My Church Family,I so love being your pastor and I am still amazed at Jesus calling me take care of his flock here in Don Pedro for almost 34 years.The next three months are a first for us as a church and will be different for both you and Susie and me. Thank you for sending me into a sabbatical, giving me some extended time to rest, regroup, and recharge.I am probably the last one to notice how badly I am need of this. Taking time off has not been a strong point of mine, something I hope to change in the future. Some of you have noticed though, certainly Susie, that, as difficult as it is to admit, I am run down, often running on fumes. This doesn’t serve you, us as a church, or Christ well. I owe you an apology.Maybe you are wondering who will do what over the next three months:
- Hopefully, you and every church member will step up in some way to help. Of course, this doesn’t mean that those who are already fully engaged and serving should do more. This is a great time to get involved, to commit to service and ministry in some way.
- Jannett, our secretary will continue to serve as a hub, call here to see what help is needed.
- Pastor Paul will serve as sabbatical pastor. He has one weakness – doing too much. So, you can be a help to him asking him every week how you can help and serve him and the church.
- Our Deacons, Richard Mayes, Dennis Kluding, Bryan Berger, and Matt Garcia will help with caring for people, the flock. They will visit and help with the services. Matt is now our official youth leader and his responsibilities will be with shepherding the youth.
- The Church Board, Diana Baker (will function as chairwoman), Dan Hankemeyer, Sue Kluding, Richard Mayes, Mitch Miller, and Monica Sult, bear the responsibility of oversight, please contact them in regard to any church business.
- The Ministry Leaders will continue to function in their capacities. We still need new leaders for the Kitchen Ministry, Facilities Ministry, and Cleaning Ministry. This may be the time for you to step into one of those rolls. Talk with Pastor Paul about it.
- All of us can visit, encourage, pray with people, and invite people.
My hope and prayer is for the Holy Spirit work so mightily in our church and community that at the end of this sabbatical you will say, “Pastor, you will have to leave more often!” and that I will be absolutely surprised by all God has done.To God be all glory. How I love you and thank God for you, Pastor Hans