Sabbatical

TERRY SHANAHAN, NE REGIONAL PASTOR

A period of rest. A time of religious dedication. An opportunity for reflection. A season of renewal. Karlotta and I are being blessed by the Conference with a season of sabbatical.

After 11 years as Regional Pastor for me and 23 years in private practice as a mental health counselor for Karlotta, we are leaving our post on March 31st, Holy Saturday, and arriving in Dublin Ireland on Easter Sunday where we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on a different continent. This will be the beginning of 3 1/2 months of rest and renewal. In addition to the Conferences’ support we have received a grant from the Cheshut Foundation which will defray cost for our stay for Easter Term at Westminster College.

With connections to the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity and Fresh Expressions,  I intend to explore the current trends of church revitalization in England as well as dedicating much time to rest and renewal.

In doing research for our time away I talked to many who have gone on a sabbatical and to the person they report their life had been changed.

We heard comments like,

“A trip of a lifetime”,

“I returned rested and refreshed”,

“I came back highly charged and more resolved” “it was a period of learning and growing”

“I connected with God in amazing ways”.

Karlotta and I are excited and ready for this type of experience.

Coverage for my time away is being handled first by our 8 Area Pastors in New England plus two additional Pastors and our Director of Conference Care Peter Wood. In Maine Area Pastor Ryan Howell, in New Hampshire Area Pastor David Randlett, in Vermont Area Pastor Peter Anderson plus Pastor Jason McConnell adding coverage for that region. In Northern Mass-Area Pastor Steve Burkett, in Southeastern Mass-Area Pastor Peter Smith, in Connecticut and Rhode Island-Area Pastor Tom Crumb, in Greater Hudson Valley-Area Pastor Tom Bridgman, in New York City Area-Pastor Kurt van der Swaagh, with Pastor Paul McPheeters offering his help and guidance. And the Home Office is always available when there are questions or needs that come up.

God’s blessing to you all. See you at the Annual Gathering at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts July 31st through August 3rd.