The purpose of a ministerial sabbatical is to provide a period of refreshment and professional renewal for the Minister and a time of exploration and leadership development for the congregation.

When does Rev. Carpenter plan to take the sabbatical?

Our agreement with our minister, Rev. Frank Carpenter, is that he is to accrue a month of paid sabbatical leave for each year of service. Now after five years of service to St. John's, Frank is planning to take four months of sabbatical leave from January 28 to May 27, 2008. When he returns, he plans to serve St. John's for a year before retirement.

What will be the focus of the sabbatical?

Rev. Carpenter will focus on the UUA's Congregational Study/Action Issue on Peacemaking. He intends to visit other UU congregations to learn about their work in peacemaking, and also to attend peace-oriented retreat centers. During the sabbatical he also will be working on the development of programs in this area, such as sermons, Adult RE classes, etc. for potential use at St. John's and by other UUs.

Will Rev. Carpenter be available during the sabbatical?

A sabbatical allows the Minister to take a complete break from the roles and responsibilities of his position. Thus, please respect this time of rest and renewal by refraining from contacting Rev. Carpenter during the sabbatical period. Of course, if you happen to see Frank around town, feel free to say hello but not discuss church business.

What is the meaning of this for the St. John's church community?

This will be a time of exploration for all and for leadership development for the congregation. The Board of Trustees anticipates that it will be good for the church's membership, and good for the Minister who will return refreshed and with a greater diversity of programming.

Who will lead our Sunday Services?

The Worship Committee is planning and taking responsibility for coordinating the 11:00am Sunday services during the sabbatical. Our first Sunday of this special time will be February 3, 2008. We are pleased to have the Rev. Bonnie Meyer, Affiliated Minister of St. John's, leading this service.

In the weeks that follow, we will welcome an outstanding lineup of speakers including the ministers of First Unitarian Church, Heritage UU Church and the Northern Hills Fellowship. There will be services featuring popular lay leaders such as Diane Wright, Jim Jackson, Jacquie Rousseau and Bruce Beisner, as well as special services to celebrate Earth Day, Easter and Stewardship Sunday. The annual RE Sunday service will be May 4 and the St. John's Choir will present its Spring Choral Concert on May 11.

Throughout the sabbatical time, the Worship Committee of St. John's will be working to create diversity in our 11:00am Sunday services. With the assistance of visiting clergy and lay speakers, we plan to offer the congregation opportunities to explore new and exciting ways to worship together.

A complete schedule of 11:00am Sunday service speakers and topics for February, March, April and May of 2008 will be made available by the Worship Committee in late January. If you have questions, comments or concerns about our 11:00am services, contact Worship Committee chair Bruce Beisner.

The Contemporary Services will continue on a weekly basis at 9am as well during the sabbatical period. If you have questions or comments about the Contemporary Services, contact Worship Coordinator Omope Daboiku.

Who will lead special services such as weddings, unions or memorials?

Requests for special services will be referred to other clergy within St. John's and the tri-state community. For weddings or unions, contact Office Administrator Josie Arens at 513-961-1938 or stjohnuu@fuse.net. Requests for memorial services should be directed to Board President Cliff Shisler, who will make the appropriate referral.

Who will give Pastoral Care?

If you need pastoral care, or know of someone in the church community who has such a need, please contact Caring Circle members Kathy Laufman or Nina (after March 1). Either of these people will be able to connect you with someone who can provide help during Rev. Carpenter's absence.

What about Rev. Carpenter's administrative responsibilities?

Communication among the Board, the Staff, committee chairs, church leaders and members will continue to be important as we all work together in our church programs. The Board President will communicate regularly with the Staff and continue to act as chief administrative officer.

The Sabbatical Team

During the time Rev. Carpenter is on leave, the Sabbatical Team is responsible for communicating with the members of the congregation, the Board, the committees and the Staff to ensure that the church continues to function smoothly. Please feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns.

The members of the Sabbatical Team are:
Cliff Shisler, Board President
Bruce Beisner, Worship Committee Chair
Judy Buxton, Committee on Ministry
Carol Fencl, Adult Religious Exploration Committee Chair