Pastor's Message
A Few Thoughts from Rev. Sharon Ladd
Isaiah 40:30-31
By the time you read this I will be on my one month Renewal Leave. Some of you may be wondering what a renewal leave is and why does the UM Discipline make provisions for pastors to take one every 5 years of full time ministry. You may find this difficult to believe but like people in many professions, pastors are very good at advising others to be in prayer, bible study, meditation and reflection…. to spend more time with God. But guess what…we don’t always take our own advice!!
And when we don’t “wait on the Lord” we do grow weary and faint and can no longer walk let alone do the running ordained ministry requires of us. My Renewal Leave is my time to, as Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew:
Matthew 11:28
During my month away, I will be catching up on my sleep and reading, and most importantly, to paraphrase Matthew 11:29-30 in The Message, “Keeping company with Jesus, learning once again the unforced rhythms of grace and how to live freely and lightly.”
In my absence, there are exciting and different worship services planned, my pastoral colleagues are here to give you care if needed and prayer for you and the church is that you will heed my advice and keep company with Jesus while I am away!!
Rev. Sharon Ladd
The following pastor’s are covering Rev. Ladd’s pastoral care as follows:
January 23—January 29
Rev. Ellen Bechtold, Milton UMC
973-538-1299 (Home)
973-697-7534 (Office)
January 30—February 12
Rev. Ben Ellis, Stockholm UMC
973-697-6202 (Home)
973-970-8789 (Cell)
February 13—February 18
Rev. Nancy Robinson , Lower Berkshire Valley UMC
973-823-1420 (Home)
973-271-1280 (Cell)
If the pastor for that date range is not available, you may call either of the others. If none are available, please contact the church office at 973-697-2877.