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November 2006
Dear All Saints' Family,
As most of you know, Janet and
I will be leaving for sabbatical in mid-spring of next year. To say that
we were thrilled to find that we received a Lilly Foundation grant from
the National Clergy Renewal Program to fund our time away would be an
understatement. A sabbatical is an extended time to stop, step back,
reflect, and renew oneself and one's spirit. To quote the Endowment's
senior vice president, "Many people just do not realize that part of a
pastor's calling, part of the 'job description' is to be growing all the
time. Periodically, that requires an extended Sabbath -- time away from
the press of one's usual responsibilities."
The clergy renewal program
provides the opportunity for pastors to work alongside their
congregations to plan an intentional time to do what will (as the tile
of the grant process implies) "make their hearts sing". Our sabbatical
will allow us to spend extended time with our children and grandchildren
and to fulfill our dream to experience people and places that for many
reasons we have been unable to do. This is a one in a lifetime
opportunity for us. The custom is that one should take a sabbatical
every seven years; for us it has been over twenty.
The announcement of our
sabbatical has raised questions for some in the congregation. Questions
such as sustained pastoral care, decision making, financial concerns,
and leadership, especially during these turbulent times in our
denomination have been raised. Let me assure you that all of these areas
have been or will be addressed in the coming months. Fr. Dan is a very
capable and competent priest and is truly up to the task of leading all
Saints'. God willing, the vestry has made the decision to extend his
contract at least to the end of 2007 providing continual pastoral care
and leadership We also have an associate priest, Fr. Anthony Vidal with
us to help Fr. Dan in his duties. Likewise our vestry and officers
are strong spiritual leaders are one minded in the direction and
decisions that will come. we are indeed blessed to have them. Finally, I
will be in periodic contact with our Sr. Warden throughout our time
away.
The clergy renewal grant no
only finances our travel and time away, it will cover increased expenses
to the congregation, as well as special ministries that will be a final
product of our experience. In other words, this very special time is a
'gift from God' for us all. Over the next months I will be sharing more
specific information with you relating to our plans. As we prepare I
pray that this will be a life changing and energizing time for all of
us.
Blessings,
Fr. David+
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