This summer four of our pastors will be taking sabbaticals. Would you uphold them and their families in prayer? Hear from each on his sabbatical dates and plans …

Todd Rasmuson, Pastor for Global Outreach

May 15 – August 15 (near Ames, Iowa)

Please pray for three main goals ...

• Drawing near to Jesus
• Writing (various projects)
• Popping out fence posts and other physical labor at the family farm

Key Contact: Lida Sheard (also Micah B. and Pastors Brad Nelson and David Livingston)

Jon Nowlin, Pastor for Youth & Family Discipleship, North Campus

May 26 – August 26

Please pray for ...

• Abiding deeply in the love of Jesus.
• Sharpening through digging into the Scriptures and ministry-related reading.  
• Serving and loving each of my children and my wife, Mandy, through intentional and extended time together.
• Relaxing by hiking, reading, throwing a baseball, and taking walks with our golden retriever.

Key Contact: Josh Bremerman (Katie Kramer, Diane Soderholm, and Ben Katterson would also love to serve you)

Jon Grano, Pastor for Operations 

May 27 – August 26

Areas of sabbatical focus ...

• Extended time in Scripture reading, prayer, devotional reading, and worship (including creation of a personal songbook)
• Research on maturing multi-campus churches and how they structure / organize for continued fruitfulness and effectiveness, with the hope that this may help identify possible “best practice” future options for Bethlehem
• Reading several books on operational effectiveness in church ministry
• Time to connect with immediate and extended family members

Key Contacts:

• Scott Brueske and Joby Morgan: general day-to-day Operations Department oversight
• Pastor Ken Currie: liaison between Operations Department and lead team, elders, and pastoral staff

Mike Tong, Pastor for Neighborhood Outreach, Downtown Campus

June 11 – September 10

The areas of sabbatical focus are ...

• Travel with my wife, Catherine, and our three kids to see family around the U.S. and Asia
• Enable Catherine to practice her artwork while I engage with our three kids
• Study in three areas: Ethnic Harmony, Mercy Ministry, and Building Church Community

Key Contact: Gretchen Spencer