Sabbatical Time
I’ll be starting a month of sabbatical following a staff meeting on October 6. I’m so grateful to serve a church like Elmhurst CRC which, among so many other great qualities, cares for pastors in a way that makes them tend to stay long term. A big part of pastoring is simply being available for people. And, honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the job in that I regularly get a front row seat to witness what God is up to. But, sabbatical time temporarily closes the door on availability for the local congregation so that one can be more exclusively available to God.
This month of sabbatical is “leftover” from previously approved plans in 2023 when Sarah and I worked with a support team from ECRC to arrange for four months of study, creativity and rest. I happily surrendered the final month of that plan because of a high amount of churn at ECRC related to several new hires at the time.
The plan for the next 30 days involves spending time with God in the wilderness and outdoors, renewal of some long-term relationships, study, and some musical creativity. My itinerary is as follows:
Part One - I’ll be flying to Colorado to visit with my recently returned missionary sister. We’ll be doing a little hiking in the mountains outside of Colorado Springs. I’ll be keen to quiet my busy mind in the outdoors.
Part Two - I continue on to Sacramento, CA to visit Granite Springs CRC, the first church I served as a pastor. I’ll be visiting with old friends, renewing relationships, and playing some golf somewhere near the Pacific.
Part Three: After traveling back to Chicago, I will be holed up in a cabin near Empire, Michigan studying NT Wright’s massive book, “The Resurrection of the Son of God,” retooling my music writing software skills (the program I’ve used for the last 35 years went out of business last year), and finishing up a number of worship songs that I’ve not had time to fully finish. I’m hoping the fall weather cooperates enough for a daily hike or paddleboard experience as well.
The sabbatical month will finish with Sarah, me, Anastasia (coming in from Spain) and Will (coming in from Minneapolis) spending some quality family time together, too. Can’t wait for that!
I trust that I’ll return to ECRC on November 6 well-rested, happy and blessed; having stilled my soul and been with God both in Spirit and in the physical majesty of His creation.
Thanks for patience with me in not being available by email during this time, and big thanks to my coworkers and staff who will undoubtedly be bearing some additional burdens in my absence.
God is good. All the time. See you on the other side of sabbatical!
– Pastor Gregg