SSLq'How do I write down the wonder of watching the seasons change or the evolution of bugs or the tiny microcosms of worlds watched," wrote Rev. Annette Joseph, pastor of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 420 N. Main St., as she reflected about her four month sabbatical. "There is no way," she continued, "to record the ways in which these have and will supply and refresh my soul, influence my preaching or care, come out in new epiphanies of learning."
For the most part sabbatical is a term associated with academia, but it isn't exclusively theirs. More and more professions have come to understand the value of underwriting a time of refreshment every few years for their employees. Among those adopting this benefit is the Episcopal Church. Although a sabbatical is not mandatory in the Episcopal Church, it is strongly suggested and all clergy contracts in recent years include sabbatical leave. No set criteria for how clergy must use this time is required. For the most part, clergy may do as they choose during their sabbatical, but for those who are unsure of how they wish to use this time, the church offers a Credo Conference which assists with the planning of a sabbatical. Some clergy chose to attend such a conference in advance of their sabbatical year; others, attend the conference during the first 10 days of their sabbatical while others pass. Rev. Annette chose the latter path as she understood exactly what she needed -- rest!
Five days into her sabbatical, Rev. Annette, an avid coin collector, did something for herself. On June 5th, the 38th coin of the America Beautiful Quarters Program was released at Alley Spring Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The coin depicts the iconic Alley Mill, which sits at the edge of Alley Spring. The official quarter launch ceremony and accompanying interpretive special event drew a crowd of over 2,250 visitors, including more than 600 school children. Her first sabbatical was off to an amazing start!
Also in June, she attended a three day, women's healing retreat in Van Buren, which she would not normally have attended due to her commitment as a pastor.
A few weeks into the sabbatical and there had been little time for rest. Tuesday, June 20, Rev. Ronnie Webb invited her to join him and other members of the clergy to a dinner with Gov. Greitens at the Governor's Mansion. The meeting between the Governor and this faith group was intense and informative. Gov. Greitens brought those of faith together to explore ways all could help our neediest populations. What ensued was some stimulating conversations and interesting suggestions. Rev. Annette found the Governor to be a good listener and open to suggestion. She left with hope in her heart.
July brought a different opportunity when a friend invited her to attend the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, N.C. Fours days of "art, music, and story-driven transformational experience grounded in faith-inspired social justice." As Rev. Annette put it, "It was an opportunity to play with the gospel." Highlights of the event was hearing and meeting William "Paul" Young, author of "The Shack," and meeting a familiar voice from her childhood, Ken Medema. "I grew up listening to Ken Medema's music." Although his voice had been part of her life since she was a child, she never realized until now he was blind. Rev. Annette said, "Meeting Paul Young and Ken Medema in the same morning was almost too much. After lunch, my friend and I opted for a quiet afternoon of recuperation from a 'heavy' morning." The Wild Goose Festival offered wonderful experiences. Aside from meeting phenomenal people, there was free time to swim in the river, and time to process what she experienced. Another highlight of this event was hearing Rev. Dr. William Barber II of Moral Mondays -- a coalition of organizations, institutions, and people of all walks of life who want to put People over Politics, and Otis Moss III, pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. Rev. Annette's personal highlight may have been singing with the choir. All in all, the Wild Goose Festival was a rewarding experience and one she plans to enjoy again next year. Looks like someone will be taking some vacation time to return to North Carolina next July.
Rev. Annette's life settled down a bit in August. She writes poetry and has been encouraged to publish her work, so she spent the majority of the month preparing her poetry for publication and sent it off for review. No word yet, but she's hopeful.
By September, she was ready for a road trip with a friend. "I've been to Quebec City eight times, but this was nice because it gave me an opportunity to act as a tour guide for someone who was seeing this wonderful city with fresh eyes." When the Airbnb host and hostess asked if they had been whale watching, even Rev. Annette was surprised. All the trips she had previously made to Quebec City and she never had an inkling whale watching was an option. They traveled approximately three hours outside of Quebec City for this adventure and they weren't disappointed. Not only did they see whales in the St. Lawrence River they found a pod of seals. On the way home, Rev. Annette visited with her mother and her son, returning home in time for the family to whisk daughter, Anna, off to Southeast Missouri State University for her first year of college.
Oct. 1, Rev. Annette returned to the pulpit at Holy Cross, rested, refreshed and ready to embrace the congregation.
As she concluded in her journal, "There is no way to document or describe this influence and its impact on our congregation." Only time will tell how her sabbatical experience will impact the congregation.