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A Fond Farewell (for the summer)

It’s a bit hard to believe, but my sabbatical time is almost upon us! It seems quite a while ago that I began to discuss it with the Board of Trustees last August, and this has been a busy year, so the time really seems to have sped by!

Since beginning my service with the Fellowship in August, 1999, I have accrued one month of sabbatical for each year of service, for a total of six months accrued through the end of this Fellowship year. I have already taken one month in bits and pieces here and there since last August, and I take several more months, including a five-day retreat led by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. If all goes according to plan, I will be back at the Fellowship on or about August 18th, refreshed and renewed.

At least in the context of sabbaticals for religious professionals, that is the intention: to provide a change of pace, to offer an opportunity for personal and spiritual renewal. As you may know, the focus of my sabbatical will be a study of 19^th century Unitarians and Universalists in southern Illinois. The “preparation month” I have used throughout the year has enabled me to learn whether there were Unitarians and Universalists in the area, and yes, there were both, although far more Universalists than Unitarians. It has enabled me to identify historical resources that address the topic, and to come up with a general plan to make the information that I acquire available to anyone who may be interested by posting the information on the internet. Once the earliest version of the website is up, I will pass on the “url,” so that you can “check it out” periodically and see what I am up to!

Unlike many sabbaticals, which include a temporary change of location, I will be operating out of my home here in Carbondale. It’s probably the best place to study southern Illinois history, and being here will enable me to enjoy the summer with my family. You may well see me at the Farmer’s Market or at an outdoor concert, but you shouldn’t expect see me at the Fellowship. On Sunday mornings, I plan to visit some of the other religious communities in Carbondale, something that I hardly ever have a chance to do. Who knows, perhaps I will pick up a few good ideas that we might try out here next year.

The Fellowship’s Board of Trustees has endorsed a formal sabbatical plan, which considers my responsibilities within the Fellowship, and identifies groups and individuals who will take on those roles in my absence. The Sunday Services Committee has planned a full summer of services, featuring a variety of engaging speakers, some from within the Fellowship and some from outside. The Pastoral Friends will be available to support and accompany those who are in difficult times, and the Social Action Committee will continue the Fellowship’s tradition of work for social justice. I am confident that you will be in good hands while I am gone!

So in closing, I wish you all a very wonderfully refreshing and renewing summer! See you at the Farmer’s Market!

With deep affection and appreciation, (signed) Bill S.