Drawing Closer to the Source

Dear Church Family,

This summer, our family had the gift of a 10-week sabbatical—a time for rest, reconnection, and renewal. I am deeply grateful to our church board, office staff, and to you, our congregation, for making this possible. Your support allowed me to step away from ministry responsibilities, to have a season to slow down, seek God’s voice, and strengthen bonds with my family. This time away came not at a time of crisis but instead as an opportunity to grow more as a husband, father, and pastor. This sabbatical has been a rare gift and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.

One of my favorite moments from this summer came on a camping trip with Kristina and our three daughters. One night as I was laying next to our daughter Avonlea as she went to sleep, I placed some small glow-in-the-dark stars above her bed. As we turned off the light, we noticed that some stars shone brighter than others. I explained to her that the stars closer to the light source had absorbed more light—and so they glowed more when the light was turned off.

That little illustration has stayed with me. These past weeks have been a season of drawing close to the Source—basking in the warm light of God’s goodness and the gratitude I feel toward Him, toward my family, and toward you, my church family. My heart is full, it's absorbed so much goodness and love, and I am happy to let this love shine brightly as I step back into ministry here at Collegedale Community on August 18.

As I return to my role as Pastor of Discipleship and Evangelism, I am excited to continue walking alongside you. In the months ahead, I look forward to continuing support our discipleship ministries through small groups and adult Sabbath School classes; advancing our evangelism efforts—especially our focus on the Global Hope project in the Philippines, launching a community addiction recovery class, and preparing for us to hosting a week-long evangelistic reaping event this October; and supporting our amazing church ministry volunteers.

Thank you again for your generosity, your prayers, and your love for our family. It is a joy to serve God alongside you.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Pastor Nate Dubs and Family