Many folk have asked if I enjoyed my sabbatical. The short answer is — yes! The longer answer is that it was filled with lots of family time and ordinary trips that we make as a family most summers. I did not set any lofty agenda for myself like writing a book, walking with monks in Spain, or planning a year’s worth of sermons; rather, I breathed and relaxed and piddled around the house and fixed suppers. My bumper sticker description of my sabbatical as it related to work stuff is that I was “Diligently Unproductive!” I also have said to some of you that it was the right amount of time away because I was ready to be back.
I have repeatedly offered my thanks to you, the congregation of Nacoochee Presbyterian Church, for allowing me to be on sabbatical, but I want to offer here yet another “thank you!” As a congregation you are very loving and generous to me and to my family. It was providential that Gary Bagley was free from other obligations and able to become the “Sabbatical Interim.” From all — and I mean all — that I hear he went over and above the call of duty and was inspirational as well as a helpful guide in the ongoing functioning of the church’s life. Thank you, Gary! I also extend to the members of Session, the Deacons, the choir, and Denise Bobo my heartfelt appreciation for “minding the gap” in so many ways during my time apart.
Now, a few things coming up …
On Sunday, October 6, beginning at 4:00 pm we will have a “Blessing of the Animals” service. You are invited to bring your pets — or photos of your pets — and we will celebrate their existence, and I will bless each one. We will be in the sanctuary, but if anyone rides up on a horse, well … I’ll meet you in the parking lot!
On Tuesday, October 15, our church will be hosting the fall Presbytery meeting. This is a meeting of commissioners from the 50 plus churches in the Northeast Georgia Presbytery. The meeting will go from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, so lunch will be provided. The catered lunch will be served in the SNC community hall, but the rest of the meeting will be in our building. The theme will be “World Mission,” and we will make a short presentation about our work in Guatemala. A sign-up sheet for volunteering that day will be available in Fellowship Hall after worship over the next two Sundays.
Peace,
Bob