The Hebrew idea of the ‘sabbatical year’ echoes the seventh day of creation – rest; fields were left fallow, slaves freed, debts cancelled. The sabbatical year was a time to breathe again, discover new life and importantly, remember the God of creation and covenant.

I am not a slave but a servant of the church. But as a servant, the meetings can become draining, the pastoral work can become emotionally exhausting and the continual preparation for worship can become spiritually dry. Whilst I do take ‘normal’ holidays, having only five weekends off a year and a single day off a week leaves little regular space to recover from feeling drained, exhausted and dry. As a servant, to be set free every seventh year for three months, to breathe again, discover new life and remember the God of creation and covenant, is liberating.

My three month – obligatory – sabbatical begins on 19th May and, including two weeks’ annual leave, ends on 31st August. Rev Lesley Martin will be in pastoral charge of Chandler’s Ford and Rev Debbie Borda will be acting Superintendent of the Winchester & Eastleigh Circuit. ALL enquires during this period should be directed to them as appropriate.

What will I do with my sabbatical? For study, I am taking two courses, broadly on the theme of Christian leadership. These will help me in my ministerial calling and in discerning my future path. The chance to read around the subject at leisure, rather than cramming such courses into a normal working week – which is never satisfactory – will be a sabbatical blessing. I am also going on a ‘working holiday’ laying footpaths and building walls in the Brecon Beacons. I’ve wanted to do this for a while; it offers something back to the community beyond the church and provides a physical balance to the study. With a friend, also on sabbatical, we intend to walk the Test Way and share ‘our journey’.

Time with family is a ‘requirement’-!- of the sabbatical. The chance to share in a family Golden Wedding anniversary without rushing back to preach will be joyous; our family holiday will be a tour of Italy and time spent with Dan, our son before he goes to university will be valuable. And I might reduce my golf handicap as well!

All in three months! Please pray for me and the family during this time, that sent away, not empty handed but with time and space, I may receive God’s generous blessing.