What has happened since my previous sabbatical ended April 1, 2018? In the past seven years, so much has happened. Faith Church had started a capital campaign in 2017, and it lasted through 2019. We resealed the parking lot, put in all new doors and windows, a new roof, new kitchen appliances, new WIFIContinue reading “Why I am taking my second sabbatical – The Sabbath Year, Part 5”
Tag Archives: rest
How a church that never gave a sabbatical in 50 years decided to give one – The Sabbath Year, Part 4
I started at Faith Church in October 2002 as full-time youth associate pastor. That meant, given my denomination’s recommendation that pastors receive sabbaticals every seven years, that my first opportunity for a sabbatical could have been as early as October 2009. But I didn’t take a sabbatical until January 1, 2018. Nine years later. Why?Continue reading “How a church that never gave a sabbatical in 50 years decided to give one – The Sabbath Year, Part 4”
Sabbaticals should be required for employees in any organization – The Sabbath Year, Part 3
Do you know the first corporation to grant sabbaticals? McDonalds. Does your church or company grant sabbaticals? They should. If you are in leadership in a church or company, this post explains why sabbaticals are not an indulgent luxury, but deeply beneficial for the employee and the organization. As I mentioned in previous posts thisContinue reading “Sabbaticals should be required for employees in any organization – The Sabbath Year, Part 3”
A rainbow mosaic to help us trust in God – The Sabbath Year, Part 2
During worship this past Sunday, we did an art project. You can see it in the picture above. We’re going to frame it and display it in our church lobby. Why? It has everything to do with the Sabbath Year. In Leviticus verses 1 through 7, we learn about the Sabbath Year. “The Lord saidContinue reading “A rainbow mosaic to help us trust in God – The Sabbath Year, Part 2”
Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1
In 2009, a husband and wife from my church, both full-time teachers, took sabbaticals to spend an entire year as substitute missionaries in Kenya. Because theirs were full-year sabbaticals, they received 50% pay. Another option would be to take six-month sabbaticals at 100% pay, which is standard for teachers. But the school in Kenya, RiftContinue reading “Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1”
There is not one, but three sabbaths – The Sabbath Year, Preview
This is my last week before my August through October 2025 sabbatical starts. In preparation for sabbatical, I have been writing a blog series on the concept of Sabbath. Last week I mentioned that there is not just one Sabbath Day. In the book of Leviticus, God instructs his people Israel to keep three SabbathContinue reading “There is not one, but three sabbaths – The Sabbath Year, Preview”
A fitting inscription on the Liberty Bell, but from a “strange” book of the Bible – Jubilee, Part 1
Have you ever visited the Liberty Bell? I have visited the Liberty Bell at least a couple times, but I could not have told you until this week that the bell has an inscription. The thing that I remember the most about the bell is that it was cast by bell makers named Pass andContinue reading “A fitting inscription on the Liberty Bell, but from a “strange” book of the Bible – Jubilee, Part 1″
A few ideas for applying the principle of sabbath, without legalism – Rest & Sabbath, Part 5
This week, I’ve been blogging about sabbath. While the New Testament does not teach that Sunday is the new sabbath day, Jesus teaches the sabbath principle for us in Matthew 11, verses 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you andContinue reading “A few ideas for applying the principle of sabbath, without legalism – Rest & Sabbath, Part 5”
The joy of giving your business and phone a regular break – Rest & Sabbath, Part 4
This past week I met friends for dinner. They live two hours away, were in town, so we met up for dinner on Tuesday night. We picked out a restaurant that we all liked. A couple hours before we were to meet, I got a text from them saying that they just looked up theContinue reading “The joy of giving your business and phone a regular break – Rest & Sabbath, Part 4”
The gift of sabbath is sometimes very difficult to receive – Rest & Sabbath, Part 3
If you are used to working hard and putting food on your table by working hard, then it can be very difficult to learn to rest. I am not just talking about ancient Israel. I’m talking about American life now. Especially in cultures like the one I live in, Lancaster County. We are work-oriented. Generally-speaking,Continue reading “The gift of sabbath is sometimes very difficult to receive – Rest & Sabbath, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 