In Gratitude: Remember, Reflect, and Renew

Journeying Through the Seasons of Life with Christ and One Another

Dear Good People of Trinity, 

This Sunday will be my last Sunday before I embark on my sabbatical.  As I shared in our two recent forums, during my time away I will be inviting you to join me for a period of remembering, reflection, and renewal. Together, we will spend time in sacred remembering, as we recall seasons past and how God has been present in the realities of our lives. We will then spend time reflecting on how God is at work in our hearts and souls in this present season. Finally, we will open ourselves to the renewing of our hearts, bodies, minds, and spirits to prepare us for the path and purpose that God will set before us.

In the months ahead, let us embrace the interconnectedness of our lives and faith as fellow pilgrims on the way.  To guide us during this time, I offer a prayer adapted from our baptismal liturgy.

“Sustain us, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.  Give us inquiring and discerning hearts, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.”

I extend my sincere thanks for your loving and faithful support these past 16 years and for the gift of this Sabbath time with my family. It is with great anticipation and promise that we enter this time to see how God will work in all of us to prepare us for what is yet to come. Indeed, what a blessing it is journeying through the seasons of life with Christ and one another!

Peace and Blessings to all,

Paul

P.S. Please review the attached materials, which will explain in more detail what will be happening over the summer during the sabbatical. There is also a video/audio of our Sunday morning forum which will offer much greater detail about my plans during the sabbatical and my invitation to the parish to join me in a season of prayerful discernment. This video/audio will also speak to the role of the Munshine Group which is helping us understand and access our current reality, as we chart our course for the future.