Remember the Sabbath, to keep it _______?

It’s the third of the ten commandments. Second only to having no other gods and not misusing the name of the Lord ourGod.

I was blessed to learn early in ministry, and then to share with ministry candidates for many years, that the rhythm of sabbath is so very important for the quality of life itself, and especially our life with God and one another. In short, I highly value (1) time set aside each day (sabbath time) to be still with God, (2) a day each week (sabbath day)to worship, (3) time each month (sabbath break) to literally step away and (4) regular time each year vacating from responsibility (sabbath, often called vacation). When asked how to serve long term ministry, which is harder than many know, the above is my answer. I also took sabbaticals every 5-7 years, several months to get out of my ruts, climb to some heights and dream about what is ahead. In short, I think stopping everything one thinks they have to do and trusting God to do what God alone can do, is so very, very important. Duh, again, it’s a commandment.

Thus, I’m so happy for Pastor John and Prince of Peace Church that he is faithful enough to step aside for some sabbatical time. We’ll miss him, can’t do what he does. But I trust he and we will be blessed with this sabbath time by what God alone can do. Let’s keep each other in prayer.

I’m not naïve enough to think that leading a choir trip to Europe is a vacation for our music director, Jeremy Bankson. I, among the most musically challenged of God’s children, will miss him (and them), but I was so glad to see he’ll take some vacation time after the tour.

Vicar Jennie is graduated and gone as you read this, awaiting synod assignments and potential call. I encouraged her to see this time as a sabbath time, recalling my first parish who encouraged me to keep a commitment to summer staff at Holden Village, and begin my pastorate in the fall.

Pastor Tim, in addition to camp week, youth trips (which ain’t vacations either!) and “the” full time pastor on staff, has scheduled time for family, continuing education and rest. Wise.

Jocelyn has worked remotely often, without missing a beat. But she too values sabbath practices of a bike ride on a sunny day, time with family, the blessing of travel.

I’m writing this the last week of May; I should be back yesterday. Even a part time, retired guy does sabbath with his beloved. Again, duh, it’s a commandment.

I believe when we gather to worship each week, trusting God with our lives and receiving more than we can produce ourselves, we are blessed to be learning a rhythm God built into creation. Whether it’s unplugging a computer, a family schedule, or ourselves, it’s important to stop, remember we are not God, and trust that God is good.

I pray you will regularly do nothing. I mean, nothing but “fear, love and trust God” with some of the time in your life.

Peace be with you, all.

Pastor Jim

For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:11