Sabbatical FAQs

When will Mother Jennifer’s sabbatical begin?

Mother Jennifer’s period of absence from congregational activities is planned for May 22 – August 15 of 2023. However, preparation for sabbatical involving the entire congregation has already begun!

What will the congregation do in Mother Jennifer’s absence?

Based on the awarding of the grant, the congregants of Hickory Neck will also participate in the renewal experience as we focus on connecting with new parishioners and reconnecting with others after time away! Over the past two and half years, connection has been more difficult due to the pandemic. We were able to overcome the limitations with activities such as the “Connection Challenges” and Drive-Thru Coffee Hour. As we “reboot,” we will be bringing back activities like book club, and game, movie, and even pie nights! We are looking at adding new activities for spiritual renewal and multigenerational connection like yoga classes, a memoir writing workshop, labyrinth walks, and more. There will also be opportunities for virtual connection, of course! Our new parishioners are excited to connect with long-time members, and we think we can all use the opportunity to renew our spirit and faith as we hear about how God has worked in the lives of other Hickory Neck parishioners. The congregation will not participate in any strategic or operational decision-making during this time.

Will Mother Jennifer go on sabbatical if we do not receive the grant?

Yes. The main impact of not being awarded the grant would be needing to scale spending on some of our planned congregational activities.

What will Mother Jennifer do while on sabbatical?

Spending time with the people she loves, finding a sense of community, connection, and storytelling is lifegiving for Mother Jennifer. Mother Jennifer plans to travel with her family, reunite with family and friends, experience some monastery stays, write/blog, and get back into the yoga/barre studio.


Who will provide pastoral care in Mother Jennifer’s absence?

The Rev. Canon Charles Robinson and the Rev. Jim Nickols have recently joined us at Hickory Neck and will be partnering to cover pastoral care. On Sundays, we will enjoy a variety of voices leading us in the sacraments.

Why is this a good time for a sabbatical for Mother Jennifer?

We are a healthy congregation with a healthy pastor! Traditionally, a sabbatical or renewal experience happens every seven years, and Mother Jennifer has been with us at Hickory Neck for over six years. According to our own parishioners, we know we are part of a healthy congregation because people are happy, speak their minds, are willing to try new things, and we have active members of all ages. “People are excited for a change of pace and confident the church will continue to thrive,” according to one parishioner. Another described us as welcoming, celebratory, authentic, confirmed in faith, steadfast in purpose.”

Over the past two and a half years, Mother Jennifer’s commitment to our parish has been unwavering. Through the many pivots, starts, and re-starts of pandemic worship, we are all in need of some renewal. The timing is good in that the Lilly Endowment grant was available to help us make our clergy and congregational renewal dreams come true.

Why is this sabbatical not like others we have experienced at Hickory Neck?

The last sabbatical we experienced at Hickory Neck was due to medical necessity. While it may have been easier to see why that sabbatical was required, the renewal of Mother Jennifer’s spirit is just as necessary as we move forward out of the pandemic and to help all of us connect and reconnect as we move into a new normal.

What will happen after the sabbatical?

First, we will celebrate Mother Jennifer’s return! We will be able to share with her some products of our renewal time together as a congregation, including a multimedia collection of parishioner stories. With our renewed (and new!) connections as parishioners and Mother Jennifer’s renewed spirit, we will forge ahead in exploring how those connections define us as a congregation and can help us shine our light for others.