Thursday Reflection from Archdeacon Brian June 29, 2023

Take Time for a Summer Break

When we explore the scriptures, we encounter instances when Jesus simply wanted, or needed, to get away from the crowds, and from his closest advisors, the disciples.

One of those moments is recorded in Mark’s Gospel.

Jesus gets up early in the morning and slips out quietly to a secluded space. Shortly thereafter, the disciples are frantically searching for him.

It is obvious: Jesus is not impressed. He gets up to find yet another secluded space.

This week the traditional summer holiday time begins in our country.

School vacation (children at home);Church Choir time off; Sunday School not meeting. There are even some businesses and manufacturers which close for a period each summer.

When we visited Quebec one summer, we discovered all construction was shut down for 2 weeks each summer. It was great. There were no delays on the roads!

Jesus provides a great example for all of us. Take time away.

I have always advised new colleagues in ministry to take their one month vacation-time in one block.

I know, it is difficult to believe the parish can even do without us for four weeks. Yet, our vocation is one of only a few to provide a full month vacation after the first year of employment.

I believe all those who have gone before us knew how essential this time away was, and continues to be today!

I used to think of it in these terms: one week to get away; two weeks to be away; one week thinking about returning.

In addition to this extended summer vacation, there are two other intervals for each parish to consider as needed breaks, from those peak seasons, to remain productive.

Our teams in ministry, i.e. Parish Council, should consider "getting away", even if for a half-day, to look beyond the monthly business of the parish.
In addition, there is sabbath time.

We all need sabbath time--time beyond the regular day off.

Some businesses or parishes have scheduled sabbath time built into the regular work schedule.

Sabbath time is not meant to be a planning day for the next day!

Jesus took advantage of these moments when he invited the disciples to join him in time away.

Corporate sabbaths, or retreat days, provide opportunity for learning about each other, building trust, so we can be comfortable in asking the big questions.

A time to explore where God is working in your life at this moment.

I invite you to "take time” this summer. I am.

"Thursday Reflections" will return come September.

Blessings in Christ,
Archdeacon Brian+

Thursday Reflection from Archdeacon Brian June 29, 2023

Take Time for a Summer Break

When we explore the scriptures, we encounter instances when Jesus simply wanted, or needed, to get away from the crowds, and from his closest advisors, the disciples.

One of those moments is recorded in Mark’s Gospel.

Jesus gets up early in the morning and slips out quietly to a secluded space. Shortly thereafter, the disciples are frantically searching for him.

It is obvious: Jesus is not impressed. He gets up to find yet another secluded space.

This week the traditional summer holiday time begins in our country.

School vacation (children at home);Church Choir time off; Sunday School not meeting. There are even some businesses and manufacturers which close for a period each summer.

When we visited Quebec one summer, we discovered all construction was shut down for 2 weeks each summer. It was great. There were no delays on the roads!

Jesus provides a great example for all of us. Take time away.

I have always advised new colleagues in ministry to take their one month vacation-time in one block.

I know, it is difficult to believe the parish can even do without us for four weeks. Yet, our vocation is one of only a few to provide a full month vacation after the first year of employment.

I believe all those who have gone before us knew how essential this time away was, and continues to be today!

I used to think of it in these terms: one week to get away; two weeks to be away; one week thinking about returning.

In addition to this extended summer vacation, there are two other intervals for each parish to consider as needed breaks, from those peak seasons, to remain productive.

Our teams in ministry, i.e. Parish Council, should consider "getting away", even if for a half-day, to look beyond the monthly business of the parish.

In addition, there is sabbath time.

We all need sabbath time--time beyond the regular day off.

Some businesses or parishes have scheduled sabbath time built into the regular work schedule.

Sabbath time is not meant to be a planning day for the next day!

Jesus took advantage of these moments when he invited the disciples to join him in time away.

Corporate sabbaths, or retreat days, provide opportunity for learning about each other, building trust, so we can be comfortable in asking the big questions.

A time to explore where God is working in your life at this moment.

I invite you to "take time” this summer. I am.

"Thursday Reflections" will return come September.

Blessings in Christ,
Archdeacon Brian+

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Thursday Reflection from Archdeacon Brian June 29, 2023

Take Time for a Summer Break

When we explore the scriptures, we encounter instances when Jesus simply wanted, or needed, to get away from the crowds, and from his closest advisors, the disciples.

One of those moments is recorded in Mark’s Gospel.

Jesus gets up early in the morning and slips out quietly to a secluded space. Shortly thereafter, the disciples are frantically searching for him.

It is obvious: Jesus is not impressed. He gets up to find yet another secluded space.

This week the traditional summer holiday time begins in our country.

School vacation (children at home);Church Choir time off; Sunday School not meeting. There are even some businesses and manufacturers which close for a period each summer.

When we visited Quebec one summer, we discovered all construction was shut down for 2 weeks each summer. It was great. There were no delays on the roads!

Jesus provides a great example for all of us. Take time away.

I have always advised new colleagues in ministry to take their one month vacation-time in one block.

I know, it is difficult to believe the parish can even do without us for four weeks. Yet, our vocation is one of only a few to provide a full month vacation after the first year of employment.

I believe all those who have gone before us knew how essential this time away was, and continues to be today!

I used to think of it in these terms: one week to get away; two weeks to be away; one week thinking about returning.

In addition to this extended summer vacation, there are two other intervals for each parish to consider as needed breaks, from those peak seasons, to remain productive.

Our teams in ministry, i.e. Parish Council, should consider "getting away", even if for a half-day, to look beyond the monthly business of the parish.

In addition, there is sabbath time.

We all need sabbath time--time beyond the regular day off.

Some businesses or parishes have scheduled sabbath time built into the regular work schedule.

Sabbath time is not meant to be a planning day for the next day!

Jesus took advantage of these moments when he invited the disciples to join him in time away.

Corporate sabbaths, or retreat days, provide opportunity for learning about each other, building trust, so we can be comfortable in asking the big questions.

A time to explore where God is working in your life at this moment.

I invite you to "take time” this summer. I am.

"Thursday Reflections" will return come September.

Blessings in Christ, Archdeacon Brian+

Office Hours

Location

Mailing Address

Blessings in Christ,
Archdeacon Brian+