Reflections on My First Sabbatical
Every seven years, the Methodist Church gives its ministers the gift of a three-month sabbatical. This year, I had the privilege of taking my very first one—and to be honest, I didn’t quite know what to expect. My sabbatical began on Easter Monday , just after a full and joy-filled Easter Sunday at Muswell Hill Methodist Church. It was a day of deep celebration—welcoming 21 new members at our confirmation service, rejoicing in three child baptisms and two adult baptisms , and giving thanks for the hope and promise of Resurrection Sunday. By the end of it all, I knew a time of rest, renewal, and reflection would be very welcome indeed. I began ministry in 2018 and was due to be ordained in 2020—but like so many plans in that season, my ordination was delayed a year due to the pandemic. Since then, it has felt as though life and ministry have been running at full speed. This sabbatical was my opportunity to pause, to reflect on my calling, and to spend intentional ...