Weekly Update – March 25th, 2021
At last night’s members’ meeting, it was announced that I would be taking a sabbatical this coming summer. In light of this announcement, I want to take some space in this update to try to answer any lingering questions you might have about this time period.
First, what is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical is a focused time for rest, rejuvenation, and can be, a devoted time to study or other type of ministry. A sabbatical is not a vacation. A vacation is time to get away, enjoy family, do something fun, etc. A sabbatical can entail that, but it is much more. A sabbatical is an intentional time away aimed at the pastor refreshing and growing as a pastor. Pastors who are given regular sabbaticals over the course of their tenure at a church, tend to have longer and more vibrant ministries.
Second, why a sabbatical?
There is a level of expectation and responsibility upon the senior pastor. It is 24/7. For many pastors, there is no off switch, even on vacation. Though most pastors handle this well, and in some sense expect this, time away can still be healthy. Pastoral burnout is real, and has been especially prevalent in many during this Covid season. The pastor experiences many highs and lows over the course of ministry, not just in his personal life, but also with the life of the church as a whole, and along with the lives of every member. In addition, there is a certain rigor to the week in and week out preaching and teaching ministry. This can be different than other teaching type of professions, because of the weight before God that this ministry entails. It is a full investment of body, mind, heart and soul. A break allows the pastor to refresh and renew.
Third, when will the sabbatical take place?
The sabbatical will take place from May 3rd – July 10th.
Fourth, what will I be doing on the sabbatical?
I will define my time in three ways:
First, rest. I will take a break from the normal rigors of preaching/teaching/counseling/leading/etc. I will stay in contact with leadership and be available only in urgent matters.
Second, recalibrate. I will take this time to get my bearings set so to speak. I will devote myself to extended personal time with the Lord, spend intentional time with my family, and organize areas that tend to be set aside during the regular course of ministry.
Third, refocus. I will take this time to evaluate. The goal here is to become clearer on what the future of the ministry of our church should look like.
I am grateful that you all are allowing me to take this extended time away. I look forward to coming back with a continued desire to serve FBC with you for many years to come.
This week we will be in Mark 11 for Palm Sunday. I hope that you will join us in person or via livestream.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week:
"so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:10-11
Announcements:
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over North America who are serving with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). This year, our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $7500. You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Annie.” Or you can give online HERE and choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Easter Schedule: There will be many opportunities to connect with us this Easter season. First, join us on Palm Sunday on March 28th at 10:30am. Second, Maundy Thursday will be on April 1st, at 7:00pm. Lastly, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with us on April 4th at 10:30am. Also, during passion week (3/29-4/2) there will be a short daily devotion posted on Facebook and Youtube. These devotions will aim to highlight some of the many reasons why Jesus came to die and rise again for us. You can check out our video that outlines this schedule HERE.
Ladies’ Bible Study: Ladies, join us for a Bible study through the book of Colossians on Monday evenings at 6:30pm. The study will be a video based study led by Sheryl Nelson. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway, or sign up by contacting the church office. You can find more information HERE.
Health Guidelines: With no changes from the Health Department, we will continue in Phase 2.5 here in Jackson County. That means masks are still required. You can find the official guideline on mask wearing from the health department HERE. You can also find a video that outlines what Phase 2.5 looks like for our church HERE.
Awana
Every Sunday at 5:45pm, children ages 3 years to 6th grade are invited to join us for Awana. You can view our health guidelines for this ministry HERE.
Bible Study
We are currently in a We are currently in a study through the book of Galatians. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays at 9:15am. You can find a video explaining what to expect during our Bible Study hour HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-3 years is available during the worship hour. You can find the health guidelines for the nursery HERE.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
You can find the health guidelines for these classes HERE.
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