Deep Roots and a Way Forward

Throughout scripture we see examples of and teachings regarding dedicated time of renewal for a person or community. In the midst of his ministry Jesus retreats to remote places by himself or with a small group of disciples to pray. In the Hebrew Bible, following the Exodus from Egypt, we are given the command to keep sabbath, with God’s resting after creation as our example. The laws given to the Israelites in the wilderness include not only the weekly sabbath day, but also a sabbath year and a jubilee year.* Following these scriptural teachings and examples the church has had customs that allow for pastors and other leaders, as well as communities, to take time for renewal, rest, and reflection. 

Thanks to the commitments of BPC and the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area I have the ability to take a sabbatical this year from April 29th - July 28th. During my time away much of the church’s activities will continue under leadership from the congregation and the support of nearby pastors. We’ll have different people from inside and outside BPC present to lead worship, preach, and preside over Holy Communion. There will be Elders, Deacons, and other congregational leaders ready to handle questions, concerns, and needs that arise as I’m away. Look for more detailed information regarding coverage during my sabbatical later in April and then again in the May newsletter. 

During my sabbatical I will be out of communication with the congregation to allow me to fully unplug from my ministry with you all. I intend to engage in relaxation, travel, time with friends and family, and deeper spiritual practices all with the goal of rest and renewal in my life and ministry. Some of my planned sabbatical activities include time with family at a reunion of my Dad’s side of the family, travel to new places (Scotland and Massachusetts) to learn, explore, and rest, and time away with friends. Particularly I hope to engage in deeper prayer practices as well as taking a retreat at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville. 

To help myself focus during my sabbatical, so that it is more than just time away, I have chosen to engage the theme: ​​“Deep Roots and a Way Forward:” a sabbatical reflecting on history, spirituality, and how I can learn from our past for the healing of our future.

This focus has impacted the selection of places I go, books I read, and the overall ways I spend my time. The history of my family, of the church, and of our country all have impacts on my life and ministry. While we don’t always do a good job holding the tension of it, our history holds the good and bad, the virtue and sin, of our ancestors and that history impacts our life today. My hope is to reflect on ways that we can engage our history in ways that help to heal the present and future. The healing needed in our world goes well beyond the physical healing of bodies. Healing was an integral part of Jesus’ ministry and has been an important part of the Church’s ministry over the ages. My hope is that I come away from my time of renewal with new insights into the ways I and we can engage in healing work in our congregation, community, and world. 

I covet your prayers for me in the lead up to, as well as during, my sabbatical. I will most certainly be keeping BPC and each of you who are a part of this wonderful congregation in my prayers as I am away. I already look forward to my return in hope and anticipation for where God will lead us. 

I trust that in my absence you all are more than capable, with God’s help, to continue Loving all People, Living our Faith, and Following Jesus.

God’s Blessings,

Pastor Brian

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*See Leviticus 25