Though there are variations, in general, UU ministers called by their congregations receive 1 month of sabbatical for every year worked. They are to take it between their 4th and 7th years of service to a congregation or congregations. This is my 8th year at UUCF but we have been a little busy the last couple years. As you may remember, I took last April off, the first time I have taken any sabbatical in my almost 15 years of ministry. It is a privilege for which I am deeply grateful.
Starting February 1st, I will be taking 3 months of sabbatical – February, March and April. The plan is to do some traveling, studying and writing, with some photography thrown in. This is something UUCF staff and leadership have been talking about and planning for over the last couple years. In my absence, Rev. Christin C. Green will be lead staff person and will be supported by Board President Susan Bennett, the board and our incredible staff, all of whom have been here for years and have clear understandings of their roles at UUCF.
The idea for this type of sabbatical is to disconnect myself from work, refresh, recharge and return in May to resume my role. This means no email and no contact with anything UUCF-related except in an emergency. Our Sunday worship services are all covered by Rev. Christin or guest speakers. The Generosity Team is already working on the Annual Giving Campaign and the other work of the congregation continues in the good and steady hands of leadership and staff. Once again, I understand what an incredible privilege this is and I am grateful to the lay leadership, staff and the entire congregation for your support of this needed and appreciated break.
With all of that said, the rest of the holiday season and January are going to be very busy, and as we turn the corner in December, I am thrilled that it appears we will be able to celebrate Christmas Eve together in person, and inside, for the first time since 2019. I love this congregation and I know we have so much wonderful work and play to do with each other in the years to come. Please let me know if you have any questions, and I truly wish you and your loved ones a continued happy, safe and healthy holiday season.
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