Dear followers of Christ,
In 2007, Christian songwriter, Chris Rice put out an album entitled, What a Heart is Beating For. In the song of the same name, Rice challenges his listeners to reflect on the reason for their existence. In this song, he suggests that we are made for relationships with each other and with God. We need to remember the reason God created us, suggests Rice, and take the risk to love God and others even though we might experience pain in the process. I’ve been thinking about the words of his song over the last year as I have struggled to keep up with the demands of the work of a superintendent. The end result is that my busy life has left me feeling worn out and drained. I have come to see that part of the reason is that I have forgotten what my heart is beating for. I needed to be reminded of the words of St. Augustine who wrote, “Thou hast made us for thyself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in thee.” In order to find that rest again in my life, I will be taking a renewal leave this summer as allowed for in The Book of Discipline.
In Paragraph 425 of The 2008 United Methodist Book of Discipline, we read that a district superintendent may, “take up to three months leave from his or her normal superintendent responsibilities for purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal once during his or her term as superintendent.” My leave will run from July 1 through August 15. I will be using my leave to simplify my life and remove some of the clutter that has accumulated across seventeen years of ministry. Some of my time will be spent at a retreat center in Missouri, some will be spent in reading and some will be spent visiting with family back home. I hope to return to work with a clearer vision of how God would like United Methodists in the Southwest District to live out the Conference vision of “Growing fruitful, vibrant congregations, changing lives through Jesus Christ.
While I am away from the office, my staff and I are making provisions for the work of the office to go on. One of my colleagues on the cabinet will handle any matters of substance. My staff will field your questions and assist you in the ongoing work of your congregations. If you have any needs or concerns, please call the district office at 417-623-2382. Our summer office hours are Monday –Thursday: 9:00 am through 2 pm. We are closed on Fridays.
Looking over the last six months, I realize how essential it is that I take this renewal leave. In doing so, I will be taking to heart the advice the apostle Paul gave to his colleague, Timothy, reminding him to, “rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;” My hope and prayer is that my time away from the office will not only renew my spirit and provide for some needed rest ,but will also grant me new insight into the vision God has laid upon the all of us in the Southwest District to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Sandy Nenadal