Rector’s Sabbatical: More Details
Dear Epiphany,
Last Sunday we had a lively discussion during coffee hour about what to expect during my upcoming sabbatical time. For those who were not able to attend, here is a recap of what we discussed and what to look forward to later this summer. After five years at a parish, Rectors in this diocese are encouraged to take a sabbatical of typically three months. I put off doing so since 2020 when the pandemic hit and the Vestry and I now feel we are in a good place for me to engage in this sabbath time. I will be away from parish work from August 1 – October 24. It will be a time for resetting in the Spirit, study, rest and travel. Sabbaticals are also an opportunity for the parish to practice new leadership roles and reflect on where they’ve been and where God is leading.
So what will I be doing during my sabbatical? How will Sundays and parish work be covered? What will we be doing as a parish besides just waiting for the Rector to return?
In mid-July, before my sabbatical, I will be away at a Continuing Education program for the spiritual renewal of clergy in mid-career. It is a two year (largely online) program for 18 clergy sponsored by an ecumenical Benedictine community in Madison, WI beginning with a ten day residency this July. This will help set the tone and themes for my sabbatical time. I have a few other opportunities for renewal and learning in the works and hope to enjoy some time with family and friends I don’t often have the opportunity to visit. The final month in late September will be spent in informal pilgrimage ending at Canterbury Cathedral in early October and including a visit to Italy where the saints made their home in places like Assisi and Siena.
Please realize that this sabbatical time is not only a time for my renewal and study, but also a rich opportunity for the parish. We are working on putting lay leadership structures back in place that dissolved during the pandemic and fell to me. Eucharistic Ministers for the day will be responsible for setting up the altar and cleaning afterward. Vestry members will be assigned to each Sunday and responsible for opening the building, managing questions and providing hospitality to supply clergy. We will have supply clergy to celebrate Eucharist about half of the weeks and lay worship leaders from the parish will guide us in Morning Prayer on the other Sundays. Please plan to keep up your attendance by supporting them in offering that ministry. We are working on identifying new Eucharistic Visitors to bring Communion to our homebound parishioners and volunteers to bake Communion bread again. Several of my clergy colleagues will be available “on call” at all times for pastoral emergencies and funerals that may arise and their contact information will be readily available. Our Parish Administrator and Music Director as well as Warden and Treasurer will very capably handle anything that may come up in my absence.
This is also a time for discernment in the parish. Who do we wish to be in this new season of Epiphany’s life, coming out of a pandemic and celebrating a renovated sacred space to offer? What ministries are closest to our hearts and most essential? What is God calling us to give our time and talent to do? The Vestry will sponsor monthly potluck brunches after worship for fellowship and focused conversations. I will provide a book study for everyone to engage while I’m away that will help facilitate these conversations. Once I return and after the holidays, we will continue the conversation together and see where the Spirit leads!
If you have any questions or concerns at all, please be in touch with me. I will keep you all in my daily prayers and hope you will do the same for me and our parish leadership.
Yours in Christ,
Rev’d Jen
