Sabbatical Information
Posted by Mona on 02/03/2010
After eight years of service to our congregation, our minister, Rev. Sue Kingman, is on sabbatical through August.
Extended News

What’s in it for Rev. Sue and what’s in it for me?

The sabbatical leave is a tradition for Unitarian Universalist clergy, like it is in university systems. It offers an extended time for study, reflection, rest, and renewal - all ingredients for effective ministry. A sabbatical leave is part of the congregation’s covenant agreement with Sue as our minister. She earns one month of sabbatical leave for every year she serves the congregation. Just as importantly, the congregation will benefit as Sue returns refreshed, filled with new ideas and with rekindled energy. Further, it offers the staff and congregation the opportunity to step up to fill some of Sue’s responsibilities while being exposed to some of the best speakers our denomination has to offer. So please, if you have thought of volunteering in the past, but never “got around” to it, this would be a great time. Also, be more aware, if you see a problem or issue, talk to someone and we’ll work on it. If you see something amazing happening, tell the person or thank them. If you know of someone in need, tell someone, and we’ll organize help. If you see newcomers or visitors, be sure to reach out: welcome them and help them to become part of our community.

What will Sue be doing?

Many things: resting, seeking spiritual refreshment and renewal, spending time pursuing some of her passions, developing a professional development workshop for other ministers, reading, going on retreat with other ministers, and spending time with her family. Sue also plans to visit other well-run Unitarian Universalist churches, in various parts of the country to talk with their staff, etc.

No Contact…Sorry, but Sue’s sabbatical is a time for a complete break from her duties as our minister. The network described in this brochure will deal with all routine matters, and almost every emergency matter, that might arise. Therefore, the only people authorized to contact her are the President and Vice President of the congregation, the Worship Coordinator, the Pastoral Care Coordinator, and the Church Administrator. We all recognize that Sue will remain in the area and it may be inevitable that our paths will cross, we would ask that boundaries are remembered and at the least, no “church talk” if you run into her.

Sabbatical Committee - If you have comments or questions about the sabbatical, please contact any member of the Sabbatical Committee, listed below: Aileen Fortune 646-1263 or aileenfortune@gmail.com - Bev Brent 636-1754 or bbrent@metrocast.net - Pat Herrick 676-3330

Church Operations - The Sabbatical Committee, Board, Rev. Sue, and the staff have been working together to assure that church operations will continue to function smoothly in Sue’s absence. Church Administrator Mona Ouellette will continue to function as the administrator, so questions about the church’s everyday office administration should be directed to Mona at 324-3191 or info@sanforduuchurch.org.

Pastoral Care - Pastoral care and support will be provided by the Worship Associates and Pastoral Care Team. For someone to talk to or help with more tangible concerns (such as a ride to church or the doctor) or if you need a referral to a wide range of professional services and resources, please contact our Pastoral Care Team Coordinator, Diane Whiteside-Peck, at 646-3780 or Cell 337-0014 or by email at dianegaryhana@hotmail.com For questions about rites of passage such as child dedications, weddings and memorial services, please contact Rev. Bev Brent at 636-1754 or bbrent@metrocast.net.

Sunday Services - During the sabbatical, Sunday services will prove to be very stimulating! To fill the pulpit each Sunday, we have invited an outstanding roster of Unitarian Universalist ministers from around New England. In addition, our Worship Associates will continue to provide high quality lay led services. Worship Associates have been trained to assist with making Sunday services run smoothly. It is an amazing opportunity to “visit” many churches without leaving the comfort of your own pew.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Lisa Huestis - President

698-1781 (w) 207-698-1101 Cell 603-781-5262

garnetledge@comcast.net

(Anything you might need)

Aileen Fortune -Vice President

646-1263 aileenfortune@gmail.com

(Anything you might need)

Rev. Beverly Brent

636-1754 bbrent@metrocast.net (Worship, memorial services, weddings, child dedications)

Diane Whiteside-Peck

646-3780 Cell 337-0014 (Pastoral care, spiritual direction, grief issues, financial struggles)

Mona Ouellette - Administrator

324-3191 info@sanforduuchurch.org (Calendar information, newsletter issues, church rentals, address and phone number changes, orders of services and announcements, other administrative issues)

Elise Miller - Director of Religious Education

636-7596 actonmillers@roadrunner.com (Religious Education)

Deb Folsom - Music Director

929-3275 omahfolsom@gmail.com (Music)

Other Board Members:

Jan Sacco (Clerk) 457-9268

Betsy Baker (Treasurer) 603-473-2401

Evelyn LaBree (Liaison) 459-5002

Deb Walsh (Liaison) 676-2830

Janie Waterhouse (Liaison) 793-8399