A Guide to Reverend Sarah’s Sabbatical
January 2 – March 14, 2026
As Rev. Sarah completes her fourth year of ministry with us—and her 11th year of ordained ministry—she will be taking her first sabbatical, beginning January 2 and ending March 14, 2026. Over the past several months, leaders and committees throughout VUU have worked together to ensure that our community is well cared for during this time. Guest speakers and internal leaders are scheduled for Sunday services, support structures are in place for staff, pastoral care protocols have been clarified, and liaisons to partner organizations are prepared to continue nurturing our relationships in the wider community.
Why a Sabbatical?
Sabbatical leave is a long-standing tradition for Unitarian Universalist clergy, offering extended time for study, reflection, rest, and renewal—all essential to sustaining healthy and vibrant ministry.
Sabbatical leave is part of our congregation’s covenantal agreement with Rev. Sarah as our settled minister, aligned with guidance from the UUA and UUMA. Ministers typically earn one month of sabbatical for each year of service, and the timing is arranged collaboratively with the Board of Trustees.
Importantly, UU ministers and congregations have moved away from waiting six or seven years to schedule sabbaticals. Long delays can contribute to burnout for ministers and leave congregations without pastoral leadership for too long once the sabbatical finally arrives. Regular, timely sabbaticals help sustain both the minister and the community.
What Will Rev. Sarah Do During Her Sabbatical?
Rev. Sarah will begin her time away with travel to Costa Rica, where she will spend time brushing up on her Spanish, connecting with the local culture, and enjoying rest and renewal with her daughter, who is currently serving in the Peace Corps. She will also spend time with other family members and participate in active retreat opportunities. Reading, reflecting, dreaming, and reconnecting with her call to ministry will be central parts of her sabbatical journey.
Can I Contact Rev. Sarah?
To honor the purpose of the sabbatical, Rev. Sarah will be completely stepping away from her ministerial duties. We ask the congregation not to contact her during this time.
A network of leaders will be managing all routine and emergency matters. Only four roles are authorized to reach out to Rev. Sarah if necessary:
- Board President
- Board Vice President
- Pastoral Care Co-Chairs
- Congregational Administrator
Sunday Services
Rev. Sarah and the worship team have thoughtfully planned the services that will take place during her absence. The worship team, staff, and a series of guest ministers and speakers will guide our Sunday reflections. Service leaders and topics will continue to be announced in Happenings.
Please note:
- All-Community Worship services will be paused in January and February.
- Rev. Sarah will return on March 15 to lead an All-Community Worship and Celebration of Return.
For worship questions or pulpit announcement requests:
- Worship Associates Co-Chairs
- Amanda Schneider — amanda@abundanceonpurpose.com
- Obi Duru — obi.duru77@gmail.com
- Amanda Schneider — amanda@abundanceonpurpose.com
- Music Director
- Meg Palermo — musicdirector@vuu.org
- Meg Palermo — musicdirector@vuu.org
Rites of Passage & Pastoral Care
Our Lay Pastoral Care Associates remain available at pastoralcare@vuu.org with two members on call each week. If you need support, a listening ear, or accompaniment through difficulty, please reach out.
Pastoral Care also maintains a list of local ministers available to help with memorial services, end-of-life pastoral needs, and weddings.
Contacts for urgent pastoral needs:
- Pastoral Care Co-Chairs
- Melissa Bush — melbear77@msn.com
- Carl Anderson — canderaz@cox.net
- Melissa Bush — melbear77@msn.com
- Caring Neighbors
- caringneighbors@vuu.org (meals, rides, neighborly support)
- caringneighbors@vuu.org (meals, rides, neighborly support)
Ministerial Discretionary Fund:
Emergency assistance remains available. Contact Carl Anderson at the email above. To contribute to the fund, visit the VUU website and select the ministerial discretionary fund from the Breeze dropdown menu.
Congregational Operations
VUU staff, the Board of Trustees, and committee leaders will ensure that day-to-day operations continue smoothly during Rev. Sarah’s sabbatical.
- Congregational Administrator & Staff Team Leader
Todd Sirrine — admin@vuu.org
(Contact Todd with questions related to operations.) - Board of Trustees
Reach the Board at board@vuu.org.
President Mark Foote and Vice President Nancy Egly will be available for questions and concerns.
Congregational Programming
Staff and committees will continue their programming and planned activities with support from volunteers. Each leader has identified needs during Rev. Sarah’s absence, and these plans have been prepared in advance.
This time of sabbatical is not only an important period of renewal for Rev. Sarah—it is an opportunity for our community to stretch, grow, and deepen our shared ministry. We look forward to welcoming her back with refreshed energy, new insights, and renewed spirit in March.