June 2024

I have served as a United Methodist elder for 9 years without a renewal
leave. I plan to take a leave beginning June 17 through August 4. This leave was
approved by the Christ UMC SPRC on February 28 and has been submitted to the
district superintendents.
During my leave, you will be able to hear from a variety of preachers from
the Conference staff, lay leaders, and even our own Lisa Maragliotta-Van Scyoc!
Pastoral care needs will be handled by our lay leaders, Al Naab and Galen Younkin,
along with past CUMC pastors the Rev. Kerry King and Rollin Conway. Al and Galen
will get in touch with Kerry and Rollin as needed.
I intend to spend part of my leave walking the Camino Ingles, a portion of the
Camino de Santiago. The remainder will be spent in sabbath activities, reading a
mix of fiction, spiritual, and educational books, and in settling in to my new home
– I have recently purchased a home in Shaker Heights.
Paragraph 250 in the United Methodist Book of Discipline states, in part: “…A
clergy member’s continuing education and spiritual growth program shall include
professional formation leaves at least one week each year and may include at least
one month during one year of every quadrennium. Such leaves shall not be
considered as part of the ministers’ vacations and shall be planned in consultation
with their charges or other agencies to which they are appointed as well as the
bishop, district superintendent, and annual conference continuing education
committee…”
I will miss you all this summer but look forward to returning with renewed
energy and vitality of spirit.