Sunrise at Weston Priory, Weston, VT
Activities at the church during our summer sabbatical of 2004:
We were fortunate to have outstanding leaders as sabbatical interim pastors during the time Pastor Greg was on sabbatical in the summer of 2004. These included Rev. Jerene Broadway, Rev. Dr. Bernie Turner, Rev. Dr. Archie Smith, and Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage. Each of these leaders brought insight and joy as they shared their expertise and warmth with us during this time.
Nursery care and children's classes were provided each Sunday. These included classes led by Marcie Holmes and young people of the church, as well as other lay members of the congregation. In August, the children joined with adults in a Tai Chi exercise class led by Lucy Lo, an Acalanes Adult Education instructor.
An Adult Forum, focused on "Mind/Body/Spirit," included classes and participatory activities on Liturgical Dance, with Jonathan Levy, introductory sessions with each of the interim ministers, a Continental Breakfast on July 4, a discussion on Palestine and the work of Father Elias Chacour led by Don Griggs, and reflections on Spirituality by Victoria MacDonald and Mike Mansfield.
Sunday Worship Services were led by the respective interim pastors and volunteer lay worship leaders from the congregation.
Family Night Activities included "The Gospel According to the Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family," in which we shared dessert, viewed short selected clips, and enjoyed a rousing discussion led by Marcie Holmes and the church's youth. Other activities included a BBQ and Line Dance and an Intergenerational Game Night. All of the classes and activities were well-attended and enjoyed by everyone.
The 2004 Sabbatical was a time of regeneration and renewal for the congregation as well as the Pastor and his family. Much of the success of the sabbatical experience was due to the exceptional planning work by Greg and a committee led by Terry and Elizabeth Burch. Thanks to all of them for giving us a remarkable summer in 2004!
Remembering the Journey - Our 2004 Sabbatical Summer at Shell Ridge
