"And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested  on the seventh day from all the work that he had done."  Genesis 2:2

Clergy of the Church lead very demanding lives, often being on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are constantly serving others in their ministry by leading services, attending meetings, and giving pastoral care for their flocks, among other duties.

In the Episcopal Church, however, most active clergy are not only allowed, but are encouraged to take a time of sabbatical after seven years of service. In most dioceses, the sabbatical is made part of their covenant with the Church, and many dioceses have written policies describing and governing the sabbatical. If one were to Google "Episcopal church clergy sabbatical policy," a variety of diocesan websites would be listed, all with policies on clergy sabbatical. According to the Diocese of West Tennessee, "the purpose of a Sabbatical leave is to provide an opportunity for those on Sabbatical to rest. If God thought it was good for God, surely God thinks it is good for God's people. In this regard (as in others) Clergy are to be models of God to God's people. It is, therefore, incumbent on them to be deliberate in taking regular times for the rest which allows for the replenishment of the body and the spirit. Sabbaticals are in addition to regularly scheduled vacation times and are not to be confused with sick leave or any other kind of leave."

As in Genesis 2:2, even God rested on the seventh day. For centuries Hebrews and Jews have understood the value of resting on the seventh day, or the Sabbath, but in today's world that tradition has largely been lost as we strive to earn money to support our families.

Our Bishop diocesan, the Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer, was consecrated Bishop of Northwest Texas, in March of 2009. He has worked feverishly and faithfully for the Episcopal Church in our diocese for the past seven years through his travel schedule, visitations, and his relationship with the wider church. Additionally, he was elected as Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Ft. Worth, in May of 2015, making his work load even more demanding. This summer, beginning July 1, Bishop Mayer will begin his well-earned and long-awaited sabbatical, returning on November 1st.

When I interviewed Bishop Scott about his sabbatical last week, he described a Biblical verse, John 14:1-6, in which Jesus spoke to his disciples to comfort them. He said, " In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." In the early church, the audience would have understood this place as a way station for the purpose of rest.

While Bishop Scott has no plans to intentionally produce something such as writing a book, as the academia may do, or taking specific courses or methods of study, he admitted that something constructive clearly may come of this time of rest and refreshment. The only solid plans he has made for his time away is a trip with family members to Spain and Portugal in September and October, with plans to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona; Granada, where they will visit the   Alhambra; Porto and Lisbon, Portugal; as well as various side trips around both Spain and Portugal. Bishop Scott hopes to have a new understanding of the influence of Islam in Europe when he returns to the states.

So what will fill the other time not occupied by travel plans? Why, baseball, of course, as well as family time, perhaps some beach time, a time of retreat, some directed reading, and a period of overall reflection, during which he will be in contact with key persons to aid in his reflection. Those who know Bishop Scott at all know that reading is part of his spiritual discipline, one which feeds his spirit. Due to his schedule of the past year, however, reading has had to take a back seat. He looks forward to sitting on his back porch amidst the quiet of nature to dive into the stack of books waiting for him.

When Bishop Scott was at Church of the Heavenly Rest, he discovered that the parish acquired numerous nicknames, such as the Church of the "Celestial Snooze" and the "Sleeping Giant." But given that they had no patron saint the previous rector, Parson Willis Gerhart, for whom the new addition of their building will be named, wrote a Collect for the parish, which has been prayed by generations of Heavenly Rest members. The Collect seems quite appropriate as we pray for rest and rejuvenation for our Bishop.

" Blessed Lord, you have called all who labor and are heavy laden to come to you, the source of all refreshment; Grant us grace to find in your greater purposes the fulfillment of all that is best for us, and to abide in the Heavenly Rest that can only come from joyfully wearing the yoke of Christ, forever and ever." Amen.
 

The Diocese of Northwest Texas, the staff of the Bishop's office in Lubbock, as well as all his friends across the diocese, wish Bishop Scott Godspeed and good times as he leaves us for this short time of refreshment. Have a great time, Right Reverend, sir!

"We (the DDG) have sent fire trucks, ambulances, school supplies, medicines, and many other items to the DR. One current project involved procuring and shipping 2 sets of concrete forms for outdoor latrines." The sermon in its entirety may be downloaded by following this link.

Bienvidos la diócesis de Noroeste de Texas, amigos!

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