About this Handbook
Reverend Carolyn Patierno, the Senior Minister
of All Souls, will be on sabbatical and
unavailable to the congregation from January
to June 2009. Taking on the many tasks Carolyn
usually performs will require us to rededicate
ourselves to our many ministries. The Board
created the Sabbatical Committee, who prepared
this handbook, to oversee sabbatical planning.
This handbook explains how All Souls will function
during Carolyn’s absence, what events and
services are planned, and who will be responsible
for various aspects of congregational life; contact
information is provided here.
About Sabbaticals
“Sabbatical,” like “sabbath,” comes from “shabbath,” Hebrew for
“rest.” The ancient Hebrews not only rested every seventh day, but let
the land rest every seven years to ensure its productivity. Sabbaticals
have long been common in academia and are increasingly so in ministry,
especially in Unitarian Universalism; like Reverend Patierno, 75%
of UU ministers have agreements that include sabbaticals.
About Reverend Patierno’s Sabbatical
Reverend Patierno planned to take a sabbatical in 2007-8, but put it
off as All Souls hired a new RE Director. As approved by the Board,
Carolyn took a 1-month sabbatical in Spring 2008, and will take a
5-month sabbatical from January 8th to June 8th, 2009.
Congregational Development During the Sabbatical
Reverend Patierno’s sabbatical will not only give her a chance to rejuvenate
herself as our minister, but will also give All Souls a chance
to develop as a congregation. To promote this development, three
Sunday services will involve members of the congregation preaching
about aspects of our mission statement and facilitated discussions on
those topics after each service. We will discuss “lifelong spiritual development”
on March 15th, “caring and welcoming” on May 3rd, and
“justice-seeking” on May 10th. These discussions will help deepen our
commitment as a congregation to these vital aspects of our ministry.
A Message from Reverend Carolyn Patierno
Dear Friends,
As this handbook shows, congregational leaders have done a wonderful job tending to the myriad of details raised by my sabbatical. You will be well cared for, skillfully led in worship, and offered opportunities to grow as a congregation. I will have the great blessing of this “set apart” time. I’d like to share my plans with you.
One function of a clergy sabbatical is to deepen one’s sense of call and commitment to this vocation. I will be able to do so through the gift of time to read, write, refl ect and rest. I will take several retreats; I am particularly excited about a writing retreat with Holly Near at Rowe Camp & Conference Center—what a compelling teacher!
I also plan to take voice lessons. You know how much music means to me and how I love to sing. Now I can reacquaint myself with the study of music and consider how to use it in my ministry.
You also know that food holds great meaning in my life and that I love to cook. Barbara Kingsolver’s book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, has inspired me to discover local farmers and to learn to feed myself and my family through the fruits of my neighbors’ labor.
Most importantly, I will enjoy my family and family friends. When I became a minister, I did not really understand the sacrifice asked of them. I plan to spend time with people who supported me through seminary, ordination, and seven years of ministry – none more than my partner, Kate and our daughter, Lily Jun. Kate & I will travel to Charleston, SC, where neither of us has been. An adventure! I will volunteer more at Lily Jun’s school, throw dinner parties (preparing local food!) and revel in the company of people I cherish.
That’s most of the plan. The pace of my life will change, the routine, the sound and feel. I leave knowing All Souls is in a strong, grounded place. Wonderful services are planned; you will meet many dear colleagues and see how we differ in style and perspective. Enjoy their company as I am sure they will enjoy yours. And then it will be June! I wonder how we will all be changed!
Again and again, I thank you for this sabbatical. I am deeply grateful. As ever, you will be held in my heart in the months ahead.
With love, gratitude, and blessings,
Pastoral Care During the Sabbatical
About Pastoral Care
While we see Carolyn in the pulpit and at meetings, some may not
realize how much time she spends providing pastoral care: visiting
immobilized members, providing ministerial counseling, and doing the
many other things involved in ministering to our congregation. While
no one can replace Carolyn’s spiritual guidance and comfort, ten
trained Pastoral Associates will help our Caring Committee meet our
members’ needs, and Rev. Glennys Ulschak will be on call.
Practical Care and Referrals:
The Caring Committee
During Carolyn’s sabbatical, our Caring Committee will continue to offer practical support (transportation, meals, etc.) to members in need, to coordinate cards, notes, phone calls, and visits, and to refer members who need other kinds of pastoral care. The Caring Committee contact person is Erika Harger.
Support and “Deep Listening”: Pastoral Associates
Ten Pastoral Associates have agreed to help provide spiritual and emotional support through individual counseling, and have been trained by Reverend Patierno to “listen deeply” to members’ needs. Names and contact information is given on the back cover; a monthly contact person will also be announced in the newsletter.
On-Call Pastoral Care: Rev. Glennys Ulschak
Rev. Glennys Ulschak, former chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care at L&M hospital, will make hospital visits and provide emergency pastoral care to members who need assistance from a professional minister. Rev. Ulschak was instrumental in getting the Homeless Hospitality Center off the ground, and served as its first acting Executive Director. She has participated in the Peace Pilgrimage for the past three years, and attends All Souls frequently.
Religious Education
During Carolyn’s sabbatical, our lifespan religious education will
continue as usual, with children and youth programs overseen by our
RE Director, Nate Pawelek. Unless otherwise
announced, PreK-6th Grade classes will meet
from 9 to 10 am, and Grades 7 and up will
meet from 10 am to 11:10 am. For information
or to volunteer, contact Nate at dre(at)allsoulsnewlondon(dot)org.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee is planning our
annual stewardship campaign, along with
our “Celebration Sunday” service on March
1st with Reverend Robert A. Thayer, minister of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Brockton, Massachusetts. We can be
proud that previous stewardship drives
have not only made it possible for us
to expand to two services, but have also
allowed us to cover the extra expenses associated
with Reverend Patierno’s sabbatical.
The stewardship campaign we hold while she
is away will be particularly crucial, since it
will be our first pledge drive after capital
campaign pledges have been paid. For
information or to volunteer, contact
Maria Bareiss at holistic_healthy(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Membership
The Membership Committee will continue to coordinate member
services during Carolyn’s sabbatical. The “Exploring Membership”
series will be held Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, June 7th; Carolyn
will return for New Member Sunday on June 21st. The Membership
Committee has prepared a short “Meet Our Minister”
brochure to be given to visitors and newcomers
at the Welcome Table along with this sabbatical
handbook. For information about membership,
contact Lynn Tavormina at
bltavo(at)ct(dot)metrocast(dot)net.
Sunday Services During Carolyn’s Sabbatical
All Souls will hold the services listed below during Carolyn’s sabbatical.
Services will be on Sundays at 9:00 am and 11:15 am unless otherwise
announced; times, topics and additional details will be listed in the
newsletter. Kudos to Carolyn and the Sunday Services Committee for planning
these services six months ahead! To contact the Sunday Services Committee,
email Mary Jean Kanabis at mjk(at)snet(dot)net.
January 4 |
March 29 AND April 5 |
Other Events & Activities during Carolyn’s Sabbatical
- Social Events, Fun and Frolic
Family Pizza and Game Nights will continue in the Community Room of the Huntington Street building. Dates for Pizza and Game nights during Spring 2009 are: January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, and June 19. Bring your favorite toppings and games!
Hopeville Pond Campout, May 22-24 will be held RAIN OR SHINE! Come join in the annual All Souls pilgrimage. For information, contact Sara Clark at emberstar1980(at)hotmail(dot)com. - The Book Discussion Group will continue to meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 1 p.m. Contact Liz Avalos.
- The Buddhist Meditation Group (Sangha) will keep meditating on Tuesdays at 7:15 am., Wednesdays at 5:15 pm., and 10:00 am - 1:00 pm the second Saturday of each month; they will also hold a weekend-long mindfulness retreat. Contact Paula Nowakowski.
- The Christian Fellowship will keep meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month, and will host services on Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. Contact M.J. Kanabis at mjk(at)snet(dot)net.
- The Elder Journey Gathering will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at noon; contact Arlene at info@allsoulsnewlondon.org.
- The Humanist Discussion Group meets each 3rd Thursday at 7:00 pm; call Sandy Geaman or Jonathan Harger.
- All Souls’ Men’s Group will keep meeting every Tuesday 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; contact Paul Shaffer at phshaffer(at)aol(dot)com.
- Small Group Ministry meetings will continue; for information, contact Barbara Metz at mellocello(at)ct(dot)metrocast(dot)net.
The Social Action Committee will continue coordinating All Souls’ work on social justice issues. Homelessness will be a particular focus before, during, and after Carolyn’s sabbatical; Rev. Cathy Zall, Executive Director of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, will preach about homelessness on February 1st. Community Meals will be served at 60 Huntington Street on January 31st and May 30th. Contact Judith Crotty at carith349(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.
The All Souls Choir and Camerata will continue to sing anthems
twice a month, and to practice in Unity Hall Tuesdays at 6:30;
Music Sunday will be February 8th, and there will be a special Evening
Musicale on March 27th. For information about Choir or Camerata,
contact Heidi Carrier at h(dot)carrier(at)theday(dot)com.
The Family Choir will also continue to rehearse and perform
intermittently; for information about Family Choir, contact Becky
Noreen at noreentowne(at)comcast(dot)net.
Music Night will be held on Friday, May 1st at 7 p.m. For information,
contact Nick Evento at neevento(a)snet(dot)net.
Carolyn has been very active in welcoming people to our congregation;
in her absence, we will all need to do more to help
greet visitors, welcome newcomers, and uphold our congregational
commitment to radical hospitality.
To volunteer as a greeter, contact
Joyce Werden at singnrejoyce(at)aol(dot)com.
This Sabbatical Handbook only contains information as of mid-October 2008. Watch the newsletter and email announcements for updates regarding the events mentioned in this handbook, and for information regarding additional events. Jan Hine will continue to edit the newsletter; items should be submitted to Arlene at office(at)allsouls(dot)net by the second Tuesday of each month as usual.
- What communications will Carolyn have with All Souls during her
sabbatical?
As little as she wishes! We ask members to respect the need of Carolyn and her family for a temporary separation from the congregation, and to direct questions or requests to those who have agreed to help; contact information is here. - What if I really, REALLY need to get hold of Carolyn?
In emergencies (such as the death of a member), Jan Larson, Board President has been authorized to contact Carolyn. - Who will answer emails to Carolyn?
Emailers will receive an automatic reply saying that Reverend Patierno is on sabbatical, and offering alternative emails and phone numbers. - Will Carolyn still be active in the local groups with which she has
been involved?
Carolyn will have as much (or as little) involvement with community groups as she wishes; she has informed many of them that she will be inactive during her sabbatical. - What will happen to our campus ministry?
Georgiann Burdette will continue to assist with our campus ministry, which meets each Sunday evening at Harkness Chapel, Connecticut College. - How will Carolyn’s sabbatical affect All Souls financially?
Hardly at all. All Souls has budgeted for Carolyn’s sabbatical, and many of her fellow UU ministers have generously volunteered to preach. The only real expenses are travel costs, on-call pastoral care, fees for speakers who are not UU ministers, party refreshments, and printing this handbook; these fit easily into All Souls’ budget. - How come I don’t get a sabbatical?
You should! Every year, more employers realize that employees—especially in jobs involving stress or caring— need sabbaticals to avoid “burnout.” Studies show sabbaticals increase employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention so much as to more than make up for the time employees spend away.
All Souls Board of Trustees
There will be a monthly “coffee with the Board” during
Carolyn’s sabbatical; see the Newsletter or Announcements
for dates and times.
President: Jan Larson, nianticjan(at)yahoo(dot)com
Vice-President: George Dowker
Treasurer: Rob Casey
Secretary: Ginny Campbell
Members-at-Large: Pat Abraham, Nick Evento,
Karen Mangiacotti,
Tracey Rose, Hans Veltheim
The Sabbatical Committee
Erik Wingrove-Haugland (co-chair, handbook)
Connie Szymonik (co-chair)
Erica Harger (Caring Committee):
Mary Jean Kanabis (Sunday Services)
Bob Madiera (Finance/Celebrations):
Lynn Tavormina (Membership):
Jan Larson (Board of Trustees)
Joel Ackerman (Board of Trustees through June 2008)
Chris Reitmeyer (Sunday Services through June 2008)
Heidi Carrier (Handbook Graphic Design)
All Souls Staff
Administrator:
Arlene Gundlach, info@allsoulsnewlondon.org
RE Director:
Nathan Pawelek, dre@allsoulsnewlondon.org
Bookkeeper: finance@allsoulsnewlondon.org
Choir Director: Kit Johnson
Child Care: Whitney Pope
People to Contact During Carolyn's Sabbatical
- RE Director
Nate Pawelek; dre@allsoulsnewlondon.org - Stewardship
Maria Bareiss;holistic_healthy(at)yahoo(dot)com - Membership
Lynn Tavormina; bltavo(at)ct(dot)metrocast(dot)net - Sunday Services
Mary Jean Kanabis; mjk(at)snet(dot)net - Choir or Camerata
Heidi Carrier; h(dot)carrier(at)theday(dot)com - Social Justice
Mike Burns; michaelpaulburns(at)gmail(dot)com