As many of you will be aware I was granted the opportunity to take a sabbatical this year in June, July and August. Licensed clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers in the Oxford diocese are encouraged to take a three-month sabbatical for every ten years of ministry. This sustained period away from normal duties promotes professional development and personal enrichment. Covid and my duties as Area Dean and Training Incumbent have meant that 2024 was the earliest chance I had since my arrival in Bodicote nearly eleven years ago.
A sabbatical will normally consist of three elements: Renewal, Retreat and Rest.
The renewal element of personal and/or professional development will involve some element of learning, probably through study and theological reflection. During my last sabbatical in 2011 I wrote my Masters dissertation on Christian Leadership in Church Schools. This time around I am going to explore the Church’s response to singleness. As someone who has never married, I sometimes feel that the church can be seen exclusively concerned with families and children. And whilst families and children are an extremely important part of the Church, so are those who may not feel included by these terms. Singleness goes well beyond the legal definition of ‘never married’ to include widowhood, divorced, those whose partners are working abroad, in jail, in a care home or who simply do not share your faith – so you worship alone. I am going to look at how the Church can ensure that it makes everyone feel valued and included whatever their circumstances.
The sabbatical should also include some time set aside for retreat. I am travelling to Lindisfarne where a friend of mine is running a retreat house. I shall spend a week there with no wi-fi, reconnecting with God through Nature. The final part of the retreat is rest which will take the form of two holidays, the first a Mediterranean cruise with my sister and the second a trip to Vancouver and Alaska with my travelling companion of many years. Travelling is one of my passions and I am making the most of the opportunity afforded to me from a legacy by my godmother. Your generous giving to the church will not be used in any way and will continue to help the church meet its extensive costs.
As I came to the end of my term as Area Dean and saw Nick, our curate, move on to his first post of responsibility, I also began to consider my future. Having been in Bodicote for nearly eleven years I have worked with many fantastic people and seen the parish double in size. I now feel that I have shared all my gifts with you and that it is time for someone with different talents and a new perspective to lead you forward on the next step of your journey. The chance to become the next Vicar of the Wychwood Benefice in the Chipping Norton Deanery was something I felt God was calling me to explore and after a discernment process, I was offered the position which I shall take up toward the end of September. I apologise that the timing is not ideal as the vacancy will not start until after my sabbatical is finished. I am very grateful to you all for walking alongside me in my ministry and I ask you to hold Lynne and Rob, your churchwardens, and all the PCC in your prayers as you move forward. Please support them and the Bishops, Archdeacons and retired clergy who will be leading your services during my sabbatical and into the future.