The Parish Co-Ministers
Sabbatical ( 2011 - 2012)
During 2011-12, Wayne and Kathleen have been given 5.5 months of sabbatical study leave. During the fall of 2011, they have been studying the relationships between the three Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Islam, historically and in today's world. They travelled to Andulusia, Spain, where these three great religious traditions co-existed and complimented each other from the 8th-10th centuries. They also experienced Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the holy city of Jerusalem and explored Israel and Palestine. Finally, their sabbatical travels took them to Turkey to study the writings and mysticism of the spiritual teacher Rumi. They return to West Shore renewed and refreshed for Christmas 2011. In January-February 2012, they are offering a weekly lunchtime conversation on Thursdays at 12 noon about Middle East peace prospects. In March, they will offer a three evening Thursday night class starting March 8 entitled "Children of Abraham" summarizing what they learned in this study.
In April and May, the co-ministers will "tag-team" full coverage of their ministerial duties while each takes additional sabbatical weeks away. Kathleen is going on retreat to Gethsemene Abbey in Kentucky. Wayne will undertake a Zen retreat. They will be away together for two more weeks, may 15-29 for family time. The balance of their sabbatical weeks will be taken in July when thier duties are usually light.
A Sabbatical Team has been assembled, as well as a brochure that provides more information about this sabbatical, including contact information while the co-ministers are away.