Dear Friends,

As you read this column I will be starting the third and final week of my minisabbatical. Once again I want to thank the Executive Committee for generously allowing me this time away from my responsibilities at Grace for personal rest, renewal and study. I know that the church will be in good hands while I’m away as Jordan Lichty, Steve Hutchison and Ken Maahs will fill the pulpit and share their own unique preaching skills and Biblical insights with you. I look forward to listening to all three messages on our website when I return.

I have established several priorities for my time away and I want to share them with you as I prepare for this mini-sabbatical.

1.    Rest and Renewal. While I have experienced more than my share of time off during my tenure here at Grace, unfortunately, far too much of it has been due to illnesses, recoveries and physical rehab. Thank you again for granting me this important healing time away. After more than ten busy and productive years serving with you, however, I feel I am ready for an extended time away (in relative good health!) to simply commune with God and to consider where we have been together and where we are going. Sometimes it’s difficult amid the business of life to take a step back and do some important personal reflection. This time away, however, will provide me with a significant opportunity to do just that.
2.    Reading and Study. I currently have a growing list of books and articles that I plan to read in preparation for our future together. I will be focusing especially on the topics of strategic planning and envisioning and hope to return with a clearer idea for how to revamp our current strategic planning process and make changes that will benefit our church and ministries.
3.    Preparation. No one knows what the future holds for us as individuals and as a church. I have no doubt, however, that Grace will continue to grow and reach new people and seek to fully involve them in the work and fellowship that we share. I want to be a part of that process as long as God allows. In order to be effective as your pastor, therefore, I will need to think ahead and prepare myself for the future. I will be devoting a portion of my time away to do that preparation work and equip myself to come back ready to face the challenges and opportunities that will come our way.

I am looking forward to this brief time away and believe that it will have a very positive impact on my life and, I hope and pray, on the life of Grace Baptist. Even more, I look forward to returning to this wonderful church and discovering, with you, our fullest potential for ministry, service and fellowship.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor George Hawthorne