A letter from Pastor Clay to the church at CCW

Dear Calvary Chapel of Wilmington,

As most of you probably have heard, my wife Tammy and I will be taking a one month sabbatical from our role at Calvary Chapel, beginning this week. Tammy and I are both so thankful to be part of a church family that has a deepl commitment to the long-term spiritual health of its pastor and wife, and would be so gracious as to allow us this time to rest and renew.  Though I greatly enjoy teaching the bible, helping people grow in their relationship with God, and I am enthusiastic about the future of CCW, there's an undeniable sense of weightiness and a spiritual battle that simply goes with the territory.  It is for this reason that pastor's are encourged to take a sbbatical from time to time, so that they can strengthen their relationship with Christ, with family, and to then return to ministry refreshed, recharged and renewed.  I hope you'll join me in asking the Lord to make this valuable for both my family and our church.  (click below to read the entire letter)


Those who know me best will agree that this Sabbatical is well-timed, and is well needed.  Tammy and I will be away from CCW from January 3rd – 31st, and we’ll be doing something that we have dreamed about for a long time:  taking a road trip across the country, visiting friends, places of interest, and taking time with to renew our relationship with each other, and with the Lord.  If you’re interested in keeping up with our trip, I'll be updating my blog at www.clayritter.com from time to time with pictures and notes from our trip.

While we are gone, we have made arrangements for the ministries of CCW to continue to operate smoothly until we return:

• Pastor David will be the overseeing Pastor at the church.
• Wes Weber will be assisting Pastor David in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the church.
• Chandler and Melissa will be leading the worship teams.
• Kim Serens, Sandy Scialis, and Terry Hartzell will be overseeing the Children's Ministry
• Our Elders, Sam Hawes, Glenn Fox, and Dan Escarsega, will be communicating with the ministry leaders of the church.
• Annette Rosen will oversee the Holy Grounds Food Pantry.
• In addition to Pastor David, there will be several guest bible teachers in January, men who will bring a powerful message from the word of God each week.

It's truly a joy to serve the Lord and you at CCW, and Tammy and I would not want to be anywhere else.  We are already sensing that the Lord is preparing us for a new season at CCW, and we are excited!

Some of you might be thinking, “how can I help?”   There are a few ways:

#1 - Your ministry - I know that strong leadership is important, and there is always the question "while we're gone, will the ministries continue strong?"  I also know that we have an incredible group of leaders and servants who are committed to the ministry God has called them to.  I would simply ask that everyone be willing go the extra mile in January to ensure that our church continues to operate with love, power, and a spirit of excellence.  I believe when team leaders and servants take personal responsibility for their ministry, our ministries and our services will continue with the same level of excellence that they always do.  I know that you will make us proud that our church is committed to reaching and ministering to the people of our city, even when I am is not there!

#2 - Your prayers -  Please lift up Tammy and I in your prayers, that our time would be restful, refreshing, and that the Lord would speak into our hearts wisdom and direction for our church as we move forward.  Also, be praying for our family, that the Lord would watch over our children and our home (feel free to drop off a meal, or drop by and see if they need anything!).  Lastly, pray that the Lord would continue to watch over, grow, and strengthen our church.

We thank the Lord and His faithfulness in allowing Tammy and I to serve Him through the ministry of CCW, and we look forward to 2013, as we “go and grow in the Lord.”

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. 
- Philemon 1:4-7

If you have any questions or concerns during our absence, simply shoot an email to office@calvaryofwilmington.org or contact the church at (910) 791-1858.

Pastor Clay Ritter
Tammy Ritter