Summer Sabbatical Scoop 2

26 Jun Summer Sabbatical Scoop 2

Wondering where “Summer Sabbatical Scoop #1” is? It’s here, but titled differently. In the last post, I offered that if anyone had a better name for these updates, bring ’em on! Well, some did, and I chose this one.

Been two weeks since the previous update. Since then, Josh promoted from 8th grade, meaning we now have a High Schooler in the house! I am still trying to get my mind around that!

He left last Saturday with some friends and their family for a trip to Lake Don Pedro (northern CA) and Lake Lopez (Central CA). He comes home Sunday, and it sounds like he’s having a great time.

He actually texted me today with the question, “Did Michael Jackson die today of a heart attack?” When I confirmed it had happened and called him back, he said, “That sucks! They aren’t going to make anymore movies about how weird he is!”

I wasn’t much of a fan of Michael’s music, but he is certainly my generation’s “Elvis”. I respect his work and talent, hope he knew Jesus, but really thought Joshua’s observation was hilarious!

Yesterday, Jonathan and I headed for Temecula to see some friends. Today, we took one of them to SeaWorld with us. We had an excellent day, and will head home tomorrow. On Sunday, he and I will leave for Buellton, where the same friends will meet us on Monday, to vacation for the week.

Colleen and Josh will join us later in the week so Josh can make most of his football practices. We’re looking forward to the time away from home and seeing the 4th of July fireworks in Santa Barbara.

Driving to Temecula yesterday, I realized that it was the first time out of town since the sabbatical started. As I was driving down (which I love to do….driving), I felt like I was unwinding finally.

I love our home, but trying to unwind there can be difficult. Just like it is for anyone. When you’re at home, there is always a list of “to do’s” to be done. When you finished one task, the next is waiting.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to relax while home and be very much more available to Colleen and the boys. I have also really enjoyed getting a couple of long-awaited repairs done and working on some projects we’ve wanted to complete.

Some of it has involved wood-working, which I love to do. It’s therapeutic for me to see the finished product. Not something I get to experience a lot of in my “line of work”. So that’s been nice, but it was nice to leave town for a bit as well.

In case you haven’t heard, a transition took place at one of our sister Foursquare Churches in town, Sonrise Christian Fellowship. Dan Stewart, who had been the Pastor there since last Fall, announced his resignation last Sunday.

This isn’t the time or place for all the details, but Dan, though tired and in need of some rest and refreshment, is fine, as is his marriage and family. That’s the most important thing!

Announced and introduced on the same day was the appointment of James Craft as the new Pastor at Sonrise. James is the brother of the founding Pastor there, Ken Craft. He served as the Youth Pastor there for several years in the late 90’s.

Most recently, James has served as the Foursquare “Next Gen” Director, overseeing ministries from “cradle to college” for our National Church Office, based in Los Angeles. He has done an outstanding job serving in that role.

He had been planning to plant a new church in Thousand Oaks, even having already been meeting regularly with a team of people committed to starting the new church there. As Dan knew his time was at a close at Sonrise, he felt that James would serve well as the next Pastor there, and that’s what has transpired.

I encourage you to join me in praying for James and his family as they undertake this new assignment. I look forward to getting to know James as we serve this city together.

That’s all for now! Until next time ….