From Father Jeff Sabbatical—a break or change from a normal routine for the
purpose of refreshment. The word is out that I will be taking a Sabbatical in the coming months. To set the tone for this announcement, this past Sunday the Rev. Joan Saylors preached at each of our services about the Biblical concept of Sabbath, especially as it relates to the life of priest and congregation. The idea of a sabbatical, has actually been in the works since 2014, and was initiated by then Senior Warden Dr. Jim Spruiell, and carried forward by the next two Senior Wardens, Vickie Luckenbach and John Sumners. There have been many starts and stops in the process and more than a little foot-dragging on my part.
Amid our manic, production oriented culture, the idea of taking an
extended rest is hard to get one’s mind around. But the leadership was insistent, and with Father Bur’s arrival another piece fell in place. So on May 1st, I will completely step away from my all of priestly duties and
April 2017 EUCHARISTIC LECTIONARY YEAR A SUNDAY WORSHIP 7:45 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I 9 AM Holy Eucharist Rite II 11 AM Holy Eucharist Rite II Children’s Worship
responsibilities, and into, what I pray will be, a three-month period of refreshment and renewal.
Having been advised that it’s very difficult to
separate from the church while still in close physical proximity, my plans involve a fair amount of travel and retreat time. I’ll begin my Sabbath spending two weeks alone at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery in New Mexico. It’s in a remote and beautiful area and offers communal meals and daily time for meditation, prayer, and worship with the
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 10 AM Adult Classes Sunday School Encouragers
host monastic community.
WEEKDAY WORSHIP 6 PM Wednesday Holy Eucharist Rite II 12 PM Thursday Holy Eucharist & Healing (Chapel)
relish the multiple daily worship opportunities, services I’ll have no
This initial retreat period will be a time for unplugging, for stepping back and reflecting on where I am in my life with God and in my relationships. I also responsibilities in leading. My life has been so busy with church and family, it’s frankly hard to imagine what this unencumbered time will be like, or what it will reveal.