Sunday, June 15

For the better part of the last year, I have been in discernment about what I would do for my sabbatical. Truth be told, it is hard for me to believe that the time for my sabbatical leave has finally arrived.
Clergy sabbaticals are a time when clergy are released from regular ministry for the purpose of study, theological reflection, spiritual renewal, and strengthening of skills for their ministry. Sabbatical is an important part of the work and ministry of clergy. It is time for professional development, enrichment of a clergy person’s spiritual life, and a time for rest and renewal. It is also a time for renewal of one’s sense of vocation and extended study not possible during the typical work year. In the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island clergy are eligible for 3 months of sabbatical upon completing 5 years of ministry in a particular congregation. Clergy are still granted their month (5 Sundays) of vacation in sabbatical years, as sabbatical and vacation are two different things.
As I reflected on my sabbatical, I felt that being away for four months of the year (three sabbatical and one vacation) was too long to be away for where we are at this time. It would also mean missing major things in the life of the parish. I have therefore decided to take two of my three months this year along with vacation, and next year I will take my third month along with vacation. In order to be as least disruptive to parish life as possible, I’ve also decided to take this time in the summer where I will, with the exception of City Camp, not miss any major events; instead of taking it during an academic semester in order to take course work at one of our local colleges/universities.
Having just celebrated our 5th anniversary of shared ministry together (June 1), and my 8th ordination anniversary (June 3rd) now is the right moment for me to step back for this time of reflection, renewal, and learning that I might return ready to lead out community in this next chapter of our life together.
The work of my sabbatical will be focused on building relationships across lines of difference. I have put together an independent reading list covering a wide range of topics from: discernment, parish life, anti-racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, political division, doctrine of discovery, interfaith relationships, and environmental stewardship. I firmly believe that as Rector, I cannot ask you all to do anything I am not willing to do myself, so I need to ensure that I am continuing to push myself to grow and expand my knowledge and experience just as I ask you to do. Through this reading I also intend to draft studies to be used in our parish upon my return. Particularly I will work on revising a curriculum specially for the Episcopal Church and the LGBTQ+ community that I first developed in college.
My time away will also include retreat at the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge, MA; and a trip to Western MA to explore the way art can help unite us and expand our understanding of the world around us; and worshiping in the community that sponsored me for ordination (The Church of the Redeemer, Providence). There will also be time for me to explore new spiritual disciples, and reconnect with family and friends. You can read more about my sabbatical on our parish website.
All of this would not be possible without the support of the vestry, for which I am truly grateful. I cannot articulate what a gift it is to be gone for an extended period of time knowing the parish is in such good hands. It is not just the Wardens and Vestry who give me the confidence that I can set away, it is all of you. This parish is blessed with so many ministry leaders carrying on the good and important work of our community. I am abundantly grateful to you all, know the good work we’ve been doing together will continue this summer. I also want to express my gratitude to Bishop Knisely for providing us with a $2500 grant to financially support this time.
While I am on sabbatical I encourage all of you to find ways to engage in this work as well. In the parish library you will find a partial copy of my reading list and several titles available to take home to read. When I return, I will host a variety of sessions to discuss some of these books. One particular book I would encourage everyone in the parish to read is Killers of the Flower Moon. Copies of this book are available in the parish library. On Saturday, September 13 Amanda Scott will lead us in conversation to reflect on this book and the issues it raises. Later in the fall we will also take a field trip in connection with the book and gather to watch the movie it inspired.
If reading is not your things, there are other ways you can share in this work. Take time to volunteer with City Camp and spend time getting to know the amazing campers whose lived experience is different than what most of us know. Maybe you are feeling up for a field trip of your own and want to visit one of the other faith communities in our area. Rhode Island is home to a wide variety of faith traditions beyond Christianity, all doing wonderful things for in our state. Or find something who things differently than you do and invite them to coffee where you can listen to their story and learn from their experience.
Maybe you want to take this time for your own spiritual renewal. Take time to pray, and recommit yourself to your relationship with God. Be faithful in attendance here at St. Thomas, explore options for personal devotion in the Book of Common Prayer, or find other forms of prayer - spending time in nature, listening to music, create something, cook, or whatever else helps you connect with God.
I hope to return this fall strengthened and renewed for the next chapter of our ministry together. As I said before, I say again - I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us next.








