Crocker Sabbatical

Thanks

2008-08-03T13:02:00.002-06:00

What an unexpected, delightful and meaning gift to receive the first Sunday back after the sabbatical! Thanks!

Writing Family History

2008-07-29T16:58:00.004-06:00

On sabbatical I was able to write the first draft of a six part history of our family story through the last names of our grandparents. I am going to address each part to a different grandchild. This is a brief excerpt from the first part.
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Mika you are a Swain. Just as you know as an eight year old that you are a Braddy and a Crocker, I knew as an eight year old I was a Crocker and a Swain! My grandmother’s great-grandfather was William Swain and here is part of his story.

William Swain lived in a little Maine village called Bristol in the early 1800’s. In 1614 Captain John Smith (of Jamestown fame) explored and mapped this area. Two hundred years later when William was just ten years old a sea battle took place on the coast where he lived. Did he hear the sounds of the pounding canons, smell the gunpowder, see the ships, and listen eagerly to the stories? On Sept. 5, 1814 as the war of 1812 ended the 14 gun British ship the Boxer and the USS Enterprise engaged between Monhegan Island and Pemaquid. (You have relatives that have lived for generations in these places!) Valiant crews and officers fought on both sides, with both commanders being killed, and both being buried side-by-side in Portland. The battled ended with the capture of the British ship and the Maine coast was now free from the harassment of the Boxer.

Bristol is very near the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse which is on the Maine quarter. The roads around Bristol and the lighthouse have some interesting names of coastal families who probably once lived in the area such as Coombs, Bradley, Tibbits and Crooker (Your Papa knew people with these last names growing up). Two other road names you might be interested in are: Crocker and Cheyennes.

When “Papa Swain" was in his twenties this lighthouse was built and he would have seen its light many times! At least two of his sons were sailors and they would have known the importance of a nice bright light during a storm or when the fog hid the rocky Maine coast. How many times did “Papa Swain” walk to the shore to get away, to sit on the rocks and look at the ships? Maybe he even had a picnic by the ocean with his wife and some of his nine children!

Once me and Nana visited Bristol and went to the library and found out some interesting things. We also stopped at a cemetery and took some pictures of the grave stone where William was buried alongside his wife Diannah. His gravestone also tells us something about him. It reads:

Farewell my wife and children all,
From you a father Christ doth call,
Mourn not for me, it is vain
To call me to your sight again.

People like to put things on grave stones such as their name, when they were born and died as well as something that that they think is very important. This particular “epitaph” can be found all over New England and in many Southern cemeteries. It can even be found over a grave of a pastor who lived at the same time as our ancestor but was buried in Nebraska between Aurora and Grand Island. I wonder if “Papa Swain” thought Christ was important. I think he might have because in my office a have several pieces of paper that are the “fly leafs” of a very old family Bible. Can you guess whose names were at the very top? Yes! At the very top are the two names William and Diannah Swain. It also records that they were married on September 26, 1833 and lists other names of family members!

The library records showed that he was a tailor. Not everybody who lives on the coast is a fisherman! Sailors need cloths and somebody had to make them. So we can guess that he knew lots about cloth, fabric, sewing, measuring and what styles looked good to someone who lived in the 1800’s.

I discovered something else at the library, something that was confirmed by what are called the Federal Census Records. In the 1800’s, about every 10 years the government would send officials around to ask people questions and record their answers. They asked questions about how old they were, who was living with them where they lived, and where their father and mother were born. So for example in the census of 1860 “Papa Swain” was 46 years old, living with his wife, there were six children in the home from the ages of 24 to five. The two oldest sons were listed as sailors and “Papa Swain” was listed as a “day laborer.” Also we find that his father was from, you guessed it, Maine. We also learn from the census of 1870 that the tailor turned to another occupation in “his retirement” because there he is listed as a farmer.

They were also interested in something that we would find strange today, the race of the person. In the race column, the clerk would write a “w” if the person was white and a “b” if they were black, or an “m” for, a very old fashion word that we never say much today, mulatto. In those days a person who was mulatto had a parent or grandparent who was “black” or what we would call today as “biracial.”

What would it have been like to be identified as a black or a mulatto in Maine in the early 1800’s? You might think that every black person before the Civil War was a slave but that is not true. "Papa Swain" was not a slave, though it is very likely one of his grandparents had been one.

Sometimes free "blacks" would help slaves take the Underground Railroad through Maine to escape to Canada. Remember that I told you that two of “Papa Swain’s" sons were sailors. Actually before the Civil War 25% of the mariners in Maine were African American and some of these would help with the Underground Railroad when the railroad involved ships and sailors along the New England coast. Maybe our ancestors help on this railroad?

The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad but a patchwork of secret routes and houses used by escaping slaves. Many where trying to get to Canada and over 30,000 people made it! Some traveled this railroad through the very area were our William Swain lived. I have even been in home that had a hidden room for these passengers in a place called Freeport, Maine!

The Federal Census records show that from the years 1820-1870, 274 communities in Maine had black citizens living as free citizens. Some towns such as Gardiner, Phippsburg, and Bristol listed 2-3% of their citizens as black. Also we know that there were “African Schools” in 1800’s at Portland, Brunswick, Warren, China and one on Malaga Island, across from Phippsburg.

There is a funny story about a well known and respected black preacher who lived at the very same time as “Papa Swain.” Once he came to speak at the First Parish Church in Brunswick and before Rev Amos Freeman began to speak two white sailors got up and left the church. The next day someone started reporting the incident by saying "A wonderful miracle took place on the hill in the great church, yesterday! God sent a colored messenger from heaven to declare His will unto the people. He sat down in the pulpit, and without opening his mouth he cast out two devils."

Reading

2008-07-28T16:42:00.003-06:00

The following is the reading material I was able to invest in while on sabbatical. One of the “casualties” of a 24-7 pastoral life style can be reading, so I had the most marvelous time reading in various areas of personal interest these past three months. Toni and I both enjoyed and were challenged with the book Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp and would recommend this above all the other reading we did on sabbatical.

1. The Pilgrim's Progress
2. Augustine’s, Conversion
3. Luther’s, Here I Stand
4. Jonathan Edwards’, Sinners in the hands of an angry God
5. George Whitefield’s, The Method of Grace
6. Geneva Bible 1599 by Gary DeMar
7. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
8. Sea of Glory: The U.S. Navel Exploring Expedition 1838-1842 by Nathaniel Philbrick
9. Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp
10. Sacred Pathways by Gary L. Thomas
11. Soul Guide: Following Jesus by Bruce Demarest
12. The Chronicles of Narnia
13. The English Reformation by A.G. Dickens
14. The New Testament Octapla by Luther A Weigle
15. The Reformation Era by Robert D. Linder
16. Extreme Grandparenting, by Tim Kimmel
17. Silas Marner by George Eliot
18. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
19. The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham, by Myra and Shelley
20. Billy Budd, Sailor by Melville Herman
21. Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy
22. The Shack by William Young
23. Various Perspectives on Teresa of Avila
24. The Dark Night of the Soul by John of the Cross
25. China, National Geographic

Lots of Corn

2008-07-19T16:04:00.002-06:00

Toni and I stopped by Kearney for the weekend to help Paul take care of our grandkids while Cristine, along with a couple-a-dozen other women, climbed Quandary Peak, a “Fourteener” five miles south of Breckenridge. During our stay in June this mountain peak was the first mountain we saw each morning. Looking seemed to us better than climbing.

I had a great walk with Malachi and Benji and took this for their uncle Jon who trying to grow corn in Cheyenne to show him how it looks already in Kearney. Also I thought it was ironic to take a picture of “corny kids” in front of rows of corn.

Puppy Setting

2008-07-16T15:55:00.001-06:00

While visiting Rachel we got to puppy-set a cocker-poodle while Rachel was in class. We had a great visit. I discovered the old military road that dated back to 1854 and did some hiking. We also drove to Lawrence and enjoyed the historic old town that Quantrill’s raiders had burned during the Civil War and did my last (!) quilt store during the sabbatical. We had already visited two dozen so I had mixed feelings; something between euphoria and jubilation.

90th Birthday

2008-07-15T14:41:00.002-06:00

We drove down to Manhattan Kansas to be with Mrs. Olsen when she celebrated her 90th birthday. She still tells a wonderful story. It was very special to share this time with her family.

Birthday Music

2008-07-15T13:48:00.000-06:00

At Mrs. Olsen’s request Rachel played hymns on the violin and we had a wonderful time singing along!

Papa Stories

2008-07-12T15:36:00.003-06:00

I wrote 24 “Papa Stories” (darfts) for the grandkids about my life until the age of 12. Here is part of the first story.

… my first memories are not mine, but stories I have had told to me many times by my parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. I was born at Scotts Air Force base in Belleville, Illinois and according to my parents I cost them one roll of dimes, one roll of nickels and three rolls of pennies. I was told I didn’t walk until I was 18 months old and even then I would “slip over a cigarette paper” as a toddler. Even now if one of my aunts or uncles see me they might grin and say to me “Yes sir, Sarge,” remembering a time when I was first learning to speak and how I responded to my dad who was in the Army Air Force.

My first personal memory is about a home we lived in on a military base. I remember a room and a screen door that I wanted to go through to reach a court yard that was surrounded with other homes and had a drainage ditch running through it. I also remember my mom and dad talking and my dad was standing in his military uniform. But to be honest I am never sure if it is a real memory or a false memory. Maybe it has been constructed from other peoples stories that I have overheard. That is the problem with memories they can seem so real but not always totally accurate. When I tell my stories, just remember they are my memories as I remember them and I think they are true memories. Do you have a memory from when you were very young? Do you remember some saying you parents always tell you? Have you ever asked them the story behind the saying?

Genealogy

2008-07-10T15:05:00.002-06:00

One of the ways the gift of time was used during the sabbatical was to do some family genealogy. My ancestor Julien Fortin was 29 when he left Normandy for New France in 1650. He spent three months at sea because of heavy winds and arrived in Quebec at summer’s end. His daughter was included in a book (1667) containing miracles attributed to the intercession of Saint Anne of the Little Cape. The account reads: “Barbe Fortin, daughter of Julien Fortin, Belle Bontaine habitant of Beaupre age of twelve years or about, attacked by a pleurisy and in danger of death, having been recommended to Saint Anne by her father and mother who made a vow and novena to her straight away received a perfect cure at the end of the novena.” Julien’s wife Genevieve Gamache, is buried this church graveyard, (Notre-Dame de BonSecours) at L"Isle. This church was started in 1770 after the English had burned the village in 1759 during the French and Indian Wars.

Our Anniversary

2008-07-05T14:36:00.002-06:00

We drove through the Rockies for our anniversary and enjoyed viewing the wild life.

Hmong Convention

2008-07-02T14:12:00.004-06:00

We attended the Hmong Convention in Denver with George and Jan Cheek. Hmongs were refugees from Southeast Asia after Vietnam and for 14 summers thousands came to Maranatha Bible Camp. At the convention Person after person came up to us and said thank-you, and that at camp they met their spouse or were saved or baptized or dedicated their life to Christ for fulltime service. Toni and I both agreed that this was one of the highlights of our sabbatical

A Danny Weekend

2008-07-02T13:27:00.001-06:00

While at the Hmong Convention we had a wonderful traveling companion with us, our grandson Danny, making it an even more special time! His dad had asked if we would bring him with us so they could have some time together. Jon commutes from Cheyenne to Denver during this week and usually stays a night or so in Denver. So this was a perfect opportunity for dad and the grandparents!

During the convention Danny (and Papa) learned and repeatedly enjoyed the marvel of the escalator! This picture is inside a replica of the tribal huts that Hmongs use to live in before coming to the USA.

Enjoying the Rockies

2008-06-18T20:15:00.003-06:00

Segment 2 of the Sabbatical is over. This means we are half way through and more importantly Toni has completed her 8 chemo treatments. These last two have greater reduced her energy, so we are extremely glad to be over this hurdle and really ready to move on to the every three weeks herceptin infusions.

The two weeks in Breckenridge was somewhat low keyed but we had a great time reading, resting and driving around the area. We even had the opportunity to enjoy a BBQ competition and had a great time when the Braddy’s joined us for 24 hours. Richard walked about 40 miles of trails. Toni would drop him off and then go to the end of the trail and enjoy a Starbucks and a good book.

Richard’s reading included time with some old friends in “Pilgrim’s Progress” and in the “Chronicles of Narnia” as well, he enjoyed reading about the Reformation era from Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

May Sabbatical Update

2008-06-04T04:56:00.003-06:00

We are very much appreciating and enjoying the sabbatical. The Canadian – New England cruise was unbelievable. On a personal note, it was very meaningful to me since my ancestry goes back to the 1600’s through several lines of “great-great grandparents” that sailed these very coastal waters that we have now sailed.

My first thoughts on the May segment of the sabbatical can be boiled down to a few things. I have not missed meetings but I have missed the people and I have not missed sermon preparation (I thought I might) but have missed preaching. The freedom of the sabbatical has allowed us to enjoy reading more broadly. Also we have attended Jewish and Episcopalian services that we found very interesting. I have also appreciated having the extra time to write down a few thoughts for a story book am I writing for my grandkids.

The sabbatical has had a couple of surprises. I was more physically tired than I realized and it has been beneficial to relax and get some extra rest. I was also surprised how regimented and clock driven my life had become and how difficult it has been to get away from waking up and to automatically just start planning my day around sermon preperation, other people’s life needs, the regular mentoring and counseling times, and the normal ministry leadership meetings.

I have not been involved in as much physical exercise as I had wanted, but anticipate the next few weeks in the Rockies to be able to do “my walks”. Until the last two years I had always set aside time each summer for several 15-20 mile “day walks”. Since my choice not to walk in the cold this past winter, I have had some preparation to do but am really looking forward to a few “day walks” during June. We are heading to the Rockies for two weeks before Toni's next infusion. Thanks for your prayers!

Have Read:

· In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
· Sea of Glory: The U.S. Navel Exploring Expedition 1838-1842 by Nathaniel Philbrick
· The Reformation Era by Robert D. Linder
· Extreme Grandparenting, by Tim Kimmel
· Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham by Myra and Shelly
· China: Inside the Dragon by National Geographic
· Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy

Doing Readings In the Gospel of Mark:

· Geneva Bible 1599 by Gary DeMar
· The New Testament Octapla by Luther A Weigle, Tyndale-1526, Great-1539, Geneva-1560, Bishops-1568, Douay-Rheims-1582, AV-1611

Have Listened To:

· Classics of the Christian Faith by Max McLean: Augustine’s, Conversion; Luther’s, Here I Stand; Jonathan Edwards’, Sinners in the hands of an angry God; George Whitefield’s, The Method of Grace
· The Secret Garden

In Maine

2008-05-23T07:06:00.000-06:00

Halifax was wonderful yesterday. Today we were greeted with a view of the Maine coast. We will take a "tender" from ship to shore where we will meet my sister and nephew.

Rolling Seas and Fog Horns

2008-05-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Fog and rain today in Nova Scotia. Shopped a quilt store in Sidney. Toni is having a hard time keeping her hair on these days.

Our Dining View of PEI

2008-05-20T13:37:00.000-06:00

Today we visited the fabled "Green Gabled" home of Anne, walked her "Haunted Woods," and toured Prince Edward Island by bus.

Two Heritages

2008-05-20T11:23:00.003-06:00

To the left of this fortress in Quebec is a field once owned by a "10 times great," great-grandfather. Because of a famous battle there, on the "Plains of Abraham," his name is still remembered. (Google Abraham Martin and Quebec for more info). Apparently he was from an English family of Catholic faith, who sided with "Bloody Queen Mary" who had martyred nearly 300 English reformation protesters. When Mary was dethroned they apparently fled to France and then moved on to the new world. Abraham became known as "The Scot," navigating the Saint Lawrence River as a boatsman. He was rewarded with a royal land grant.

I have another heritage through another Abraham spoken of in Genesis 12 and Hebrews 11. My children and GRANDkids have two exciting family heritage stories concerning an "Abraham." Both involve "royal" land grants!

We are on Our Way

2008-05-17T15:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we flew to Montreal, last night walked her steets, this morning took a bus tour the area, in minutes we leave port! A city of converted churches and cathedrals that are now government buildings, businesses and condos. She has the worlds largest "underground city" of over 1000 stores and shops. At 7:30 dinner with Richard in a jacket and tie!

Thoughts from here and there today

2008-05-08T08:10:00.006-06:00

I thought of Toni and her encounters with our six grandkids, when I read and prayed over Proverbs 31:26., “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.”

A marriage counselor asks the couple to punctuate correctly: “woman without her man is nothing.” One wrote, “Woman, without her man, is nothing.” The other wrote, “Woman! Without her, man is nothing.” … Adam said “WOW!” … This is!” (Genesis 2:23)

Woodrow Wilson, 28th President, claimed, conservatism is the policy of “make no change and consult your grandmother when in doubt.”

I enjoyed noting the survival courage of the men of the Essex. It is the true story that is the basis for the novel Moby Dick. R.C. Sproul considers this work of Herman Melville as one of the deepest theological novels in American literature. I was struck with the two leadership styles of the captain and the first mate. The phlegmatic Captain leaves too many choices to democracy and the choleric First Mate can be a Jekyll and Hyde paternal autocrat. But after they are separated in the open waters both come more to the center and each commands their own whaling craft with strength and hope until they are rescued. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, by Nathaniel Philbrick

George Whitefield’s message “Method Grace” was very thought provoking…I loved his use of language. His description of any righteousness apart from Christ, as “… so many splendid sins,” is a great twist of words!

A Papa Walk

2008-05-06T13:41:00.005-06:00

Today, I listened to Job talk about praying graciously for friends with goofy theology and goofy advice. I heard George Whitefield speak about the “Method of Grace.” And I conversed with Benji. The perspectives were refreshing; one from a life lived millennia ago, anther a couple of centuries ago and a third life that has not yet touched a decade. Countless people have also listen to Job and George but only two will remember this day and this walk. Only two will talked again about walking several miles and finding shine pieces of fresh asphalt, a sand scoured penny and a bottle cap. Only two will remember a fragile “butterfly skin” along a road and the brutally honest speculations about its demise.

A Good Start

2008-05-05T18:33:00.005-06:00

Toni gets camera happy

The Ship: ms Maasdam

2008-04-29T21:33:00.005-06:00

In less than three week we board the ms Maasdam! She is named for the Maas River in the Netherlands, and is part of the Holland America fleet. The ship is 720-feet long, carries 1,258 passengers and a crew of 557. Click the link to take a closer look.

Different ways of getting ready for Sabbatical

2008-04-25T12:23:00.005-06:00

The shopper is Toni. The picture was taken from our cell phone. We are still learning the proper settings for publishing on a blog.

Talking Sabbatical

2008-04-22T12:15:00.007-06:00

Darius and I have been meeting regularly and our talks have included the details of the upcoming sabbatical. It starts in less than two weeks! The wheels are in motion and our spirits are eager! We are so thankful for the numerous friends who have been walking with us so that we are prepared to gain maximum benefit from this special opportunity.

Reflection on "Sabbatical"

2008-04-07T04:33:00.003-06:00

The following is a reflection on "sabbatical" from one of the elders of CBC.

The modern evangelical movement has made astounding investments in the preparation and education of men and women for life-long ministry. Colleges, universities, bible schools and seminaries have been established, supported and staffed throughout the history of this country by every denomination and fellowship contained in the evangelical church. Some have sponsored or seeded scores of institutions of higher learning for the sole purpose of producing church leadership for the future.

This traditional emphasis has translated into assumptions made in the field, in the way churches both large and small conduct a pastoral search. Near or at the top of every list of qualifications expected is a mandatory period of sound biblical education, or the equivalent in on-the-job training. Taking someone ‘green’ with no training or education is almost universally recognized as a recipe for failure in the pastorate. Therefore, the overarching commitment to pre-ministry training and education is also supported by the actions and policies made at the church level.

Individually, when men and women assume the task of ministry, they usually begin with the unspoken assumption of a life-long commitment to Christ and the work of the ministry they are entering. Preparation and training for ministry is often extensive, involving seminary, internships and working with one or more mentors. It is the rare individual that doesn’t extend and stretch themselves in intensive training and education before feeling ready to assume the responsibilities of full time vocational ministry.

All this to emphasize that pre-ministry investment and discipleship in our culture is almost universally considered natural and expected. Fellowships, churches and individuals believe that educational training is vital to the successful ministering and shepherding of individual flocks across the country and into the future.

What is striking in the process is the marked and dramatic change in approach that takes place after a pastor is hired full-time. Once someone enters the real work of the ministry and ‘flies solo,’ a continued structure, plan and commitment for the long-term health, support and investment in the pastor is rare. On the one hand, the principles of continued education and development are supported both financially and structurally. What is missing is a continued plan for the deep, intense time investment for the kind of spiritual development and growth that takes place before a ministry begins. To address the need, many churches attempt to stop the gap by supporting retreats, personal study, seminars and even the occasional class. But these events are limited to days or weeks at a time and are usually considered to be part of or synonymous with the allowed vacation budgeted to the pastor.

When longer periods of investment, education or training are suggested, the flock is often hesitant and the pastor in turn feels guilty or fearful at the consequences of extended time away. These realities are compounded by the lack of a planned and coordinated support structure from the fellowship to aid the church while the pastor is away.

The consequences have been grim. Pastoral exhaustion and burn-out are at epidemic proportions across the modern evangelical landscape. Ministries that begin with so much promise and expectation are too often ending with bitter results for both pastor and congregation. These consequences result from a myriad of causes, but the unspoken assumption that the pastor (and wife) have within themselves unlimited resources to draw from because they went to four or more years of seminary is surely a primary contributor to the unhappy results we see today.

To help combat this crisis and program solutions before the pastor and congregation are at their end, pastors, leadership and the congregation need to realize the importance of deep, regular investment in the pastor’s life-long continuing education through workshops, seminary courses and personal study.

Among the options available, leave for rest and renewal is a primary way that congregations can support a pastor’s health and hope. Ministry sabbaticals can help healthy pastors stay healthy in the midst of the pressures and complexities of ministry. From time to time ministers need and require an extended period of time for study, personal growth, reflection and renewal without the demands of one's regular duties and responsibilities -- a sabbatical leave. In the short term, experience has shown that the congregation's ministry directly benefits from such study, growth, and renewal. This is augmented by the enablement of long-term ministry, which is revitalized and stimulated. All parties benefit, but the support and realization of long-term ministers and ministries is of vital importance. Keeping long-term ministries intact is a precious asset for any church or fellowship to build bridges and resources for the Lord’s work, workers and disciples of the future.

Meaning of Sabbatical

2008-04-03T22:48:00.000-06:00

The word “sabbatical” is obviously derived from the Old Testament Sabbath. The Sabbath was a period of time that involved ceasing from the normal work routines and resting joyfully in God’s provisions, (Num 10:10). Sabbath is often connected to the words feast and festival, (Lev. 23:2).

Though commonly used by the Jewish people in reference to a specific “day” it can also refer to a Sabbath “week”, (Deut 16:13-14), and a Sabbath “year” (Ex 23:10-11). A “double Sabbath year” called “Jubilee” is addressed by Warren Wiersbe in his Bible Exposition Commentary, “Of course, the people would need a great deal of faith to trust God for food for two years; but God promised to care for them. After seven Sabbatical Years, they were to celebrate the fiftieth year as a "Year of Jubilee" (Lev 25:8ff); and this meant trusting God for food for three years.”

Keil and Delitzsch, referring to Leviticus 23:23-25, describes the Sabbath “month”. “The seventh month of the year, like the seventh day of the week, was consecrated as a Sabbath or sabbatical month, by a holy convocation and the suspension of labor, which were to distinguish the first day of the seventh month from the beginning of the other months or the other new moon days throughout the year. For the whole month was sanctified in the first day, as the beginning or head of the month; and by the sabbatical observance of the commencement, the whole course of the month was raised to a Sabbath… a foretaste of the blessedness of life in fellowship with the Lord…”

A good explanation of the purpose behind a sabbatical (day, week, month or year) is found in the Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. “Sabbath contravenes any pride that may accompany human mastery and manipulation of God's creation. In ceasing from labor one is reminded of one's true status as a dependent being, of the God who cares for and sustains all his creatures, and of the world as a reality belonging ultimately to God.” Wiersbe in his OT Expository Outlines further says, “The weekly Sabbath not only reminded the Jews that they belonged to God, but it also showed God's care for the health of man and beast and the "health" of the land, (Lev 23:10-19).

Christ understood the stressful nature of the 24/7 ministry, (Mark 6:31-32) and provided a time of special rest for his disciples. John reminds us that Jesus had a habit of periodic withdrawing from the normal routine when he says Jesus “again” withdrew to be by himself, (John 6:15). Christ’s practice of spiritual retreats, coupled with the concept of Sabbath in the Old Testament leads to several observations.

Sabbatical is not a vacation time, nor a reward for faithful service, nor a response to burn out, and surely not a burden to be accepted. Rather sabbatical is a healthy time for resting, reflecting, rejoicing and reaffirming. It is a time to look back at all that God has done and just as importantly to look ahead to all he will do. It is a time of faith, when we entrust to God both the shepherd and the flock. The Old Testament Sabbath was to be a gift to the individual and to the national community. In the same way a pastoral sabbatical should be a grace gift that strengthens the pastor and blesses the local church.

Some History

2008-03-31T01:32:00.003-06:00

In the summer of 2007 our daughter while doing some research for K-State found that The Louisville Institute offered grants for pastoral sabbaticals. Though we appreciated her sending the info to us, the idea of a sabbatical was somewhat dismissed out of hand. However about a month later while revisiting about it Toni and I decided that we should at least make the application. The application required that our church board grant permission, which did two things. First it allowed us to complete the application (which was not accept) and second it also started the board thinking about the value providing a sabbatical for Toni and me. The elders started setting aside some funds and they gave approval for a May through July sabbatical; and by February we began to make serious plans.

Summary

2008-03-30T21:18:00.004-06:00

Starting our fourth decade of ministry and our nineteenth year at Cheyenne Berean, we desire to finish strong. The theme for our sabbatical is based on Ephesians 3:16, I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. This time will allow us to rejuvenate emotionally and physically and provide a time of solitude to rejoice in, and reflect on, our life in Christ. One report indicates that 1,600 pastors in US churches quit or resign from their jobs every month and nearly 20 percent of pastors suffer stress or burnout. A pastoral sabbatical is a change from the normal ministry routines to “rest, reflect and re-affirm.”

Considerations

2008-03-30T21:17:00.000-06:00

Toni’s health and stamina are obvious considerations with her infusions every three weeks. Other factors are her mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and the fact that Toni’s spiritual, emotional and medical support teams are in Cheyenne. For us to maximize the sabbatical time we will have a “Front Range” sabbatical that is divided into four, three week segments. This will allow Toni to be in the comfort of her own home as she works through the side effects of her infusions, as well as have her support networks nearby. As her side effects wear off then we would use some time to stay in touch with Toni’s mom. The next two weeks we would go to various locations in the Front Range area for focused sabbatical time.

Approach

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Using the insights from the numerous “spiritual retreats” we have taken through the years, we are preparing a “menu” for a buffet of reading and activities that we can select from as we journey through the sabbatical, realizing that the Lord in His awesome grace will surprise us with serendipitous twists and turns along the way.

Four Segments

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Weeks 1-3, Family: Extreme Grandparenting, by Tim Kimmel

Weeks 4-6, Jesus: Soul Guide: Following Jesus by Bruce Demarest

Weeks 7-9, Worship: Sacred Pathways by Gary L. Thomas

Weeks 10-12, Service: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp

Some Elements

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Toni is reading with an emphasis on renewal and as a project will be finishing a quilt she started several years ago.

Richard is reading with an emphasis on the Reformation era; he will be reading Philbrick’s “nautical” trilogy; and projects include writing some short stories for the grandkids and doing some family genealogy

Various activities probably will include a “Seven Day Cruise” along the coast of Canada and New England; driving the Rockies in a convertible; visiting various sites along the Front Range.

Reading and Audio List

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1. Between Walden & the Whirlwind by Jean M. Fleming
2. Classics of the Christian Faith: The Pilgrim's Progress; Augustine’s, Conversion; Luther’s, Here I Stand; Jonathan Edwards’, Sinners in the hands of an angry God; George Whitefield’s, The Method of Grace (Audio) by Max McLean
3. Geneva Bible 1599 by Gary DeMar
4. God’s Bestseller by Brain Moynahan (Biography of William Tyndale)
5. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
6. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick
7. Sea of Glory: The U.S. Navel Exploring Expedition 1838-1842 by Nathaniel Philbrick
8. Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp
9. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
10. Reformation Study Bible
11. Sacred Marriage by Gary L. Thomas
12. Sacred Pathways by Gary L. Thomas
13. Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed by Donald S. Whitney
14. Soul Guide: Following Jesus by Bruce Demarest
15. The Complete Chronicles of Narnia (Audio)
16. The English Reformation by A.G. Dickens
17. The New Testament Octapla by Luther A Weigle, Tyndale-1526, Great-1539, Geneva-1560, Bishops-1568, Douay-Rheims-1582, AV-1611
18. The Reformation Era by Robert D. Linder
19. The Story (NIV Chronological Bible)
20. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (Building schools in rural Pakistan)
21. Wilderness Time: A Guide for Spiritual Retreat by Emilie Griffin
22. A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You by Paul David Tripp
23. Extreme Grandparenting, by Tim Kimmel
24. The Secret Garden (Audio CD)
25. In Christ Alone by Keith & Kristyn Getty (Audio CD)

Praying Scripture Guide

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Segment One: Our Family

God’s Gift
1. May 6, Genesis 2
2. May 7, Proverbs 31
3. May 8, I Timothy 3
4. May 9 (Infusion), Colossians 3
5. May 10, 1 Corinthians 13

God’s Grace
6. May 11, Ruth 1
7. May 12, Ruth 2
8. May 13, Ruth 3
9. May 14, Ruth 4

Biblical Romance
10. May 15, Song of Songs 1
11. May 16, Song of Songs 2
12. May 17, Song of Songs 3
13. May 18, Song of Songs 4
14. May 19, Song of Songs 5
15. May 20, Song of Songs 6
16. May 21, Song of Songs 7
17. May 22, Song of Songs 8

Joyful Living
18. May 23, Philippians 1
19. May 24, Philippians 2
20. May 25, Philippians 3
21. May 26, Philippians 4

Segment Two: Our Savior

Servant Songs
22. May 27, Isaiah 49
23. May 28, Isaiah 50
24. May 29, Isaiah 51
25. May 30 (Infusion), Isaiah 52
26. May 31, Isaiah 53
27. June 1, Isaiah 54

Upper Room
28. June 2, John 13
29. June 3, John 14
30. June 4, John 15
31. June 5, John 16
32. June 6, John 17

Enthronement Psalms
33. June 7, Psalm 96
34. June 8, Psalm 97
35. June 9, Psalm 98
36. June 10, Psalm 99

Coming King
37. June 11, Revelation 4
38. June 12, Revelation 5
39. June 13, Revelation 19
40. June 14, Revelation 20
41. June 15, Revelation 21
42. June 16, Revelation 22

Segment Three: Our Worship

In Christ
43. June 17, Ephesians 1
44. June 18, Ephesians 2
45. June 19, Ephesians 3
46. June 20 (Infusion), Ephesians 4
47. June 21, Ephesians 5
48. June 22, Ephesians 6

Psalms of Ascension
49. June 23, Psalm 120
50. June 24, Psalm 121
51. June 25, Psalm 122
52. June 26, Psalm 123
53. June 27, Psalm 124
54. June 28, Psalm 125
55. June 29, Psalm 126
56. June 30, Psalm 127
57. July 1, Psalm 128
58. July 2, Psalm 129
59. July 3, Psalm 130
60. July 4, Psalm 131
61. July 5, Psalm 132
62. July 6, Psalm 133
63. July 7, Psalm 134

Segment Four: Our Service

Practical Service
64. July 8, James 1
65. July 9, James 2
66. July 10 (Infusion), James 3
67. July 11, James 4
68. July 12, James 5

Christ-like Service
69. July 13, Mark 1
70. July 14, Mark 2
71. July 15, Mark 3
72. July 16, Mark 4
73. July 17, Mark 5
74. July 18, Mark 6
75. July 19, Mark 7
76. July 20, Mark 8
77. July 21, Mark 9
78. July 22, Mark 10
79. July 23, Mark 11
80. July 24, Mark 12
81. July 25, Mark 13
82. July 26, Mark 14
83. July 27, Mark 15
84. July 28, Mark 16