Dear Trinity,
May of 2026 marks an important milestone for our church family. Pastor Brian will be celebrating seven years as our Lead Pastor. At Trinity, we believe in caring for those who shepherd us, and that includes ensuring our pastors have time for renewal and rest. That’s why, every seven years, we provide a sabbatical for our Lead Pastor and their family, allowing them to recharge spiritually, emotionally, and physically so they can continue leading with strength and vision.
A sabbatical is not simply a vacation. It is a period of intentional rest, learning, and renewal. It is a biblical concept rooted in the idea that periods of rest strengthen and sustain long-term ministry. During this time, Pastor Brian will step away from his regular pastoral duties to seek renewal, and in turn, our congregation will have the opportunity to reflect, grow, and continue our mission in fresh and meaningful ways.
May of 2026 marks an important milestone for our church family. Pastor Brian will be celebrating seven years as our Lead Pastor. At Trinity, we believe in caring for those who shepherd us, and that includes ensuring our pastors have time for renewal and rest. That’s why, every seven years, we provide a sabbatical for our Lead Pastor and their family, allowing them to recharge spiritually, emotionally, and physically so they can continue leading with strength and vision.
A sabbatical is not simply a vacation. It is a period of intentional rest, learning, and renewal. It is a biblical concept rooted in the idea that periods of rest strengthen and sustain long-term ministry. During this time, Pastor Brian will step away from his regular pastoral duties to seek renewal, and in turn, our congregation will have the opportunity to reflect, grow, and continue our mission in fresh and meaningful ways.
Why are we preparing for the Pastoral Sabbatical now?
We have begun applying for a grant through the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program, which provides funding to churches for their pastors’ sabbaticals. This program recognizes the importance of pastoral renewal and also provides financial resources to support the church during the pastor’s time away. If our application is approved, the grant will not only cover Pastor Brian’s sabbatical activities but also support our congregation with the financial resources to continue ministry and refresh our community with initiatives that will help us thrive during this season.
We are asking for your support in two key ways:
Your feedback will play a vital role in making this possible. As part of the grant application process, we need to demonstrate that our congregation understands and supports this initiative. Your participation will show that we value our pastor’s renewal and are committed to strengthening our church community.
1. Complete the short survey above – This will help us shape our application and ensure our proposal reflects the heart and voice of our church. We invite you to write messages of support and prayers for Pastor Brian and his family as they prepare for this sabbatical.
2. Volunteer to help with the Congregational Renewal Plan - We want this to be a time of renewal for our entire congregation. With the grant funds received, you can help us plan and administer programs or activities for our church body. You can indicate your desire to volunteer as well as share your ideas in the survey.
- Survey Opens: Sunday, March 2
- Survey Deadline: Sunday, March 9
- Ways to Participate: Online (via email and app) or in person (paper copies available on Sundays)
2. Volunteer to help with the Congregational Renewal Plan - We want this to be a time of renewal for our entire congregation. With the grant funds received, you can help us plan and administer programs or activities for our church body. You can indicate your desire to volunteer as well as share your ideas in the survey.
Thank you!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Elder Board. Thank you for being part of this journey of renewal and growth. We are excited for what God has in store for both Pastor Brian and our church family in this next season!
With gratitude,
The Elders
elders@trinityny.org
Dave Page, Duane Smith, Fred Atkins, Pastor Brian Newby, Timothy Tien
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Elder Board. Thank you for being part of this journey of renewal and growth. We are excited for what God has in store for both Pastor Brian and our church family in this next season!
With gratitude,
The Elders
elders@trinityny.org
Dave Page, Duane Smith, Fred Atkins, Pastor Brian Newby, Timothy Tien