Brian’s Sabbatical

I will begin my three month sabbatical on Monday, June 9th. I’m looking forward to taking time for rest, reflection, and making intentional time with my family, including relatives as well as friends that have become as close as family. This second sabbatical will be without the presence of my Dad or my dear late friend Steve, so the importance of spending intentional time with family and friends is made especially clear to me.

I initially wanted to return to Europe and continue with the adventures experienced during my first sabbatical. Then, complications began, of course! You may remember from my first sabbatical article that my plans were deferred due to family illness and the pandemic shutting down nearly every aspect of life. This time, I have concerns about traveling in this world as Americans, as the world’s perception of us is now quite different. I also worry about the ease of our re-entry into our country.

So, my travel will be solely domestic, and that’s ok. We will join our godson, Lincoln, and his parents in Washington, DC. I do look forward to seeing the district through his fresh eyes. It will be his first time there, and he’s excited to see the memorial of his namesake, of course. We’ll spend time honoring other figures of our country’s history. I can’t wait for him to see the same prayer books and Hymnals and even liturgy at the National Cathedral, hopefully making the connection between his familiar worship spaces and the grandeur of the national one, and that he’s absolutely a member of that Episcopal congregation, too. Perhaps we’ll catch an Evensong at St. Paul’s, K St., which is known for its music program and congregational singing.

Then Shane and I will spend intentional time together in Manhattan. I used to go there with my friend Bonnie every summer and swing dance the summer nights away in front of Lincoln Center. While Shane isn’t known to cut a rug, we’ll still enjoy the unlimited diversity of the city, intentionally going to several Broadway shows that I’m excited about, catching some organ recitals if we are lucky, and stepping into St. John the Divine, as is my habit.

I’m grateful for this chance of intentionality, of taking time for me, of recentering and reconnecting to Brian and to the people I love. It is a gift from you all, All Saints’, and it isn’t lost on me. During this summer time, I pray that we all are able to find time to rest and for recreation. May we come back together, rested and renewed.

Brian Sapp-Moore, Dir. of Music and Coordinator of Communications