A teachable momentDear Friends, By the time many of you read this article, I will be on renewal leave. As many of you know, the Book of Discipline mandates that all bishops take a leave once every quadrennium. Such leaves are for up to three months, and are granted by the Area Committees on Episcopacy and the Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops. The leave times may be spent on travel, study, rest and self-care. I am grateful for the ways in which our conference and my colleague bishops have supported my leave request. It began officially in late June and continues until after Labor Day. During my absence, Bishop Al Gwinn from the North Carolina Conference will be available to cover me. Active bishops cover for one another. I am also grateful for the ongoing support offered by our retired bishops who reside in the Virginia Conference. District superintendents are also given the possibility of renewal leaves during their tenure of service on the Cabinet. I have encouraged our district superintendents to benefit from this provision in the Discipline. Superintendent colleagues cover for each other while one or more are on leave. There are also provisions in our Book of Discipline for local church pastors, after a minimum of six years in one place, to consider a sabbatical or continuing education leave, following the guidelines of the Discipline and in consultation with their Staff-Parish Relations Committees and district superintendents. All these times of renewal are our way of saying to each other as United Methodists that we expect pastors, superintendents, and bishops to take care of themselves. Sabbath times are precious times. Renewal and times of rest are vital for our effective and fruitful service in ministry. Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers of support during my renewal leave. Grace and Peace,
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