What is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical gives a pastor time away from full-time pastoral ministry to reflect on the call to ministry, the pastor’s relationship with God and God’s people, and theology and practice that will sharpen congregational ministry.

What happened while Pastor John is away?
During the sabbatical, Peace journeyed with the same theme he is exploring, “Mixed Plate: Savoring Culture.” In worship and adult education, we heard from individuals of the Peace community sharing faith from their cultural roots and appreciating multiethnic relationships. We explored our multiethnic heritage in a weekend workshop, and grew in life and ministry together as we celebrate the cultural diversity of Peace.

How did the pastoral work get done?
Pastor Louise Buckles was the pastoral point person during the sabbatical. Two resource pastors, Rev. Lynn Longfield and Rev. Jim Riede, supported Pastor Louise. Brendan Nelson, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry, provided key church leadership. Peace’s Care Ministers provided pastoral care, under the leadership of Jeanie Correa. The sabbatical was a great time for the whole congregation to step in and serve where needed. So “get in where you fit in”!

What is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical gives a pastor time away from full-time pastoral ministry to reflect on the call to ministry, the pastor’s relationship with God and God’s people, and theology and practice that will sharpen congregational ministry.

What were Pastor John, Leigh, Luke, and Joy doing on sabbatical?

• May 21-31 Centering Retreat: Holden Village Retreat Center, Cascade Mountains
• June 5-July 10 Savoring Ohana, Cultural Heritage, and Community in Hawaii: three Hawaiian islands (Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai)
• July 17-31 Savoring Extended Family in California: Oakland
• August 1-16 Savoring God’s Creation in the Pacific Northwest: Vancouver, BC During the sabbatical, Pastor John and Leigh shared pictures and reflections on a blog so everyone at Peace could follow their journey. Now that they have returned, look for them to host a special luau event of picture and story sharing and an adult education series focusing on Pastor John’s reflections on our multiethnic community of faith.

What were some highlights in Peace’s life here at home during the sabbatical?

• Sermons and Adult Education: We listened as individuals from Peace reflect on scripture, share faith from their cultural roots, and appreciate multiethnic relationships.
• Pentecost Weekend Events (June 8-9): “Gifts and Ministry in Multiethnic Community” Saturday workshop led by Rev. Stacy Kitahata of Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship (lunch provided). Pentecost Sunday: Rev. Kitahata preaches and teaches.
• Native American Blanket Exercise (Saturday, June 22): We learned about the Native American experience, led by Rev. Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Congregational Support, Presbyterian Church (USA).
• Welcome Home (Sunday, August 25): Cultural Potluck/Tailgate Sunday