Preacher Feature

Dear Friends,

Some of you may already be aware of this, but I want to let all of you know. At the end of May, I will be leaving for a Renewal Leave.

Kathy and I will leave sometime in the week following the Phil Joel/Casting Pearls Concert and will return to the office in the first week in August. During that time, Ron Kramer will be your pastor in emergencies. Ron is a retired pastor from the Iowa Conference who is currently serving as the pastor for Ben Clare/Rowena. He has been a District Superintendent in the Iowa Conference and will serve you very well in my absence. We are in the process of filling the preaching duties with lay people from our congregation. You have heard these people preach and know, as I do, that they will do an awesome job. Jorjann and Pat will pick up the additional administrative responsibilities. You all know the awesome work they do and I know they will do an incredible job for this congregation. If you have emergency needs during my absence, please contact either Pat or Jorjann. They will make the contact with Ron if he is needed.

Kathy and I plan to spend the time we are gone doing a bit of traveling in the northeastern part of the United States. The remainder of the time will be spent harassing our children and grandchildren. A lot of our schedule will depend upon how my dad and Meta do in the next few weeks. As you can tell, our plans are fairly loose and that is just the way we want it to be.

We are grateful for the time to rest and refresh our minds, hearts and bodies. Not every pastor is part of a congregation that allows their pastor to participate in a renewal leave. You have not only allowed that leave, but have actively encouraged it. I pray that all of you will remain committed and engaged in the ministry of our congregation throughout the summer. We have huge commitments and responsibilities, and your continued support and involvement is crucial through the upcoming summer months. Please take your responsibility for prayers, presence, gifts, and service seriously this summer. We will be with you through our continued offerings, and in our thoughts and prayers. We will spend the summer worshipping with other churches and exploring some optional worship experiences. Thank you again for the opportunity! Love to you all!

Steve