This is my first day back in the office after a 2-month sabbatical. It’s great to be back, and I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday. 

 But at this point, I’m probably the worst person to tell you what is going on this week at Woodland. So, here’s my best guess from a brief look at the calendar and a couple of conversations with staff…

 Right now, the church is alive and well. 

 This week, Woodland is trying to figure out how to leverage more of who we are for the sake of the Kingdom of God by asking the question, “How can we live for others?” On Sunday morning, the body of Christ will gather. Our deacons are mobilizing to reach out and care. Someone is praying for you today. The staff is making plans to teach and inspire faithful living, wise stewardship, and courageous action.

 While all that is happening, the WOW Book Club will meet this Friday. On Wednesday night, the choir will rehearse. Before rehearsing, the choir will have a celebratory dinner for Randy’s birthday. 

 Sunday, there will be a deacons meeting after worship in Maresh Hall. At 3 p.m. that day, there will be a parents’ book study to discuss the book Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From by Meredith Miller. At the same time, the youth will have Sunday Study, and the Woodland kids will have choir practice. 

 I look forward to telling you about my sabbatical in the near future. It was an incredible gift to me and my family. Thank you for being such a generous congregation. I am grateful to have had the time away for study and rest. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in our life together as Woodland. 

Grace and peace, 
Garrett Vickrey