Pastor Dave Schulte is on a three-month sabbatical, May through July. He will return on Sunday, August 3. The congregation will join together with him in celebration and a meal that day, following the
late service.
In the meantime, look her for reports on Pastor Dave’s sabbatical activities, and the adventures of Martin Luther, who will be traveling with Pastor Dave. Where are they this week?
The display board includes two handouts, which are also on this page:
•FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions about sabbaticals.
•Prayer Itinerary is also included in this issue. Prayer suggestions are based on Pastor Dave’s planned travels and studies during the next ninety days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about Sabbaticals
Pastor Dave’s sabbatical begins April 28, through August 3
What is a sabbatical?
The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbatical leave is a time for rest, renewal, and study. It is not an extended vacation, nor is it just continuing education. This is a time for Pastor Dave to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen his relationship with God, and to spend time in intentional study, prayer and reflection. The intent is for Pastor Dave to return to the congregation refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit so he can continue his work among us.
Do other clergy go on sabbatical?
Yes. The ELCA, as well as our Synod, has guidelines for “Extended Study Leave” for rostered persons in ministry every seven years. According to the policy, Pastor Dave’s sabbatical has been reviewed and approved by the Synod Bishop.
How long will Pastor Dave be gone?
Pastor Dave will be gone for three months, beginning on April 28 and returning July 28, 2008. His first Sunday back will be August 3.
What will Pastor Dave do on his sabbatical?
On the first day of his sabbatical, Pastor Dave will leave for a three day seminar with the Alban Institute titled “A New Vision for the Long Pastorate”. This leadership seminar helps clergy assess their self care, nourishment, and vitality and develop a plan for staying healthy and vital in their continued ministry. It will also help pastors explore the identity and purpose of their congregation with a focus on shared vision for the future.
In May, Pastor Dave has a fabulous opportunity to take a “Luther Tour of Germany”. He will be visiting many of the historic sites in Wittenberg, Augsburg, Erfurt, and Eisenach. It’s a traditional pilgrimage for Lutheran clergy!
In June, Pastor Dave will travel to Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center high in the mountains near Chelan, Washington. While there he will have an opportunity to experience a slower-paced, simple lifestyle which he hopes to include time for contemplative prayer, reading and reflection, and time in conversation with God. He’ll also do a little mountain hiking in the wonders of God’s creation.
July will find Pastor Dave spending a week traveling with his daughter, Anna, up into New Mexico and Colorado. Devoting time to family members who often get bumped aside by a pastor’s schedule is an important element to any clergy sabbatical.
Between his travels, Pastor Dave will find plenty of time to develop daily routines of meditation, exercise, reading and reflection. He plans to focus his studies on exploring contemplative prayer, and “theology of the cross” – a central theme in Lutheran theology.
Prayer Itinerary
April 28-30
Pray that Pastor Dave will be inspired by his time at the “New Vision for the Long Term Pastor” conference this week, that he will have safe travels, and that the information from the conference will help him grow during this time of reflection on sabbatical
May 1-14
Pray for Pastor Dave in his time of study – that he would discover the ability to be still in the presence of God as he learns contemplative prayer, that he would find new life and energy in his studies of theology, and that he might discover even more about the wonders of God’s grace. Pray that he might learn to be a better steward of his health as he begins to work on his fitness.
May 15-26
Pray for safe travels for Pastor Dave as he travels to Germany. Open his eyes and heart as he explores the roots of our Lutheran Christianity. Help him to see the wonders of what has been built to glorify God in the cathedrals of Europe. Help him to grow as a person as he steps out of his comfort zone to do independent travel.
May 27-June 16
Pray for Pastor Dave in his time of study – that he would discover the ability to be still in the presence of God as he learns contemplative prayer, that he would find new life and energy in his studies of theology, and that he might discover even more about the wonders of God’s grace. Pray that he might learn to be a better steward of his health as we works on his fitness level.
June 17–26
Pray for safe travels as he makes his way to Holden Village in remote Washington state. May this be a time for celebrating the wonders of God’s creation, for deepening his prayer life, and for learning from colleagues and new friends.
June 27–July
Pray for Pastor Dave in his time of study – that he would discover the ability to be still in the presence of God as he learns contemplative prayer, that he would find new life and energy in his studies of theology, and that he might discover even more about the wonders of God’s grace. Pray that he might learn to be a better steward of his health as we works on his fitness level.
July 6–13
Pray for Pastor Dave and Anna as they get to enjoy travel time together. Pray that they will have time to strengthen their relationship as father and daughter, find new delights in their travels in God’s world.
July 14–26
Pray for Pastor Dave as he begins to look toward his return to our congregation. Pray that he may be refreshed and prepared from his time away, that he will find insight from his sabbatical, that he will bring new strength, energy, and enthusiasm for the work God is calling us to do as we reunite for our mission – Bringing to Christ, Growing in Christ, Serving for Christ.
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