Trinity Lutheran Church

Welcome back Pastor Mike! I realize this article may be a little premature, but at the start of August Pastor Mike will return from his sabbatical. While it seems as though Pastor Mike was never too far away from the life and ministry of Trinity, I am extremely happy to know that he is back on a daily basis. It feels as though his twelve weeks went by incredibly fast and I am pretty sure Pastor Mike would agree.
A sabbatical is important not only for Pastor Mike and his family, but also for this community.  The Evangelical Lutheran Church defines a sabbatical as an “opportunity for ministers to take an extended period of time for renewal, enrichment, study, spiritual growth, travel, skill development, research, and/or experimentation. Upon return, the leader, ideally, should have a renewed sense of commitment to and energy for his or her ministry.” (http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation/Rostered-Leadership/Leadership-Support/Sabbatical.aspx)
Pastor Mike’s sabbatical has allowed for him to spend some time refreshing his spirit and also resting. Pastor Mike has spent over fourteen years faithfully serving this congregation and the larger community. By taking a sabbatical we as a community have been able to provide him some time to reflect on his ministry and how he can faithfully follow God’s call. We as a community also benefit from his sabbatical. He will come back to this community refreshed and with a new zeal for our ministry.
I hope all of you will be able to welcome Pastor Mike back into the daily life of this congregation and get ready for some new music!