SABBATICALS IN MINISTRY
Seven is an important number in the Bible: the 7 days of creation (Gen 1); the 7 biblical feasts (Lev 23); the 7th or sabbatical year from planting crops (Lev 25); the 7 “I AM” statements of Jesus in John; and the 7 letters to the 7 churches in Revelation (Rev 2-3)...to name few. Seven is a number of cessation, rest, completion, perfection, and wholeness.

On June 5, 2005, Pastor Randy was ordained into the pastoral ministry at Gracious Savior Lutheran Church in Edwards, CO, meaning last week marked the completion of his 21st year in holy ministry – the completion of three, seven-year cycles. While incredibly blessed, humbled, and amazed in his two-plus decades of service, Pastor Randy is ready for a season of deep-rest and recharge.

St. Peter is excited to provide him with a strict sabbatical in July and August. He will spend time with family in MI and FL, time in nature, and time in silent contemplation before God.

Looking back on my sabbatical in the summer of 2021 — this is Pastor Micah here! — I can still remember the life-changing power of taking time to deliberately rest and abide with Jesus. As a wise friend told me and Sarah towards the end of that summer, God works through sabbaticals to re-create us…both us as individuals and St. Peter, as a congregation. That means that we never go through a sabbath rest without coming out renewed and changed. God is working!

On the weekend of Sunday, June 21, we will invite the St. Peter family to pray over and bless Team Rozelle as they prepare for Pastor Randy’s sabbatical. He will then preach one more time on the weekend of June 27 & 28. If you want to show your love and support, please join us for worship both of those weekends. You, too, will be blessed to gather in community for worship and prayer.

I would also like to ask you to respect healthy boundaries regarding communication. I have asked Pastor Randy to shut off his email and turn off his phone. As tempting as it might be to try to reach out to him, it works best to step away completely for this season of sabbath rest. All questions or concerns that would normally go to Pastor Randy will be handled by one of our other pastors, unless otherwise delegated to someone on the Spiritual Care Team.

While we will miss his presence among us, he is getting the deep-recharge that he needs. In fact, pray for protection over him and his family – especially from Satan’s sabotage. The devil does not want Randy to be quiet and still enough to clearly hear the voice of God in this season, so pray for God’s protection for Randy, his family, and all of St. Peter during his time away.

Thank you for your understanding and support, as we continue to work together to lead people to a full life in Christ!