A couple weeks ago the church council discussed sending me on sabbatical. I thought to myself, 'Good idea, boy could I use it.' Then I said (contrary to my thinking), "That is an expensive proposition. We don't have the money for it, and neither does the church."Of course the council knew this bit of information. Ever since our ouster from our former denomination - or perhaps I should start calling it our liberation from our former oppressors ;-) - the church has been running tight, and we are just making it by from month to month.
But, then Jeff was already in gear with a fund-raising plan, and was not going to take no for an answer.
So that brings me to our current state. I will be going to Wales with a missions team on August 3rd. When they return from the mission on August 16th, I will stay in the U.K. Some point shortly after that Bev will join me in the U.K., and we will travel to Taize, France to join the prayer, chanting, and spiritual retreat which has been going on there for the last 35 years or more.
It was decided that since I was already going to be in the U.K., that Bev joining me there was just a cheap as doing something here in states. With the friends we have on the other side of the pond this is probably true. So, off to Taize we go. Bev is hoping I will spend some days at a Welsh Language intensive in North Wales, which I would love to do, but then again methinks money, and waits and sees on that issue.
12 comments:
This is just so exciting and I'm going to be completely selfish and revel in the knowledge that we'l have you here for longer....AND that Bev gets to come and visit us at our home. Definitely good stuff. :)
BB
Mike
I can revel in your selfishness too. :-)
Bro - big congrats! You deserve it. Enjoy away...
I hope to visit the UK someday (very badly). I want to spend a few days in Bristol and create a "George Muller Tour".
And have fun in France. Hey, if you need a personal interpreter, my wife speaks fluent French. And maybe she'll bring me along...
Dang! We do need an interpreter. Do you fit in luggage?
Mind you, Jules has her masters in french and german. Maybe she'd like to squeeze into a suitcase too. :)
BB
Mike
wow! excellent news. that's so exciting. you deserve a good chill out. and if you venture anywhere near nottingham you guys are most welcome at mine for a beer. :)
caz x
Mike,
Well shoot - team to Taize. We can pack the whole village of French speakers!
caz - how close are you to (Wrecsam - the proper Welsh spelling) Wrexham. We'll be near there for a week.
dude, take the thing for sure. our pastor is on sabbatical right now and we are stoked for him. he is a jesus like pastor like yourself.
he is doing some writing, hope you do so as well.
one bit of advice... as a council we did have to assure some folk that the pastor was not off looking for another church. some pastors do that on sabbatical. so that might be in order for you. it will help some folk to not be anxious.
hey pastor phil,i'm about 90 mins away.. would be shorter but the roads into wales are all quite winding! if you're speaking anywhere or have a spare few hours, let me know. you've been a real inspiration to me on t'net. :) x
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the advice. I already have my tickets, because I am doing the sabbatical following a Missions trip, and I am staying the UK, and then heading to France to visit Taize.
They know I'm not headed anywhere. I am crazy about living in Salem...although it is dangerous to send me to Wales. Hmmmmm.... Nah...gotta get back for October!
Hey caz,
I will have time while we are in Wales, and we might be able to figure out hangin' out together. Where are you, and are you free between the 5th and the 11th?
You can get my e-mail address on the front page of the church website www.salemgathering.com
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