The board met on Tuesday, December 15th. Following is a brief update from the board.
Happy New Year! We are grateful for all that God has done in the life of our church in 2015 and look forward to seeing the plans He has for us as we worship and serve together in 2016.
Pastor Stuart’s seventh year of ministry at Skyview commenced in September 2015. In accordance with the Nazarene Church Manual paragraph 129.10, full time clergy ministering on the Canada West District will be granted a sabbatical in their seventh year of ministry at one church with the opportunity to qualify for a sabbatical after each regular review (in year 11, 15 and so on). The purpose of the sabbatical is to encourage the lifelong learning of the pastor in spiritual, emotional, and educational dimensions. The District recommends a sabbatical of three or four months to provide adequate time for reflection, to complete study projects related to his present ministry assignment, and to have a rest from the heavy schedule of pastoring. We are so grateful to Pastor Stuart for the excellence he has demonstrated in leading Skyview and meeting the demands of full time ministry with humility, grace, and wisdom and are pleased to be able to extend this opportunity for personal development and renewal.
The board has approved a 4 month sabbatical leave for Pastor Stuart in 2016. The tentative dates for this leave are May 2 - August 28. A sabbatical over this period will enable Pastor Stuart to return refreshed and renewed in time for our annual Fall kickoff and prior to the opening of our new facility. In accordance with the parameters of the sabbatical this period will also enable Stuart to focus on the final requirements to complete his Master’s Degree.
A Sabbatical Planning Committee consisting of Pastor Stuart, myself (Board Secretary), Brenda Quantz and John Henderson (Board Members), and Joel Thiessen (Finance Committee) has been formed to create a detailed Sabbatical Plan. This plan will address the pastoral, preaching, administrative, and financial implications of the sabbatical leave and develop a thorough road map to guide us through this exciting season at Skyview. The Sabbatical Planning Committee met on December 9th and will meet again January 18th with the aim of providing a Sabbatical Plan proposal for the board to review during the January board meeting.
As a leadership team we are optimistic about this unique season in the life of our church. This will be a season of growth not only for Pastor Stuart and his family, but also for us as a church as we continue to work together as the body of Christ. Please pray for the board and the Sabbatical Planning Committee as we navigate this process and pray for the Williams' as they prepare for this sabbatical season. We will provide more detailed information once the board has approved the sabbatical plan. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself, any member of the board, or Pastor Stuart.
Finance Update
The Finance Committee will meet this month to discern the best course of action following a decrease in giving since the summer months. As always, we remain certain of God’s provision for His church and have full confidence in the wisdom and discernment of the Finance Committee as they prepare a recommendation for the board. We remain grateful to this congregation for your faithful giving. If anyone prefers online giving this can be done via our website skyviewchurch.ca. Please continue to pray for our Finance Committee and board. Pray also for God’s continued provision and for wisdom as we steward every gift and resource entrusted to Skyview.
Associate Pastor Search
The board continues to offer support and guidance to Pastor Stuart as he discerns a detailed job description for an Associate Pastor that will best meet the needs of our congregation. As a board we agree that there is wisdom in not rushing this process, but we also endeavour to have a clear plan of action well in advance of Pastor Stuart’s sabbatical. We would be delighted to have an Associate Pastor in place prior to the sabbatical season, but are also making the necessary preparations in the event that an Associate Pastor has not been hired prior to the sabbatical. Please pray for clarity and wisdom in this process and pray that God would provide the right person at the right time for our congregation.
Respectfully submitted, 
