Rector’s Upcoming Sabbatical

Rector’s Sabbatical Announcement and FAQs

by The Rev. Kristine A. Johnson

I will be taking a sabbatical this summer. The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath – setting aside holy time to rest from work and reconnect with God. Sabbatical leave is important for pastors to rest, study, reflect, and travel so that they can return to ministry refreshed and renewed. My letter of agreement specifies that I accrue two weeks of sabbatical leave for each year worked, to be available after the fourth year. I have been at St. Mary’s over 4.5 years. Sabbatical is more than a vacation; it is a season of spiritual growth. This time will also be a time of growth and learning for the entire congregation.

When will you be gone?

I will be away from St. Mary’s from Monday, May 27 through Monday, August 5. I will be taking 8 weeks of sabbatical leave and 2 weeks of vacation.

What will you be doing?

My time away will be a combination of rest and quest, and I will be joined by my husband, Melvin. The centerpiece of my sabbatical is a month-long pilgrimage on the St. Olavsleden (https://stolavsleden.com/). Yes, we will be carrying all of our stuff, but we won’t be camping. We will also spend a week on Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, with 92 medieval churches, over 40 labyrinths, and pilgrim trails that are part of St. Olavsleden. Rounding out our time we will explore other parts of Sweden and Norway and spend a week in Spain with friends.

Will we be able to reach you?

The point of a sabbatical is to fully rest from parish life. I will not be checking my work email or voicemail at all. In the unlikely event something extraordinary happens that I need to know about immediately, our Parish Administrator Penny Portillo will be able to contact me. No doubt I will be posting on social media, where you are welcome to like my posts, but please refrain from telling me what’s going on at St. Mary’s or asking questions. There will be time to catch up when I return in August.

Who will cover your responsibilities while you’re away?

The Vestry, led by Senior Warden Roni Portillo and Junior Warden Keely Clifford, and our amazing staff will keep things running smoothly. Although Roni is not planning specific office hours, he is happy to meet with anyone in person or speak on the phone; just let him know. The Vestry will meet in June as usual, and take July off, as usual. We will have supply priests cover some Sunday services and other priests who will cover pastoral care as needed. Our Parish Administrator, Penny Portillo, is a great first call if you are not sure who to call.

Who will lead worship?

We are so fortunate to have lay worship leaders who will be taking turns leading Morning Prayer during my absence. We will have supply priests about half of the Sundays who will lead services of Holy Eucharist. There will also be after-worship education or fellowship activities most weeks. Please enjoy the different worship styles! This is a great opportunity for you to think about what is important to you about worship, and when I return, I would love to hear your thoughts as I plan future worship services.

Who do I call if I need pastoral care?

Stuff happens, as we all know. As is often the case when I am out of town, one of my nearby colleagues, Rev. Laurel Coote (St. Dunstan’s, Carmel Valley) or Rev. Amber Sturgess (All Saints’, Carmel), will be available for calls, visits, or pastoral services should the need arise. Penny will be able to put you in touch with them.

Who pays for the sabbatical?

I receive my regular salary during my sabbatical. The church has budgeted for the supply clergy. I am covering all expenses related to my sabbatical.

Will we be in a “holding pattern” until you return?

No! Parish life in all its beautiful diversity will go on as usual. You will worship, learn, be in fellowship with each other, and continue to serve each other and the wider community. Planning and construction on the labyrinth garden will proceed under the leadership of project manager Andrea Noble. I hope this will be a time of reflection, rejoicing in what has been, and preparing for what will be!