Sabbatical Period: January 1st - March 31st 2022
Dear friends,
As I prepare for my sabbatical, I would like to express my gratitude for all of your support! To help you during this time, we have answered the top three frequently asked questions below. There is also the full document regarding my sabbatical if you would like to read more.
Blessings!
Rev. Pat Williamson
What is a Sabbatical?
The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy.
Sabbatical leave is a time for our pastor to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study, reflect, and travel in order to return to minister among us refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit. It is not a time for routine work, mid-career assessment, job search, retirement planning, or permanent leave.
Rev. Pat’s letter of agreement with our church specifies that he may take a sabbatical after five years of his service at Unity Minneapolis. Rev. Pat completed fifteen years of service on May 21, 2021.
Sabbatical is more than a vacation from meetings, budgets, sermons, and people in need. It is a time for Rev. Pat to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen his relationship with God, himself, and his family—a season of spiritual growth. This special time will also be a season of growth for the entire congregation.
Who will conduct the worship?
We are certainly blessed to have Rev. Toni and Rev. Kevin who will be leading worship along with special guest speakers. Each and every Sunday will be an inspiring and informative lesson. Of course, our music will still be under the direction of Lori Dokken, our Music Director. Thank you God for all of the volunteers who make Sunday morning happen.
What can I do to support Rev. Pat while he is on sabbatical?
- Continue coming to church to support the ministers, speakers, programs, community and, most of all, your own spiritual growth.
- Please honor the time of renewal and rest and reflection for Rev. Pat. There are plenty of qualified people who will be able to meet your needs while he is taking his time of rest and renewal. Just call the office at 763-521-4793.
- Remember Rev. Pat and his family in your thoughts and prayers while he is away, especially on Sunday mornings. Each and every Sunday morning Rev. Pat will set aside time to be in prayer with Unity Minneapolis during our worship celebrations. Hold Rev. Pat in your prayers.