Rev. Nancy Returns from Sabbatical
I had a magical sabbatical traveling, experiencing different cultures, learning about photography and looking at things differently.
The folks from the Lily Endowment call their grant program that made my sabbatical possible the National Clergy Renewal Program. Without a doubt that is what it is for I feel renewed!
My time away was not all necessarily restful as I attended classes, raced for planes and trains, and had most of my days filled with a variety of activities. Those activities however were new and different for me as they opened my eyes through exciting experiences and filled my heart with joy and my body with energy.
Something else that this time away did was to show me that I am not indispensable! The church can actually go on without me.
I say that with a smile as I know this to be true, but I also say this with much gratitude to the staff and leaders of The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown.
Kevin Porter assumed various added responsibilities during my absence and since my return I have heard repeatedly how wonderfully he stepped in. (There was never a doubt in my mind!). Eileen Jones, with the help of other leaders of our congregation, planned and conducted a highly successful first year Freedom School program for over fifty children this summer. Christian Heyer-Rivera took a group of young people to General Assembly in July and then later in the month, he took another group to Purdue University for the denomination's Youth Trienium. He also successfully launched our new drop in center for community senior high students. David Daugherty recruited folks for a summer choir and also put the final touches on planning and promoting this year's concert series. Heidi Mercado-Littles kept up with her visits, phone calls and card writing to our church members and friends. Kathy Charlesworth and Sally Vaughn made sure the bulletins were ready, bills paid, newsletters mailed and church members= needs met. Our sextons, Terry Boyer, Harry Watkins and Harold Whaley saw that the building was clean and well maintained as with the summer program and other activities brought much traffic in and through our walls.Together with officers, committee members and other congregational leaders our church continued to provide a vital and faithful ministry touching lives with the love and message of Jesus Christ. And you were all able to do it without me! In one sense that is a humbling realization and in another sense it makes me very proud and happy.
I am back now and I look forward to our new program year and ministering among you.
I hope to see you in Church!
Nancy
