything is covered, so that things don’t get dropped, people continue to get visited, and the ministries and missions of the church don’t stop. It takes a lot of energy.

I had been told by multiple colleagues who have been on sabbatical that the first month you worry about what you forgot. The second month, you are finally able to relax, and the third month you begin the process of getting back into things—even though you try to disconnect for all three months. It just doesn’t happen well.

In our negotiations for my current call letter, I proposed something different. Instead of a sabbatical in the traditional sense, I asked for 7 weeks of vacation a year—4 of which will be taken together.

I made this proposal partly because 4 weeks is easier to prepare for than 12. But mostly, it is because then I am able to allow my body and energy some time to really recharge every year. I believe this will help as I continue to navigate life with neuroendocrine cancer.

I am excited for this time, as I will be spending a few days in Minnesota with my best friend from high school at the beginning of that time, and ending it with our nephew’s wedding (that I get to officiate!).

Jill Pepper will be leading worship and be on call during the time I am gone. I know she will have some amazing things for you, so be sure to join her in worship.

In the meantime, join us as we continue our worship series on prayer. See you on Sunday morning!

Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi