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Introduction

“The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love.”

- William Sloane Coffin
Gazebo
This report is intended to be a follow up to the “Inner and Outer Journeys - A Plan for Ministerial Renewal for the Reverend Allison Barrett” that was written and shared with the congregation prior to my departure for a five month sabbatical in September 2007.

My sabbatical was self-directed and based on an Adult Learning Model that connects my insights and growth to our UU Purposes, Principles and Sources. It seeks to understand my learnings both as they relate to stated goals and to where my spirit traveled while on sabbatical.

Although some ministerial expenses are provided to me each year for ongoing professional development, the personal cost to me of my sabbatical was two to three times greater than my yearly professional expenses (which are intended to cover the costs of doing ministry year round during a normal working year.) I share this only to inform the Board and congregation so that they can think about the purpose and function of a “sabbatical fund” in the future.

Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and change in ministry, grateful for a profession that recognizes this need, grateful for a congregation that continues to honour it and to step up to the plate of leadership, talent, caring and financial support when I am away growing in ministry hopefully for all our benefit! I am very appreciative of all that I gained and was given while on sabbatical.

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Member Canadian Unitarian Council
The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton
170 Dundurn Street South
Hamilton ON  L8P 4K3
Phone: 905-527-8441  Fax: 905-527-6420

General Email: info@firstunitarianhamilton.org