Rev Joan Sabbatical

November 10, 2013

I am very pleased to inform you that our First UU Board of Trustees has approved ministerial sabbatical time for me beginning December 25, 2013 through March 19, 2014.  Clergy take a sabbatical when they have need for a deep and deliberate break from the demands of ministry.  In our small church the weekly responsibility for Sunday services, education planning, communication, social events, committee meetings, office supervision, campus ministry and pastoral care fall to me.  While Holly, Gabby and volunteers assist, I carry the bulk of the concerns and responsibilities.  After ten years of service to our congregation, I believe the time for sabbatical is appropriate and both the Committee on Ministries and the Board agree.

Sabbatical time for ministers is often compared to docking a ship.  The ship is pulled from the water for a short time so that her hull can be cleaned and repaired and then returned to the ocean ready and able.  I see this sabbatical time as a deliberate and intentional time of renewal, restoration and reflection away from the daily duties of ministry, thus allowing me to put the tasks of ministry down for an extended time to renew my soul, find new inspiration, and return invigorated and ready to continue to lead our congregation forward.

Following the advice of experts, I will take one week of vacation immediately before the sabbatical and one week immediately after.  Annually, Dec 25 through Jan 1 is a vacation week for me.  This year the week will be spent helping my daughters, Jessica and Johnna, each relocate to complete internships for their respective advanced degrees.  A vacation week in March is also a customary pattern for me, this year the dates will be March 13 through March 19.  I will spend this time at our family vacation home in Mt. Pocono, a place I find spiritually grounding and where there are many opportunities for communion with nature.

What will I do during this sabbatical time?

• I will visit a different Unitarian Universalist church each Sunday.  I will particularly focus on congregations that have been identified by the UUA as “breakthrough congregations.” A breakthrough congregation is one that has achieved “significant and sustainable” growth.  Particular attention will be given to those congregations that have broken the 100 member ceiling.  I want to talk with the experts.  Congregation leaders that have “cracked the nut” of church growth.  I want to hear their wisdom stories and gather workable ideas to bring home to First UU.

  In order to keep good records of these visits and conversations, I will keep a detailed log of the churches I visit, the persons with whom I’ve talked and the fresh ideas and new insights I glean.

  I have discussed the above breakthrough congregations and other vital, thriving congregations with Rev. Joan VanBecelaere, Ohio Meadville Executive Director and Rev. Ken Hurto, Southern Region Executive Director.  Each has been influential in providing information about congregations they think are good models in various areas of growth.  They have also provided direct contacts for ministers, presidents, and other growth-focused congregation members.

• In January, I will visit Pendle Hill (a Quaker retreat center I have visited before and where I know several UU ministers have taken sabbatical retreats).  Specifically, I will participate in a “Spirit, Mind, Body Practices for Wholeness” workshop.  My goal is to deepen and strengthen my daily self-care practice allowing for this sabbatical time to be fully integrated into my daily life when I return to my church work.

•  I am also interested in gaining additional skills in both “Appreciative Inquiry” and “Compassionate Listening.”  Both of these tools are state-of-the art for congregational work.  At minimum, I will do some additional reading in these areas.

While I am gone your capable elected leaders and dedicated volunteer members will ensure that our church programs and services continue.  Specifically,

• All services will be led by our Worship Associates.  On January 19, Rev. Robin Zucker, UU minister from Pittsburgh will join you for worship and on March 2 another newly ordained minister, Rev. Tom Bodie will fill our pulpit.  In addition, IUP Religious Studies Professors Harold Morales will discuss the “Five Pillars of Islam” on February 16, and Alison Downey will share her thoughts on “Feminism within Christianity” on February 2.   Our member, Linda Jennings will discuss Buddhism on March 23.  Local friend Cari Meil from Beth Israel Synagogue will lead an Intergenerational Purim Service on March 19.    And First UU worship associates Josiah Gromley, Sara Steelman, Patti Holmes, Nonna Randal, and congregation member Lori Rittle will also provide services.

• Dreama VanCise and Corbin Krug will serve as Pastoral Care Associates in times of crises and emergencies.

• Nonna Randal as Board President will oversee office operations. With Bill Heberer continuing as Treasurer and Holly our Office Assistant completely competent in her duties, I trust our office operations will run smoothly.

• Liz Cook will serve as Acting DRE for the sabbatical period.  Gabby Kennedy will continue as RE Assistant and will take full responsibility for UU campus activities during the sabbatical time.  Trudy Taylor, a member of the IUP Interfaith Council Steering Committee will serve as acting president of IUP IFC during this period.

• Michelina Olmstead, as Membership Committee Chair, will keep our PR flourishing and our social activities scheduled.  She will also work with Carol Kerr, First UU Cares Coordinator to ensure that meals, rides, visits, etc. continue to those in need.

I am confident that First UU is bigger than I am and perfectly capable of worshiping, learning, socializing, and growing together during this sabbatical time.

What can you do?

Be as confident as I am that this sabbatical time will be a healthy learning experience for all of us.  Chip in when and how you can.  Ministerial sabbatical time does not mean that the church is closed in any way.  Respect this and continue to attend worship service on Sunday, as well as all of the other First UU activities you enjoy.

I cannot afford to be away from home for the entire time.  If we cross paths in Indiana during the sabbatical time, mutual helloes and warm greetings will be appropriate.  However, I will refrain from any “church talk” during this time.  Please observe this sabbatical rule with me.

I am so fortunate to be called to UU ministry and to have found a church community that is so loving and supportive.  My fundamental goal for this sabbatical time is to return to work renewed and with experiences and new knowledge that will influence and strengthen my leadership and therefore the spiritual and congregational growth of our beloved community.

In faith and love,
Rev joan

This is the letter I shared with the congregation at our Annual Meeting earlier today.  I’m sure that from a group of Unitarian Universalist members and friends there are questions, support and concerns among you.

Please use this blog to share your thoughts and questions.  I will share those posts I think are relevant with everyone participating on the blog.  SO, let me know if you would like your post to be anonymous.

thank you,
rev joan