Bishop Bouman and President Benke announce Exec. Director John J. Scibilia's Sabbatical Read their letters below

From Pres. Benke and Dr. Bouman

December 14, 2005

Dear Partners in the Gospel:

The Lord be with you!

I am sharing with you a copy of a letter from John Scibilia in which he shares the news of a six-month sabbatical. President Benke and I and the trustees of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York (LDRNY) pray that this sabbatical will be a time of healing, spiritual refreshment, and personal growth for John. 

We are thankful to God for John's ministry among us in helping fashion the ministry of LDRNY, almost literally from the ashes of the September 11th tragedy. We ask your continued prayers and support for the ministry of LDRNY. This ministry was built to sustain comfort and renewal over the long haul. LDRNY continues to respond through partnerships with Lutheran Social Services, Koinonia New York, the Lutheran Counseling Center, the associations of victims' families, survivors' networks, and many other faith based and public collaborations. At this past fourth anniversary observance LDRNY was the only faith based organization to go into the pit with the families and loved ones of those who died.

In Christ, 

Stephen P. Bouman, Bishop   Dr. David Benke, President

Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA Atlantic District, LCMS

*****

From John J. Sciblia

December 12, 2005

I am pleased to inform you I will begin a six month sabbatical on December 12. My service to and with Lutheran Disaster Response of New York has been extremely rewarding since I began in September 2001. These have also been fast paced, trying and emotional days. As you may be aware, both my mother and father died during these months as well after both experiencing difficult illnesses. These are indeed welcome days of respite and rejuvenation ahead for me.

I am very grateful to Bishop Bouman and Dr. Benke for granting this sabbatical. They will continue to lead and oversee LDRNY's activities as they have since September 2001. Mikki Baloy, LDRNY Coordinator, will continue to direct our day-to-day operations and be our primary source of contact with their support. Be assured LDRNY will maintain its mission "to respond directly and encourage and facilitate response from others to the needs of persons and their families affected both directly and indirectly by tragedy or disaster,"? including all of our efforts in response to 9/11.

I will cherish your thoughts and prayers on my behalf during the days ahead. Know I will be thinking of you often.

Most Sincerely,

John J. Scibilia

Executive Director

Lutheran Disaster Response of New York