Pastor Anne on Renewal Leave
Pastor Anne Fuquay will be on renewal leave from Tuesday, February 15 through Thursday, March 31. This time will be set apart for her as an extended Sabbath time for spiritual renewal and rest. Her renewal leave was a approved by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Executive Committee, and our District Superintendent, The Rev. Dr. David Allen.
Pastor David Fuquay will continue to provide leadership at Ocala First UMC during Pastor Anne's renewal leave. He is available and on-call for all pastoral care concerns, in addition to his regular pastoral duties in worship, preaching, and discipleship.
How to reach Pastor David:
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By phone: (352) 622-3244, ext. 130. Please leave a message if he is not in the office as he can access his phone messages remotely.
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By email: david@fumcocala.org
- By text: 352.816.8312
Pastor David is in the office Tuesday through Friday. You can reach him by phone/text/email over the weekend. Monday is his Sabbath day (available for emergencies only).
What is renewal leave?
"Throughout their careers, clergy shall engage in continuing education for ministry, professional development, and spiritual formation and growth in order to lead the church in fulfilling the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ . . . These practices embody the Wesleyan emphasis on life-long growth in faith, fostered by personal spiritual practices and participation in covenant communities." (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Churchy Par. 350.1)
Renewal leave is one of primary ways clergy find renewal and growth and is strongly encouraged throughout their careers. Specifically in The Book of Discipline Par. 350.3 - “A clergy member may request a formational and spiritual growth leave of up to six months while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church. Such leaves are available to clergy members who have held full-time appointments for at least six years.”
Pastor Anne initially requested renewal leave in early 2020, but withdrew the request at that time due to the emerging Pandemic. This renewal leave is her first in 24 years of professional ministry.