Sabbatical Reflection Team
The Sabbatical Reflection Team (SRT) has the role of providing opportunities for individual and group reflection during Rev. Danielle's Sabbatical (August 15 - November 15). They will help the congregation reflect on the pillars of prayer, study and renewal during this time. Stay tuned for opportunities to learn more.
As a beginning, please read this description of the SRT. It includes the members and their mandate. Click here.
Sabbatical: Questions & Answers ~Click here~
February, 2013
At the congregational meeting it was announced that Rev. Danielle will be on a paid sabbatical August 15, 2013-November 15, 2013.
"It is the policy of The United Church of Canada that every pastoral charge provides a paid sabbatical of at least three consecutive months to those in paid accountable ministry who have completed at least five years of service in one call or appointment. (General Council 2003, Petition 131)"
Sabbatical is a period of at least three consecutive months intentionally set aside by ministry personnel in pastoral relationships as an occasion for reflection, recreation, and revitalization, unencumbered by their usual and customary responsibilities, and yet still receiving their usual remuneration and benefits. Sabbatical finds expression in study, rest, spiritual retreat, and prayer. (Understanding the United Church Sabbatical Policy, Dec 2005)
The United Church of Canada sabbatical policy describes the purpose of a minister's sabbatical in this way:
"The essence of sabbatical is rooted in the biblical practice of the Sabbath day described in the creation story. Jesus kept this practice when he took time in his ministry for renewal. He often went away to pray and reflect in silence and meditation “on mountaintops and by lakesides.”
The daily practice of ministry may involve the pressure of many tasks compressed into too few hours, leaving little opportunity for reflective, prayerful time. In the context of ministry, sabbatical time is for learning through reflection, revitalization, and recreation. It is, therefore, personal and individual in nature. It may include study, spiritual retreat, and rest and will probably be a blend of all of these.
When ministry personnel take a sabbatical, congregations benefit from the opportunity to reflect on their mission and ministry and experience different gifts of lay leadership. The sabbatical offers the congregation a minister who returns with new energy and clarity about the tasks at hand."
The guiding question of Rev. Danielle's sabbatical: "Is the life I'm living the same as the life that wants to live in me?" She is eager for this time of discernment and renewal. Rev. Danielle will dedicate her time to experiences that deepen her leadership coaching practice, writing exploration, renewal and rest.
Please contact Rev. Danielle for further conversation about her sabbatical plans.
During the months ahead the Church Board will seek the congregation's input on ways they will use the sabbatical time for congregational development and spiritual growth. There is an immediate need for three people to be part of a Sabbatical Care Team, with the primary task of listening and responding to the congregation about the congregational sabbatical needs and plans. If interested, please contact Jackie St. Goddard (Board Chair) 780-998-3851, stgod@telus.net.
