A sabbatical is a period of time where a pastor takes a break from their day to day responsibilies to reflect, rest, and recharge. The idea is loosely based on the Bibical practice of a sabbatical year where fields lay fallow found in Leviticus, but mostly is a recognition that the pastoral role is not conducive to truly stepping away from responsibility and connection. This sabbatical is a chance for Pastor Mark to truly take a break from the day to day on-call nature of pastoral ministry, and pursue a variety of activites that will renew his energy and focus when he returns in August.

We are incredibly blessed as a congregation to have many strong leaders and teams in place that make Sanctuary... Sanctuary. Jacey Glass, our Director of Youth and Family Minstry, will be taking on the pastoral role while Mark is away. Jacey is currenty pursuing her MDiv at Luther Seminary, and we're so grateful for her skills and leadership in assuming many of Mark's responsibilites while he's away.

In addition, Sarah will continue to wrangle music and worship, Katie will hold down the fort in the office, and our many teams and leaders will help wrangle everything from parties to art projects to service trips.