Saint Stephen’s Rector to Preach in Scotland
Now that is amazing news, isn’t it! Yes, our beloved rector, Nina, will be heading off to Scotland in August, and as part of that journey, she will have the opportunity to be the Scottish version of supply clergy in some churches where full-time priests are few and far between. There is more!
It is the custom in the Episcopal church and here at St. Stephen’s that at the end of each five-year period, the rector is entitled to, and strongly urged by the diocese and her parish family, to go on a Sabbatical journey. The purpose of this is to provide the rector, and all priests in the Diocese, an extended period of time to let go of the daily routines and demands and take time to reconnect with the holy spirit within and the beauty of creation without. It is a time to explore and relax and meditate and even just have some fun or discover what God has yet to unfold in their lives. It is an essential and life-nurturing time, and we fully support her in this journey.
As you may have already heard in the announcements in church, Nina’s sabbatical will begin in August and continue through the end of October. During that time, we will have several different priests, most of whom you know very well, to fill in for her during our Sunday services. Your vestry is also in the process of putting together various activities and projects for us as a parish to explore during her time away. More information will be coming in the next few weeks. Rest assured that this is a circular journey and one that encompasses all of us, and all will be well. If you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to connect with the wardens or one of our vestry members.
Thank you for your continued support of our ministries and your presence in the life of our parish family.
David Nevin