I plan to begin my renewal leave with a rather long walk.
Walking, for me, has become a spiritual practice—an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and commune with the world in a more deliberate way. There is a depth and texture to life that can only be experienced on foot: the rhythm of breath and step, the subtle sounds of wind and bird, the quiet unfolding of thought and prayer.
Starting the last week of April, my friend and colleague Rev. Michael Eaton and I will be walking the Camino de Santiago. The Camino is not a single path, but a network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe, all leading, eventually, to the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. And yet, as many pilgrims discover, the true destination is not the cathedral, but the journey itself.
In recent years, the Camino has captured the imagination of people around the world, due in part to the film The Way and the many books written by those who have walked its paths. As the well-traveled French Way grows more crowded, we’ve chosen the Portuguese Coastal Camino—beginning in the city of Porto and following the Atlantic coastline of northern Portugal. Known as the “Green Coast,” it offers sweeping ocean views, white sand beaches, and open skies. Over the course of 225 miles and 21 days, we’ll have ample time to walk, reflect, explore, and connect with fellow pilgrims along the way.
In many ways, I think of this journey not as a hike, but as what John Muir called a saunter—a slow, reverent way of moving through what he described as “holy land.” Long before Muir, of course, Jesus walked dusty roads with ordinary people, reminding us that God is not only found at the destination, but in the walking itself.
My renewal leave will continue through July and will include time closer to home as well: weekend trips with Janice (a rare gift in pastoral life), along with tent camping and hiking in some of the majestic national parks of the West. Time outdoors, time to read, reflect, and write—time, I hope, to recalibrate and renew.
The hope, of course, is to return to Dayspring rested, grounded, and ready to share in ministry for another season. I am deeply grateful for your encouragement and support, and for the leadership of Pastors Michael and Shirley, along with our wonderful staff and lay leadership, who will guide the church so faithfully in my absence.
I recognize what a gift this kind of leave is, and I hold it with deep gratitude—for you, for this community, and for the journey ahead.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff
A Word from the SPRC
—Ed Johnson, SPRC Chair
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee would like to share with the congregation that Pastor Jeff will be taking a renewal leave from the end of April through the end of July. The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, along with our Conference rules, allows for a renewal leave of three to six months every seven years for elders in full-time service. The last time Pastor Jeff took a renewal leave was in 2008. Renewal leave is intended to support the long-term health and effectiveness of clergy by providing intentional time for rest, spiritual renewal, reflection, and study, so that pastors may return refreshed and energized for ministry.
After prayerful conversation and consultation with our District Superintendent, the SPRC fully supports this time of renewal. During Pastor Jeff’s leave, we are grateful for the capable leadership of Associate Pastor Michael, who will provide steady pastoral presence and oversight, along with planned worship and pastoral care support. We believe this renewal leave will be a blessing not only for our pastor, but also for our congregation. Healthy clergy leadership strengthens the life and mission of the church, and we look forward to welcoming Pastor Jeff back at the end of July with renewed vision and energy. We invite the congregation to hold Pastors Jeff, Michael, Shirley, and all of Dayspring in prayer during this season.