February 16, 2022

Dear Church of the Apostles,

We are blessed that the Parish Council has developed and approved a Sabbatical Leave Policy for the clergy at Church of the Apostles.

“The concept of sabbatical is rooted in the biblical concept of ‘Sabbath’ which God modeled (Genesis 2:1-3) and commanded (Exodus 20:8-11).… In Leviticus 25:1-7, the Lord says that after the sixth year the people were not supposed to sow the fields or harvest a crop. The land was allowed to rest, and therefore, so were the people.” (From the Apostles’ policy)

Although it seems hard to believe, my seventh year of serving as your Rector begins this July.

I, with Tamara, will take a twelve-week Sabbatical beginning on July 10, 2022 (following one week of vacation that begins on July 3) and return to Church of the Apostles on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

Made possible by the generosity of Apostles and a few close friends, Tamara and I plan to travel in the United States, Canada, and Europe for our Sabbatical. Spending some time with family at the beginning and then settling deeply into a period of prayer, study, and reflection.

God has been so good to bless us with a world-class team of clergy and staff who will lead our congregation in worship, ministry, and mission while I am away. A few old friends and special guests will share God’s word on several Sunday mornings as well.

Not only do I anticipate that we won’t miss a beat but look forward to seeing the new things that God does among us through humble service of these faithful leaders. Then, when I return in October refreshed and rejuvenated, I can’t wait to lead us through all that God has for Church of the Apostles in the next six years.

I will give you some updates and prayer requests as we get closer to July. For now, please pray that God will go before us in the planning and preparation for Sabbatical, giving us wisdom and favor in all of the fine details.

Peace and Hope,

Brian+