PASTOR'S PEN by Rev. Bill Wood

I am writing this article during a week filled with the amazing variety of tasks that are involved in the pastoral ministry that I love: preparing for preaching, visiting with parishioners, working with the church staff, counseling with those who are grieving or getting married or baptized. I am also trying to attend to a few details in preparation for embarking upon the sabbatical renewal leave that the church has graciously granted me.

Imagine my reaction when it came to taking a look at the Gospel reading that just happens to be the Lectionary’s choice for the upcoming Sunday:

Jesus ... withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. [Matthew 14:13]

Just an amusing coincidence? Perhaps. As a pastor who is preparing to go to a deserted place (OK, not by boat and not by himself, but, gladly, with Sherril!), the above verse did get my attention. It certainly is gratifying to find at least a modicum of biblical warrant for the wisdom of occasional withdrawal from ordinary life in favor of a time of rest and renewal.

As I prepare for this time of renewal, a single word describes my mood: gratitude.

• I am grateful for a church that would be open to the idea.
• I am grateful for church leaders who endorsed my request and who will faithfully forge ahead in their
ministries during the days ahead.
• I am grateful for a highly capable Associate Pastor and for her willingness to take on additional pastoral
duties as Acting Head of Staff, fully empowered to lead the church during the next months.
• I am grateful for a wonderful staff whose leadership and hard work make such a difference in the
church’s growing ministries.
• I am grateful for volunteers who work tirelessly in ways seen and unseen, in our shared ministry
together, to the glory of God.
• I am grateful for the genuine good wishes that have been offered, that our shared hope for the benefits
of the renewal time for both pastor and congregation will be realized.

I am quite conscious of the fact that it is a rare privilege to be given this gift of time. Apart from academic circles, not many in the “real world” are given this gift. Which inspires my gratitude all the more.

My wish is that we all experience this time with confidence and hope. God is doing amazing things in our midst! That God will continue to do amazing things whether we are together or temporarily apart is not in doubt. Because that is God’s nature. God’s abundant giving never stops. Whether we are in a “deserted place” for a time or forging ahead in the growing ministry of this beloved church, God is steadfastly faithful in all things.

And for that we can all be grateful!

Grace and peace,