We hope this message finds you well and thriving in your faith journey. We are pleased to announce that Pastor Steve will be taking renewal leave from July 1 to August 26, 2025.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) unanimously approved Pastor Steve’s request at their March 25 meeting, and he has also received support from our District Superintendent, Rev. Angela Lewis. As outlined in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, renewal leave may include study, travel, spiritual retreat, or other restorative activities that enhance ministry effectiveness. This opportunity for rest, recharge, and spiritual refocus is encouraged for all clergy in the United Methodist Church every six years. Pastor Steve’s last renewal leave was in 2017, making this a timely and much-deserved break.

Pastor Steve plans to travel to Virginia to visit family and explore the Appalachian Trail, and to Canada, where he and his wife Cara share a cabin with her siblings. He will also spend time reading, studying, working on home projects, and enjoying special outings with his sons, Eli and Atticus.

During Pastor Steve’s leave, Pastor Ivy will serve as Senior Pastor, with Pastor Tammy assisting in pastoral responsibilities. Preaching and worship will be led by Pastor Ivy and Pastor Tammy, along with guest preachers for two or three Sundays. Rev. Barb Holzhauser will provide pastoral care assistance as needed.

Pastor Steve has expressed that he is not feeling burned out and feels blessed to serve as the Sr. Pastor at Mentor United Methodist Church. He remains energized and excited about our future together, attributing part of his vitality to proactive renewal leave.

We ask for your prayers that Pastor Steve’s renewal leave will be a true time of Sabbath and renewal. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to anyone on SPRC or speak directly with Pastor Steve.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Blessings,


SPRC