Pastor's Comments

Several years ago, a friend of mine was granted a sabbatical by the congregation he was then serving.  And to honor his sabbatical, he had a coffee cup printed with these words on the side… "Don’t bug me. I’m on Sabbatical.”

Some didn’t like his sense of humor, I suspect.  And perhaps the line was in bad taste, but there wasn’t a shadow of doubt in anyone’s mind, that both the pastor and the congregation needed a sabbatical.

There is no doubt that Sabbath is Biblical.  God rested on the seventh day and he commands us to keep the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments. I don’t believe the church of today needs to keep the Sabbath in the exact same way as the Jews were told.  Remember Jesus’ teaching that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”  

Prior to my retirement from regional ministry, I seemed to always be counseling ministers to do something that I “preached” but didn’t necessarily practice. I advised pastors to never do anything work-related on Saturdays.  Don’t return calls. Don’t turn on the computer. Don’t schedule work-related events (obviously with exceptions, to be sure). Do work around the house. Do yard work. Watch a lot of college football or movies. Find enjoyable activities that are not work.

We should all practice Sabbath, no matter our line of work…or even if we’re retired. At the very least, practicing Sabbath means getting away from “work” and doing things you enjoy and being with people that you enjoy.  

That’s Sabbath.  What about Sabbatical.  

Certainly ministers need to be careful to “tend to their own soul.”  But I believe in the “priesthood of all believers.” Certainly the minister needs a Sabbatical…but so do my engineering friends, and my business friends.  

So, Pastor Candice is on Sabbatical, a much-needed Sabbatical. How can the members of

Capitol Hill Christian Church also engage in the Sabbatical process? Each of you is a “minister” or a “missionary” where you live, work and play. How can each of you “tend to your soul” during this time of Sabbatical?

Pastor Candice will return revived, refreshed, renewed, recharged and refocused. Can you as a member of the congregation find a way that you can “take time away” so you can work to focus fully on God.

I’m betting on you. I’m convinced that you, too, during this time of Sabbatical can be revived,

refreshed, renewed, recharged and refocused in your faith. 

May God continue to bless you richly, as you have been a rich blessing to so many!

Don Hiscox, your “substitute” pastor during the Sabbatical of Pastor Candice.