On Monday, July 18, I will begin a four-week Personal Ministry Renewal Leave (PMRL). This is not a vacation, but a time set aside for spiritual recharging through prayer, study, reflection and rest in order to refresh in my personal walk with the Lord. The pastoral staff is eligible for a PMRL upon the completion of five years of full time ministry and following each additional five-year period of service.

In August 2016, I will celebrate 20 years of serving here at Bethany Covenant Church. My role has changed many times over the course of this time period but one factor has stayed constant – ministry life is full and intense. With a large congregation there are constant needs and care issues to be dealt with. It is important to remain healthy and to lead a balanced life committed to Christ, his body of believers and to family.

My ministry renewal plan will included lots of time at our family cabin on Lake Cavanaugh. This is a great place to study and get away from the constant emails and social media.  I plan to visit four large churches in western Washington for Sunday worship during this time. Quest Church, the largest Covenant church in the Pacific Northwest, will be one of those. I am super excited to see how God will lead and guide. I will miss all of you and will be praying for you! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

– Pastor Vicki