Plans for the Rector’s Sabbatical in Summer 2022

The terms of call for the Rector of Holy Trinity follow the Diocese of New York guidelines in suggesting that the rector take a sabbatical away from the parish every 5-7 years of service. With this in mind, the vestry and rector are planning for a sabbatical time in June, July and August of 2022, Father John’s seventh year among us. To offset costs and to expand renewal programs, Holy Trinity has applied for a grant. Even if the grant is not received, all of our imagined programs can be done on a smaller scale, financed differently.

The Lilly Foundation offers grants up to $50,000 to congregations for a renewal project that includes 1) renewal/sabbatical time for the pastor (up to $35,000) and 2) programs intended to renew and rejuvenate the parish and pay supply priests (up to $15,000).

The Holy Trinity Sabbatical Task Force consists of Chris Abelt, Jeanne Blazina (chair), Christine du Toit, Carol Haley, Liz Poole, Joe Lipuma, and John Beddingfield, rector. The proposal was submitted on April 14, 2021 and the parish should learn of the Lilly Foundation’s decision by the end of August 2021.

Entertaining Angels: Deepening our Theology and Practice of Hospitality

The parish proposes a renewal program with the above title, based on Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (RSV). We have often felt closest to God when sharing and welcoming—whether in Holy Communion, the weekly community dinner, our homeless shelter, or an annual street fair. Many of our engagements with the stranger have revealed something new to us about God which has challenged us or changed us. Although we have grieved the many occasions and programs of hospitality, we have had to suspend during the COVID-19 pandemic, we embrace the pause as an opportunity. Together the congregation and rector are eager to see where God might lead us to enjoy ourselves, deepen community and evolve the ways we welcome others.

Renewal Activities Proposed by the Parish

Screening of the movie, “The Way.” As Fr. John walks The Way during his sabbatical, the congregation will “pray alongside” him by watching this film about the Camino de Santiago. Q&A will follow, led by a parishioner and a neighbor who have walked the Camino.

Community-Building Group Cake-Baking Event. This will be a festive, relaxed gathering for parishioners and their friends—especially for those whose birthday celebrations were made impossible by the pandemic. A parishioner/passionate baker will organize the preparations, lead volunteers through the baking and decorating and provide commentary during the event. Cakes, cakes and more cakes will be created, admired and savored.

Hymn Sing. Since we all missed the joy of congregational singing during the pandemic, we propose recapturing it with a hymn sing led by our church musicians and a visiting musician. We also anticipate inviting other church congregations to join us and providing a simple reception.

Yoga Retreat for All Levels. Open to everyone and anyone, it will offer an accessible practice with lots of options and followed by deep relaxation. We will end the parishioner-led half-day retreat with time to socialize and engage with each other over catered refreshments.

Renewal Activities proposed by the Rector

This proposal envisions an uninterrupted, three-month block of time away from the parish. It begins in Spain, as I practice being a pilgrim and guest (June). Activities include a retreat and pilgrimage to Guadalupe, Spain and an eight-day walk of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I then spend time sharpening my skills as a host (July) and reflect more deeply through writing and research. Activities include a one-week course at the Culinary Institute of America and time spent reading, researching, and resting in Princeton, NJ. Then I explore other models of hospitality and practice more intentionally being a companion (August), mindful that this word originates from the Latin, “com,”(with, together) and “panis,” (bread). August includes time observing and participating in ministries in and around Asheville, NC, as well as time resting, writing, and visiting with family. A part of learning to be a better companion will involve deeper immersion in the Spanish language. Right now, I feel like the ultimate “kept outside” person when I need to speak Spanish: unsure of myself, reliant on others and with no real sense of belonging. As I travel in Spain and visit bilingual churches and missions in the United States, I hope to increase my confidence in using Spanish in worship, pastoral care and all aspects of ministry.