Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal Oct. 31

In this week’s issue, Rev. Justin writes:

I can hardly believe I’ve served First Universalist Church for ten years. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was finding my way around the building. The years have flown by and I am grateful to serve a congregation that supports its ministers with sabbatical time, time designed for renewal, rejuvenation, and reflection. For full-time ministers, after each year of service at the church, we accrue a month of sabbatical time, with a maximum accrual of 6 months. Over a year ago, the Board of Trustees approved a six-month sabbatical beginning in January 2020. During this sabbatical time, I will be away from church, focusing on personal development, spiritual growth, time with my children and wife, and time listening to where love is calling me next in my ministry with you. During sabbatical, through work with a spiritual director and others, I am excited to explore what the 2nd chapter of my ministry might look like with our beloved First Universalist community. 

Rev. Jen Crow and I have been working closely together to ensure a smooth transition into this sabbatical time. Staff and church leaders are stepping forward to hold pieces of my work while I am away. Ministry, like many professions, is both wonderful and demanding. As much as I will miss you, and the day-to-day moments of ministry that I love, I am grateful for this time of renewal and reconnection with my family and my calling. I wish that every job offered sabbatical, this time of stepping back, taking stock, and then returning, recharged and rejuvenated. I know that my ministry will be enriched and deepened by this time away, and that this will benefit my ministry, our congregation, and our broader community. 

I’ll see you in church,
Justin