Easter Monday 2025, I woke up with several speaking gigs in my inbox for April 2026, and several things happened: 1) Since the Lily Endowment grants for clergy sabbatical due date had passed and we had just buried our son, Jake, I knew that these speaking gigs were going to be my ticket to travel and (2) what clarrified what my DMIN project would be It was clear as day what to do with my sabbatical and what to write, including my new book, Wiggles, Giggles, and Pokes, and the next one coming out in the Fall: Where Generations Meet: The Gentle Art of Church Grandparenting.

On Tuesday, June 9, I return to Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Twin Cities as their pastor of faith formation. And I am excited, refreshed, and so grateful for this time away. So to them, here is my thank-you letter, what I did, and what I am excited about, though I will miss spending so much time with these two, Archer and Liam:

Dear Bethlehem,

Thank you for granting me the gift of a sabbatical. As I return, I wanted to offer my heartfelt gratitude, and a brief report proving that I did not spend the entire time napping on the couch (though I may have considered it a spiritual discipline at least once or twice).

During my sabbatical, I prayed. A lot. I prayed for our congregation, our community, my family, and occasionally for patience when assembling things with tiny instruction manuals. I also spent time cleaning, which turns out to be a deeply spiritual practice when you finally discover what is lurking in the back corners of closets and cupboards.

Not all of my activities were quite so reflective. In a bold move that surprised absolutely everyone, including myself, I purchased a new electronic mountain bike. My husband and I have enjoyed taking it out on the trails. I discovered that an e-bike is a wonderful invention because it lets me feel adventurous while negotiating a peace treaty with hills. (I have a commuter e-bike, too.)

The sabbatical also provided opportunities for learning and growth. I attended two wonderful events to present my work and my new book, Wiggles, Giggles, and Pokes: Kids in Worship, one at the Create in Me Conference in Asheville, NC, with my mother, and another at the 4th Soil Vibrant Faith Event in Phoenix, AZ, with Melissa Ramshead, CYF Director. Both experiences stretched my thinking, inspired new ideas, and reminded me that God is always at work in creative and unexpected ways.

Perhaps the biggest milestone was graduating from George Fox University/ Portland Seminary with my Doctorate in Ministry. After years of reading, writing, researching, and wondering if I would ever finish another paper, I can happily report that I am officially done. You may now refer to me as “Doctor,” although I am still completely unable to diagnose a rash or prescribe medication. Big shout out to the Bethlehem Foundation to making all of this possible!

Most importantly, I have rested, renewed, and reused – or perhaps redirected – my time and energy. I return with fresh perspectives, renewed enthusiasm, and deep gratitude for the opportunity you provided.

Thank you for your trust, your support, and your generosity in allowing this season away. Your investment in my well-being and growth has been a tremendous blessing. I am grateful beyond words and excited to continue our ministry together.

With sincere thanks (and only a few remaining bike bruises), Pastor Heather

PS See you in church!