The Committee on Ministries and the Minister’s Sabbatical Team have met several times this fall. Although the focus of each of these groups is unique, both are interested in providing a “non-anxious presence” to the congregation in the temporary absence of our parish minister.
The Committee on Ministries: Most of the committees that share the work of our congregation can be assessed by the tasks they perform. That does not always hold true for the Committee on Ministries, whose work is largely intangible. The committee is charged with the responsibility of assisting the congregation and its professional and lay ministries in communicating openly and working together toward accomplishing our collective vision. The Committee on Ministries helps keep the congregation on track by anticipating challenges to harmonious functioning, and coordinating strategies to ensure that harmony. Often our work is accomplished through direct dialogue, careful planning, open communication and thoughtful modeling.
The Sabbatical Team is charged with holding the energy of congregational leadership during the Minister’s Sabbatical by overseeing aspects of congregational life related to the minister’s roles and responsibilities. During the sabbatical, the team will endeavor to insure that worship, pastoral care, and other key areas continue to serve the congregation well. Team members are available to members of the congregation for consultation. The Sabbatical Team will consult with the Committee on Ministries for timely resolution of concerns that arise during this time.
Ministerial Sabbatical is a very old concept relating to a period of rest or change, usually after six years. The root is from the word “Sabbath,” the biblical term meaning the day of rest after six days of labor. Unitarian Universalist congregations grant their ministers a sabbatical period with full pay in recognition of their difficult and consuming work. The result is a renewal of the minister’s outlook, new directions of thought, and growth of vision.
Susan Grider, Committee on Ministries
Liz Curtis, Minister’s Sabbatical Team