Sabbatical and the
Rebalancing Ministerial Schedules
Rev. John will be on sabbatical this spring from April – June and on study leave for the month of July. Ministers are eligible for a sabbatical every four to six years and can take a month per year of service. This will be Rev. John’s first sabbatical in his thirteen years, and we are glad that he will have this time for renewal, growth, and discovery. You will be hearing more about this sabbatical period, and what Rev. John has planned, and what is planned for the congregation in the upcoming months.
In preparation for his time away, Rev Anastassia is rebalancing her schedule and will be using her leave as follows:
- January 10-14 (Study Leave)
- February 21-25 (Vacation)
- March 21-25 (Study Leave)
We understand that ministry is both creative and demanding work, which is more sustainable with meaningful leave periods. Therefore, we will be reflecting on the effectiveness of consolidating the ministerial leave (through sabbaticals, study leave, or vacation). While taking these leave periods in a consolidated fashion is different than in the past, it relies on already allotted leave and is not an expansion of time off. The Board of Trustees discussed this schedule shift and fully supports this rebalancing of Rev. Anastassia’s leave.
During these leave times, our ministers will not be available by phone, text, or email but their “out of office message” will direct you to an appropriate person to handle your question. Rev. Anastassia will attend several critical meetings during her study leave (e.g., BOT Meeting, Stewardship Meetings ). Rev. John will not attend any meetings during his sabbatical. Our ministers will have a means of contacting each other in any emergency situations that arise while the other is on leave.
Jane Carrigan
Rev. Anastassia