All lay Elders serve four -year terms with a one-year required sabbatical. After the year is up, they are able to be reaffirmed by the body for another four-year term. Todd Diehl is up for reaffirmation as an Elder! The members will vote on this during our December 3rd Members Meeting at 6pm in the auditorium. His note about his sabbatical is below.
I wanted to express to you how grateful I am for this past year of sabbatical from eldership. I’ve felt recharged and renewed in my marriage to Amy. As a family, we’ve made some lifelong memories, traveling abroad for 6 weeks over the summer. Thank you for caring for us well, and for the kind words of encouragement you have shared with me over this past year. And yet here we are, nearly a year later – how time does fly! As I’ve had time to read and reflect on words from Augustine, Spurgeon, Packer, and others this past year, I’ve been encouraged by those who have gone before us and have ‘guarded the good deposit entrusted to them.’ And while I’ve been struck at times this past year how much of life is now in my rear view mirror, I’ve also been reminded of the call to ‘lay aside every weight … and run with endurance the race set before us.’ In light of that, I hope to help you stick with Jesus, just as you help me, as Lord willing I return to being an active elder again in the new year. With love and gratitude,
Todd
