What is a Sabbatical?
From Pastor Juan
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been doing ministry together for twenty-one years now. Shepherding High Pointe, alongside faithful elders, has been one of the greatest joys of my life. But as you likely know, even the things that bring us great joy are costly and tiring. The elders have graciously granted me a sabbatical during the months of July and August to allow me to take some time away with Jeanine for the purpose of rest and reflection in order to return to High Pointe refreshed and ready for the next season of ministry together.
The word sabbatical comes from Sabbath, which simply means rest. We know rest is good because God rested on the seventh day after having created/worked the previous six. God blessed this seventh/Sabbath day and declared it holy (Genesis 2:2-3). The biblical idea of rest is connected with the thought that God invites us to join Him in His rest. We enter that rest now by faith (Hebrews 4:1-5), but we are looking for a final Sabbath when we will enter into eternal rest with God (Hebrews 4:6-11).
The purpose of my sabbatical is primarily rest, though I will be working on a writing project here and there. During the month of July, Jeanine and I will travel throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, enjoying several national parks. Then, for the month of August, we will go to our usual place of rest – the beach in Florida. Please pray for our safe travels on the road, that we would be able to rest well, even in a tent, and that the Lord would continue to knit mine and Jeanine’s hearts together as we encourage one another with the word of God.
Thank you, High Pointe! Thank you for your love for me and my family and your continual support and prayers. And thank you elders for this great gift. Our love for you is without bounds. Know Jeanine and I will miss you greatly.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org
Resources of the Week
Five Things to Pray for Your Pastor While He’s on a Sabbatical
Life at High Pointe
Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
June 28 | Isaiah 63:7-64:12 | Yahweh, Hear this Prayer and Come Down to Save
July 5 | Isaiah 65-66 | Yahweh Answers: Judgment and the New Creation | Pastor Robert Cline
July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson
July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis
July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Austin Burns
August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton
August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline
August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline
August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline
August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez
September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez
September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline
September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | Beware! It Doesn’t End Well for Deceivers
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: North Africa – Team Expansion We are privileged to partner with the K family in North Africa. For 15 years, the Ks have been reaching unbelievers in a predominantly Muslim country (99%). And yet, the body of Christ is growing in that nation.
Some ways you may be praying: 1. Pray for a healthy, fruitful church led by godly, growing, local leaders. 2. Pray for these believers/leaders, especially as they face unique opportunities and challenges. 3. Pray for the K family – for a Jesus-centered home and joyful hearts. 4. Pray for the K family’s financial provision.
On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
