As I turn 50 this year, the theme of Jubilee has become of particular interest to me.
The biblical Jubilee themes of rest, renewal, freedom, forgiveness, justice and jubilation are important for me and my congregation. After seven years at First United Mennonite Church and 14 in pastoral ministry, I feel ready to proclaim Jubilee. I have not taken a sabbatical in all those years. In my enthusiasm to serve, I often overextend myself. I left my last pastorate in Chicago feeling burned out. I don't want that to happen again. I also see the drive to do it all in my parishioners. I want to learn to incorporate rest, renewal, freedom, forgiveness, justice and jubilation into my own life so that I can return to my pastorate invigorated, refreshed and ready to invite my congregation to Jubilee living. My three?month sabbatical would include a month exploring Jubilee themes at
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, a month observing Jubilee in action with
Christian Peacemaker Teams in Colombia and visiting churches in Bolivia and a month of reflection and Jubilee rest at Cedars of Peace in Kentucky. Taking a sabbatical in my own Jubilee year feels like God's timing.