Hello COA family!

I am writing to share some exciting news! With approval from our church Session, I am planning a three-month sabbatical in 2026. It will begin on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and end on Monday, May 18, 2026, for a total of 90 days in one block, and will finish with one month off in July of 2026 to recalibrate lessons learned in the longer block of renewal time.

The Winter of 2026 marks my 10th year of serving in ministry with this wonderful congregation as well as my 15th year as an ordained pastor. These milestones feel like the right time for renewal of body, mind and spirit in preparation for the next ten years with COA. I feel more called to this place than ever, and it is my hope that this sabbatical will provide time and space for a rekindling of our collective imaginations for our future as a church.

I believe with all my heart that this is what is needed as a next step not just for me, but also for COA. I hope you will prayerfully join me on this journey!

Sincerely,

Pastor Jessie (and COA Sabbatical Committee: sabbatical@christouranchorpc.org)

NEXT BIG STEP / PRAYER REQUEST: Pastor Jessie & the committee are working to finish an application for grant funding of this sabbatical due to the Lilly Foundation by 3/12/2025.

Important information

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see your question answered here? Ask Pastor Jessie, the Sabbatical Committee member, or drop a note in the offering plate or box in the narthex.
____________________________________________________________________________

1. What is a sabbatical? A sabbatical is an extended period of rest and renewal. For Pastor Jessie, it is a time to step away from the daily demands of ministry to focus on spiritual, physical, and emotional rejuvenation. Unlike an academic sabbatical, which often involves research or writing, this sabbatical emphasizes rest, reflection, and preparation for the next chapter of ministry.

2. Why is Pastor Jessie taking a sabbatical? This sabbatical coincides with two significant milestones: the 10th anniversary of her ministry with COA and the 15th year of her ordination. It is an opportunity for her to renew her body, mind, and spirit, ensuring she can continue to serve our congregation with energy, creativity, and passion for years to come.

3. When will the sabbatical take place? The sabbatical will begin on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and end on Monday, May 18, 2026. Pastor Jessie will return to the pulpit on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026. She will take a second block of time in the month of July to check in with lessons learned during the main renewal leave time.

4. What will Pastor Jessie do during the sabbatical? The sabbatical is guided by the theme of renewal and warmth. While plans are still being finalized, activities may include:

• A family trip to Jamaica for rest and connection.
• A Civil Rights pilgrimage in the South with her mentor, who is retiring after 50 years in ministry.
• Health renewal practices such as hot yoga.
• Collaborating with a clergy friend to design a retreat focused on spiritual growth.

These activities are designed to inspire and rekindle her commitment to ministry, benefiting both her and the congregation upon her return.

5. How will the congregation benefit from the sabbatical? The sabbatical is not only a time of renewal for our pastor but also an invitation for the congregation to reflect and rejuvenate. During this period, we will:
Explore ways to strengthen our relationships with God and one another.
Focus on essential church activities with a spirit of Sabbath—less urgency, more connection.
Embrace opportunities for personal and collective renewal, ensuring our church’s vibrancy for years to come.

6. How will COA function during the sabbatical? The Session and Deacons are committed to ensuring the church’s core mission remains strong. They will:

• Arrange for guest preachers to lead worship services.
• Model stepping back from “business as usual” and trying new ways of being together.
• Support church groups and individuals in redirecting their energy from ongoing church happenings to making personal connections and invitations.
• Foster a spirit of collaboration and shared leadership.

7. Why does Pastor Jessie have the opportunity to take a sabbatical when it’s not something many of us experience? Unlike most professions, pastoral ministry is a 24/7 calling. Our pastor provides spiritual care, leads worship, and responds to emergencies at any hour. This sabbatical is an investment in Pastor Jessie’s well-being, enabling her to continue to inspire and lead us with fresh energy and vision. As she renews her spirit, we too can discover new ways to grow and serve as a congregation.

8. What can the congregation do during the sabbatical? We are invited to join Pastor Jessie in this journey of renewal by taking our own sabbatical of sorts. This stepping back from “business as usual” will look different, committee to committee, individual to individual. All of us will pause non-essential activities and prioritize connection and community.

9. How does this align with COA’s mission? The sabbatical is a chance to reaffirm the essentials of our faith and ministry. It’s an opportunity to return to the basics, much like the early church in Acts, and discern how the Holy Spirit is moving among us. Together, we will explore what God is calling us to do—both as individuals and as a community.

10. How does a COA Sabbatical fulfill COA’s core values?

• Gathering as an Eclectic, Imperfect People: The sabbatical invites us to come together as a diverse, imperfect community, embracing grace and unity. It allows us to rely on one another’s unique strengths as we continue our shared mission during this time of renewal.
• Building a Church Culture Together: By reimagining activities, we strengthen our shared identity as a resilient, connected church. The sabbatical fosters a culture rooted in relationships, collaboration, and trust in God’s guidance.
• Trusting One Another to Value the COA Community: The sabbatical is an act of mutual trust: the congregation supports Pastor Jessie’s renewal, and she trusts us to uphold our mission. This trust deepens as we embrace our roles in sustaining and growing the community together.
• Listening to Understand: The sabbatical encourages us to listen for God’s call and reflect on the spiritual practice of rest. It also invites deeper understanding and empathy for the pastor’s role and the rhythms of ministry.
• Embracing Everyone’s Unique Journey of Faith: The sabbatical inspires each of us to explore personal renewal and our unique walk with God. By pausing or reimagining activities, we create space for diverse expressions of faith and growth.

11. How will we celebrate Pastor Jessie’s return? Pastor Jessie’s return will coincide with Pentecost, a day that celebrates the Holy Spirit’s work in the church. This joyous occasion will mark the rekindling of our shared mission and vision for the future.

12. How can I learn more? There will be opportunities to ask questions and learn more in the months leading up to the sabbatical. You can talk to Pastor Jessie, a Sabbatical Committee member, or email sabbatical@christouranchorpc.org. You can also submit your question anonymously by completing the Sabbatical Questions Submission Form and dropping it in the offering plate or using the suggestion box provided in the narthex.

13. Who is on the Sabbatical Committee, and how can they help? The Sabbatical Committee is a dedicated group of church members who work closely with Pastor Jessie to plan this sabbatical. They are here to provide support, answer questions, and ensure the congregation is well-informed throughout this process. If you have questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of the committee or email sabbatical@christouranchorpc.org.

14. What can I do to support this sabbatical? Pray for Pastor Jessie and our congregation as we prepare for this transformative time. Consider how you can engage in the spirit of renewal, both personally and as part of COA. Together, we can ensure this sabbatical strengthens our community and our shared mission.