Summer 2007 Sabbatical for Our Ministers

When we called Becky and Mark to our ministry, we contracted (as is standard in UU churches and in many churches of other faiths as well) to allow and encourage them to take 1 month sabbatical for every year of service. Our devoted ministers have been with us for over 6 + years now and this is the year in which they would normally be expected to take a six month sabbatical. But because of their desire to maintain continuity and momentum as we worked together to nurture our growth in curriculum and worship, music, community service, and the transition to our beautiful, functional campus, they have deferred taking the sabbatical and have decided to split it into a three month interval in 2007 and another three month period in 2009.

We have achieved much during their tenure. In addition to our new facility, membership has grown and our church is a stable and very positive force for the community.Of these accomplishments we are all so proud!

Finally, Mark and Becky are ready to start planning their first 3-month sabbatical, to commence after Easter 2007 and to be followed by a shorter-than-usual summer break. To help them approach this life-restoring and ministry-enriching experience without a load of guilt, the Committee on Ministry has begun to plan for their April 8-July 2007 absence.

A grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.'s National Clergy Renewal Program is being pursued. Application deadline is mid-May (just a little over 3 months from now!) for the 2007 period. The proposal process necessitates the writing of a covenant by the membership, outlining the way we will support Mark and Becky and the plans for our church programs during their absence.

It is not surprising that Becky and Mark have many exciting ideas for ways we could, as a congregation, walk a path parallel to the one they plan, through RE study and guest speakers on the regions they will visit (primarily Greece and Transylvania ).If we are successful as a church in receiving the Lilly grant (the odds are about 1 in 4), it could help cover much of their travel expense and our church's expense in bringing in lively guest speakers and teachers while they're away.

Are alternate grants of this type available? Regrettably, no -- so we want to give this grant proposal our best effort. The Lilly process ensures that we have a plan in place to benefit both our pastors and the congregation, with the side benefit of teaching all of us more about the circular nature of ministry.

A meeting will be held sometime in March or April during Adult Ed to propose a plan for the church and our ministers, requesting enthusiastic support of the congregation. We hope you will stay tuned to the updates you'll receive in the Emersonian, and call a member of the Committee on Ministry, or talk to Becky and Mark, as you have ideas to share.

With warm regards,
Emerson Committee on Ministry
Brad Gammell, Chairman
Cathy Davis, Assistant