Sabbatical as a balance of inner and outer work.

The symbol of the breath - the need for both the out-breath and the in-breath to survive and thrive - reminds me that we need to balance our receiving and giving; resting and learning; action and contemplation.

Sabbatical 2023 will be a true holding of both inner and outer work.

The first 2 weeks will involve silent retreat/study, and the 5 day ECCSR intensive.
 

The second 2 weeks will be spent in El Paso TX, volunteering with Annunciation House, accompanying the migrant, refugee and economically vulnerable people of the border.

Originally I had planned on spending the second 2 weeks in quiet study, more deeply immersing myself in reading surrounding centering prayer and the intersection of Christianity and other faith traditions.  Somehow, the Holy Spirit has drawn me to go and learn and serve those on the border, being drawn to an immersion in the lives and work of those on the margins.  This change feels scary and exciting - the latter outweighing the former.  I go to TX with the intent to learn, listen (with the ear of the heart) and serve.

Sabbatical components

1. Reading/study 
2. Inner work/Meditation practice - centering prayer and other forms of meditation
3. Informal rest/play - time in nature 
4. Silent retreat (3 days of holding silence)
5. Learning/service
6. UMC Sabbatical listening group

Regarding #6 “UMC Sabbatical listening group” - Having a few trusted souls from our congregation to think deeply about the use of this sabbatical time and process it as it ends seems like an Anabaptist model of relying on the wisdom of the community.  I have asked 3 UMC members to accompany me over a 2 year period - meeting 2-3 times/year to listen, question, and hold in prayer this opportunity of learning and renewal.