SABBATICAL DETAILS
(And why you need to know)
As my long-awaited sabbatical draws near, I’m starting to feel the anticipation and excitement. I’m also feeling no small amount of anxiety over being away from All Saints’ (you know it’s very hard for me to let go). I’ll be away from All Saints’ from July 1 through September 30. I tried to schedule things so that I would be away during an “easier” time in the parish but, of course, things didn’t turn out as hoped. I know you all will go with the flow in a time that is both exciting and nervous, and I’ll do my part by taking advantage of everything that a sabbatical offers.
A sabbatical is supposed to be a mix of personal R & R, and vocational discernment and rejuvenation. I’ve got those bases covered. I’ll have two week-long guided retreats: one with my spiritual director (and our parish consultant) Linda Nelson at Advent House at the Episcopal Cathedral in New Orleans, and another at the Episcopal monastery of the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge, MA. Those will be followed by a lot of reflection and writing. I’m also looking forward to a visit with my clergy mentor from seminary days; he is very special to me. I’ll do some personal travel to see family and friends (some of whom I haven’t been able to see in many years), and I’ll do some things I’d never be able to do in “real life” (maybe go to Green Bay to watch the Packers’ training camp). And, of course, there is a lot of time for rest (that’s what the word “sabbatical” means) here at home and away. Throughout the sabbatical, I’ll be reading and studying—the kind one can’t do in day-to-day life. I’m also thinking of getting my wonderful old oboe restored and see if I can’t begin to get back into playing shape—something I’ve dreamed of doing for over twenty years.
I’m very happy indeed to announce that Bishop Gray has appointed, at our request, the Rev. Michael Lippard to be “Priest-in-Charge” [the formal, canonical term] throughout my sabbatical. He will be with us throughout June and will officially begin on July 16. What is particularly special about this is that Michael is ordained as a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and this is the first such appointment that I know of anywhere. It is made under the provisions of the “Called to Common Mission” agreement of 2003 that brought the Episcopal Church and the ELCA into full communion with each other. Michael is well known at All Saints’. He and his wife, the Rev. Susan Springer (who is Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran in Tupelo) have often worshipped with us. Michael leads a Centering Prayer group here and has preached here on several occasions. He has a practice as a certified Marriage and Family Therapist. Michael will be available at All Saints’ for “Word, Sacrament, and pastoral care.” This means that he will take the Sunday and Wednesday services, be available for personal appointments, and respond to special needs and emergencies. He will not have any of the usual administrative duties (those will be handled by the Wardens, Vestry, and Staff), but he will be able to stand in with the Bishop’s authority (and under his direction) if necessary. I am so pleased that All Saints’ will have this consistent and skilled pastoral oversight, as compared to having what would amount to three months’ worth of various visiting clergy once a week.
Along those same lines I ‘m also happy to say that our own Fr. Ray Goodman has graciously agreed to take on the needs for pastoral visitations and home communions from week to week. This brings Ray back to his time as Rector here (1970-73), and he has a real heart for this kind of sacramental and pastoral care. Ray’s presence again ensures the consistency of experienced and personal ministry while I’m away.
Obviously, it was important to set things up so that Gene could be “really” retired. Besides, we (and he) will have to let go of his role as our Associate. There will be one exception, however. Gene will take funerals as needed when I am out of town (as he has when I’ve been on vacation). Also, you should know that I’ve decided that if the need arises and I am able I will preside at funerals for All Saints’ communicants during my sabbatical period. (This is contrary to what all the professionals say is best, but I know myself well enough to be sure that this is the best decision for me and that this will actually allow me to have a better experience of the sabbatical.) I am so very thankful for this opportunity, and I am already looking forward to sharing its fruits with you come October 1st.
