1/17/22
There are a couple of changes coming around Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry. There's always something happening, but these are bigger adjustments.
The Back Story
I (Pastor Spotts) have a long history of migraine headaches. They are tied to fatigue and stress. We recently discovered there's a connection to sleep apnea. While my doctor seems to have helped with the sleep apnea, I have about a thirty year sleep deficit going on. Frankly, I'm not bouncing back from it as quickly as we had hoped.
Since adding some sort of unstructured rest and recovery into a very busy schedule simply isn't going to happen, I've been working with the Wittenberg Door Board of Directors, as well as the elders at the church I am serving as vacancy pastor in Centralia. The big question is how to cut back some of my activity level while still pursuing opportunities that God's kingdom should increase in the campus and the community.
The Solution
I've been attempting to reach into the Stephens College community in more meaningful ways over the past two and a half years. However, since my activities there have largely been duplicates of what I do about five or six blocks away at the Mizzou campus, and since they are better established at Mizzou, for the time being I'm going to let opportunities for reaching into the Stephens population slide. There are several people from the Stephens community who have been in contact with me, and we'll keep that up, but not be as deliberate about trying to be present on their campus.
I've also found an area pastor who will be gradually taking over some of my load around Good Shepherd in Centralia, especially in the area of visitation. This should allow me to generally cut back to one week day and Sunday actually on-site, rather than two week days.
The Time Frame
For thirty-odd years, when I have become exhausted I have rested for a day or two, rarely more than three, and have jumped back into an overloaded slate of activities immediately. I'm going to fight that urge here, and fight it diligently. It may take several weeks, or even several months, before my energy levels start to return.
What's Still Happening?
I have every intention of continuing to meet with the fraternity men Monday evenings, to teach my Tuesday morning Bible study and to be available for much of Tuesday for church appointments, to have our Heidelberg Discussions on Wednesday evenings, to have Lunch and Learn and some on campus office hours Thursdays, to teach my seminary Greek class Thursday evenings, and to welcome everyone to our every-other-Friday Dinner and Conversation evenings. Sundays I will remain in service at Good Shepherd, with their Bible class and divine service, since they are still in the call process.
In Matthew 6:34 Jesus says we don't worry about the next day because each day has enough trouble. I think the primary activity items I've listed above will be enough trouble for the average week, at least for the time being.
Thank you for your support and engagement with Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry. We can grow together!
There are a couple of changes coming around Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry. There's always something happening, but these are bigger adjustments.
The Back Story
I (Pastor Spotts) have a long history of migraine headaches. They are tied to fatigue and stress. We recently discovered there's a connection to sleep apnea. While my doctor seems to have helped with the sleep apnea, I have about a thirty year sleep deficit going on. Frankly, I'm not bouncing back from it as quickly as we had hoped.
Since adding some sort of unstructured rest and recovery into a very busy schedule simply isn't going to happen, I've been working with the Wittenberg Door Board of Directors, as well as the elders at the church I am serving as vacancy pastor in Centralia. The big question is how to cut back some of my activity level while still pursuing opportunities that God's kingdom should increase in the campus and the community.
The Solution
I've been attempting to reach into the Stephens College community in more meaningful ways over the past two and a half years. However, since my activities there have largely been duplicates of what I do about five or six blocks away at the Mizzou campus, and since they are better established at Mizzou, for the time being I'm going to let opportunities for reaching into the Stephens population slide. There are several people from the Stephens community who have been in contact with me, and we'll keep that up, but not be as deliberate about trying to be present on their campus.
I've also found an area pastor who will be gradually taking over some of my load around Good Shepherd in Centralia, especially in the area of visitation. This should allow me to generally cut back to one week day and Sunday actually on-site, rather than two week days.
The Time Frame
For thirty-odd years, when I have become exhausted I have rested for a day or two, rarely more than three, and have jumped back into an overloaded slate of activities immediately. I'm going to fight that urge here, and fight it diligently. It may take several weeks, or even several months, before my energy levels start to return.
What's Still Happening?
I have every intention of continuing to meet with the fraternity men Monday evenings, to teach my Tuesday morning Bible study and to be available for much of Tuesday for church appointments, to have our Heidelberg Discussions on Wednesday evenings, to have Lunch and Learn and some on campus office hours Thursdays, to teach my seminary Greek class Thursday evenings, and to welcome everyone to our every-other-Friday Dinner and Conversation evenings. Sundays I will remain in service at Good Shepherd, with their Bible class and divine service, since they are still in the call process.
In Matthew 6:34 Jesus says we don't worry about the next day because each day has enough trouble. I think the primary activity items I've listed above will be enough trouble for the average week, at least for the time being.
Thank you for your support and engagement with Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry. We can grow together!
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