An Update on Pastor Josh's Sabbatical (August 2024)
Josh's sabbatical begins after Christmas
(August 2024 update)
The Sabbatical Planning Team is delighted to share that many of the initial concerns and questions regarding Josh’s Sabbatical have been resolved. We hired the Rev. Carola von Wrangel to fill in during Josh’s absence. We reviewed Josh’s responsibilities and are identifying which can be delegated, as well as those that are not critical and can temporarily be set aside. Parishioners who may be interested in temporarily taking on a task should contact a member of the SPT. We have more to do, so stay tuned for further updates!
The latest news:
1) Josh plans to relax, explore, learn, and discern where the Holy Spirit is leading him. While Josh is on sabbatical, he, Christy, and Sarah will all be on a communications blackout. They will not be in contact with anyone here at Good Shepherd. This allows both Josh and his family, and us, the parish community, to have time and space to focus on where we are being led, without any pressure. While Josh is away, Rev. Carola will handle the priestly tasks, and Karen White, Sr. Warden, and Jim Donahe, Jr. Warden, will take on overall administrative responsibilities for Good Shepherd.
2) As presented earlier, Rev. Carola is not a stranger at Good Shepherd; she has filled in for Josh several times in the last years. She will be working a part-time 20 hours/week schedule while serving as Sabbatical Priest. At this point, we anticipate Reverend Carola will be here one weekday and Sunday each week. Her other work hours will be spent working from her home. She will be available to parishioners via email and phone, and the Wardens and Ministry Leaders will continue to be available to assist, and to answer questions.
3) Remember, the Sabbatical Preparation Team is available to answer Sabbatical-related questions and concerns. Members are Karen White, Sr. Warden; Jim Donahe, Jr. Warden; Mary Aronen, Ministry Leader; Jason Armer, Vestry; Jess Isenberg, Vestry; Mark Medlin; Judith Perkins, Vestry; Billie Stockton. Our respective contact information is on Realm and in the Parish Directory. Call, write, stop to talk after the service: we’d love to chat with you!
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(Original post)
Pastor Josh will take a sabbatical from December 26, 2024 through Easter, April 20, 2025. Below are some basic questions and answers.
What other questions do you have? Submit them to the Sabbatical Prep Team here.
What’s a sabbatical?
The word comes from the word “Sabbath,” which is a day of rest dedicated to God. Essentially, a sabbatical is several Sabbaths put together. It allows a priest to take time for spiritual renewal. It releases Josh from the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual demands placed on him as Pastor. It also encourages the well-being of the congregation. While Josh takes the opportunity to discover where Christ is leading him, the parish can contemplate where we feel the Spirit wants us to go.
Who will fill in while Josh is gone?
The Rev. Carola von Wrangel will serve as priest during the sabbatical. She has shared the following bio with us:
"Serving God and the Church for twenty-four years in ordained ministry has been a joy. I am almost a Seattle native and a graduate of the University of Washington (German), Seattle University (Law), and Fuller Seminary (M.Div.). I was raised up for ordination at St. Luke's in Ballard.
"Ministry has taken me to serve churches in New York, Germany, and Nashville, finally bringing me back to the Seattle area after semi-retirement. For the past ten years, I've worked with Food for the Poor, a relief and development ministry in the Caribbean and Latin America.
"In ministry, I love to preach and teach and be with people in their journeys. I love sharing the transforming and healing power of Jesus Christ.
"Travel, exploring new adventures, reading, and music are important to me. I have two wonderful adult children: Kyle and Cara. And I have hundreds of pictures of elephants and other animals from my recent trip to Africa."
What’s the Sabbatical Preparation Team?
The following people are helping Josh and the congregation get ready for this event: Karen White, senior warden; Jim Donahe, junior warden; Mary McClellan-Aronen, Finance Committee chair; Judith Perkins, Personnel Committee chair; Jason Armer, vestry member; Jess Isenberg, vestry member; Mark Medlin; and Billie Stockton.
How do I find out more?
Please direct any questions to any of the Sabbatical Preparation Team members listed above.
What can I do to help?
Please keep Josh and the Sabbatical Preparation Team in your prayers. We ask for wisdom and guidance as we continue to get ready for Josh’s sabbatical.
