Summer 2017 F.A.Q.s
What is a sabbatical?
The word sabbatical
has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (to rest or to cease). Sabbath
keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy.
Sabbatical leave
is a time for our pastor to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study,
reflect, and travel in order to return to minister among us refreshed and
renewed in body, mind and spirit. It is not a time for routine work, mid-career assessment, job
search, and not a vacation.
Sabbatical is more than a vacation from meetings,
budgets, sermons and people in need. It is a time for Jonathan to receive
spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective in order to deepen his
relationship with God, himself, and his family—a season of spiritual growth.
This special time
will also be a season of growth for the entire congregation. A secondary definition
of sabbatical is “a break or change
from normal routine.” This is what this summer is going to be for Hub City. We
have some strategic things that are going to happen that will help us become
healthier and stronger as a church.
How long with Jonathan be on sabbatical?
Jonathan’s last
Sunday before the beginning of his sabbatical will be May 14. His first Sunday
back will be on August 20.
What will Jonathan be doing on Sabbatical?
Jonathan’s time will
be divided into three parts. First, there will be times of silence and solitude
for connecting to and hearing from God. Second, there will be times of travel
with family, revisiting places that were essential to his spiritual
development. Third, there will be times of learning and study.
Who will pay for the Sabbatical?
Jonathan has applied
for and received the Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lily Foundation. This money
will not only fund his sabbatical activities but also provides funds for the
intentional interim and church-health activities.
Will Hub City just be in a “holding pattern” while Jonathan is away?
Absolutely not! We
have some strategic activities planned to help the Hub City Church family grow
in relationships with each other, make more of a difference in this community
and grow as disciples of Jesus. It is important to remember that the sabbatical
is a two-way process: While Jonathan is on his journey of renewal, refreshment
and reflection, we will embark on a journey as well.
Will Jonathan be in contact with Hub City during his sabbatical?
An important part of
a sabbatical is to make a complete
break from things. The only people who will be in direct contact with Jonathan
while he is away will be his family.
Is there anything I can do for Jonathan?
The best thing you
can do is pray for him and his family. You can also lean into the Hub City
Church family. Give. Serve. Participate. Invite. Be the Church!
What if a question/concern arises while Jonathan is gone? Who do I
call if there’s a crisis? Who should I contact for prayer? Who will cover
Jonathan’s responsibilities during his absence?
Below is a list of “who’s
doing what” during Jonathan’s sabbatical.
Who’s doing what?
Interim pastor – James Nugent
Pastoral care – James Nugent and Hub Group leaders
Prayer needs – Prayer team - Leslie Hendon
Scheduling and administration – Lisa Tillitson
Building maintenance and emergencies – Maintenance team - Dewayne
Pitts
Landscape maintenance – Landscape team - Vaughn Pitts
Bulletin and Announcements – Host and Leslie/Lewis
Finances – Finance team
Special events – Lizz Pitts
-
May 28: Memorial Day Cookout
-
July 2: Lake day after worship
-
August 20: Welcome back party
Hub City University – Mike Adler
Movies in the Park - Team Leader – Lewis Beard
What we’re doing
-
Tentative Dates
o
May 15 – Leadership Community
o
May 16 – Sabbatical begins
o
May 20 – Movies in the Park
o
May 28 – Memorial day cookout/picnic
o
June
– Hub City University class
o
June 17 – Movies in the Park
o
June 19 – Leadership Community
o
July 2 – Lake day
o
July
– Hub City University class
o
July 15 – Movies in the Park
o
July 17 – Leadership Community
o
August 19 – Movies in the Park
o
August 20 – Welcome back party
o
August 21 – Leadership community
-
This schedule will cement further as we get
closer to the summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment