Dear Servant Leaders,

And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation (Genesis 2:2–3).

Everybody needs rest. Sometimes we need physical rest from straining muscles and over exertion because there’s always one more thing on the “to do” list. Sometimes we need mental rest from worrisome thoughts about job or health issues, or planning the next event down to the last detail. Leaders understand that God knows our needs and has given us many opportunities and resources for regeneration of body and mind.

Rest is a time for worshipping our Creator and remembering all the gifts He has given us. It begins in the morning when we open our eyes and, in that first moment of consciousness, we thank God for the opportunity to serve Him another day and turn all our plans for the day over to Him. It continues through the day each time we pause in our duties and commitments to pray for those we work with and for, and we ask God to keep us moving forward with His plans. Evening devotions and/or a talk with our loving Father about the highs and lows of the day give us the opportunity to turn all those events over to the Lord so we can fall into a restful sleep knowing God is in control.

The best form of rest comes in the shape of corporate worship where there is restoration through confession and absolution, time to soak our thoughts in God’s Word, be steeped in forgiveness through the Sacraments, and joyfully praise our Lord with other believers in Christ. May God bless your rest and your glad service to Him!

God's Blessings,

2021–2023 Group and Leader Development Committee Members
Christina Bean
Elaine Engelman
Jennifer Gierke
Brianne Stahlecker, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, advisory