By Rev. Nina D. Grey
January, 2005
As we move toward a New Year, it is a time of new beginnings in our church life. In the last month, our leadership affirmed the importance of moving forward with the sabbatical. Soon I will enter into a different pace and the opportunity for renewal and you will embark on the adventure that sabbatical brings to a congregation. It is a good time for this adventure. We have created a new mission and vision. Our leadership is strong. We are poised to seek a new religious educator, and to begin strategic planning for the future. Our January worship begins with a Bon Voyage Service and Luncheon on January 2, 2005, to mark the sabbatical’s beginning. In the next five months, Sundays will offer the creativity of wonderful guest speakers, and the leadership of our trained worship associates.
Pastoral care will include Rev. Millie Rochester and Rev. David Arksey, our Minister-At-Large, who will provide emergency pastoral care and consultation to Rev. Millie and to our Caring Committee and our new Pastoral Care Associates Team, and area ministers who will offer back-up emergency pastoral care. It will be Rev. Viola Moore, during January. Rev. Arksey and Madeiria Myrieckes will communicate regarding Rev. Millie’s availability for pastoral care, during her recovery.
The Sabbatical Committee is providing worship and pastoral care brochures, and a handbook for leaders about various areas of church life.
My sabbatical will include study, reading, writing, reflection, immersion in some world religion communities, family and friendship time, walking, and taking in some movies and concerts. In January I’ll be in Chicago for a course; in February and March, in New York, near my family and Union Theological School; and in April and May in Florida, near the Gulf. I will share something about my experiences each month, in a letter to you, via the newsletter.
This column is named Both Sides, and so I want to tell you that, for me, there are at least two feelings about this sabbatical. On the one hand, without a doubt I am looking forward to this time of renewal. It is important. I have faith I will use it well. And I have faith you will use this time well.
On the other hand, I know I will miss you. I love this congregation and I thoroughly enjoy walking with you in our shared ministry. Chicago, Hyde Park, and the First Unitarian Church have become what feels like home. Even as I get ready to let go, and begin something new for the coming five months, I anticipate returning with a sense of gladness and coming home.
I hope you can join us on this Sunday, January 2, 2005, as we honor the return of the sun, the New Year, and for us a time of exciting new beginnings.
With love, in faith,
Nina