Dear St. John’s Parishioners,
Mo. Sarah Phelps has been an integral part of our parish, guiding us on our spiritual journeys with compassion and dedication. Now, she has an upcoming opportunity for personal and spiritual development through a well-deserved sabbatical. A sabbatical is an official extended period away from current ministry and responsibilities, allowing a priest to focus on their personal, spiritual, and theological growth. This time away is key for her to maintain effectiveness and expertise in ministry through enriching experiences.
Mo. Sarah will be on sabbatical for two months, during May and June. While we have allocated funds in our budget to support her during this time, we are reaching out to the parish for additional assistance. Your contributions will go towards covering her sabbatical costs for education and spiritual growth. Your generosity can help ensure that her sabbatical is a truly transformative and rejuvenating experience. This request is not initiated by Mo. Sarah but instead, the Executive Committee (Roxanne Johnson, Sr. Warden, Bill Kovacs, Jr. Warden and Al Sauer, Treasurer) are asking for your support.
There are four ways to support Mo. Sarah’s sabbatical:
- If you would like to make a monetary donation online to support her sabbatical, please CLICK HERE.
- If you would like to make a monetary donation by check, please write the check to St. John’s Episcopal Church and in the memo section write: SABBATICAL. You can place it in the collection plate on an upcoming Sunday or you can drop it off in the church office Monday – Thursday from 9 AM – 4 PM.
- If you would like to make a monetary donation by cash, please put your donation in an envelope with your name on it marked SABBATICAL and either place it in the collection plate on any upcoming Sunday or you can drop your donation off in the church office Monday – Thursday from 9 AM – 4 PM.
- Additionally, we are seeking the support of parishioners who own retreat homes, whether by the lake, in the mountains, at the beach, or any other location. If you are willing to open your doors and donate your home to provide Mo. Sarah with a peaceful place to visit during her sabbatical, it would be a tremendous gift. This opportunity would allow her the quiet time necessary to reflect on her life, ministry, mission, call and goals for the future. For those willing to offer their vacation homes, please contact Barbara Kwiatek in the church office at BarbaraK@stjohnswf.org or call 919-556-3656.
Your support, whether through monetary donations or offering a retreat home, will contribute to the success of Mo. Sarah’s sabbatical and demonstrate our collective commitment to her well-being. Let us come together as a parish community to show our appreciation for her unwavering service.
Thank you for your support.
Barbara Kwiatek