PASTOR JOEL’S SABBATICAL

Lord of Life’s Congregation Council awarded Pastor Joel Wight Hoogheem a sabbatical from May 22-August 22, in accordance with the church’s sabbatical policy. This time includes three main elements:

(1) rest and disengagement;

(2) study and exploration; (3) reflection and prayer.

During these months, Executive Pastor Kaitlyn Forster will serve in the lead pastor role, and the other pastors have made plans to cover other responsibilities.

Especially when the summer season is finally here, you may want to consider experiencing prayerful moments in the great outdoors.

On Lord of Life’s campus are two fabulous options: a labyrinth and a prayer walk

A labyrinth is an ancient form of a prayer path; it has been revived as a prayer tool in the Christian tradition. Unlike a maze, which offers many possible routes (with some going nowhere) the labyrinth path only goes to the center and back out.

You’re invited to walk the labyrinth (shown in photo at right) in the backyard of Lord of Life. During daylight hours, follow the path in, around, and back out as you pray. Typically, a labyrinth meditation involves three stages: l“Pastor Joel’s dedication to the congregation’s spiritual growth and the needs of our community is truly inspiring. The council recognizes the need for rest and renewal, and we are thrilled to grant him a well-deserved sabbatical. We pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide him during this time of reflection, rejuvenation, and prayer.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our congregation, Pastor Joel!”

—Council President Clark Hjelmstad

• Release, be quiet, and empty your mind of worldly concerns while walking toward the center

• Wait and receive while at the center

• Return back to the everyday world

Lord of Life’s prayer walk is called “Steps in the Spirit.” It is a meditative prayer walk focusing on the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. During daylight hours, you’re invited to go on a prayer walk around the perimeter of the Lord of Life campus, beginning in the north parking lot (near the garage). With each sign identifying a fruit of the Spirit, you may choose to rest for a while or continue on the approximately one-mile path. During all of your “Steps in the Spirit,” it is our hope that you will be reflective, prayerful, and mindfully present in the moment.