July 30thA Sabbatical Blessing
This blessing was prayed over Tim during his last MCA executive meeting before his sabbatical, August 1 - November 1. Please keep Tim and MCA in your prayers during these months.
A Sabbatical Blessing
by Rev. Bart Kelso, adapted by Rachel Siemens
Keith:
The psalmist said,
“I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.”
Jesus said to the apostles,
“Come by yourselves to a secluded place and rest for a while.”
Tim, as you begin your sabbatical in August,
we offer you these words of blessing:
Marguerite:
May the God who made the mountains
accompany you on your travels,
opening your eyes and heart to God’s wisdom
found in nature, in scripture, in prayer and in service.
Coreen:
Creating God,
may Tim enjoy, in these months away:
a release from responsibilities,
a child-like curiosity,
and a thorough refreshment of body, mind and spirit.
Rachel:
May the Christ who promises us rest
lead you to still waters,
where you can drink of the living water
found in relationship with Jesus.
Keith:
Loving Jesus,
Grant to Tim times of reading,
times of play,
times of deep contemplation,
of rich conversation,
of both leisurely dreaming and focused reflection.
Enable him to gaze in wonder at
the beauty of your creation.
Marguerite:
May the Spirit who dwells within each one of us
keep you connected to the Vine
our source of Love,
and to this church, MCA,
that you serve.
Coreen:
Listening Spirit,
Hear your servant when he prays to you.
Help him to worship you freely,
whether in multitude or solitude,
joy or sorrow,
in strength or weakness.
Watch over Tim,
and draw him close to yourself.
Rachel:
Tim, may you go out with God’s joy
and be led forth with Christ’s peace
until you return in November.
Amen.
As I prepare to embark on this sabbatical period, I do so with deep appreciation for MCA for putting in place the policies and supports for making this time possible. In the church sabbaticals find their basis in the biblical principles of rest, spiritual renewal, and trust in God’s provision. I am grateful to the MCA faith family and its leadership for providing this opportunity for prayerful reflection and replenishing resources for ongoing ministry service. As I let go of various aspects of my ministry role, I trust in God’s care and look forward to how this season may allow for new glimpses of the movement of God’s Spirit.
In Christ,
Tim Wiebe-Neufeld