I began seminary in 2005. In 2007 and 2008, I did a half-time 2-year internship during which I took over the responsibility of the ministry of the congregation in my second year because of a necessary leave for the settled minister. That means, essentially, this is the 14th anniversary of my ministry. Most ministerial letters of agreement call for ministers to have up to 6 months of sabbatical leave every 6 years. I know this is an extraordinary privilege for which I am truly grateful. However, I have never taken any sabbatical leave … until now.
With consistent urging and support from the Board of Directors over the last year, I have decided to take a partial sabbatical the last week in March through the next to last week in April. During this time, as is typical of UU ministerial sabbaticals, I will not have any contact with the congregation, except for some sort of emergency. I will not even be checking email and I may try to take time off from social media where so many of us like to connect. Then, next year, the plan is for me to take 3 months, January through March, off as well. During this time I will try to focus on my health, which is fine but certainly could be better, and, if possible, I think I may have a book in me that is trying to get out. I can’t promise that I will be as productive as hoped for, but I am going to give it some effort. I also hope to do some traveling and increase my photography skills in the hopes of holding a show at UUCF at some point.
I understand that I am doing this in traumatic times. It has always felt and continues to feel like there is no right time to take a sabbatical. We have all been through so much in the last 2 years and I know that so many don’t have the privilege of this kind of benefit. In my mind, the purpose of sabbatical is to rest, to gain some perspective, insight and renewal and to come back ready to serve the congregation to the best of my abilities. I am exceedingly grateful for our incredible staff and my partner in ministry, Rev. Christin Green, as well as our wonderful lay leaders who are participants in one of the healthiest congregational systems around. I have complete confidence in the deep care in which they hold the congregation and will continue to do so while I am away.
As I write this, my heart breaks for all those who are suffering, especially in Ukraine. There has been so much suffering, trauma and grief for so many over the past few years that it is hard to even name. Yet, there is also evidence of hope and what eco-theologian Joanna Macy calls “the Great Turning,” a shift from the Industrial Growth Society to a life-sustaining civilization. I truly feel, although it has taken shape in fits and starts, that there is also a growing awakening happening for the need for us to be in a deeper and more loving relationship with each other and the planet. As we move forward through whatever may come next, may we all find that connection and may we continue to find and recognize the beauty, hope, joy and goodness that we all so very much need in these difficult days.
I look forward to being with you through Mar. 27, but wanted to make sure you all knew the plan going forward. Once again, I will take this time to go deeper into that space and do whatever I can to support all of us in the effort to transform the world through acts of love and justice.
Bob McCarthy
Dear Rev. D
Congratulations on the decision to take a mini-sabbatical. You have earned it working through some of the most challenging times for UUCF and certainly for you personally.
I’m interested in hearing what you are considering for your book. If it is to be an attempt at explaining the 1st Principle and its applicability in today’s world I don’t believe it will make the NYT top 10. Sorry to rain on your parade if I guessed correctly.
I have had a thought that perhaps I can live with the 1st Principle if I think of it as having an expiration date, i.e., a person’s worth and dignity may be inherent but not beyond degradation. It can sour unless you do things to maintain it. But in some cases you just need to throw out the old milk and buy new.
I’m not giving up all hope however. I have decided to dip my toe back into the troubled waters and have signed up for the upcoming UU the Vote campaign to get people not only to vote but to get a better class of elected officials. If nothing else we do not need to vote for the uninspired.
Enjoy your time away and come back to us inspired!
Warm regards
Bob McCarthy