As children of God, we are directed to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” This includes those whose primary job is to care for us and our spiritual well-being. In most congregations, the pastor or pastors, teachers, and DCE’s care for us in many ways, but how do we show our care for them?

October is Clergy Appreciation month, and many give cards and tokens of appreciation at that time. March finds us observing National Lutheran Schools Week in much the same way. What else is there? Have you ever considered the following?

• Colloquy Programs

• Grace Place Retreat

• Wives of Pastors Retreat

• Sabbatical Support

• Anniversary in Ministry Celebrations

In January 2002, before our church council meeting began, the Chairman of the Elders walked in and sat down next to me. He pointed to an article which President Gierke had included in his Brother to Brother newsletter concerning Sabbaticals for church workers. His question caught me completely off guard. "Are you interested?" he asked. After the shock wore off, I simply said, "Yes."

The Elders had discussed the newsletter item after I had left their meeting the night before and felt that it would be beneficial for me and for the congregation. The topic of a Sabbatical was discussed at the Council meeting. After a brief discussion, a Council member moved that the Board of Elders look into the possibility of a Sabbatical for me. The motion carried. I went home from the Council meeting that evening thinking, "They offered me a Sabbatical. I didn't have to ask for it."

The Voters' Assembly met about 1 1/2 weeks later. The Elders moved to provide up to two months for a Sabbatical. This motion also carried. Once again I walked home thinking, "They offered me a Sabbatical, and I didn't have to ask for it."

From the time the Sabbatical was offered, my mind was flooded with ideas about how to use the Sabbatical wisely and for the glory of God. Finally, I focused on a few goals which included rest and relaxation, time for reading, study and prayer, and getting ideas for rural ministry. In addition, the Sabbatical provided the delightful opportunity for our family to sit together for worship on Sundays.

The congregation received a grant from Lutheran Family Service-Partners In Caring to help in meeting the expenses for the Sabbatical. Dr. Roger Kruger met with our Elders and helped them in planning for the Sabbatical, and he made a presentation to the whole congregation about the importance and value of Sabbaticals for pastors and congregations alike. The Lord provided very capable pastoral care during the Sabbatical.

The two months passed quickly. Through those two months, the Lord helped me to re-focus and led me once again to "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10). It was a very positive experience for me and also was of benefit for the congregation. I would encourage every congregation to offer a Sabbatical to their church workers. After all, it is a Biblical idea. Amazing, isn't it? God does know what is best for us.

Oh, by the way, did I tell you that the congregation OFFERED me a Sabbatical and I didn't have to ask for it? WOW! Thank you, Lord, for such caring and gracious people!!!