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When Does a Pastor Practice Sabbath Rest?
Friday is my Sabbath. A concept for me that I have been trying to honor for the past few years, but one that actually goes back thousands of years. The meaning of the word centers around the idea of rest and worship- a time to renew, re-connect and restore. With our Creator, with ourselves, with our joys and passions.
I thought, originally, that Saturdays would work as a Sabbath, but, as it turns out, many church and community functions happen on Saturdays. Also, a lot of funerals. So Saturdays often end up busy, and the idea of Sabbath is to not be busy…..to not be busy at all.
Many people choose Sunday as a Sabbath. That is good- but not for me. When you are a working minister, on staff at a church, Sunday is not a day of rest. It is a work day. Please, do not misunderstand. It is work that I love. It is work that I cherish. It is work that I am incredibly, unabashedly thankful for. But it is work.
When others are sitting and peacefully praying and enjoying the beautiful, spiritually uplifting music in the Sanctuary, I am on watch. Looking around the church. Who is missing? Is that person OK? Do they need a card or an email or a visit? How is that…
