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+