Being in relationship with other disciples is fundamental to Christianity, yet most of us have experienced our faith’s communal nature solely through the institutional church. As many have noted, the Church is in a time of shift and crisis. Is the Christian “church” as we know it going to survive? Is it changing into something new? These questions haunt me, and fascinate me!

My sabbatical will include days of prayer, reading and rest at home as I continue to care for my two year old daughter, interspersed with weeks away at monasteries, where I will enter into one of the most ancient forms of Christian community. Finally, to spend time with my family and to broaden my experience, we will travel together to some innovative Christian communities in the Midwestern United States. How will the monastic communities and these newer communities relate around practices, structure and mission? Will they provide promising glimpses of the future? I trust that this time away will not only allow me the space to step back from the demands of ministry and parenting, but also offer me insights into the future church that will benefit my congregation with renewed purpose and hope.