🌿 Stepping into Sacred Rest: A Summer of Renewal at Westminster 🌿

Dennis Peay
Jun 1
2 min read

Published June 1, 2025

This summer, Westminster UMC is embracing a sacred rhythm of rest and renewal.

On June 1, our Staff-Parish Relations Chair, Karyl Willis, shared an important worship announcement about a new season of care—for both our congregation and our pastor. If you missed it, we invite you to watch the announcement on YouTube here (begins at 54:40) or read the full email version shared via Mailchimp.

🕊 What’s Happening?

Pastor Dennis Peay will be taking a Renewal Leave from July 1 through August 17—a time set apart for spiritual and formational growth, made possible by our United Methodist connectional covenant (The Book of Discipline ¶350.3).

This is not a vacation, but a sacred pause. It’s a chance to breathe deeply of God’s grace, to rest in body and spirit, and to return renewed for the journey ahead.

“This leave isn’t about stepping away from ministry—it’s about stepping deeper into the grace that sustains ministry.”— Pastor Dennis

💒 Ministry Continues

We have thoughtfully prepared for this season together:

Guest Preachers and Worship Leadership: A rich lineup of faithful voices will guide us each week. A full schedule will be shared later this month.
Pastoral Care: Revs. Kathy McAbee and Libbie Taylor will be available for urgent care needs during this time.
Ongoing Ministry: Linda Hanks and Blair Hamilton will continue their leadership with compassion and creativity.

This summer is not a time of waiting—but of growing, serving, and listening in new ways.

🧭 What Can You Do?

Pray for Pastor Dennis: That this time may be truly renewing.
Support Your Church: Step in, lend a hand, worship with expectancy.
Honor the Boundaries: Renewal Leave is protected time. Though you may see Pastor Dennis around town, please trust that this is a time of sacred rest.

💬 A Word of Gratitude

“In nearly 30 years of ministry, this will be my first Renewal Leave—and I step into it with a full heart and deep gratitude. Thank you for your grace, your prayers, and your partnership.”— Pastor Dennis

Let us step into this season with faith and hope, trusting that God will meet all of us with deep renewal.

For more information, email info@westminsterumc.net or call the church office.