Time for Renewal
FROM THE RECTOR
We live in a world that is governed by an attitude of scarcity, but we worship a God of abundance. We want to be productive with every minute, every penny, every square inch at our disposal, but God calls us to sit still, to rest quietly, and to leave fallow important parts of our lives. We are driven by a desire to have enough, to make enough, to do enough, but God reminds us that nothing we possess is of own creation but always a gift from our Creator. Leaving behind the belief that there may not be enough and embracing faith in the God who always provides is more than a conscious decision. It is a spiritual practice developed over a lifetime.
With practice, we discover that true fruitfulness and real flourishing depend not on our utilitarian efforts but our ability to return to the source of all blessing. A field that is left fallow or planted with a cover crop yields renewed bounty. A person who spends an extra hour each day caring for her well-being may not have as much to show for it at the end of the week, but over time her productivity grows. A family that sets aside a significant portion of their income to give away to those in need will end up with less money to spend on themselves, but their relationship with finances changes for the better.
In the summer of 2023, I will pursue a period of intentional renewal and restoration through a three-month sabbatical. Although I have been ordained for sixteen years, I have never had a sabbatical. I had one scheduled a few years ago, but then I accepted the call to come and be your rector, and those plans were put on hold. At the time, I explained to the search committee and the vestry that it would be important for me and for St. Paul’s that I take that sabbatical in relatively short order. Each year since, I have reminded the vestry of the importance of those plans, and, four years later, the vestry and I now think that next summer will be the right time.
In May 2023, St. Paul’s will celebrate the 175th anniversary of an Episcopal congregation being organized in Fayetteville. During the months leading up to that celebration, we will have opportunities to reflect on who we have been throughout the years and who God is calling us to be in the years ahead. We will tell stories about our past and name both what has changed and what has not. Then, in June, I will step away from the parish for three months, trusting that the work of self-reflection on both our parts—rector and parish—will be enhanced by that time apart. When I return in September, we will share what we have learned and make plans for the next chapter in our church’s history.
To facilitate this period of renewal, I have applied for a grant from the Lilly Endowment that would support both my activities and some reflective programs in the parish. If awarded, I would have the opportunity to travel for study, prayer, and fellowship with colleagues and pursue my own practices of personal and familial renewal. Likewise, St. Paul’s would be able to hire a consultant to lead us through a congregational assessment and help us articulate how we are equipped for ministry in the years ahead. Even if the grant is not awarded, each of us will have an opportunity for self-reflection and renewal, trusting that what comes out of this sabbatical is fruitfulness and flourishing for the ministry we share.
Although it may be too early to make specific plans for my time away, I anticipate that Suzanne and Adelyn, supported by Kathy and Lora, will carry the pastoral and liturgical load for St. Paul’s. Our staff will continue to lead the programs and ministries of the parish. And the vestry and other volunteers will step up to make sure that everything is carried out in good order. During the sabbatical, I will not be available for pastoral care, decision making, or staff support. Instead, I will rely on all of you to care for each other so that I can care for myself. Similarly, in order for the parish to benefit fully from this period of renewal, you need to rediscover how St. Paul’s does the work of the church without my daily oversight. And, believe me, you will do it well!
Do not rush me out the door yet. Although I already look forward to that time of renewal, we have more than a year of important ministry to share before June 2023. The year ahead will be spent looking forward to our 175th anniversary celebration, and there is much to do between now and then. After that, we will both have the chance to renew our vocational identity. Ultimately, because we are able to share ministry together so well, I have confidence that when I return from sabbatical we will be in an even stronger place to labor together for the years ahead. After this time of sabbath rest, we will be ready for what God is calling us to do together next.
Yours Faithfully,
Evan D. Garner