Dear First Parish Parishioner,
Our Minister, Parisa Parsa, will be taking a sabbatical later this church year. Since not everyone is familiar with sabbaticals, we have created this document to give an overview of the sabbatical and to answer frequently asked questions about ministerial sabbaticals. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact a member of the Committee on Ministry. Or, you can email questions to sabbatical@fpmilton.org.
The Committee on Ministry:
Marsha Maurer
Mike Bello
Alison Zippay
Introduction
The word “sabbatical” derives from the word Sabbath – which in turn derives from the Greek “shabbath”, meaning literally, “to rest”. This is rest with a purpose, as is evident in the historic meaning of “sabbatical year” ….a year of rest for the land, observed every seventh year in ancient Judea. The land, which brings forth crops year in and year out, was instead left to rest and rejuvenate, to replenish needed nutrients, making for fertile soil and ample crops in the future.
In the same way, ministerial life, both for the Minister, and for the congregation, is nurtured and strengthened by a sabbatical. For Parisa, the sabbatical will provide a period of rest, reflection and study, which will serve to deepen her ministry. For the congregation, we will be challenged to test our own ministerial capacity – to continue to strengthen our shared ministry even in the absence of our ministerial leader.
Parisa, the Parish Committee, the Committee on Ministry and First Parish Staff are all working together to ensure a productive and well planned Sabbatical. Here are answers to key questions you may have about this sabbatical.
When does Parisa’s sabbatical begin and how long will it last?
Parisa’s sabbatical begins on February 1, 2012 and runs through May 31, 2012.
How often and how much sabbatical time does the Minister have?
In her contract, First Parish offered Parisa one month per year as sabbatical, which could be taken after five years with the congregation. Parisa is in her eighth year with us, and has previously taken two months of sabbatical leave (one as part of maternity leave and another in January of 2011). Though she has five months of leave accrued, she will be taking only four months at this time.
The minister agrees to remain with the congregation for a minimum of one year after sabbatical leave is taken, and the congregation agrees not to take any action affecting the ministers’ tenure for a year after sabbatical is taken.
What will Parisa do during her sabbatical?
During her sabbatical, Parisa will study, rest, renew and deepen her own spiritual practices. This journey will include deeper study of multicultural congregational growth and worship. She will spend time with the ministry staff at Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan and attend the “Leading Edge” conference there in April. She will attend the UU Ministers’ Association training in multicultural competency in May. She will connect with local Persian cultural groups, research her own Iranian family genealogy, and study Farsi through a language intensive program.
How will the church operate in her absence?
Rest assured that the Parish Committee, Committee on Ministry, all working committees and church staff will continue to work together in support of our shared worship, service and ministry to one another. A sabbatical plan is in place, and all normal church programs and worship services will happen as usual. Melinda Collins, Parish Committee chair, Marsha Maurer, Committee on Ministry chair, and Tracey Robinson, Personnel Committee chair will oversee the sabbatical plan. If you have any questions, you can reach out to them individually, or write to them at sabbatical@fpmilton.org.
Remember, First Parish has successfully created two years of outstanding summer services, coordinated and led by a combination of lay leaders and church staff. We also continued to be a vibrant church through Parisa’s maternity leave in 2009. We know how to do this!
Worship
The worship committee will organize and lead services during Parisa’s sabbatical. This will include lay led services, regular preaching by our Assistant Minister, the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon, and a full slate of guest ministers, some of whom Parisa has substituted for during their sabbaticals.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is an area where sabbatical provides an opportunity for the congregation to build its ability to provide pastoral care to one another. The Caring Committee and the Reverend Housh Gordon will oversee pastoral needs of the congregation. Designated local ministers will provide any needed back up. Should there be a catastrophic loss or other emergency, the Rev. Parsa may return at her discretion.
Religious Education and Adult Spiritual Development
This church year has a robust calendar of religious education and adult spiritual development, being led and coordinated by the Religious Education Committee, the Rev. Housh Gordon and Jamez Terry. The Rev. Housh Gordon will lead our second annual “Going to the Well” spiritual retreat April 13-15 at Mt. St. Mary’s Abbey.
Rites of Passage
The Rev. Housh Gordon will be available for weddings and child dedications as her time allows. If she is not available she will make referrals to other local clergy.
Social Justice/Community Outreach
The Social Action Committee will continue their good work and will be the primary conduit for sharing news of service and advocacy opportunities for the congregation. |