You may have already heard that I have asked for, and been granted to take, a sabbatical leave of 9½ weeks (July 25 – September 30) following 3 weeks of vacation (July 4-24). However, as it has been many, many years since one of your pastors has taken a sabbatical, some background information may be helpful. First off, the Letter or Covenant of Call–which the church and I mutually concluded at the outset of my ministry here–provides for a sabbatical of up to 3 months duration after having served 5-7 years as pastor. Second, “Sabbatical leave encourages longer pastorates, and gives both pastor and congregation new appreciation and fresh energy for their covenant ministry” (from NH Conference UCC Guidelines). Third, a “pastoral sabbatical” differs substantially from an “academic sabbatical” in that it…
is a “spiritual renewal leave.” It is a time of purposeful ceasing, resting and planned refreshment, with a spiritual renewal component or emphasis. The leave accomplishes a purpose and specific intent: to renew and restore vitality and health-spiritual, emotional and physical-in spiritual leaders.
– from A Sabbatical Primer for Pastors by David C. Alves
I am looking for the sabbatical to be a time for renewing and restoring my vitality as your pastoral leader, but see it also as a time when the congregation can “take stock” of where it has come and where it is headed, by the grace of God and inspiration of the Spirit.
To that end, I am thrilled and delighted that for sabbatical pastoral coverage, the Ministry Council and Trustees have contracted to cover the entire time I am away on both vacation and sabbatical with Holly Tomilson, a 2013 graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, resident of Deerfield , and member of the Deerfield Community Church. (see “Introducing Holly Tomilson” below). I have worked with Holly on a NH Conference UCC Task Force for nearly 3 years, and she was my first choice to pastor during my absence! She brings a wealth of fresh insights, energy, inspiration, and excitement. Given her membership at the Deerfield Church, her presence will enhance the cooperation and connections the two churches have established over the past 2+ years.
Next month I will share some of the plans I have in place for the sabbatical. As a result of prayerful reflection, I have begun meeting with a spiritual director, whose input will enhance the sabbatical’s value and worth, and keep me grounded in prayer and open to the Spirit.
Even as I finalize sabbatical plans, I want to thank all of you, the members and friends of this church, for prayerfully supporting me these past six years, and, in advance, for supporting me in and through the sabbatical. I will also be holding you all in my thoughts and prayers throughout.
Your pastor and teacher,
Rev. Jim