The document outlines a sabbatical period from September 1, 2018, to January 2, 2019, for Pastor Geoff, focusing on spiritual revitalization through rest, study, and family time, led by Pastor Leslianne Braunstein. It provides a schedule for Sunday services and opportunities for congregational engagement and support during this time. The estimated cost for the sabbatical is $28,000, covered through the budget, with options for donations to assist.

1. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
For this reason I remind you
to rekindle the gift of God
that is within you through the
laying on of my hands; for
God did not give us a spirit of
cowardice, but rather a spirit
of power and of love and of
self-discipline.

2. The Sabbatical
A season to rekindle our “Spiritual Energy”
• An extended time away from routine ministry for
―rest and renewal,
―refreshment and retooling
―refocus and receiving a fresh vision
• Task Force Members:
―Sue Ferguson, Chris Hagan,
Janet Lough, and Terry Miller
• Received input and direction from
―Presbytery
―Pastor Geoff and Session Members
―Guidelines and personal experiences
―YOU - members of the congregation
to avoid this…

3. Four Month Sabbatical
Sep 1, 2018 – Jan 2, 2019
• Pastor Geoff focuses on spiritual revitalization by:
―Disconnecting from pastoral
responsibilities
―Engaging in study
―Enjoying some personal time with
family and friends

4. Sabbatical Pastor: Leslianne Braunstein
• A New York City native, married with 3 adult children and
grandmother to 6
• Graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in
Washington, DC
• Actively involved in National Capital Presbytery
• Experienced pastor with history of short-term interim
roles
• Proud member of the Chicahominy Indian Tribe (Easter
Division) in Providence Forge, VA.

5. Sunday Schedule
9:15 Program Hour activities may include:
- Children’s Music
- Adult Education/Small Groups
- Service Opportunities
- Fellowship
10:30 Sunday Morning Worship
- Accommodates Sunday School classes
and music preparations
- Simplifies logistics
- Reduces costs

6. Opportunities for us as Lay People
• Re-discover and live out the unique
freedoms we have within our
denomination
• Stimulate creative discussion
• Add new vitality in our relationships
• Explore new opportunities to serve
Christ
• Grow and develop as lay leaders
• Renew our congregational
commitment to be the hands and
feet of God’s kingdom
Engage God’s Helping
Self
Church
Community

7. Estimated Cost
• Sabbatical Pastor; Congregation Sabbatical events and
Pastor Geoff’s studies: $ 28,000
• Cost is covered thru the budget and accumulated benefit
rollovers…however,
― You can make a donation to defray
costs
― Contributions can be placed in the
collection plate with the memo line
designated to ”Sabbatical”

8. During the Sabbatical…
• Pray regularly for Pastor Geoff, Sheila, Johnny, Colin
• Protect his days off; allow him to disconnect
• Volunteer to support church events
• Explore a new lay person opportunity
• Provide spiritual support to each other
• Attend Sunday Worship
The demands on Jesus were great and punctuated with time of
withdrawal for prayer and spiritual solitude. Jesus affirmed the
importance of rest saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not
man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)

9. Questions, Thoughts, Ideas
• Date: Sep 1, 2018 – Jan 2, 2019
• Sabbatical Pastor Leslianne
Braunstein
• One Sunday Morning Service at 10:30
with Program Hour at 9:15
• Spiritual revitalization in ourselves,
our church, and our communities
ReKindle our “Spiritual Energy”
Engage our “Helping Hands”