As we move in to the Spring season, I would like to share something that is happening in the Summer this year.
After each ten years of ministry, Vicars are encouraged to take what is commonly known as a ‘Sabbatical’. As I understand it, this is a recognition of the intensity and relentlessness of ministry and the 6-day working week of ministers, and to enable greater long-term ministry effectiveness. The idea is for the minister to have up to three months to focus on rest, renewal, and refreshment as primary objectives. The official title of this time is ‘Extended Ministerial Development Leave’, or EMDL. I have been in ministry for nearly twelve years now; nearly nine in Lytchett Matravers and three in my curacy parish. I hope to continue in ministry for many more years and so taking a Sabbatical this Summer should enable that. Sadly, I know a number of vicars who never managed to find time for a sabbatical, and suffered as a consequence. Much as I love my role and all that it involves, I know I find it hard to switch off my ‘vicar-brain’, even when I get a week or two of annual leave. The truth is I really love being here as Vicar and enjoy (to differing degrees) all aspects of my work at St Mary’s, across Lytchett and beyond. To step back for 3 months will be a challenge for me, not engaging with the everyday ministry that gives me pleasure, purpose and motivation each day.
I will still be around the village at various times, and am happy to say hello to anyone and talk about how they are, I will just be avoiding ‘Church’ chat. Carrie and I will take the time to worship elsewhere, with various family and friends who we normally can’t connect with on a Sunday. We will be going away for a couple of trips, including one to Japan when we hope to meet the missionaries Chris and Kesia Pain. But often we will be at home, Carrie continuing her job of work and I will be doing jobs around the house and garden that have needed doing for a while. I hope to spend some time honing some of the songs I’ve written over the years, possibly to record them to make them more widely available.
I do expect I shall find it strange being out of the usual routine, but hopefully I shall return in August with more inspiration and energy. The challenge, currently, is making sure I don’t leave too many gaps to fill! I’ve already got cover for the Sunday services, and Matt, the Team Rector, along with his curate, Michelle, will cover any funerals and the weddings that will be happening when I am ‘off’. Other aspects of my work will be covered to varying degrees. I am very grateful to the PCC for allowing me to take this time, I’ve also had to seek permission from Bishop, Archdeacon, Rural Dean, and Team Rector, who were all very supportive. Please pray for our amazing Churchwarden(s), and the team around them as they work with you to continue the mission and ministry of St Mary’s in my absence. My final Sunday before the sabbatical will be May 4th, and I should be back in action for Sunday 11th August.
Do get in touch if you have any specific questions.
Stephen.