In the hope of ensuring that everyone is informed, included, and reassured, for the past few months I have been communicating about my upcoming sabbatical in the Chanticleer. My goal is to offer the congregation answers to any questions that might arise. The why, what, when and how of my sabbatical time away from First Church. Here is a short review:
Why? A minister takes a sabbatical to fill up their spiritual, educational and personal well and a congregation provides this gift of time to ensure that the health of the minister and work of the church can continue to thrive.
When? My five-month sabbatical time be divided across two years in the summer months to ensure continuity in religious education, this way faith formation can sustainably continue in my absence. Our religious education program is already scaled back in the summer due to lower attendance. I will take the first half of my sabbatical directly after RE Sunday, starting on May 20 through to August 1, 2025.
How? The short answer is with everyone working together, as it always takes a village.
Each of these Sunday’s will feature an all-ages activity led by an experienced volunteer and Fiona Higgins, our RE Assistant. I will be away for ten Sundays, and thanks to the Children’s Religious Education Team, we already have activity leaders for six Sundays. If you can support RE during this time, we would love to have your assistance.
If you would like to lead a Sunday, this link offers some ideas for Summer RE
If you would just like to come play and help with the children, please do!
The Summer RE Schedule is here!
Taking the time to lay down my work with this fine faith community gives me space to fill a well of restoration that my calling depends on. I am humbled and appreciative of this upcoming time away to reflect on my life’s direction, learn, grow and then joyfully return to First Church.
In gratitude,
Rev. Kimberlee
Rev. Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson, Minister of Religious Education