Scott's Sabbatical

Brothers and Sisters of Seattle Presbytery, 

It's hard to beat the spring we've been having. The sunshine and beauty of the Northwest just seems to explode with energy and possibilities this time of year. 

It's also a time of transition as the program year winds down and summer schedules begin to take center stage. As a presbytery staff, this summer will be a bit of a transition as I will be on sabbatical leave from June 1 through August 16. You'll be in more than capable hands though, as Kevin, Eliana, and EJ will be present this summer to serve you. 

My sabbatical will have equal parts rest and renewal with a three week National Parks family road trip thrown in there for fun. Yes the whole family will board the car toppered Prius on June 23 and head out to Yellowstone, Arches, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, and all places in between. I pray your summer is filled with some rest and renewal time as well, and perhaps even a road trip. 

Another transition you should know about has to do with our office. For the next two years, we will be sharing our presbytery office with Clark Construction. Clark Construction is building the new mental health hospital at the VA across the street from our office. They're a great group of people and we're enjoying the company in the office. 

Shifting gears a bit, I do want to thank those of you who attended PresbyFest at UPC this past May 16. It was great to be together as a presbytery to pray, share and grow as the body of Christ. 

To recap for those who didn't make it to the event, the day started with James Vaughn & Band leading us in a wonderful praise and prayer time. Our keynote speaker Mike Breenprovided a challenging talk and workshop on how to live more communally and missionally as the church. Tali Hairston (SPU) led two powerful and well attended workshops on Racism, Lament and Reconciliation. Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez (Seattle University) gave a succinct and challenging introduction to Latino culture and Liberation theology. Rev. James B Notkin (Union/UPC) and Rev. Caz Minter (1001 New Worshipping Communities), shared their work in creating new expressions of church through entrepreneurial ventures. And Bev Shrumm (Samaritan Center of Puget Sound) led a discussion on healthy boundaries in life and ministry. I look forward to keeping these conversations going as a presbytery in the upcoming program year. Thanks again to all who took the time to attend. 

Last, I want to introduce to you the work of one of our pastors who is doing his dissertation on coaching in ministry. He is looking for pastors who have used the services of a coach to give their input for his research. Please contact Rev. Jeff Gephart for more info. 

Have a blessed summer. Yours in Christ, 

Scott Lumsden

Executive Presbyter