In one month I will begin my renewal leave. I'm so thankful for the Lilly Endowment and that White Rock UMC was one of 233 congregations selected nationwide and the only United Methodist Church in Texas that was chosen for its National Clergy Renewal Program.
I can't quite wrap my head around the idea that I won't be living and breathing church for four months beginning May 1. The theme for the grant proposal was Joy as the Heartbeat of Renewal. I'll return to Japan with my family where I first felt my call to ministry. White Rock UMC will have an evening with an improv group, a snow cone truck visit after church, and a magician's show with a catered dinner.
I'm looking forward to rediscovering renewal through rest, relationships, and sacred places.
Now the countdown begins. One month to finish the "binder of all the things" for Margo. Margo is the gift from God who will handle all day-to-day pastoral duties. One month to make all the pastoral visits and try to cross some things off the to-do list. Before I know it the month will have passed.
Deep breaths...
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