Sabbatical growth

Monday I will begin my sabbatical. The word sabbatical finds its root in the word for rest, sabbath. Sabbaticals can be rich opportunities of growth for both the priest and congregations. I look forward to deepening my spirituality through silence, prayer, and pilgrimage as well as learning more about those who have shaped the practice of Christian faith in the Middle Ages and in the Reformation. I will be on an eight-day silent retreat, three pilgrimages (the Way of St. Hildegard, a portion of the Way of St. Francis, and the Camino Ingles), and a time of icon painting. My time will include visits to the churches and cities of the Reformation in Germany and multiple different centuries in Italy and Spain, as well as simple downtime for reading, reflecting, and recreating.

I expect that both you and the congregation itself will grow during this time as well. You will have the opportunity to hear sermons from four different clergy, each of whom brings their own perspective to scripture and Christian living. You will also hear short talks from members of the congregation. Hearing a variety of voices enriches us, collectively and individually. There will be several offerings in Christian formation, outreach, and fellowship. I am grateful to the leadership, both lay and ordained which makes this sabbatical possible. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and hearing what you have learned as well when I return. 

I leave you with a poem from the late John O’Donohue.

“For a New Beginning” from the book To Bless the Space Between Us

In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Blessings,
Nancy+