Sabbatical
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me
the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12
Introduction:
In April 2022, a team at Hickory Neck submitted an application for a Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Grant. The team spent time learning about clergy renewal programs, also known as sabbaticals. The process included considering the various impacts to the congregation and how to plan for those; brainstorming uses for our time as a congregation throughout Jennifer’s time for renewal; and hearing her plan for her own time. This information serves as a supplement to other “Sabbatical 101” programming to prepare the parishioners of Hickory Neck for OUR time of renewal!
What is a Sabbatical/Clergy Renewal Program?
According to the Lilly Endowment Inc., their clergy renewal programs “provide an opportunity for pastors to step away from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.”
A more objective definition would be that “a pastoral sabbatical is an extended period of time in which the pastor is away from the congregation pursuing a variety of intentionally renewing activities,” to use Mother Jennifer’s words.
We are entering an exciting and learning opportunity. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact a member of the Sabbatical Team: Jennifer Andrews-Weckerly, Rector; Judy Bristow, Nancy Byrd, Len Calabrese, Terri Lensenmayer, Tori Otstot, and Andrea Sheffield.
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5.13-16
SABBATICAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR 2023:
MAY:
May 19-21:Kick-Off Weekend for the Sabbatical
May 19-21: Church-Wide Retreat: Facilitated by Chrissie Crosby; Friday night dinner and opening activity 5:30 pm-8:00 pm at HNC and Saturday 9:00 am-4:15 pm at Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center
May 21:Sabbatical send-off celebration at 11:00 am (Sabbatical toolkits available)
JUNE:
June 1: Chair Yoga with Camilla Farrand at 7:00 pm in the Narthex
June 3: Memoir Writing Kick-Off at 5:00 pm in the Wilkinson Center & Zoom (sign-up required)
June 4: Parish Community Picnic at 4:30 pm
June 4, 11,18 & 25: Faith and Film Series 6:00 pm-8:00 pm in the Wilkinson Center
June 24: Gentle Flow Yoga on the Mat with Camilla Farrand at 9:30 am in the Narthex
JULY:
July 9 & 16: One Book One Parish with Tori Otstot at 9:00 am in the Wilkinson Center (sign-up required)
July 11 & 18: One Book One Parish with Tori Otstot via Zoom at 7:00 pm (sign-up required)
July 16: A Recital of Timeless Hymns Made New at 5:00 pm in the New Chapel
July 21: Meditation 101 Relaxation & Meditation with Atul Patel at 7:00 pm in Wilkinson Center & Zoom
July 22: Meditation 101 Cleansing with Atul Patel at 10:00 am in Wilkinson Center & Zoom
July 23: Meditation 101 Interconnection from within & with God with Atul Patel at 5:00 pm in the Wilkinson Center & Zoom
July 28: Game Night at 5:00 pm-7:00 pm the Wilkinson Center & Outdoor activities for all ages (food will be provided)
Memoir Writing Check-In for July Date TBD
AUGUST:
August 5: Labyrinth Day. Learn everything you have wanted to know about labyrinths from 8:00 am-10:00am AND 4:00 pm-6:00pm. (Rain Day August 12th same times)
August 20: Ice Cream Social& Welcome back to Mother Jennifer at 11:00 am
Memoir Writing Check-In for August Date TBD
SEPTEMBER:
September 9: Gala & Video Screening at 5:00 pm-8:00 pmin the New Chapel (RSVP required)
September 29: Murder Mystery Night, a Fundraiser at 6:30 pm-8:30 pm in the New Chapel with Dessert and Beverages. Tickets (purchased in advance) go on sale August 20th at $20 per person.
Sabbatical Brochure with Events & Programs
