This photo was taken today towards the end of our Celebration Dinner.  We welcomed Allison Vorhees as our Sabbatical Interim and celebrated the beginning of the Sabbatical Season.  Today, according to our plan, was my last Sunday in the pulpit until after the Sabbatical, on August 14.  On the left side of this photo is my friend and new church moderator, Curtis Fett.  Curtis will have the major role in making sure that Alli is supported in her ministry with First Baptist and that we help her grow in her vocation of Christian Ministry.

Next Sunday is the first day of the Sabbatical--it is really here!!!  Many many preparations have been made.  Plans have been carefully thought through.  But now it falls to all of us to watch and see how God is active in this time and how we each are called to follow God's lead.  The first few day of the sabbatical will actually be spent with other members of the church as we learn together how to use a software program entitled, "Media Shout" which runs the media "show" every Sunday at our church.  We have a consultant coming to teach us and will also use a program called, "Media Shout University."  The first significant event of the sabbatical is the weekend of May 13 when my five grandchildren and I will stay at an indoor water park called, Fort Rapids.  I can hardly wait.  Five days later we fly to Istanbul, Turkey.  During that time you may want to check this blog often.  There are sure to be a lot of postings.

Looking forward...