REFLECTIONS

 

July 1^st I officially returned from a two month sabbatical granted by the Presbytery per our district policy.  Over the years I have experienced the value of periodic sabbaticals.  It provides time for rest, reflection, prayer, study, clarified perspective, and renewal for ministry.  In our district policy provision is made for our full time Executive Officers to take a sabbatical every six years and I recommend sabbaticals for lead pastors and associate pastors in long term pastorates.

REFLECTIONS:  In the last few weeks Pastor Charlie Stoumbaugh’s wife, Miranda and Pastor Terry Broadwater unexpectedly lost their lives.  We grieve with the families and at the same time give thanks to God for their faith in Jesus Christ and consequent entrance into the presence of God.  Also, on Wednesday, June 25^th Loretta’s mother, Arwana, passed away after a long period of physical decline.  She left this life with the assurance of her salvation and great anticipation of entering the Lord’s presence.  In these significant life moments the work of Christ on our behalf becomes even more meaningful and the need to keep spreading the gospel even more urgent.  Your work to fulfill our Lord’s great commission is so important and deeply appreciated.  I pray the Lord of the harvest sends more laborers into the harvest fields of Colorado and Utah so more souls can hear the good news of God’s love and provision of salvation.

TRANSITION:  At District Council we announced Peggy Vawter’s plan to retire as our District Women’s Ministries Director effective December 31, 2014.  Peggy has done a wonderful job as our WM Director and we appreciate her faithful and effective 22 years of service.  The Presbytery subsequently appointed Linda Bottoms to serve as our District WM Director effective January 1, 2015.  Linda accepted the appointment and will continue as our District Girl’s Ministry Director through the end of December.  We are currently working on the selection of a new Girl’s Ministry Director to start January 1, 2015.