In the summer of 2024, our Co-Pastors will be on sabbatical. Here’s some information about what to expect:
Quick Links
Why Sabbatical?
Meg & Jarrett's Plans
Sabbatical Boundaries
Summer Leadership
Summer Preaching Schedule
Ways to Support
Why Sabbatical?
From Debbie Bevin, UPC Personnel Committee Chair:
This summer marks five years since we welcomed Meg and Jarrett to UPC. In some respects, their time with us has flown by, but when we look back at those five years, we are reminded that they were five very full years! Within six months of arriving at UPC, a global pandemic forced the McLaughlins to completely reimagine worship, fellowship, and outreach. Thanks to their creativity, determination, and leadership, UPC not only survived that difficult period but thrived. Over the past five years they have also challenged and inspired us from the pulpit, tended to our needs in joy and sorrow, welcomed scores of new members, provided opportunities for engagement with the world outside of our walls, expanded and mentored our staff, and cared for our beautiful but aging facilities.
This summer, our co-pastors will have the opportunity to take well-earned sabbaticals. UPC offers a sabbatical to full-time program staff after every five years of service. The purpose of the sabbatical is to provide time for extended study, renewal, and professional growth. Sabbaticals are good for our staff and they are good for the church!
When will Meg & Jarrett be gone, and what will they do?
Meg and Jarrett will take a staggered sabbatical, with each taking a month as a solo sabbatical, and two months on sabbatical together. Meg’s sabbatical will be May 20-Aug. 12, and Jarrett’s sabbatical will be June 14-Sept. 6. Both Co-Pastors will be away for 12 weeks, with 8 overlapping weeks (Sundays include June 16 through August 11).
Meg will start her time away with a clergy women’s retreat with a beloved therapist who does work in the enneagram and internal family systems. And Jarrett hopes to travel up the East Coast to connect with friends and hike.
The expected highlight of the summer will be a two-week trip to Costa Rica (where their daughters are hoping to see a sloth!). Meg and Jarrett have coordinated with Karla Koll, the PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker whom UPC has supported for years, to explore what global mission opportunities might be possible.
They also hope to read, reflect, and reconnect, but mostly practice holy rest and remembering.
What are appropriate sabbatical boundaries?
During their respective sabbaticals, Meg and Jarrett will be unplugging from UPC life. Sabbatical is meant to allow rest and restoration, and completely stepping away from church life for that period is an important part of that process.
Sabbatical Boundary FAQ:
Will Meg and Jarrett attend worship or church events?
No, Meg and Jarrett (and their family) will not be in worship during their sabbatical times.
What about funerals?
Meg and Jarrett will not come back from sabbatical to lead any funerals. We are fortunate to have three gifted Associate Pastors (Hadley, Nancy, and Berry) who are equipped to walk alongside grieving families and plan and lead funerals.
Can I call/email them?
Meg and Jarrett’s auto-response on their email and phone will say that they are away and that they will not go back through three months of emails or voicemails. If you send them something that you want them to see, send it again upon their return.
What if I see them at the pool/grocery store/some other place?
It’s okay to say hi and talk about family/school/life! Please don’t pretend you don’t see them.
Who will be leading in their absence?
Duties will be divided between our associate pastors:
- Hadley Kifner: pastoral care
- Nancy Myer: administration and personnel
- Berry French: worship
Our three associate pastors will also preach this summer, in addition to several guest preachers.
Community assistance on Tuesdays will be paused while Jarrett is on Sabbatical.
Who will be preaching?
May & June:
May 26: Jarrett McLaughlin
June 2: Jarrett McLaughlin
June 9: Jarrett McLaughlin
June 16: Nancy Myer
June 23: Berry French
June 30: Bob Dunham
July:
July 7: Jan Edmiston
July 14: Nancy Myer
July 21: Hadley Kifner
July 28: Berry French
August & September:
Aug. 4: Amantha Barbee
Aug. 11: Nancy Myer
Aug. 18: Meg Peery McLaughlin
Aug. 25: Meg Peery McLaughlin
Sept. 1: Meg Peery McLaughlin
Sept. 8: Bob Dunham (congregational retreat weekend)
How can we be supportive?
Pray…
Pray for Meg and Jarrett as they prepare for this time away, and for them as they are away. Pray for their rest and rejuvenation.
Pray for UPC as we prepare for and enter this time while they are away.
Pray for Hadley, Nancy, and Berry as they take on some additional responsibilities.
Be Present…
At UPC this summer, we will continue to worship, fellowship, serve, and be the church together! Please continue to support the work of UPC through your presence in worship (we have a GREAT lineup of preachers!), as well as the many opportunities available throughout the summer.
Give…
To recognize longevity, it has been this congregation’s practice to collect monetary love gifts for staff ahead of their second sabbatical, after ten years of service. The Personnel Committee recommended to the Session that we make a one-time exception to that practice and allow the congregation to collect a love gift for the McLaughlins for this sabbatical, in gratitude for their extraordinary service to the church. Click here to give online (select the sabbatical love gift fund).