Four years in the making, our Sabbatical Renewal begins on Sunday, May 19, 2024, with a day of dancing tongues of the Spirit’s inspiring passion leading us into reflection and renewal.
The Sabbatical Countdown begins today!
Up to this point
During our planning for the 175th Anniversary, our historians discovered something interesting: We have no record of a pastor seeking or taking a Sabbatical while serving our congregation. So, if the idea of a three-month renewal time is new to you, there’s a good reason for it! Let’s look at how we got here.
A lot has changed since I wrote the first Tidings note on the beginning of Sabbatical planning. Our congregation blesses our pastors with a three-month renewal after five years of ministry. Counting the days, the initial planning was for the Sabbatical to begin some time after 9/1/2021. The COVID-19 Global Pandemic made that hardly a time to plan great adventures in renewal.
The first theme that caught our attention was “Living with a New Wine Spirit.” It was an acknowledgement that where our ministry had been before the Coronavirus pandemic would not be a place where we could return. With the second grant, our focus shifted to “A Light in the Liminal Times,” appreciating that we were starting to see where God was inspiring our witness after COVID’s three years in-between.
Now, as we approach the beginning of our eighth year in ministry together this September, we embrace our third theme: Enter to Worship / Depart to Serve
How will the Sabbatical time “work?”
Let’s continue on how our reflection and renewal will be shaped.
Each month is blocked out into three parts: Engaged Study, Active Reflection, and Family Renewal.
The first study period is a week-long conference hosted by Convergence, a UCC-related consultation group. They will investigate the question, “Can the Church Change?” You can take part in this online conference, too! Registration for the week is free at:
The second study period will be spent at Disney Institute’s “Brilliance” training on leadership innovation, and Welcome. This was a part of the earlier sabbatical plans, and offers “magical” instruction on how to magnify our extravagant welcome.
The third segment will take place at the annual Wild Goose Festival, engaging in its creative and expanding worship. This event is still tentative, pending some other time commitments. Also, there may be some additional renewal activities and events added. Watch for updates throughout the summer.
How will we know what Hank is pondering?
First let’s remember, the sabbatical period is one of separate journeying. If you or your family are in need of pastoral care, please contact Pastor Rachel and Pastor Ted.
Second, it’s natural to be curious about this! I am going to re-engage in curating my Blog (if you’re reading this post on the blog, Hello to you!): hankfairman.com
It all starts today with the sabbatical countdown! I covenant with you to post “pretty regularly” (though I may not reply back to comments).
The Congregation’s Sabbatical
The Congregation’s sabbatical countdown begins today, as well!
What does a church’s renewal time look like? Our Congregational Renewal studies, events and engagements are being finalized as this Tidings goes to print. Look for posts on our Facebook page, information in the weekly Friday Blast Email, and announcements in Sunday’s worship and bulletin.
Our Sabbatical Team is Lisa Ebbers, Council President; Robert Mayfield, Past Council President; Mike Smith, and Marsha Boll, along with Pastor Rachel and Pastor Ted. Seek them out with questions and wisdom!
