Over the next couple of months, I’ll be talking more and more about my sabbatical. These special times of sabbath are recommended to all pastors some time around five to seven years.
 

While St. Paul and I had arranged for this to happen at six years during my call agreement, I delayed by nearly one year as I will be celebrating seven years with St. Paul UCC on July 2. This time of sabbath which will be for approximately three months and one week, will be an
opportunity for me to rest, find new ways of being creative, seek God in new spaces, and be reminded of what makes my heart and soul sing. You will have a number of voices preaching during this time, and our congregational lay leaders will be leading my ministerial duties
during these months.

When I was working on initial plans for a sabbatical, one question that books and grant applications ask you to name is this: What makes your heart sing? Wow! It was this time that I was able to pin down some things that mattered most to me. First and foremost is spending time with the people who matter most to me. This includes my husband Aaron, my mom, members of my family, and friends who live around the country.

Looking at family of origin, I realized didn’t have too many opportunities to connect to our roots. My mom’s maternal grandparents originated from a place north of London called Leicester. Mom and I have always talked about going there as her mom or uncle never had the opportunity. Once her grandparents left, they never went back. (My great-grandfather did return to Europe when he served in WWI.) This time will give us an opportunity to see the region as well as meet up with at least one cousin who I have never met. I will also have the time to connect with family when we return to the Niagara region of Ontario later in the sabbatical. Mom is from this area and immigrated when she and Dad got
married in 1970. We would return to visit with my grandparents each summer for about a month and then every-other Christmas vacation. After my grandma died in 1994, I have only been back two times. I look forward to this time not only spending time with Mom and
Aaron but also with cousins from both sides of the family who live up there. I’m looking forward to exploring the places that hold special memories for my mom and eating at some of my favorite places like the chicken restaurant Swiss Chalet and Avondale Ice Cream.

For all my times of sabbath - whether times of rest each day, a day removing myself from work each week, or a full sabbatical like this one, I am grateful. By changing daily duties and finding new spaces to see God, I look forward to the renewing of my mind, heart, and soul!
 

Blessings,
Pastor Michelle