Dear Ones,
As you may know, I begin my sabbatical on May 1 and I’ve been heartened by your prayers and good wishes as I anticipate this time of rest and renewal. As I make the last preparations for this time away I wanted to remind you of the provisions that will be in place for the ongoing pastoral and spiritual care of our diocese.
During the time of sabbatical and the vacation that follows (May 1 to September 6), I will remain the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese. Bishops Douglas Sparks of Northern Indiana and Deon Johnson of Missouri will be available to handle any disciplinary or pastoral needs that should arise. I will not be in the office and will step away from daily operations such as emails, phone calls, and routine administrative functions. If an emergency or crisis requiring my attention arises during my absence, a member of my staff will contact me immediately. The Rev. Canon Kristin White and Canon Brendan O’Sullivan-Hale will continue to oversee administration and programs and provide the support to clergy, lay leaders, and congregations that is vital to the ongoing health of our diocese. As always, Janet Brinkworth will be available to be assistance and to book any appointments for later this fall. Finally, I want to note that I will not be posting to Facebook while on sabbatical. If you’d like to follow along as I run, eat, and gather stories about building community and belonging as I travel this summer, you can find me posting on Instagram @JenniferBBurrows.
This sabbatical time coincides with the start of my seventh year as your bishop. I pray that this will be a time of rest, renewal, and spiritual refreshment for all of us.
May God continue to bless this beautiful ministry we share in Christ’s name.
Faithfully,
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
