A Time to Rest, Reflect, and Reimagine Welcome
I am currently on sabbatical until the 21st of July—a time of pause, reflection, and renewal. So far, it has been a real gift. I've been blessed with precious time with family. Helen and I recently enjoyed a beautiful week away in Whitby, celebrating my father-in-law’s 80th birthday. Moments like these remind me how important it is to slow down and cherish what really matters. I’m also making the most of this sabbatical by doing things I love—like attending sports events—and, more importantly, taking time to reconnect with God and reflect on my calling. I began ministry in 2018, and although I was due to be ordained in 2020, the pandemic delayed that moment until 2021. Like so many in ministry, it feels like I haven’t truly stopped since COVID-19 changed our world. This sabbatical is giving me space to breathe, to pray, and to listen. A Focus on Inclusive Welcome One of the main focuses of this time is to explore how churches can offer a truly inclusive welcome to all. I bel...