A Time for Rest and Renewal

I am deeply grateful to Westminster and the PC(USA) for carving out time for sabbatical for pastors. I am looking forward to this dedicated time to rest, reflect, and renew. My sabbatical begins October 24, and I will return January 23—ready to engage with what is next for the church! (I chose these dates based on a desire to stay through the start of program year in support of new Christian Formation staff and structure. I will return in time for major program time, and with a few weeks preparation time for Lent/Eastertide.)

To use the words of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program description, I hope to use this time for “intentional exploration and reflection, for regaining the enthusiasm and creativity for ministry, for discovering what will make [my] heart sing.” While I’m away, I’ll be reading, writing, and creating. So far my to-read list includes: Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann, Sacred Pause by Rachel G. Hackenberg, Faithful Families by Traci Smith, and When Moses Meets Aaron by Susan Beaumont. My writing will be directed by the Celebrations of Life writing guide. I hope to continue my work with storytelling and improv, and add either watercolor or pottery to the mix, as I desire to engage with some non-verbal creating. Thank you for this gift of time to rest and renew.

Casey FitzGerald