2010 Sabbatical

July 1, 2010 — January 3, 2011

The sabbatical leave is a tradition in Unitarian Universalist congregations, particularly large Unitarian Universalist congregations like ours. After 7 years of energetic and outstanding service to our congregation, our minister, Jay Leach, will take his first sabbatical from July 1, 2010 to January 3, 2011. Under our Congregation’s Letter of Agreement with Jay, he has accrued a month of sabbatical leave for each year of service since his arrival in 2003.

The sabbatical should not be seen either as a reward for good work or simply as an extended vacation period. Rather it is an important part of the working relationship between the church and the minister from which both will draw benefits. It offers an extended time for study, reflection, rest, and renewal - all ingredients for effective ministry. Just as importantly, members of the congregation will have opportunities to lead and learn in new ways while experiencing a variety of Sunday services. Then, we will also benefit as Jay returns filled with new ideas and insights.

Our dedicated professional staff and a large number of energetic volunteers along with the Sabbatical Planning Team have been working for months to plan for the continued smooth operation of the church during Jay’s sabbatical. This team has arranged to have Sarah York fill in as our Sabbatical Minister for eight Sundays during the fall. We are fortunate to have her and ask all members to extend a warm welcome as she makes regular visits to our congregation.

Interim Minister

Sarah York
sarah@sarahyork.com

Sarah York is a Unitarian Universalist minister and author. She has served congregations in London, England, California, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland for over twenty-five years.

Ms. York has achieved distinction among colleagues in the United States and Canada, who elected her to serve a term as Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA), and have invited her to conduct workshops on preaching and creating meaningful ritual. She has delivered the sermon for the Service of the Living Tradition at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly — an honor reserved for the most distinguished preachers in the movement. She speaks with compassion, conviction, and humor, offering a presence that is authentic and engaging.

Ms. York is the author of Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death, Pilgrim Heart, The Inner Journey Home, and The Holy Intimacy of Strangers. Ms. York has also written a book of short reflections and meditations, Into the Wilderness. Selections from Into the Wilderness have been published in several anthologies or set to music, and three are included in the Unitarian Universalist hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition. She has also published numerous articles focusing on topics of social/ethical controversy or spiritual meaning.