The vision and purpose of the Anderson’s Sabbatical

After much prayer and consideration we are sending Tim and Ania out for 3 months from 1st June to 31st August 2009 for a very deliberate purpose. Tim will be using this time to study, learn new things, commit time to deliberate and dedicated prayer, and meet with leaders and other key people. Perhaps most importantly he’ll also be taking a break from the 24 hour calling that is leading a church to spend time (and have fun!) with his family! All these things will contribute to refreshing and revitalising him for continued and fruitful ministry.

Some highlights from the three months are as follows:

June
Week long Lifeshapes conference in Sheffield
Personal retreat in the New Forest
Meeting key leaders across the country
Study and prayer

July
Leadership training with Jim McNeish
Life audit with Simon and Julia Matthews
Study and prayer

August
Making connections and building relationships across Europe
Family holiday

"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." (1 Thes 5:12-13)

We as church want to commit to cover these plans and activities in prayer as well as believing God for some specific things for Tim and Ania;
· For vision and guidance from God about the next 15 years for CLC
· For precious relational time with each other, with God and the children
· For safety and health as they travel with their family over the coming months
· For rest, rejuvenation and fun

Tim is passionate that this season is about enjoying God together, and strengthening our relationships. So let’s also be praying for us as a community here in Cambridge;
· For us to thrive and grow in strength and numbers
· For a greater vulnerability and openness in relationships

All of us in CLC have been touched and blessed in big ways by Tim and Ania. Their faithfulness, energy, leadership and life can not be underestimated and it’s certainly made a difference to hundreds of people in Cambridge – both past and present. We believe that this Sabbatical is not only going to benefit Tim and Ania’s life and ministry, but will also have a significant impact for us as a church upon their return as part of this rebuilding time.

Tim and Ania’s first Sunday back with us will be 6th September. We will also be holding a members meeting open to anyone in the church on Monday 28th September. There will be opportunities in both of these contexts to celebrate their return, share together and hear stories from their travels.

If you have any questions about any aspect of church life, please see the ‘who to contact’ sheet which can be found on the welcome table at church gatherings, or get in touch with Kevin.

Tim supported

CLC Admin, 10/06/2009