Rev. Heather will be away on sabbatical this coming May, June, and July. She’ll for sure be back in August! Per UUA policy, sabbatical leave accrues at the rate of one month per year of service, with leave to be taken after four but before seven years of service. We have been privileged to have Heather as our settled minister since 2021. She will take her sabbatical in three units: Oct. 2025, May/June/July 2026, and Jan-Feb 2027.
Sabbaticals provide ministers with needed respite and renewal. Time away reduces the risk of burn-out, which can leave clergy feeling empty and less able to connect or provide vision and stability for leadership. In order to thrive, congregations need
spiritual leaders who are fresh in mind and heart. Clergy vitality is the one of the greatest assets in building a congregation’s future. A sabbatical strengthens both the minister and the congregation.
During sabbaticals:
· Communication among leaders is strengthened.
· Congregants can learn new skills and feel empowered as they take on tasks.
· Congregations own a sense of their own agency and competence.
The Board of Trustees has been planning for Rev. Heather’s sabbatical. A Sabbatical Coverage Team consisting of Warren Bouton, Jean Charles, Judy Hayes, and Carol Huckabee is in place to help coordinate some of the things that Rev. Heather would normally do. Engaging worship services will continue. Leadership teams will continue to pursue their work. Pastoral Care concerns will be addressed through our Pastoral Care Committee along with Rev. Leika Lewis. UUSD will be here for you.
Freed of the usual meetings, staff supervision, pastoral calls, and weekly worship presentation, Rev. Heather may use her sabbatical time in a number of ways for professional and spiritual growth. When you see her this month, ask her about her
plans.
Sabbatical Coverage Team
A Sabbatical Coverage Team consisting of Warren Bouton, Jean Charles, Judy Hayes, and Carol Huckabee is in place (May, June, and July) to help coordinate some of the things that Rev. Heather would normally do. Engaging worship services will continue. Leadership teams will continue to pursue their work. Pastoral Care concerns will be addressed through our Pastoral Care Committee, along with Rev. Leika Lewis. Rev. Leika
(they/them) is a UU poet, chaplain, and Humanist theologian. Leika received their Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Chicago Theological Seminary in April 2024. A native of the DC area, Leika has spent the past 20 years working with churches, non-profits, and large organizations to transform conflict and build inclusive culture. Leika lives in Milford with their family. Occasionally, you will find Leika at the back of the sanctuary helping with AV support and leading the Zoom social time after the Sunday morning live streaming. UUSD will be here for you.