Sabbatical: A Primer

By Victoria Wilgocki

sab•bat•i•cal səˈbadək(ə)l/noun
noun: sabbatical; plural noun: sabbaticals
1. a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel

According to the above definition, I guess I am some kind of “other worker”!

As pastor at SAPUCC, I earn a three-month sabbatical after every 5 years of ministry. February 2018 marks the end of my 10th year as Pastor here, and I will be “sabbaticalizing” for the months of February, March and April 2018. What will I do during that time? I have a long list of things … all of which I hope will contribute to renewal, restoration, continuing education, inspiration, fun and yes, rest.

The Reverend Howard K. Bell will serve as our Sabbatical Supply Pastor while I’m away. He’s terrific!

Howard WILL
• Lead Sunday morning worship and preach
• Lead the Ash Wednesday service
• Lead the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services
• Choose the hymns and craft the liturgies
• Lead the Lenten Series – book study “Give It Up!”
• Respond to email and phone calls
• Provide pastoral care as needed
• Attend council meetings in February, March and April

Howard will NOT
• Attend every board or committee meetings unless there is a particular need
• Attend other events/programs of the church

Victoria WILL
• Lead funerals or memorials services in the event of death of a member of the congregation

What about my family? Husband Rick, and sons Noah and Truman?
Well, they are not going on sabbatical. 😉

• They will be in worship many but not all Sundays
• Rick will sing in the choir
• The boys will be go to their Sunday school classes and stay connected with their church friends

Until we meet again, my friends, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of God’s hand!