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Sabbatical

Three years ago, our Session put forward Richard Owens to the congregation of WPC to be our Senior Pastor. In hindsight, this was a great decision.

But in the moment, we thought that we were signing up a young guy with a learning curve ahead of him. This was his first pulpit. Being the head guy in charge is not an easy job. On top of that, he had a 6 month old baby. We were asking him to wear a lot of hats. 

But we committed, and by your vote confirmed, that we were ready to walk with him in this process. Our ace in the hole was Anne Marie, who we knew would keep Richard on track. Anne Marie has not disappointed.

As you know, for Richard, taking on the job of Sr. Pastor has been like falling off a log. By every measurable standard, Richard has been an answer to our prayers, and exceeded our expectations. And so the Session’s thoughts have been on how we can support Richard. The danger is that we would allow Richard to be consumed by his passion for his ministry at Westminster. The Session’s vision and desire is that we would have Richard leading us for many years to come. And so we decided to grant Richard a sabbatical after his 3rd anniversary.

Beginning Monday, April 6th through Monday April 20th, Richard will step away from the pulpit.

We want Richard to be able to step back from the day to day duties of being ‘in the moment’ as a Senior Pastor to reconnect with his family, to reflect on where we’ve come this far as a church, and, with God’s help, to plan for where we are going.

During these two weeks, we would ask that you respect our desire to relieve Richard from the normal interruptions and requests that land on his desk every day. You have seen how quick Richard is to be available to all of us. You know that Richard doesn't view those calls as interruptions. This disconnect will be difficult for him because he has a pastor's heart. But we ask that you would afford Richard the time we think he needs during these two weeks. The other Elders are available to you to call on for any need you may have. This will be the most difficult part of the sabbatical for Richard – to be able to let go – knowing that his first thought is to walk each and every step with any of the flock. So we ask that you help us allow Richard this time by calling on your elders.

We have asked Brian Sorgenfrei to preach on April 12th and Aaron Wilson on April 19th. Richard will return, we pray, rested and ready on April 20th.

We are excited about how God is working in us at Westminster. We are so grateful that God has provided so graciously for us here at Westminster – by bringing Richard and Anne Marie to lead us, and for your generosity that allows us to offer this sabbatical to them.

Stephen Pillow 662-299-6214
Trey O'Brien 662-392-3688
Lee Coleman 662-392-5324
Corley Moses 662-299-0513
John Downs 662-299-8982
Kent Savage 662-299-5147
The Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church