Sabbatical

Happy and Blessed 2025 Everyone,

Have you ever heard the word, Sabbatical? Have you ever wondered what it is? Maybe you think it is just a long vacation? Well, the concept of a sabbatical is based on the biblical practice of shmita, which is related to horticulture. In the book of Leviticus, God suggests to Moses that farmers give a sabbath year in which the farmers let the land rest every seventh year. It has more recently been a common practice for churches to offer sabbatical to their clergy every five to seven years of pastoral service. I have now served this church for almost twelve years. Sabbatical today refers to an extended time away from work to allow employees to pursue activities outside normal job duties. In relation to the church and it's pastor, it is also a time for the church to look at themselves and where they can see God is leading them in the temporary absence of the settled pastor.

Some functions of the sabbatical time are:

*Prevent burnout

*Prioritize mental health

*Pursue new interests

*Volunteer work

*Travel for missionary work

*Address physical concerns

*Re-evaluate and re-prioritize life and service

Sabbaticals can last for a single month or as long as two years. I am hoping to be approved for three months, paid. I am willing to incorporate my one-month vacation (4 weeks) into the sabbatical of the 12 weeks). During this time, I plan to reflect on and make space for my own spiritual, emotional, and physical wellb eing. To research women in the scriptures and develop some into

characters. I then hope to offer these ‘skits’ for education and enjoyment to our church and maybe even beyond. If possible, time out in the woods would be wonderful!  Another thing to consider is that during the three months during my sabbatical, I will be unavailable. Pastoral support will be available through local clergy and our deacons.

We have two or three church members willing to help cover pulpit supply. More would be wonderful. The deacons will also be asking for $1,000.00 in the 2025 budget, for additional pulpit supply support. This will allow the church to have a covering ordained clergy available to offer communion coverage.To remove another possible concern, I will covenant with the Congregational Christian Church of Somerset, UCC, to serve a minimum of another year, following my return from sabbatical. I do hope and pray you can support this sabbatical plan for this coming year. Please ask the deacons or myself for more information or to discuss your thoughts and share opinions. We will vote on this at our Annual Meeting in February.

Peace,

The Reverend Cheryl Rieder