Sabbatical News

St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church

Sabbatical News

Pastor Susan will be on Sabbatical from May 13 through September 16, 2007. Here is some more information about the purpose of a sabbatical and the plans at St. Gabriel's while she is gone.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Be sure to attend the Home Coming Service scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

WELCOME BACK PASTOR SUSAN!

Please remember to be gentle with Pastor Susan as she re-enters life here at St. Gabriel's. Her first weeks will be spent getting caught up, and getting back into the rhythm of St. Gabriel's. Remember to keep praying for her, and for us as we strive to live into and function out of all that God prepares us for.

Special thank you to our Guest Pastors!!

The Rev. Robert (Bob) Willoughby

The Rev. Robert (Bob) Wollard

A Sabbatical offers the opportunity to revitalize and gain new perspective with "holy play."

"Without vision, the people perish" from Proverbs 29:18 are important words for clergy and congregations. Sabbaticals stimulate spiritual, personal and intellectual growth. They build mutual ministry, interdepenence and renewal of hope and vision.

The Alban Institute describes sabbatical this way:

"A sabbatical offers opportunity to get off the treadmill and provides an opportunity for renewal of vision and hope. It's more than just a chance to recharge your batteries...It can be a life and soul-changing time, a time when perspective and the Holy Spirit can come together."

This is a time for Pastor Susan to rest and to renew her spirit and refresh her soul. During Susan's sabbatical she plans to write, rest, play, retreat, play, rest, re-create and renew her soul with activities that nourish her whole being.

What are we to do while Pastor Susan is on Sabbatical?

Pray for her
Honor her time away, by letting her be away and following the pastoral processes that our Vestry is outlining for her time away (meaning - please don't call her or contact her)
Know that she will be praying for us
Continue the work of St. Gabriel's
Be gentle with each other and the pastors who will join us while Susan is gone
Work together, as a team, to continue to show the face of Jesus to all who enter this place
Trust in God's hand in all of this and to anticipate Susan's return with love and joy

What to do if a pastoral emergency arises?

There are several options for parishioners when a pastoral emergency arises:

Call the Vestry Wardens - Dick Williamson (248) 330-5544 or Diane Reichmann at (586) 226-4239

Call The Rev. Bob Wollard at (248) 738-5744 or The Rev. Bob Willoughby at (313) 822-3623
Call Deacon Betty at (586) 946-1101
Call the office at (586) 775-4450 if it is during regular office hours

As you can see, the Vestry has provided many options for the needs of the people of St. Gabriel's.

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St. Gabriel's Church, 15717 Stephens Street, Eastpointe, MI 48021

Office (586) 775-4450 Fax (586) 775-4640