Sabbatical Information | May 22 - September 18, 2016
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Our pastor, Rev. Kerri Parker took a summer-long sabbatical from May 22, 2016 through September 3, 2016, returning on a half time basis in the first two weeks of September and full time on September 18. We are grateful for a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs, which made this experience possible.
During the sabbatical, we extended a warm “Welcome Home” to Pastor Kris Gorton, who served as our Sabbatical Supply Pastor while Pastor Kerri was away. Pastor Kris is no stranger to MUCC, since she is one of our covenant partners, and has served with us on an interim pastoral team in the past. Pastor Kris is currently a student at Chicago Theological Seminary and a Member in Discernment in the Southwest Wisconsin Association of the United Church of Christ. |
A variety of images from our pastor's sabbatical travel plans
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What is a sabbatical?
The word “sabbatical” has its roots in the Biblical concept of Sabbath. Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. Sabbath leave is a time for our pastor to shift gears in order to rest, reflect, and tend her family relationships—in order to return and minister among us refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit.
In June, Pastor Kerri was on a personal retreat at the Rhode Island shore. In July, she and her daughter traveled to London, England to explore the city together. In August, she returned to the US, and began meeting with a spiritual director to consider how to integrate what she learned over the summer into her personal life and ministry. You can see some photos above of some of the places Pastor Kerri planned to visit. Over the summer, church staff and our sabbatical team shared updates about Pastor Kerri's activities from time to time.
The most important aspect of sabbatical leave is the respect that we show Pastor Kerri and her family while they are away. It is important that we not contact them by phone, email, or other communications, including Facebook.
In June, Pastor Kerri was on a personal retreat at the Rhode Island shore. In July, she and her daughter traveled to London, England to explore the city together. In August, she returned to the US, and began meeting with a spiritual director to consider how to integrate what she learned over the summer into her personal life and ministry. You can see some photos above of some of the places Pastor Kerri planned to visit. Over the summer, church staff and our sabbatical team shared updates about Pastor Kerri's activities from time to time.
The most important aspect of sabbatical leave is the respect that we show Pastor Kerri and her family while they are away. It is important that we not contact them by phone, email, or other communications, including Facebook.
NOTE - - - The text below is archived from the summer 2016 sabbatical. - - NOTE
What does this mean for the congregation? How do I stay connected to MUCC this summer?
All of our ministries continue while Pastor Kerri is away, and perhaps new ones will be formed. All church business will be handled by the leadership of the congregation, in cooperation with our regular staff and Pastor Kris Gorton.
In order to continue with our common life, we urge you to continue attending worship on Sunday mornings, participate in Sundaes on Thursdays, and engage in the conversation on our Facebook ‘Mission and Service’ group. We’re also planning a range of special activities this summer that will parallel Pastor Kerri’s journey—reflecting on special places in our lives, the sacred relationships God calls us to, having fun and serving together. Make sure you’re on the church mailing list to stay informed!
Here are some key dates to mark on your calendar:
In order to continue with our common life, we urge you to continue attending worship on Sunday mornings, participate in Sundaes on Thursdays, and engage in the conversation on our Facebook ‘Mission and Service’ group. We’re also planning a range of special activities this summer that will parallel Pastor Kerri’s journey—reflecting on special places in our lives, the sacred relationships God calls us to, having fun and serving together. Make sure you’re on the church mailing list to stay informed!
Here are some key dates to mark on your calendar:
- Transition Sunday - a beach party sendoff. Farewell Pastor Kerri, Welcome Pastor Kris - May 22nd
- Sundaes on Thursdays begins June 16
- ACT Ride, July 28-31
- Coffee & Conversations—reconnecting with Pastor Kerri, September 6-17
What do do if...
You Need A Pastor
If you have someone in the hospital, experience a loss, need assistance or healing prayer or advice from a minister, please call the church office—or for an urgent need, contact Pastor Kris via cell phone, (608) 886-9822 or email [email protected]
You Need Caring Support from Your Church
Our Congregational Care Team continues to be available to coordinate support for non-urgent needs. Reach out to the church office, or contact Wendy Abel, (608-774-8862), Lisa Ludwig (608-838-8304), or Geoff Brink (608-513-1784) directly.
You Want to Use the Church for an Event or Meeting
Contact Melissa Mendl in the church office (608-838-9322 or [email protected]) to check availability and book space. The church office will continue to be open 9 am - 1 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
You Have Other Administrative/Business Matters to Deal With
If you have another issue which you cannot address during church office hours, contact moderator Martha Olsen, (608-579-1055 or [email protected]) and she will direct your business to the most appropriate person.
If you have someone in the hospital, experience a loss, need assistance or healing prayer or advice from a minister, please call the church office—or for an urgent need, contact Pastor Kris via cell phone, (608) 886-9822 or email [email protected]
You Need Caring Support from Your Church
Our Congregational Care Team continues to be available to coordinate support for non-urgent needs. Reach out to the church office, or contact Wendy Abel, (608-774-8862), Lisa Ludwig (608-838-8304), or Geoff Brink (608-513-1784) directly.
You Want to Use the Church for an Event or Meeting
Contact Melissa Mendl in the church office (608-838-9322 or [email protected]) to check availability and book space. The church office will continue to be open 9 am - 1 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
You Have Other Administrative/Business Matters to Deal With
If you have another issue which you cannot address during church office hours, contact moderator Martha Olsen, (608-579-1055 or [email protected]) and she will direct your business to the most appropriate person.
In order to ensure a period of renewal, it is necessary for Pastor Kerri to completely disconnect for the summer.
Please respect her family’s time of quiet and rest by not contacting them.
Please respect her family’s time of quiet and rest by not contacting them.
Our pastor's activities, summertime pastoral coverage, and our special congregational
activities for the summer have been made possible by a generous grant from:
