I will be taking renewal leave this summer. While spending time with my children, reading, praying, and breathing, I will be staying local and will continue to be involved in helping New England Methodists move forward in faith. This time of renewal will begin July 1 and I will return to our congregation on Sunday, September 1. During my time away, the Rev. Meredith Ellis will preach and preside (look for an introduction to Meredith in the summer Messenger). She will also be available for any emergencies while I am being renewed. My goal for this time of renewal, for the summer, is found in Jesus invitation in the Gospel of Matthew when he says: Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly (11:28-30, MSG). May we all find in summer the blessing of the unforced rhythms of God’s grace even as we learn to live freely and lightly for all the seasons of life to come.
See you in church,
Hope