Dear friends,

Thank you for the gift of a most wonderful sabbatical that was truly a time of rest and renewal. I am grateful for the leadership that kept things running smoothly and efficiently. Returning has been an easy transition and the “welcome home” from so many of you has been heartfelt.

I have been asked what I read during my leave and to my surprise I was able to enjoy many great books. I have included the list below for your reference. I recommend them all.

This month I look forward to celebrating our high school graduate, Marji Rawlings and all of the recipients of The Lawrence Mason Scholarship. This is such a great gift from our church to those who are continuing their education and get to feel the support of their community.

The pilgrimage exploring our Anglican and Huguenot roots to England and France is finally upon us. I look forward to traveling with the group in recognition of our 325th Anniversary. I am most appreciative of Elisabet Goodwyn’s organization and leadership in this pilgrimage. Please keep us in your prayers for safe travels and spiritual growth.

I want to thank Nicole Goots for the work that she did with our youth during the first half of the year. Nicole’s enthusiasm helped us to see an area with our youth that needs our attention. I will be working with Marion and the Vestry to seek the right person to fill this role and will hopefully make an announcement soon. As Nicole turns her focus on building her real estate practice we wish her the best.

I look forward to seeing you all and reconnecting soon.

Blessings,
Gini+

Gini’s Sabbatical Reading List:
The Book of Lost Friends – Lisa Wingate
Through Gates of Splendor – Elisabeth Elliot
Theo of Golden – Allen Levi
Daughters of Palestine – Leyla King (A colleague that I met at CREDO)
The Sacred Enneagram – Christopher L. Heuertz
The Monacan Indians: Our Story – Karenne Wood and Diane Shields
Art and the Christian Apocrypha – David R. Cartlidge and J. Keith Elliott

Dear Friends,

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” Hebrews 4:9

One of the top questions I get about my sabbatical leave next to “what are you going to do?” is “are you going to retire?” I thought that I would take this opportunity to address these questions and a couple more.

Since I came to Manakin seven and a half years ago we have been very busy. To use a sports analogy, we have been in a “full court press!” In the beginning, we had the energy of a new spiritual leader and all that brings. Then we had the innovative and creative years of ministry during COVID. Now we are in the recovery years as we welcome returning members and new. Our Letter of Agreement calls for two weeks of sabbatical leave for every year of service. I will be taking ten weeks of the fourteen earned to date starting on May 5.

What am I going to do? I will begin with an Episcopal Church conference for clergy known as CREDO. During this time of retreat, the clergy attending will explore whether we are living out our creed, our call to ordained ministry. I had the option of attending the regular CREDO or the one in preparation for retirement. I chose the regular one. After attending CREDO I will have a period of reflection.

I will be participating in an art class in early June that always fills my spiritual growth.

Our family has a planned vacation at the beach where we will enjoy time with all of our grandchildren.

I plan to worship at other area churches. I see this as a study and exploration opportunity. You may still see Phil on many Sundays worshiping with you in the congregation!

I will end with a silent retreat and time away in the mountains before returning July 15.

Am I going to retire? I do not have plans for retirement on my horizon. My intention for sabbatical leave is to receive rest and renewal so that I will be better equipped to serve until I retire. The mandatory age for retirement in the Episcopal Church is 72. I have just turned 63 and do not have retirement in my plans.

Who will take care of me if I have a pastoral emergency?  Part of the purpose of sabbatical leave is for the clergy to not carry or worry about members in the congregation. To that end, I have put together a good group of colleagues to cover while I am out. We also have a wonderful team of Stephen Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors who will be providing pastoral care. If a need or emergency arises, please contact the church office and through Wendy and Marion your care will be addressed. You may also contact our Wardens who are both Stephen Ministers: Jeff Lighthiser (Sr. Warden) and Gunnar Kohlbeck (Jr. Warden).

Who will be leading services? The Rev. Canon Keith Gentry will be officiating at six services, The Rev. Anne Dale will be officiating at one. Our lay members, Jeff Lighthiser, Bill Breed and Roy McLeod will be leading three Morning Prayer services. You will receive a good variety of services and preaching during this time.

Sabbatical is not only for the clergy, but for the congregation as well. During this time, I hope that you will also explore some of the areas that I will be exploring: Are you using your gifts in the way God has called you in the church? Are you doing something creative that supports your spiritual gifts? Are you resting in ways that strengthen you to serve? How is God’s word speaking to you? What needs do you see at Manakin that can be addressed and how can you support them?

I am very grateful for this time of spiritual growth and renewal. I look forward to returning in July to see how we have both rested in the Lord. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns

Blessing,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

“I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I love it when someone inquires if something we do is a “Catholic” thing. Recently you may have noticed that a rack of votive candles has been placed near the entrance of the Nave. This request by a parishioner stems from lighting candles during past Celtic services that we have had at Manakin. He yearned for this meaningful act to be enjoyed by others on a regular basis. I want to thank Diane Mahoney for the use of her table and assistance in setting this up for our benefit.

 The history of the use of candles in worship and personal prayers dates back to ancient time and has been used in other cultures as well. In the early Christian church, they were used to light dark churches as a symbol of God’s presence representing light over darkness.

I have burned candles in my personal prayers for a long time. When a loved one is having a medical procedure, I light a candle along with my prayers invoking God’s blessing on those involved. I believe that it not only brings comfort to  me, but to the individuals as well.

Lighting a candle for yourself or others is a way to focus our prayers. It is a gesture that signifies hope and calls upon the presence of Jesus, the light of the world. When praying for a specific petition or intercession, individuals often like to light a candle as a defined act.

Ginger, Liz, Chris, Stephany and Tricia recently melted the retired Paschal Candle used during Easter, Baptism and Burial services and made candles for individual use. These candles will soon be available for you as a gift from Manakin to take and use during your personal prayer and reflection time.

Yes, it is a Catholic thing, but it is also a practice with Episcopalians, Lutherans,  Methodist and many other denominations. A good thing does not have to remain within one religious belief.

Light and candle. Say a Prayer. Go in Peace.

Blessings,
Gini+