The community is invited to be a part of First Presbyterian Church’s “sending party” as Pastor Andy Kennaly, his wife, Shawna, and the church are entering a three-month sabbatical experience.

Receiving a grant from the Lilly Foundation’s National Clergy Renewal Program, July, August, and September are unique in the life of the church. This renewal opportunity explores Celtic and Franciscan spirituality, the reformed tradition, and has a main theme of “contemplative prayer through bee keeping.”

Pastor Andy (a bee keeper) and his wife, Shawna will visit monasteries, museums, and parks in Ireland, Scotland, and England. In addition, as 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in western Europe, and in Germany, the Kennalys will visit “the Gates of Freedom” exhibit in Wittenberg. In August, they visit Slovenia, taking a guided ApiTour, staying at farms that specialize in bee keeping through the A-Z Hive System used in Europe.

The congregation will also explore these themes, including guest preachers and special music. There will be an amazing retreat open to the community Sept. 15-17 entitled, “The Celtic Way of Life: Ancient Wisdom for Experiencing God Today,” lead by Sr. Mary Lonergan. She will guide participants deeper into the wisdom of this Christian way of living.

As a wonderful start to the sabbatical, the congregation is hosting a sending party on Sunday, June 18. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. and will include commissioning the pastor and church leaders from the renewal group for this special time. The party continues after worship in Fellowship Hall.

The public is invited to share in this endeavor and celebrate renewal as God’s Holy Spirit leads us forward, deeper into the Peace of Christ Jesus .

Information: fpcsandpoint.org or 208-263-2047