“Rekindle the gift of God that is within you . . . .” Paul’s appeal to Timothy speaks to me of the gift of hospitality. I serve a congregation with a long history of being hospitable. Located beside the beautiful Indian River, Rockledge Presbyterian Church began as a Sunday School mission and later became a congregation that welcomed visitors to this popular resort area. I intend to re-kindle this gift of hospitality within myself as well as the Rockledge congregation by means of a “guest apprenticeship” at the Carpenter’s Boat Shop, an intentional Christian community founded on the Rule of St. Benedict and based on the daily rhythm of work, rest, outreach, and worship. Besides honing skills in woodworking, boat-building, and sailing, I will explore Benedictine spirituality and how it can enrich the ministry of hospitality in the parish I serve. In light of its location in Pemaquid, Maine, my time at the Boat Shop will be a blessed homecoming. During my childhood, I vacationed in nearby Damariscotta, where I fell in love with the rugged Maine coastline. I anticipate a July-September 2010 time frame for my sabbatical, with provision made for travel to and from Maine.