Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Weaving the Web

March 1, 2009
Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

It’s hard to believe, but we are midway through my sixth year as your minister. It’s even harder for me to believe that next spring, I’ll celebrate the tenth anniversary of my ordination and the completion of my tenth year of leading Unitarian Universalist congregations. It will also be the time for me to take my first sabbatical.

Unitarian Universalist churches, like universities, build sabbatical into their practices, and for the same reasons: so that ministers can reflect, renew themselves, and replenish the well from which they will then draw for another few hundred Sundays or more. During each year of full-time service, a Unitarian Universalist minister earns one month toward sabbatical leave, which is usually taken after 4 to 6 years at the church.

Part of our arrangement is that I sketch out a plan for reflection and study, and for bringing what I learn to the congregation in the year following the sabbatical. After ten years in ministry, I am aware of so many things I have to learn that it will be hard to choose just one or two! But I have been considering the possibilities, and will share them in detail before my sabbatical begins next January.

I will soon meet with a Sabbatical Subcommittee appointed by the Board and Committee on Ministry so that we can develop a plan to sustain all the ministries of the church in my absence, communicate clearly with the congregation about who will cover my areas of responsibility, guide the finances, and support the volunteers and staff who take on additional responsibilities. This group will continue meeting before and during my sabbatical to ensure smooth communication and coordination. We have the wise counsel of other congregations who have made their ministers’ sabbaticals what they are meant to be: not only a renaissance for the minister, but for the congregation.

— Blessings,
Amy

P.S. “Ask Amy” is coming to the UUCPA website. Watch Kathy’s weekly announcements for the link!