Lake County Gazette

“Mini-Sabbatical” Program Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Dear ones,

Assisting Bishop Chilton is asking “our diocesan community to come together in loving support of our clergy – both deacons and priests — and church workers through what [she is] calling the “Mini-Sabbatical” program. Out of love and concern for health and well-being of clergy and lay staff, this program provides for a week where the meetings, worship, and activities facilitated by clergy and staff are cancelled to allow for a time of respite and renewal – a sabbath rest most critically needed. Sabbath is a vital part of our lives of faith, so it is important for the church to set an example of caring for each other and valuing the biblically established rhythm of work and rest.

In this season of growing collaboration across parishes, the clergy and staff of St. Gregory’s Deerfield and St. Lawrence Libertyville are delighted to partner with each other for worship and pastoral support during our sabbath weeks, further strengthening our bonds together. We have coordinated to stagger our respective sabbath weeks so that we can support each other and all of you. Our vestries strongly support our participation in this program, and affirm their gratitude for the tremendous efforts of all of our staff members, especially since the pandemic began.

The StGs clergy and staff will take the sabbath week January 30th – February 5th.

The St. Lawrence clergy and staff will take the sabbath week February 16h - February 22nd.

What does this mean for you?

• During the sabbath week, church offices will be closed, and most activities, including Sunday worship, will be cancelled or postponed. Our calendars online will be updated to indicate which activities will continue.
• For pastoral emergencies, our usual contact numbers are unchanged: St Gs, please call 847-943-9815. St. Lawrence, please call 847-362-2110. We will exchange pastoral coverage during the sabbath weeks.
• On Sunday, January 30th, the StGs community is strongly encouraged to worship with one of our partner congregations: St. Lawrence, Libertyville: onsite and online worship at 9am (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85951776213), or Trinity Highland Park online Zoom worship at 11am (https://zoom.us/j/94814898440). On Sunday, February 20th, the St. Lawrence community is likewise strongly encouraged to worship with one of our partner congregations: St. Gregory’s, Deerfield: onsite and online at 9:30am (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/842861148?pwd=TGNvQWdyVUFsRE1JNUQ3WkFJVU1BZz09), or Trinity, Highland Park: online Zoom worship at 11am (https://zoom.us/j/94814898440).
• The National Cathedral also has a service streamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qc6gmVKevDg).

The clergy and staff are grateful for your support and encouragement, and look forward to returning after our sabbath rest to continue our work in helping everyone live their lives of faith, supported in community. As we hold you in prayer, we ask for your prayers for rest and renewal in our sabbath weeks.

In Christ,

The Rev. Kristin L. Saylor, Rector, St. Lawrence

The Rev. Anne B. Jolly, Rector, St. Gregory's