As most of you know, I have been on a Sabbatical for the last three months. I wanted to take a moment and share how I spent my time. 

But before I do, I first want to say “Thank you” to each and every one of you for giving me the time and for raising money for me to take this time. I am now in my 40th year as a Methodist pastor and it is the first time I’ve taken extended time off. It was an incredible gift from you to me and my family and I will always be more grateful than words can express. 

I am also grateful to Sam and the rest of the staff for their willingness to do such a great job while I was gone. We are blessed by each and every one of them. 

I said in April that there were four main things I hoped to accomplish. 

• The first one I mentioned was Sundays. I said I wanted to revisit some of the churches I have served. That has been a joy. In addition, Susan and I have been to worship with our son and daughter-in law. We’ve also gone with our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. We so rarely get to do so. It was very special. 

• I also mentioned some writing I wanted to do. I’ve been working on a small bible study, an overview of the Old Testament. It is not quite finished, but it is close. I hope to share that with you all next year after Easter. The other big project I have been working on is a book. I have invested a lot of time on that. I wish I could tell you it was nearly done, but it is not. I’ve written a lot and am happy with my first draft. But I think rewriting and editing will take even longer! I do believe I will finish it. And it would not have been possible without this time. Most of my time writing has been in town. But I’ve also made a couple of trips to get away and write. I shared a definition of Sabbatical in April. It is "an extended period of time intentionally spent on something that’s not your routine job." That is exactly what I have had. 

• The third goal I shared with you all in April was to take some time to study pastoral transitions and succession plans. I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon, but that day is coming and I believe I’ve learned some things that will help the church when that day comes. I spent some time in Dallas, Texas with some representatives from a group called “Church Difference Makers”. Transitions are one of the things they focus on and it was very enlightening. 

• The final goal was time to rest and relax. Susan and I have spent time in our mountain house. I got to sit around the firepit with good friends, hike through the woods with grandchildren, and just enjoy our place. And in June, Susan and I went to Alaska. You all helped make that possible. We had a great time. It was the first vacation we’ve ever taken when at least part of my mind wasn’t thinking about the things I would need to do at church when I got back! That made it incredibly relaxing. 

That’s a quick update on the last three months. If you want to hear more, let me know and I’m happy to talk to you. It has been great, and now I am ready to be back at work! God has done so much in and through Due West, but I know our best days are ahead. 

Thanks again for such an amazing gift.

David