to allow me to take several additional weeks this summer to focus some on personal spiritual renewal. I hope to find some time for prayer and reflection, as well as study in preparation for our work this fall in discerning what it will mean to be a post-Covid church. I will also be working on planning preaching for the remainder of the year and focusing on my overall personal health.
During this time, you will be in very good hands. I am so grateful to those who have offered to preach while I am away. You will enjoy these fine preachers and be renewed this summer, I know. Here is the schedule for our preachers:
June 27 and July 4—Dr. Tim Gerde, Coordinator of Older Adult Ministries
July 11—Dr. Pat Shipley—Former Pastor of Centenary
July 18—Rev. Lucy Marsden Hottle
July 25—Dr. Hal Breitenberg, Religious Studies Professor, Randolph Macon College
August 1—Dr. Jim Melson, former Centenary Associate and current Director of The Cornelius Corps
August 8—Rev. Katie Gooch, Director of The Pace Center
Dr. Tim Gerde will be available to offer pastoral care as needs arise. Our lay leaders are well equipped to handle administrative matters during this time, as they’ve done so ably during the pandemic. And the rest of our staff will be continuing the excellent work they do day in and day out.
I will be praying daily for you during this time, and I ask you to pray daily for Centenary. This time of respite this summer can be a time for all of us to more intentionally open our hearts to God’s Spirit and to begin asking what kind of kingdom work God has in store for us as individuals and as a congregation.
You are loved—by God, and your church family.
Peace,
Matt
