“Take advantage of the time”… “enjoy & rest!”…. “take time to focus on your family (you’ve got a lot going on!)”… “you deserve this time away”… “we appreciate you, and your hard work”… These, along with other phrases, are some of what you have shared with me as you have learned of my upcoming sabbatical. I am grateful to belong to a church family who understands and most importantly cares for their ministers with the gift of sabbatical. I will be away on sabbatical from Sunday, October 13, through Friday, December 13. At this juncture in my life, a sabbatical is essential… for reasons of self-care, personal health, and the well-being of my newly formed family. This timing marks a significant transition in my personal life that I believe warrants dedicated time and attention to ensure a smooth integration of my new family responsibilities with my ministerial duties.

For nearly two decades, I have served faithfully in ministry, navigating the challenges and joys of singlehood while dedicating myself wholeheartedly to the needs of youth and their families. I have spent the majority of my ministry “married to the church.” Being a Youth Minister brings me great joy, and being present for our youth will always be a central focus in my ministry. My upcoming marriage in November will mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one that includes the responsibility of caring for and being part of a family of five for the first time. This will be a profound shift in my life as I have embarked on the journey of marriage and gained three remarkable teenagers as part of my family. This transition, while gratifying, presents a unique set of challenges as I strive to learn how to balance the demands of my ministry with the responsibilities of family. While I have not always been diligent in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I recognize the unique demands and challenges that come with blending a family, becoming a full-time mom to three teenagers, and adjusting to the dynamics of a new marriage. I am deeply committed to fulfilling my obligations as Minister to Youth and College and serving our community with the same level of dedication and passion that I have always exhibited when I return. During my sabbatical, my primary focus will be on the balance of self-care, familial bonding, and renewal.

Our amazing youth staff, along with Rev. Christine Powell Kellett serving as interim, will continue the amazing work and day-to-day duties like they normally do. All of our typical youth activities and schedules will move forward just as they are planned; Our youthies are in great hands! I hope our youth families will be present and support our youth staff and their hard work!

To my church family, you can support my sabbatical with prayers (thank you), words of encouragement (so helpful), and giving to our College Care Package ministry (I’ve gotta plug that before I’m gone)! Andrew, Sarah and Christine will be encouraging you to support our College ministry by bringing donations (of a certain kind) during the month of October! Be on the lookout for that announcement!
I look forward to returning to my work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Grace and Peace,
Mary Carol Anderson, Minister to Youth and College

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