If you were unable to attend Sunday morning you may not have heard that Bill Raikes is taking a sabbatical from the eldership. He's not sick, upset with the other elders, or many other things that can go through the average members mind. He needs a break, plain and simple. Bill has been doing this for over 20 years. I've been around elders my whole life, starting with my grandfather who served the church for 50 years! Not to mention I have served various congregations and worked closely with many elders. It is difficult work, even those who serve in great congregations. There are always issues to be resolved, meetings to attend, people to see, and the list goes on. Not only that, most elders today have secular jobs and families they are trying to tend to as well. That being said, Bill is not having a mental breakdown (while I'm surprised more elders don't), he just needs to step away for a time to be recharged. Personally, I believe every eldership should take turns taking sabbaticals every so often. It helps them to get recharged and do the Lord's work more effectively. Even Jesus, the head Shepherd (I Pet. 5:4), would sometimes get away 40 days at a time and that was during a 3 year ministry. Personally, I hate Bill won't be in our meetings for a while. If it hadn't been for Bill I wouldn't be at this congregation. Nothing against any of the other men, but Bill was my main contact and we hit it off from the beginning.
So what does it mean when an elder has a sabbatical? For Bill, at least for a year, he will no longer have responsibilities as a shepherd of this church. That means, if you are having an issue don't contact him. Even with other church work, give him enough time to clear his mind. If you don't like something going on, go see one of the other elders. We want to give him time to recharge. So what can you do? Take he and Liz out to eat or have them over to your house and just enjoy their company. If you want to say anything about church work, tell him how much you appreciate the work he has done over the years and that you are praying for him. And yes, pray. Pray for rest, spiritual renewal, time with his family, and a non-stressful year. Lord willing, Bill will come to the end of his year itching to get back to this ministry.
In other news, I'm happy to announce our young people made it back from Winterfest around 11:30 last night. Despite the winter storm that area encountered, prior to our youth leaving for Gatlinburg, they made the trip without any problems. We are fortunate to have Joel leading our youth as well as his chaperones helping to care for our children. Welcome home.
Say a prayer for our sound system. Yesterday we had no control over volume, the camera, or anything to do with the main board. We think it may have been hit by lightening despite our surge protectors. Hopefully it can be fixed and we won't have to put it down.
On a positive note, our Missions Sunday is only two weeks away! Our goal is $65,000. It is going to be a big day. Our speaker, Dominic Dos Santos will be here from Trinidad to speak to us. He has an amazing story. No, he isn't here to raise support, in fact, he is one of very few churches in the Caribbean who is self-supporting. Not only that, but they support other churches in the islands. They raised $65,000 in October for their missions. Believe me when I say it will be a privilege to hear Dominic speak. Next week, I will tell you all the times and places he will be speaking while he is in Vero, as well as opportunities for you to take him and his family out to eat or have them in your home. I spent a week with this family and can promise you the pleasure will be yours. Start thinking about what you can give to reach our goal.
We still have a lot of sick and shut-ins, so send out a card, make a call, or go by and visit with them. Who knows, it may be you one day. Pray for them and with them and if you see they need additional help, contact the elders or church office.
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