The theme of my sabbatical proposal is the preparation of a book that tells my story as one of eleven Episcopal women ordained to the priesthood on July 29, 1974 at the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

I shall explore the interwoven strands of spiritual formation and vocational discernment within communities of faithful Christians, as well as societal changes, that led to my participation in this event and how this event has contributed to ongoing changes in the shape of ministry, lay and ordained, within the Episcopal Church. Also, because music enables me to be more in touch with feelings related to these matters, I shall devote time to learning to play music that expresses the passion in my soul.

I shall spend the three months of my sabbatical on the coast and in the mountains of North Carolina. On work days, mornings will be for things that nurture me: reading, exploring nature, doing needlework and quilting, and playing my soul music. Afternoons and evenings will be for reviewing documents, reflecting, and writing. On days of rest, I shall spend time visiting and playing with family and friends.