A Time for Rest
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Wise Synod leadership before my time set a policy that all Rostered Ministers be afforded a sabbatical every 5 years. This summer I reach this 5 year milestone and get the privilege to take a sabbatical from June 8 to September 8, 2026. My sabbatical time has three explicit purposes: rest, time with family, and discernment.
First, rest. Rest is a holy thing. In our seven day story of creation, God takes time to rest. As the people are freed from slavery to Pharaoh into service with God, rest is established as a law so that they would know their worth is no longer based on their production. Jesus seeks rest in the midst of his ministry so that he may continue the difficult journey to the cross. We need rest. Rest to remember our inherent worth as children of God. Rest to reenergize and refresh. Rest to come back with new perspectives. Rest to tend to our relationships with God, family, friends, creation, and even ourselves. It is my hope that I will return well rested, with renewed vigor and capacity for what God has in store next.
Second, time with family. I love my wife and children very much. I love being a husband and a dad. Unfortunately, the demands of serving as Bishop means that I often cannot give my family the amount of time I, or they, desire. This time of sabbatical is an opportunity to just be together. In order to do that, and have a little fun and adventure, we will be taking a long camping trip and visiting many National Parks. For a little over a month, we will be camping our way (yes, in tents) from here to the Redwoods and back. This time together spent in God’s amazing creation will provide plenty of opportunity to create memories for a lifetime. I’ll plan to share some stories upon my return.
Finally, discernment. As I draw near to the end of my 6-year term as Bishop, I want time for deep thought, prayer, and conversation in order to clarify my sense of calling. I want to be clear; I have loved my time as your Bishop and still feel called to serve in this role through the end of my term. This discernment is about the future. What may God have in store for me? For my family? Where might my gifts be best used in the years to come? Upon my return, it is my commitment that I will have a clear answer of whether, or not, I will stand for re-election as Bishop for the 2027 Bishops election.
No matter what the future holds, I give thanks for my time here. It is an honor to serve as your Bishop and I pray that this time of sabbath rest will only sharpen my resolve to “Cultivate Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love.”
God Bless,
Rev. Felix Malpica
Bishop, La Crosse Area Synod
