1. LUCC Sabbatical Update 4-27-14

2. In the beginning: How we arrived at this moment  September Council retreat  Transformation: self, others, and wider community  God’s hands, feet, and heart in the world  Governing and Discerning role  Wise stewardship of LUCC resources  Listening to the will of God for LUCC  God’s spirit is on the move in LUCC…  Increased: attendance, youth, pledges, and spirit  2014 LUCC Sabbatical  Discernment; where is God leading LUCC?

3. Discernment Through Sabbatical  Biblically grounded  God’s day of rest and Jesus praying alone  Sabbatical is a time of rest, renewal, study and reengage  Transformation; clearing the mind and soul to better hear the call of God  An invitation to stretch: emotionally and spiritually  Reconnecting to core values and identity

4. LUCC: Stepping Into the Call… Matthew 14: 22-33

5.  Setting out on the pilgrim’s journey; seeking a live encounter with God  Building community; we are all in this together  Venturing out in a well-built and trustworthy boat  Taking a spiritual risk; stepping out and following the call  Trusting the spirit wherever it comes from or takes you

6. LUCC on Sabbatical May 2014-Oct 2014  Worship  Sermons  Music  Fellowship  Church Council, Boards, and Committees; spiritual formation at every meeting  Congregational education-learning-study  Congregational discernment May-Oct, 2014  Pastor Curt sabbatical; June-Aug, 2014

7. Sabbatical Minister Search  Intentional discernment, seeking to hear what God is calling LUCC to do  Search committee: Pat Hayes, Ken Bernhardt, and Ruth Rueter  Contract: compensation and responsibilities  Focus: pastoral care, worship, and discernment  Up to $15,000 for compensation and special programing

8. LUCC Sabbatical Leadership  Rev. Jerry Eslinger  Pastoral care June-August, 2014  Rev. Joanne Buchanan-Brown  Discernment facilitator; May-Oct, 2014  Worship leadership; June-August, 2014  Church Staff  Church Council  Sabbatical Coordinating Committee

9. Sabbatical Minister and Discernment Facilitator  Rev. Joanne Buchanan-Brown  Covenant Agreement, April 2014  God  Rocky Mountain Conference of UCC  LUCC  Congregation Agrees to:  Faithfully support  Faithfully attend worship  Faithfully pray for God’s guidance

10. Sabbatical Minister June 9 th -August 17 th,2014  Worship preparation and leadership  Celebrating Holy Communion  Collaborate with Board of Congregational Care  Office presence 5-10 hours/week  Staff leadership and support  Collaborate with Office Manager on Bulletin and general communication

11. Discernment Facilitator May-Oct, 2014  Discernment leadership; listening for the voice of God calling LUCC  15/20 hours a month  Coordinate with Sabbatical Support Committee; 4 members  Attend Board and Committee meetings  Collaborate with pastor and Church Council  Monthly reports to Church Council  Facilitate a series of listening forums  Sharing insights on God’s call for LUCC  Help lead Church Council retreat in October

12. Discernment Questions  Hearing God’s call for LUCC in 2015 and beyond  What do we do well as a congregation?  What might we do better?  What do we believe God is calling us to be?  What are our hidden gifts that we are less aware of?  What is the Gospel of LUCC?

13. Amen  God’s spirit is on the move in LUCC  Thanks for your part in helping LUCC to be God’s hands, feet, and heart in the world  Please keep sharing your gifts and talents to advance God’s call for LUCC  Questions and wonderings  Meeting adjourned; may the spirit grow in our midst…