Sabbatical 2019

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and Wisdom to know the difference. (Reinhold Niebuhr) One of the things about packing is that I'm always second guessing myself.  Do I need this?  What am I forgetting?  How do I arrange the items I'm taking?  This time there are three bags...a suitcase and two knapsacks.  One or another of the knapsacks will always be in the suitcase.  They have specific purposes; hydration while cycling, and carrying my electronics while travelling.  I'm thankful for the electronics which carry a pile of books to read, or shows to watch....as long as I don't leave them in the seat pocket of the plane.  Cycling means carrying a helmet, shoes, rain gear, pedals, tools, more electronics - so keeping the weight down in the suitcase is a challenge.  We're renting the bikes and are responsible for minor repairs along the road.  If we have a major repair t...

As I've prepared for the Camino del Santiago I've watched videos, read blogs and articles on the journey.  In one of those (I don't remember which) the creator made the comment that the journey begins when you decide to do it.  I felt then, and I do now, that is an astute reflection.  When Sandy and I initially began talking about taking the sabbatical I thought about connecting it to the 30th Anniversary of my ordination.  It would be a good time to visit the places and congregations I've served.  We've discussed completing the Camino since we first met 12 years ago.  At the time the simple act of walking was important to both of us, for similar reasons.  Walking was one of the things we held in common. Between 2005 and 2007 I'd found that walking gave me space to reflect.  In the midst of a divorce it provided an escape from the problems of my days.  It also gave time to think through the things that we happening and decide on next steps...

Plan for Sabbatical Leave during June through August 2019; The United Church of Canada describes Sabbatical Leave in the following 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 mountain tops 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, communities of faith benefit from the opportunity to reflect on their mission and ministry a...