May your summer be filled with rest, Sabbath, inner
discoveries and engagement in different kinds of ministries. Summer is often a time when churches have a
slower pace, or perhaps just a different pace.
The same is true for my calendar in the coming weeks. I will be taking some of the summer off as a
renewal leave.
During
that time I hope to dedicate much time to prayer and contemplation. During part of the renewal leave I am
scheduled to be at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, Md., for
a silent retreat. I appreciate your
prayers for my discernment, wisdom and a closer walk with the Lord.
During
another part of the summer I will teach a course on “Disabilities and the
Church” at three of our United Methodist Women's “Mission U” gatherings. “Mission U” is the new name for what used to
be the School of Christian Mission. Two
years ago I was contracted by the United
Methodist Women to write the text for this study, and I am happy to say that a
study guide was added to it. The “Mission
U” participants will have an opportunity to study how we as a church can do a
better job in ministry with people with disabilities. 
