Sabbatical

By the time you’re reading this update, I will be gratefully enjoying the first of six weeks of my sabbatical. This extended leave for renewal is graciously provided by our DBA in response to the provisions of The Wesleyan Church. Pastors in The Wesleyan Church are eligible for a minimum of 30 days of sabbatical leave after 7 years of service in a local church. The DBA generously provided a similar leave for me and I’m thankful for their investment in strengthening our ministry together. If all went as planned, we worshiped the Lord this weekend at Winchester Cathedral (completed and dedicated in 1093).
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Before I left, I had the privilege of participating in some special occasions. The first of those was on Monday evening as Wesley Seminary honored Rev. Wayne and Dr. JoAnne Lyon with the John and Vera Mae Perkins Co-Laborer with Christ Award. This was a moving tribute to the original power couple of The Wesleyan Church. Congratulations to both of these servants of the Lord and His Church!
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My last stop before heading out was the World Changers’ Award presented to Dr. Jim Lo in the Friday morning chapel at Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Lo also brought the morning message which concluded with an object lesson and closing challenge to servant leadership drawn from John 13. Dr. Lo continues to bless the campus and our churches through his anointed ministry. The World Changer Award was a well-deserved honor for our brother.
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We love receiving updates on how God is moving throughout our district churches. This past Sunday, Rev. Jeff Luedtke and the team at Fairmount Wesleyan Church celebrated five baptisms. Praise God for these lives being #MadeNew!
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While I’m away for 40 days and 40 nights, Dr. Chris Williams will be chairing the DBA. He can convene the board as needed in case of emergency. For routine questions or administrative help, please continue to reach out to Michael Wood at our office phone number or email. You’ll be treated to a series of articles in the weekly Crossroads District Team Update from our circuit riders and others while I’m away.

Here are some upcoming events that you won’t want to miss!
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Pastors, you along with your team are invited to attend our upcoming Next Level workshop being held on November 11, 2023, at Lakeview Wesleyan Church. Next Level is an intentional training and planning day designed for pastors and a core team of 2-6 lay leaders. Each church will be trained in five key growth engines and will receive coaching for six months following the training day to develop customized action plans for your local church. Click Here to register your team.
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Please place the Follow Conference on your church’s prayer calendar. We’re believing God for a powerful move among our next generation students and their leaders. You will want to attend and bring as many teenagers as possible for this life-changing experience!​
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Please save the date and begin making plans to join us for the 2024 Heartland Gathering in Pigeon Forge, TN, on April 2-5, 2024. The DBA has approved one $300 scholarship for each church to help cover the majority of the registration cost. More information and registration is coming soon at gathering.heartlandregion.org.
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Meanwhile, keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity. Know that I’m thankful for the privilege of serving the Lord and this amazing team!
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​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent