Dear Church Family,

Since the time our family arrived in May 2017, this church has faithfully supported and loved us well. When I am asked about our church, I am quickly drawn not to ministries and events, but to names and faces. It is the people and their love for Jesus who mark this community of faith as being set a part and it is a joy for me to have the privilege to serve as your pastor.

It is my desire to continue to serve in that role and to do it well. To foster that longevity, our church leadership has identified the importance of ceasing from the day-to-day pastoral responsibilities for a period of time for the purpose of physical, mental and spiritual renewal. And so, after 7 years of full-time ministry at Derby Friends Church, our leadership has granted me the gift of a sabbatical that will take place July 15-September 15, 2024.

Understanding that the word “sabbatical” may raise a variety of questions, our church leadership has put together the document below to answer some of your questions and assist in communicating what we believe to be God’s leading in this area for both the health of the pastor and the health of our entire congregation.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Josiah

Click HERE for more information