Dear Resurrection Family and Friends, 

As we approach the beginning of David Drake’s Sabbatical, the Sabbatical Committee, along with the Vestry, would like to address what is perhaps the most essential (and perhaps challenging) aspect of the Sabbatical.  That is in regard to a cessation of communication and contact with David during the Sabbatical.  

The Sabbatical is a “Season of Retreat”; a time set aside for reflection, restoration, and most importantly, a prolonged season that will enable David to connect deeply with the Lord and refresh his spiritual life.  Sounds good right?  But here is our challenge: we love him, and we enjoy spending time with him.  Many of us have a friendship with David that goes beyond a pastoral relationship, so it will be difficult to lose contact with him.  And guess what – that is going to be a challenge for David too, because he will miss being with us.  After all, David is an “extrovert’s extrovert!”  But as a friend, you know that he is feeling pretty burnt out, and we need to help him replenish and renew.

That is why all of us, including David, must abide by the boundaries that have been set up by the Sabbatical Committee and the Vestry.  After all, if we are going to invest in giving David this much needed period of rest, let’s make sure it is EVERYTHING it should be: 

Don'ts:

• Invite David out for a meal/run/beer/Orioles game, etc. – this means each of us.
• ​Attempt to contact David via phone or e-mail. He has been asked to put his cell phone away during the Sabbatical, so he will not be tempted.
• Try to get messages to David through his family.

 
Dos:

• Pray for David’s refreshment and increased joy during the Sabbatical.
• Participate in one of the “helping David’s family events” that may come up such as household repairs, snow removal, etc.
  
• ​Grow spiritually!  Our church is based on Biblical truth that is fueled by the Holy Spirit.  Stay engaged in church events through worship, community groups, youth programs, and Bible Study!

 
Who to contact for what:

• Leadership: David Pennylegion, Patrick Cunningham, TJ Anderson (Senior Warden), and Mark Deering (Junior Warden) will assume leadership of the church.  They will meet regularly and in case of emergency, they will meet to address any crises and execute a response plan accordingly.  
• Vestry: The vestry will meet monthly (at a minimum).  TJ Anderson will chair meetings.
• Staff: David Pennylegion will be the senior staff person in charge of staff. Patrick Cunningham and the Wardens are available to him for wisdom and assistance.  
• Worship: David Pennylegion will be in charge of worship.
• Pastoral Care: David Pennylegion is the chief pastor of the congregation,.  That being said, Pam Waldhauser and the Lay Pastors will assume responsibility of the day to day pastoral care of the congregation.  

It may not be easy, but think of this as the greatest gift you can give David right now.  In order for David to refill his tank and recharge his batteries, he needs QUIET.  He must have space to allow God to enter in ways he cannot anticipate.  

Taking this Sabbatical will enable him to return and lead our church with a renewed vigor and depth.  It is in our best interest to support this time of refreshment by creating quiet space for the Holy Spirit to be more present in him.  Thank you for your prayers and support!  
 
Serving the Lord with you,
 
T.J. Anderson                        Steve Dassoulas
Senior Warden                    Chairman, Sabbatical Committee

"What can I do to help?"
In order for the sabbatical to be a time of deep spiritual, personal and professional renewal and rest for David, the Sabbatical Committee has identified the following ways in which the Church can serve David and his family:

1)   Pray!  Pray that David will be able to find rest and renewal in his time away so that he can focus and listen to God.
2)   Serve at Resurrection!  David’s sabbatical will provide the Church wonderful opportunities to raise up new leaders and people who serve.  Prayerfully consider how you might serve.
3)   Dig in!  Over the next 5 months, there will be at least 3 opportunities to tangibly help the Drake family by assisting with cleanup and gardening at their house.  Led by Tom Bosley, it will consist of various yard chores like mulching, planting, pruning, weeding, and cleanup.   This will be an enormous help to the Drakes and will allow David to continue to focus on his study and reflection.   Weather permitting, this is currently scheduled for July 15, August 19, and November 4 from 10am - noon.  If interested, please contact Tom Bosley at tom@resbalt.org.
4)   Provide David with the space necessary for rest and renewal.  David and the sabbatical committee have carefully considered and established boundaries to ensure the success of David’s sabbatical. This includes a cessation of ALL communication between Resurrection members, (including vestry and staff), and David. David will not respond to voice, email or text messages during his sabbatical, will use a different mobile phone number and will not be on any social media. This may sound extreme, but it is what is needed for David to recharge during his sabbatical.  Please respect these boundaries and refrain from contacting him.  David will look forward to returning to the church family in December.