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From the Rector

The Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams

One of the healthier practices of our parish in conformity with our diocese is to provide a three-month sabbatical for our clergy every five years. This time away from the press of regular duties and responsibilities allows needed refreshment and renewal for the individual priest, and it can also be a time of growth in leadership and mutual responsibility for the parish. As a result of my last sabbatical in 1995, I found myself energized and more focused on the ministry of the Chapel of the Cross, and I think the staff and the rest of the parish did as well.

This time I expect a similar benefit. I will be away from the parish from May 20 to August 19. (While our policy allows adding the annual month of vacation for a total four-month period, I will be interspersing those weeks throughout the year.) My first sabbatical goal is to take sustained personal and family time, often made difficult by very full work weeks with only rare weekends away. Beach, lake, and/or mountain time with my family and by myself will recharge both personal and family batteries. I will also be spending time with my mother in Montana, making up for the cancelled trip originally scheduled last fall for September 13.

My second goal is growth ministerially and professionally. I would very much like to teach a course at Duke Divinity School in the near future on Occasional Preaching, i.e., for funerals and weddings, and I have applied to do so. Planning and thinking through such a course will take sustained time. Reflecting on what has been mine and others' practice and articulating that in an organized, theologically sound way will not only challenge but stimulate me. I hope that it will also be helpful to future clergy and therefore to the wider Church.

The Chapel of the Cross will continue to function well (perhaps better!) while I am gone -- and not just because it is summertime. The vestry and oversight committees will continue to meet and provide leadership. The staff will continue to function at a high level. The other staff priests will continue their liturgical, pastoral, and programmatic roles, including rotating weekly being "the priest on call." Most of you will not notice I am gone!

I am most grateful for this life-giving opportunity -- to you the parishioners, to the vestry, to the rest of the staff, and to our bishops. (In fact you will be able to hear Bishop Gloster speak in the chapel at 10:30 a.m. about his own recent sabbatical when he comes on April 28.) Thank you for your conscientious stewardship of your staff.

-- Stephen

© 2002: Chapel of the Cross