May 22, 2026
Dear church,
One of the most frequent topics of conversation amongst my pastoral colleagues is around how to make our work sustainable. Congregational ministry, along with many other helping professions, is considered a “burnout profession.” Pastor Reed and I can list several friends and colleagues who have decided to pursue other work in order to access a better work/life rhythm. Knowing this, it is one of my primary goals as a pastor and supervisor to lead in ways that support and model sustainability. That looks like: taking my days off, making time for exercise and cooking, giving my attention to my kids and my spouse, and being intentional about how many times a day I check my email. It also means savoring weeks or seasons that are not so intense because, in pastoring, we know intensity will come again – whether in the form of multiple deaths, or a community/world tragedy, or a staff change, or a change in our lives.
One of the things that a few congregations around us are doing to encourage sustainability of their leaders is to offer a bit of additional time off in the summer, since summer is often a lighter season. Pastor Reed and I shared this idea with Council this past week, and shared what a gift it would be to be given two Sundays off in addition to our regular vacation Sundays (which we often reserve for family events, travel, holidays, etc). The gift of two full weekends off to be with our families and to enjoy summer in Minnesota feels like one of the most restful things we can imagine.
Council has given us their support and blessing, for which we are so grateful. And so I’m writing to let you know that Pastor Reed and I will each be taking two additional Sundays off this summer. Three of these will fall on holiday weekends – Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day; the other will fall on a weekend in August. Pr. Reed and I, along with our families, are so grateful for this gift, and for the way it communicates the trust and support of the congregation.
My hope and prayer is that summer brings you moments to unwind and rest, too. We all need it.
With love and gratitude,
Pastor Sarah
Every Friday, we send an email to the congregation and any others who would like to learn more about the Grace community. The last four Friday emails are posted below.