April 24 - September 7
During a lull in preparations for the Spring Turkey Supper, I had the opportunity to meet with Pastor Steven to ask about his plans and goals for his upcoming sabbatical.
It comes as no surprise that his plans include music. "Music is an important form of creative expression for me, both in my ministry and beyond," he stated. During the summer he plans to research and develop three integrated themed musical programs interweaving songs with history to tell the story of various types of music.
One of the new programs will explore the richness and beauty of African American Spirituals, a musical genre that has always intrigued him. He hopes to trace the story of these songs and their importance to Black Christians over the past three centuries.
A second program will focus on the relationship between Gospel and Bluegrass music –another favorite musical style. The pastor knows a number of people who were introduced to faith in Christ through Gospel and Bluegrass.
Pastor Steven says he is most excited about a third program which will focus on his own personal faith journeyâ€â€his testimony in song. He expects this program to include songs and hymns from his childhood and as a young believer, as well as songs that led him to hear and follow a call to ministry. This program will undoubtedly include some of the songs he has written; and he may even be inspired to write some new ones. He is looking forward to sharing these programs with us when he returns.
According to the UCC guidelines for pastoral sabbaticals, this time away from regular ministerial responsibilities should help a pastor refocus his or her ministry, provide time to learn from others, sharpen their skills, and return to their congregation with new ideas and renewed vitality for leadership. Pastor Steven expects to continue his daily spiritual practices including personal devotions, prayer and journaling.
He plans to worship in other churches and work through a healthy reading list. He will also be visiting his mother in upstate New York and attending Bluegrass Festivals - leading or participating in Sunday worship at several. He will be traveling often but expects to spend enough time in Amityville to maintain his garden.
The UCC Sabbatical guidelines state that in addition to the benefits of rest, reflection and renewal for the pastor, a sabbatical leave should also be a time of growth and self-sufficiency for the congregation. Is there something you can do to improve your spiritual health, help your fellow church members or show your love and concern for the community? This summer can become a time of reflection and renewal for each of us.
Martha Sitler