January 31, 2025
Well, the moment is finally here, and I am heading off on sabbatical leave.
My hope for this time is to refill my well, with the goal of better being able to support you and the larger community in the months and years ahead.
Before leaving, I want to thank you for all the depth, generosity – and of course, the spirit of fun – that have helped prepare my departure.
I can’t say enough about how much I appreciated the awesome musical send-off you organized at January’s Fun Friday event. Now, I can finally say I’ve been initiated into an old-time (and truly delicious) Plattsburgh institution: Rambach’s Australian Tea Cake!
You’ve shared wishes about what you hope might shape my time away. You’ve reflected on the opportunities you expect my absence will open up for you, the congregation. Board, staff, the Committee on Ministry and the Sabbatical Planning Team: each, in turn, have brought creativity and determination to planning for both the expected, and the unexpected. I leave with the peace that comes from knowing things are in capable hands.
A few further notes:
Although I will be thinking about you, I will not be checking email or responding to texts or phone calls from the congregation before my return, May 19th. Please be assured that your Commissioned Lay Minister and one of the Board Co-Chairs will reach out to me should some significant emergency arise. You can find out more about who to contact, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re used to reaching out to me, on our FAQ page.
I know that for many of us, these are disruptive times that deeply challenge the beliefs, dreams and values we’d thought we could count on. My hope is that you not give up on turning to one another for solace, for grounding, for support.
I believe without question that spiritual practices and spiritual community have saving powers, especially at times of inner turmoil and national crisis. You are gifts to one another, and the community you are building together will be a saving force in the lives of others in the times ahead.
Please take care of each other. I’ll be looking forward to reconnecting with you all in May.
In love and service,
Rev. Nicoline