The fourth commandment tells us to remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. The fourth commandment reminds us that there are times in our lives when the right thing to do is to stop. Stop the usual routine. Stop the constant busy-ness. Even God stopped on the seventh day. God was able to look around and appreciate all that had been created in those six productive days.
From the word “sabbath” comes the word “sabbatical” and I am launching on my very first real sabbatical in this my 30th year of ministry…
I am grateful to the Lilly Endowment for the grant which is making my sabbatical journeys possible. The focus of my grant is “rekindling creativity for worship planning.” I’m looking forward to worship, travel, reading, writing…time to think and dream.
I am grateful to the incredible staff and members of the Avon Lake United Church of Christ family for this opportunity. I will miss you, and hope this blog will provide a means for us to stay in touch.
the fourth commandment 
Hi Kelly,
I was hoping to connect with you sometime soon. When I asked Dave Long-Higgins what churches are using Gil Rendle’s latest book, Quietly Courageous, he mentioned Luke Lindon at Medina (recent doctoral work drew from it) and you at Avon Lake. I wonder if you might be available for an hour or so sometime in the next couple of weeks. I would like to know how your congregation is using the book and whether you are finding it to be helpful.
My cellphone number is 970-576-2199 and you can reach my email at m.bone1@msn.com
I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Mike
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Good morning, Mike – I emailed you – just letting you know here in case it goes to spam. My email is: pastor@avonlakeucc.org.
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