Mtr. Emily is going on sabbatical! (In the spring!)

Dear friends at Our Redeemer,

This March will mark five years of my time here at Our Redeemer. I’m very grateful to the leadership of the parish which (over the years) have planned carefully so that clergy can take a sabbatical after five years of service. I will be taking up this great gift and will take my sabbatical from March 23 (Monday in Lent 5) through Saturday, June 13 (Saturday in the 2nd week after Pentecost).

The liturgically-minded among you will notice that this means I will be away for Holy Week and Easter season. It is generally recommended that clergy taking sabbatical take it over either Holy Week or Christmas, and I confess I would’ve been too sad not to celebrate Christmas with you all! Additionally, this period of time is one of the best for clergy who direct children’s programs. Much of our work happens from September through Lent, and July and August are absolutely essential for planning. While I think this was the best choice, I am already sad to miss the Vigil, Youth Sunday and many other days.

I have been away before for a week or two at a time, for vacation and for Continuing Education. But this will be the longest I have been away from you since I arrived—and I think it will feel weird! But I trust those with more experience than me who say that a cleric’s sabbatical can be a helpful thing for the whole congregation and the staff. 

The last time one of your clergy left on sabbatical, they came back and then left again permanently. I am not going to do this! First, it would be against the rules for me to do so: assisting clergy must work for one more year after returning. Second: I am excited about this next stage of our life together, as we take some months to make a Strategic Plan and then work to implement it. When I came in 2021, I wanted to strengthen and expand the parish’s life with children, and I am still confident that we can do that.

The Strategic Plan is part of why I’m letting you know about this so early. In the coming weeks you will hear more about how the Strategic Planning process will unfold. This will include Planning Groups for various areas of our life together. Because of my sabbatical, the Group working on Formation/Education will have a slightly different schedule than the other groups. Do not fear! I am working with Deb Jacoby-Twigg and Rev. Megan to make sure that we can accomplish our task like the other groups.

I have been planning for this since Holy Week of this past year, and I believe my absence will not too greatly disrupt the life of the parish. Rev. Megan has been receiving (perhaps excessive!) updates since July, and the Vestry has also been updated. I hope you will enjoy the guest preachers that Rev. Megan and I have lined up in my absence! If there is a particular ministry or event you have questions about or would like to help with, please let me know. 

Thank you all for the great gift of this time away. I promise you that I do not take it for granted, and that I will use it wisely and will return to you rested and ready for what comes next.

Mtr. Emily

3 December 2025