Dear Ones,
When we gathered for diocesan convention in November, I proclaimed that 2023 would be a year for us to rest and make ready for the ministry to which God will call us in the years ahead. From May 1 until September 5, I am going to heed my own advice and take a three-month sabbatical together with my summer vacation.
This sabbatical, which will be my first as your bishop, will give me a chance to rest, recharge, and come back to work in the fall revitalized for the work that we are called to do together. My break will help us ensure that our shared ministry will remain strong and vital for years to come, and I am grateful to all of you, and especially the leaders of the diocese, for making it possible. In particular, Joan Porter of St. Matthew’s, Indianapolis, and the Rev. Dr. Paul Jacobson of Grace, Muncie, have been generous with their time and counsel as I plan this sabbatical and make arrangements for smooth management of the diocese while I am away.
It is customary for clergy and bishops to have a sabbatical project, and I am excited to tell you about mine! For part of May and again in July, I plan to travel across the United States and the United Kingdom to visit two of my great loves—churches and running clubs—and reflect on how communities of belonging are sustained in those spaces. In particular, I hope to gain insight into how people are spiritually fed in settings outside the church and explore what we can learn from those communities as we seek to expand our radical welcome here in central and southern Indiana.
While I will be traveling for part of my sabbatical, I will also spend some time reading, reflecting, and resting at home, and will take some family vacation time in August. I am grateful to all of you for understanding that even while I am in Indianapolis, I want to unplug from work so that my sabbatical time can be truly restorative. But if I see you in the grocery store, I will be excited to tell you about my running!
Before I head out, I will preside at a regional confirmation service at St. Paul’s, Indianapolis, on April 30 (time to be determined). From May 1 until September 5, Bishop Doug Sparks of Northern Indiana and Bishop Deon Johnson of Missouri will be available to assist the bishop’s staff and Executive Council with any concerns that arise. When I return, rested and refreshed, I’ll look forward to attending the Holy Cross Ember Day gathering with clergy in mid-September and all of our fall neighborhood meetings as we prepare for our 186th Annual Convention, to be held November 10 and 11.
Would you like to know more about how things will work while I’m on sabbatical, or more about how I will spend my time away? Please join me via Zoom for a conversation about all things sabbatical on Sunday, February 19 at 4:00 pm Eastern/3:00 Central. Register here to receive a Zoom link.
Beloved, thank you, as always, for the joy of being in ministry with you. I look forward to a restful summer break, and more importantly, to many years ahead as your bishop.
Faithfully,
Bishop Jennifer
