As we enter year three of the pandemic, our leaders are weary. This week we subsidized a respite retreat for ministry leaders on Galveston Island.

Jesus said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

—Mark 6:31

Photo from Keith Weber
Photo by Kathy Haueisen
Clayton Faulkner leading our worship in song.

Tuesday:

Pastor Morgan Gates, leading text study Tuesday morning:

We were privileged to have Pete Reuss with us. Pete is a stewardship specialist who has been helping congregations and the synod staff think about stewardship in a time of pandemic. He helped us respond creatively to the winter freeze and is coaching congregations in generosity, stewardship, and vision.

Pastors Adriana Johnson Rivas, Anthony Chatman, Gabriel Marcano at the Bishop’s Palace 1892.
Pastors Adriana Johnson Rivas, Anthony Chatman, Gabriel Marcano at the Bishop’s Palace 1892.
Jerry and Anita Mansholt with Mike Rinehart at the Bishop’s Palace (*NB: Not my actual house.)