As many of you know in January I have been approved to take a month renewal leave / sabbatical.  In the United Methodist Church, pastors are encouraged to take a month for renewal once every four years.  I have been serving as a pastor in New Jersey since August of 1988.  I have never taken a renewal leave before.  I am given four weeks vacation a year but have never taken them all at one time.  The thought of leaving for month straight is a little scary.

I wonder what I will miss in people’s lives.  Humbly, I have concerns about people not coming to worship because I am away.  I base that on the fact that when people have known that I am on vacation attendance and giving are both down on those Sundays.  I would hate to see us go through added stress and see our ministries suffer because we start the new year behind financially.

This is the first time in any of the churches that I have served that I feel confident in the gifts and graces of the staff and the people to handle and manage whatever may occur.  When I go on vacation, I call another pastor in the area to cover in case of emergencies.  In August, when we went to Uganda, Frank Brown came and took on the pastoral responsibilities.  It was hoped that he could come in January and do the same, however family and work situations have changed and he is unable to be with you.

For the last few months I have been praying and seeking the right person to be here while I am away.  The Staff Parish Relations Committee, on my recommendation, has approved Rev. James D to be our substitute pastor while I am on renewal leave.  Jim has a long list of credentials: ordained in United Methodist Church in 1979, served at the Bridgeport Centre Square UMC, Neptune City: Memorial, Bayville and Ocean Gate UMC, Somers Point UMC, Hightstown: First UMC, and Whiting UMC.  Jim retired in 2003 and was asked to serve in Glendora: Chews in 2005.  He is married to Mary Ann and they currently live in Whiting. But the thing you need to know about him is that he loves the Lord and loves serving the Lord and helping people know Jesus.

He will be here on Sunday mornings for worship, in the office on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons and available in case of any emergencies.

Welcome and love him as you have welcomed and loved me.  Pray for me while I am away.  Pray for rest and strength. Pray for my relationship with God to continue to grow.  Pray for me to have greater wisdom.  Pray that I will return energized and renewed to continue with you in ministry serving one another and the people in our area. During this time of renewal/reflection, I will be out of contact.  If you feel the need to contact me or make sure I am aware of something contact Janice in the church office.  Thanks for your prayers.

Pastor John