Long Talk….

As I begin a new month and new day of my sabbatical it’s time for me to fight. As I worshiped in my home church a few weeks, God reminded me of a scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” This scripture has provided strength (when mine was lacking), encouragement, and hope. I woke up this morning listening to music from Josephine Baker, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Monkees, John Lennon, the soundtrack to Mame (by Lucille Ball) and yes, Dolly Parton. I even remember visiting Strawberry Fields in Central Park. These artists and many more continue to inspire us to dream

How many of us realize that dreams appear often in scripture. Matthew 2:12, God warns Joseph of danger in a dream. Judges 7:13, Gideon hears a dream that the enemy camp is about to collapse. Finally, Acts 2: 17, ‘In the last days’, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.”

It is hard to believe that I am beginning my sixth year at St. Luke’s UMC as the Lead Pastor and my twenty something year in ministry I am as excited as ever. I give thanks for the opportunity to walk along side a great congregation, and staff that is centered on one vision/purpose, “Growing in Christ..Making a Difference.” Words cannot express my gratitude to the great folks of St. Luke’s who are praying and encouraging me while I take a step back to rest, remember my calling, and learn once again how to “be” during my sabbatical. A colleague jokingly told me years ago to lead off with my strongest attribute, for me, it’s my family. Amy, Hannah and Mia continue to be my strongest cheerleaders and advocate. They carry themselves with grace and lots of humor as we live together in the “fishbowl” of pastoral ministry. I am also excited that Rev. Blake Durham has been reappointed to St. Luke’s as Associate Pastor. It is great for me to sit back and watch how God is working in his life and his family.

I seem to be always drawn to songs about dreaming. Mame Dennis sings, “Open a new window, open a new door, travel a new highway..” Songs like Blowin’ in the Wind, Turn, Turn, Turn, These Times Are A-Changin, and Imagine challenge us, inspire us to dream beyond ourselves, and to be instruments of hope, peace and above all, love. As Dolly Parton often says, “You’re not going to see your dreams come true if you don’t put wings, legs, arms, hands, and feet on them.” My role as lead pastor has a very lengthy job description as define in the UMC Discipline Paragraph 340. I’m sure many of you have this memorized, but for those who don’t, my job description is defined in four words, “Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service”. I believe the following phrases are certainly implied within these words “Dreamer In Chief” or “Vision Caster”. As I return for a new season of ministry, I continue to seek God for strength, courage, and to be inspired to dream new dreams for reaching people for Christ. Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I am getting rested, and stronger. I am beyond excited to return to St. Luke’s! As the summer months continue, I encourage, in fact, I highly recommend everyone to find time to rest, “be”, pray, and DREAM BIG for Jesus.

See You Soon,

Tom