A Letter from the Wardens: Rector's Sabbatical

Dear St. John’s members and friends,
 
As many of you know, our rector’s sabbatical time piled up during the pandemic. While Scott was able to take a few weeks off last summer, that modest break hardly made a dent in his time accrued. Now, thanks to your commitment to and support of this parish, we find ourselves in a position to fulfill what we have contractually promised our faithful rector. 
 
From June 3 to November 30, Scott will be on sabbatical. During this time, Kathleen Moore, our associate rector, will serve as acting rector. She, together with your wardens, vestry, staff and lay leaders will cover St. John’s day-to-day operations while Scott gets his well-deserved time away.
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The term “sabbatical” comes from the Hebrew word, שמיטה or “shmita” as found in Leviticus 25: “In the seventh year there will be complete rest for the land—you shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.” During our vestry retreat, we focused on the notion of letting a field “lie fallow,” and the importance of allowing “rest for the land.”
 
During the difficult months and years of pandemic, many rectors chose to resign or retire early, or else they burned out in place as their congregations languished. We are so thankful that this was not the case for Scott, who continued to creatively and energetically “till the field,” seeing us through that unprecedented and chaotic time. In addition, Scott devoted himself to advancing the Gateway Project from dream to reality. Now it is high time for him to get some well-earned rest! 
 
We are thankful for you, members of this congregation, for your aid in strengthening our parish to this point of stability that makes us confident we will continue to flourish, grow and serve God and our neighbors during these coming months. Kathleen has our full and complete confidence as she assumes the role of acting rector while Scott is on sabbatical.
 
There is no question that we will miss Scott, but we cannot wait to welcome him home to St. John’s on December 1, having had time for rest and renewal, and no doubt full of new inspiration and ideas for this special place.
 
Faithfully,
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Stephen Baronian   
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Senior Warden
[email protected]
[email protected]
510-735-4455

Sarah C. Jones

People’s Warden
[email protected]
[email protected]
510-682-5327

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