by Archdeacon Claire Phelps
Dear Family of St John’s,
Today is my last newsletter to you for the next while. I will start my 3-month sabbatical after the services this Sunday. And so, I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know what I’ll be up to over the next few months, and what the plans are for St John’s!
Firstly, St John’s will be under the care of Revd Canon Rob Penrith along with the churchwardens, parish council and staff team. I’m sure many of you will know that Rob was rector of St John’s for many years. He knows more about St John’s and the heart of our parish than I do, and is the person I often turn to for wisdom and advice. I am so grateful to Rob for being willing to fill my seat and provide oversight for the parish while I am gone.
The Executive Committee (our churchwardens and treasurer) will also, along with Parish Council, carry some of the decision-making responsibility while I am away. They are all very experienced with a wealth of wisdom between them, and I have no doubt that all will run smoothly.
And, from a day-to-day perspective, our wonderful staff team at St John’s will keep everything ticking over. All the rosters are planned, services prepared for, and events for the next three months are mapped out as best as possible. Quite frankly, I doubt they’ll even know I’m away, they just get on with what needs doing! In fact, it has been mentioned that they’ll be relieved not to hear me say, “I’ve had an idea!” for the next three months!
So, what will I be up to?
Well, my husband and I will be travelling to Georgia (the country, not the US state) for a two-week holiday together in September. Georgia is one of the oldest Christian countries, they adopted Christianity as their national religion in 337AD. I will be visiting as many old churches and monasteries as possible.
Georgia is also well known for its wine. And, we’ll be there during harvest time! We have booked a two-day wine harvesting experience with a local family. We’ll be picking grapes in the vineyards, learning about the wine-making process, eating with the family and probably drinking some wine. Probably. Okay, very likely!
We’ll also be learning to cook some of the local food and have signed up for a cooking class. We’ll be going on walking tours, exploring on our own, visiting the Stalin Museum and so much more! We’re really excited about our time away together.
I will also be spending time on my own for three weeks in October. I’m leaving the family behind in PE to go and spend some time with some of our friends in Egypt. This time away has been at the heart of my sabbatical planning. I will have an opportunity to explore a little more of the country, meet new people, deepen existing relationships, have a few days of quiet meditation by myself, and serve in different areas where I might be useful. I’m also hoping to do another cooking course! I’ll share all the details in person when I’m back!
Apart from those two trips away, I will be home. I plan on reading lots of books, reconnecting with my family, and resting.
Not everyone is familiar with the concept of a sabbatical. It’s certainly a huge privilege to be able to step away from the normal responsibilities for a ‘holiday’. But a sabbatical is far more than a holiday.
The word ‘sabbatical’ comes from the biblical idea of Sabbath – a time set apart for rest, renewal, and reconnection with God. For clergy, a sabbatical is an opportunity to step away from the weekly demands of ministry in order to be refreshed spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
It’s a time for quiet reflection and prayer, for listening to God without the constant pressure of meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities. It’s a time to read, to learn, and to study – sometimes through formal courses, but often through books, conversations, travel, and experiences that broaden perspective and deepen faith. It’s a chance to be renewed so that one can return to ministry with fresh energy, new insights, and a grateful heart. I’ll return being able to say, “I’ve had MANY ideas!”
Throughout Scripture we see the wisdom of rhythms of work and rest. Even Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds to quiet places to pray. Rest isn’t a sign of weakness or an escape from responsibility; it’s part of God’s design for healthy and faithful living.
As I leave, I do so with great confidence in our parish and deep gratitude for each one of you. St John’s has never been about one person. It’s a community of people called by God, gifted by the Holy Spirit, and united in the mission of making Christ known. My prayer is that these next few months will be a season of growth, joy, and blessing for all of us.
Please continue to worship faithfully, serve generously, pray fervently, and encourage one another. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and your hearts open to what God is doing among us. I look forward to hearing the stories of God’s faithfulness when I return.
With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire