January 4, 2017 to February 1, 2017

 

I will be focusing full time on educational pursuits, including a long list of reading, prayer, and discernment as well as visiting other worship experiences, clergy and conference/retreats. The focus of my study leave is two-fold: Spiritual development and formation as well as Leadership Development.

 

During that time I will be relying on our gifted leaders, both laity and clergy, here at Bow Mills UMC to carry out all pastoral duties. While I won’t see you at Bow Mills on Sundays, I will be worshipping in other places to experience different types of worship. Since I will not be reading and responding to email, if you have administrative needs, please be in touch with Darlene Lavoie at office@bowmillsumc.org or RoseAnn Nee at jtnran@tds.net for assistance or information. For pastoral needs, be in touch with a retired pastor of your choice or with John and RoseAnn Nee who will connect you with pastoral support.

 

I am delighted to share that we have a great line up of church friends to lead Sunday worship and offer messages throughout the month:

 

• January 8, 2017: Message–Jen Boileau; Worship Leader–John Nee
• January 15, 2017: Message–Chuck Dinger; Worship Leader–Hugh Dykens
• January 22, 2017: Message–Rev. Dwight Haynes
• January 29, 2017: Message–Bob Stewart

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with Hugh Dykens, SPRC chair; Pastor Virg (before January 4th) or our Lay Leaders, John and RoseAnn Nee and Marlene Shea.

 

From Pastor Virg:

I am tremendously grateful for the members of our community who will be stepping up to relieve me of the regular pastoral duties so that I can focus on study, learning and incorporation of these learnings into my future ministry here at Bow Mills. Thank you and I look forward to sharing with you all the benefits and new learnings of my study time when I return in February!