Excerpts from the Personnel Manual of our Church

 "The Administration/Personnel Committee is keenly aware of the accumulating pressures of sustained twenty-four hour ministry and the toll it can have on clergy.  They bear the burdens, the anguish, the pain, and hurt of their parishioners on a 24-hour basis unlike those of any other profession.

All full-time ordained staff having served Community Presbyterian Church, as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, for a minimum of 7 consecutive years and not interrupted by prolonged personal paid leave, or other leave of absence, are eligible for Sabbatical Leave.  

Sabbath is a time to refill and replenish the soul, to be refreshed in the Spirit with renewed dedication and vision, restored in physical health and energy all of which potentially can bring great benefits in a renewed and more fulfilling and productive ministry. 

 Sabbatical leave for pastors is a planned time of intensive enhancement for ministry and mission.  This 'extended time' is qualitatively different than 'vacation' or 'days off'.  It is an opportunity for the individual to strategically disengage from regular and normal tasks so that ministry and mission may be viewed from a new perspective.  Sabbatical Leave is an extension of the Biblical concept of a Sabbath day and a Sabbath year for renewal.  It is both an act of faith that God will sustain us through a period of reflection and changed activity and an occasion for recovery and renewal of vital energies.  "

Thank you leadership of Community Presbyterian Church for your compassion and spiritual awareness to create a sabbatical policy that allows time for your pastors to step away from the day-to-day ministries to find renewal in a season of rest, prayer, reflection, and study of God's word.  This Sabbatical Leave policy is truly a gift in which I am deeply grateful.