Starting Point

The 'Sunday' I'm blogging about here is my Sabbatical; three months of leave from my day-to-day work as Priest-in-Charge at St. Martin's Church Maidstone. Not that every day feels like Sunday (although Sunday can actually be a bit confusing for a priest!); there are some days that have gone past before I have managed to attach much meaning to them; there are days when three months seems too long to be away.

But I'm learning how important this time is - time for me and for everyone at St. Martin's to reflect. Time for me not to micro-manage the leadership team; time for them to stretch into new roles. Quite what we will do with the changing space between us when I return remains to be seen...

Back in September I submitted a plan for my Sabbatical leave to the Ministry Development Officer of our Diocese, who would then present it to the Bishop. My hopes included a long silent retreat; walking a pilgrim way; writing a reflective theological piece. In short some body/mind/spirit stuff.

I was given  the book 'Clergy Renewal' to read, which helped me to think not simply about my own planning process but how to work with the Church congregation towards this time. And I was encouraged to see my spiritual accompanier regularly, before, during and after this time.

I went to visit her. She helped me to consider that 'it begins now' -  the journey that leads to and through Sabbatical can start in my heart, preparing for what God might have in store as we travel this road together.