Final Sabbatical Update
Dear Hope Church Family,
Grace and peace to you. We are coming to our final days of preparation for our beloved Pastor’s 10-week sabbatical ( 6.2 - 8.16 ). It is with great effort an all-church communication and care plan has been put in place to ensure the church congregational needs are met in Pastor Jody’s absence.
How wonderful it is to know that highly capable, godly, and experienced individuals like Dr. Robert Johnson, Jay Haworth, the Leadership Team, the Sabbatical Committee, the Staff, and the Pastoral Care and Support Team, are all stepping forward to take duties and roles as needed.
Below is a list of updated FAQs, and a list of names and contact information to guide you, should you have a need that arises, or a crisis. With non-urgent needs, the office number is the first point of contact at 209-667-1191. Office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9A-2P.
Let us all join in prayer that Pastor Jody’s sabbatical is filled with rest, recreation, relaxation, restoration, and rejuvenation!
In His Service,
Sharon Elia
Executive Administrative Assistant
Church Office Information
CHURCH OFFICE NUMBER: 209.667.1191
OFFICE HOURS: 9AM-2PM - TUESDAY - FRIDAY
(If after hours, and non-urgent, please leave a message. Your call will be returned Tuesday-Friday by 2PM.)
IN CASE OF CRISIS
IN CASES OF CRISIS (I.E. DEATH, LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS, CRISIS SPIRITUAL CARE)
•DURING OFFICE HOURS? CALL THE OFFICE!
•CRISIS CALLS WHEN OFFICE IS CLOSED?
SERVING AS DISPATCH SERVICE AFTER HOURS AND WEEKENDS:
2PM-2AM: Sharon Elia @ 209-485-8859
2AM-2PM: Tanya De La Puente @ 209-559-1577
CONTACT INFORMATION
CLERGY:
Dr. Robert Johnson, Acting Pastor
Rev. Jay Haworth, Pastoral Support
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Robert Johnson, joypure@charter.net
Tito Barajas, demetrio@hopechurchturlock.org
Glenn McFarland, dgm623@yahoo.com
Alyssa Thompson, althompson26@yahoo.com
Leo Rodriguez, leogracie.rod@icloud.com
Thane Nored, tdnored@gmail.com
SABBATICAL COMMITTEE
Tito Barajas, demetrio@hopechurchturlock.org
Tanya De La Puente, tanya@hopechurchturlock.org
Sharon Elia, sharon@hopechurchturlock.org
Jean Harvey, jeanoharvey@sbcglobal.net
Leo Rodriguez, leogracie.rod@icloud.com
STAFF NAMES & CONTACTS
Ruthanne Castro, Bookkeeper ruthann@hopechurchturlock.org
Tanya De La Puente, Worship Director. tanya@hopechurchturlock.org
Sharon Elia, Executive Administrative Asst sharon@hopechurchturlock.org
Cyrus Elia, Tech Support/Choir cyrus@hopechurchturlock.org
Leo Rodriguez, Interim Youth Director leogracie.rod@icloud.com
PASTORAL CARE & SUPPORT TEAM
Jean Harvey jeano.harvey@sbcglobal.net
Dr. Robert Johnson joypure@charter.net
Eunice Johnson eunice@hopechurchturlock.org
Glenn McFarland. dgm623@yahoo.com
Cindy Jo McFarland. Cindyjo569@yahoo.com
Leo Rodriguez. leogracie.rod@icloud.com
Gracie Rodriguez Rodgracie7@gmail.com
Jay Haworth jay@hopechurchturlock.org
Ellen Hayworth jayellen.haworth@me.com
Sabbatical Frequently Asked Questions
What will Pastor Jody be doing on his sabbatical?
Pastor Jody will begin and end the sabbatical with spiritual retreats at retreat centers. He will also visit with family and friends that he does not get to see very often. The centerpiece of the sabbatical is a trip to Denmark where he will be with his son, his daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Pastor Jody’s sabbatical will also include lots of rest time, a trip with Harmony to National Parks, and a family reunion in Oklahoma.
Who will cover Pastor Jody’s responsibilities in his absence?
Dr.Robert Johnson will be acting pastor, and Rev. Jay Haworth will come alongside, as the clergy in charge of the church. Our Pastoral Care and Support Team, Leadership Team, and staff will also be lending support.
Who will cover the expenses of the sabbatical?
Hope Church puts aside funds each year into a sabbatical fund, which will pay for the additional compensation needed. Pastor Jody will receive his usual compensation during the sabbatical period. A grant from the ECC Pastoral Care will cover all of Pastor Jody’s sabbatical activities. There should be no need to go into the general operating budget for any sabbatical expenses, and it should not impact the church budget.
Whom do I call for pastoral care?
Our pastoral care ministries, particularly our Leadership Team, Pastoral Care and Support Team, and staff members will be responding to needs as they arise. Contact the church office, and a staff member will connect you with an available and capable individual. If you have an emergency or crisis arise after office hours, please note those serving as dispatch, and refer to the numbers listed. (2P-2A: Sharon Elia, 2A-2P: Tanya De LaPuente)
Wil Pastor Jody be in contact with Hope Church during the sabbatical?
He does expect to send greetings periodically via video, but an important part of a sabbatical is to make a complete break. In the unlikely event that some extraordinary news absolutely must be communicated to Pastor Jody, our church administrator will know how to contact him. He will look forward to catching up with everyone on his return. If you happen to see him around town, it’s only natural to wave and say “hello”. Please do help him maintain the spirit of his sabbatical, though, by providing separation from his duties and church life.
What if I have other questions?
If you have questions during this season, please connect with our Leadership Operations Team—Alyssa Thompson (althompson26@yahoo.com), GlennMcFarland (dgm623@yahoo.com ), or TitoBarajas (demetrio@hopechurchturlock.org). They will prayerfully seek wisdom together and may involve the extended Leadership Team as needed. If further discernment is required, your question will be shared with the Sabbatical Planning Committee for thoughtful guidance.
Thank you for your grace and trust during this time.
Sabbatical Committee