My renewal leave begins!

It's Monday morning and I am in the first day of my renewal leave that will last through November 3, 2007. The renewal leave is a result of a Lilly Foundation Grant (http://www.lillyendowment.org/religion_ncr.html) that I received in 2006. Working with the Belfast UMC, we applied for the grant that will allow me to follow a couple of dreams and allow the church to grow through Bible Study and lay leadership before, during, and after the three months that I am away. When I awoke yesterday morning, I couldn't believe that the day had finally arrived after more than 14 months of waiting. I was very excited as a young family had asked to be baptized at the 8am service. It was a truly powerful experience as first the parents and me laid hands on each of the three girls for prayer after they were baptized. It was even more amazing when the parents knelt to be baptized and the three girls said, "come on, we've got to lay hands on mom and dad."

The second service was filled with folks and the energy was in that place. It was a different sermon from the first service as we talked about the priesthood of all believers. As I looked out at the many folks with whom God has blessed my life, I was very thankful and in awe. There were even some good friends from NJ and LA who were on their vacations and it had timed with the last Sunday before the renewal leave. Lisa and me helped to serve Communion and then in a very special moment we served each other which for me was a great symbol of the love God has for us and that we have for each other. It was one of the highlights of the day for me!

The meal afterward was great (really liked the cole slaw!) and then we moved into the sanctuary for a sending off service. I was reminded of who the Davidettes (from the church office - Evelyn, Betty, and Val) were and how talented they were in writing new words to "Don't worry, be happy" and then leading everyone in singing the words. I'll never sing the chorus with the "do, do, do...." again without smiling. When wearing the hat and sunglasses that we received as "parting" gifts, I was told that we looked like elfs...I wonder if there is a place for us at the North Pole???

As I look back on the day, emotionally God gave me the strength to not break down too much but rather to enjoy fully the love that was shared with our family. Physically, my voice did great and I was able to belt out the songs I so love. Mentally, I am already wondering what I'm going to do when I can't think "church" for three months. Spiritually, I know that God loves me and that God's hand was at work in this leave and in the ending of my wife's work at the same time so that we have three full months together so I pray that I can live these next few months to the fullest for God's glory!

That's it for now. As I write this I can't help it as I am feeling like I should be going to work, saying hello to the crew, thanking them for the great memories of the day, and then planning for worship next week. But I do not and it's time to reestablish those boundaries of sabbath and renewal that God has given to each of us. May God bless your day and I'll write more as time goes by. It may be daily, hourly, but I will write. I may even include pictures as well...