Dear Oceanside Sanctuary members,
We (Pastors Jason and Jenell) have a personal favor to ask. But first, some background. Over the past year, we have been in conversation with OSC Board and leadership about the possibility of taking a sabbatical leave in 2027. As you may know, clergy commonly take a sabbatical every 6-7 years for a season of personal spiritual reflection and renewal. Doing so also instills a healthy long-term rhythm for the church, deepening our collective resources for resilience, creativity, and cooperation for shared mission.
We have now faithfully served OSC for 10 1/2 years without a sabbatical. While this has been the most joyful and rewarding period of our 30-year ministry, it has also been an intensive period of renovation, transformation, and growth for the church. Today, our congregation is not only much larger in number; more importantly, it is healthier, more resilient, and more impactful than ever before.
With this in mind, we are proposing to take a 3-month sabbatical during the summer of 2027.
During these three months, we plan to visit sacred sites, embark on a 500-mile holy pilgrimage, and explore our individual ancestral roots. We expect to dig deeper wells of identity, belonging, and calling to nurture our ministry mission for the years ahead.
While we are gone, the entire OSC congregation will be invited to explore similar themes here at home: “sacred sites,” “holy pilgrimage,” and “ancestral roots.” How might we all – individually and collectively – dig deeper wells of identity, belonging, and calling for the road ahead?
That brings us to the favor: Could you please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on this plan below? Your input is so very important to us. We are also writing a grant request to the Lilly Foundation to fund this sabbatical leave and your input would be incredibly valuable for securing this grant.
Sincerely,
Revs Jason & Jenell Coker
Sabbatical Feedback
Congregational Responses
Last updated 3/13/26
1. Do you support the idea of Pastors Jason and Jenell taking a sabbatical in 2027?
Caroline: Absolutely!!!!! Essential to do so
Stephanie: Yes
Jane: Yes
Jordy: Absolutely- 100%
Deeanne: Yes! Absolutely, and with no reservations.
Niko: Yes!
Chelsey: Absolutely- I think it is well overdue!
Clint: Maria and I absolutely support you taking a sabbatical. You work so hard to support all of us in our journey with the Lord. You certainly deserve a well needed break. We'll miss you guys. Thankfully you have extremely competent leadership in place to hold down the fort.
Sheri: Absolutely!
LeeAnne: Absolutely!
Tina: God, yes. Why are you waiting? Y'all need a damn break. Why just 3 months? Seriously.
Kelyn: Totally
Wendy: Yes! Go!
Charlie: 100% without question. The work they do, while engaging and (hopefully) often fun, has aspects that can take alot of energy, focus and ultimately, time. I suspect the 'regular' 2 day off weekend rythym gets jumbled up by Fri/Sat needs and potentially often doesn't function as a full 2 days off.
David: I absolutely support their 2027 Summer Sabbatical Retreat and Leave especially given their 10 plus years of appreciated dedication to Oceanside Sanctuary without having taken any prior sabbatical leave.
Rene: In principle, yes. I think the foundation of this church has been building and reached a place solidity for the time being. I think using a sabbatical to refresh your roots and sense of direction would be welcomed.
Benikia: I whole-heartly support their sabbatical. I don't want tired burned out pastors. I think they should take it sooner, but happy it's happening 😊
Roger: 100% Yes
John: Yes
Briana: Absolutely!
Beverly: YES! YES! YES!
Jennifer: Absolutely yes
Lucy: I wholeheartedly support and encourage this sabbatical! It’s over due and you both are richly deserve this time away from the church to feed your souls and spirits.
Kris: yes
Stephen: Yes, absolutely, beyond question, unequivocally, Si.
Rich: Yes
Ron: 100%
Mandy: 100%
Kendall: I do…
Noreen: I am 100% In Support of you both doing this. You both give so much to all of us and our community. You are always there to listen and support us, always giving all you can. I truly support you both, you truly need to take care of yourselves. Yes, exercise, eating well and regular rest is healthy. However we sometimes forget the importance of our Mindfulness and Respite in order to not burn out, even on the things we love most. You both are incredible humans beings, I look forward to hearing about your travels, spiritual journey and adventures that you share with us after your travels❤️
Edward: Yes, I support our pastors Jason and Jenell taking sabbatical as I trust them in knowing when they need time for self reflection, self care, and spiritual growth.
Dan: Yes absolutely
Pat: Yes! Long overdue!
Jeff: Yes! It would be a well-deserved recognition of the time and dedication you have given to building such a meaningful and affirming spiritual community. It would also be a wonderful opportunity for you to experience the places you often share and teach about with us.
Fran: Absolutely! Rejuvenation is essential to those in pastoral service. Your goals of visiting sacred sites, as you embark on your holy pilgrimage as well as discovering your ancestral roots is admirable. I am sure it will add to your vast knowledge and inspire you in so many ways.
Ryan: Yes, do it! You’ve earned it
Bergen: Yes, we would never want you two to burn out.
Claire: Of course!
Linda: Absolutely. My two closest pastor friends, both Lutheran, have had incredible sabbatical experiences. Strongly suggest, though, that you don't spend the entire sabbatical together. Choosing experiences that speak specifically to each of you as individuals is important.
Molly: Yes! All people deserve rest and periods of retreat. This is well deserved!
Erin: Yes
John: Yes
Stephanie: Yes
Kristin: I support their sabbatical. In my field, we have the opportunity for a sabbatical only once every six years, and although it requires an application, it is widely understood how important this time is for growth and development. Sabbaticals allow faculty to step back from regular responsibilities to focus on study, reflection, and renewal, which strengthens their teaching, research, and long-term impact as professors.
Sabbaticals are also important for pastors. Pastoral work requires constant care for others, emotional and spiritual presence, and sustained leadership. Over time, this can be deeply demanding. A sabbatical provides space for rest, spiritual renewal, continued learning, and deeper reflection on ministry. This kind of renewal ultimately benefits not only the pastor but also the community they serve, allowing them to return with fresh insight, energy, and vision for their work.
Donna: If taking the sabbatical is a priority for you both of course I support the idea. My only hesitation when I heard about the idea is fear of any lost momentum for you both as well as the church as a whole. In these last years so much growth and progress has occurred. The healthy foundation building you have done with HR, Finance and Leadership in the last couple of months are going to be so important for the church on going. All that I see as momentum toward a positive end.
Our world and country are in such turmoil and OSC is an oasis in that turmoil. My prayer would be that would continue for everyone even in the absence of Jason and Jenell. It is also my prayer that as the church grows and establishes effective systems, less burden "of getting things done" will fall to Jason and Jenell thus leading to less burn-out in the future. You have given so much to OSC and deserve to be replenished.
Alyssa: Yes
Victoria: ABSOLUTELY!
Sue: Absolutely
2. If so, how do you think a Pastoral sabbatical might serve to “deepen our collective resources for resilience, creativity, and cooperation for shared mission”?
Caroline: I think we have a church that thrives with guest pastors etc. Volunteers and staff are in place and ready to serve.
Stephanie: You can't serve from an empty bowl and part of resilience is caring for yourself. The example alone of a period of taking sabbatical is powerful. Without the "noise" of daily life, I hope you will be able to hear your own insight and have time to explore together.
Jane: Absolutely
Jordy: If rest is resistance, and I believe that it is, then we need our “chief resisters” to have what they need. Additionally, if this is a way in which a congregation can show support for their leadership - we should not hesitate in doing so.
Deeanne: Most importantly, I think it serves to give Jasen and Jenell renewed creativity, strength, vision, and purpose as our leaders. Also on a congregation level, we learn to step up and not rely on them for everything.
Niko: A pastoral sabbatical will give our ministers much-needed and well-deserved time to reflect and deepen their spirituality, which will ultimately bring renewed wisdom back to the church. Additionally, it will empower the board, staff, and congregation to learn how to carry out our communal mission independently. Navigating this season without the two leaders who have spearheaded our rebirth since 2015 will build lasting resilience, allowing for deeper growth for both our Co-Lead Ministers and our entire congregation.
Chelsey: It will allow the two of you to be refreshed and increase cooperation amongst our church while you’re away and tie the congregation more opportunities to get resources from others that would come your way speak.
Clint: You two are both pretty crafty in figuring out ways to gain more knowledge and truths in your walk with the Lord. We're sure whatever you do and wherever you go, you'll bring back more good spiritual energy for all of us to be nourished.
Sheri: Sharing your inspiration and reflection, encouraging other to dig deeper as well - exactly as you always do!
LeeAnne: I imagine this be an opportunity to nourish, refill your souls, individually as well as a couple thru new insights. This can then overflow to each person in our Church.
Kelyn: There cannot be a healthy congregation without a healthy leader and you cannot take us further than you have gone in your healing, depth, and peace.
Wendy: Time in nature away from the daily requirements always reaps massive rewards!
Charlie: I think, or perhaps a better word is 'hope', it helps the community collectively operate well and not be 'personality' driven.
David: Given that as part of your Sabbatical leave you Co-Pastors are going on a Sacred Pilgrimage, such a spiritual experience is bound to deepen your pastoral resilience, creativity and soul renewal.
Rene: The more clearly you identify specific goals and objectives for the sabbatical, I think would assist your knowing how to “deepen our collective resources for resilience, creativity, and cooperation for shared mission”. And in turn, while you are on and when you return you may better know if your sabbatical has achieved it's intention(s).
Benikia: Rest and diversity breeds creativity, stamina and possibilities.
Roger: To me, you already have resilience, creativity and cooperation to be great pastors and that’s not why I give you 100% support. I give you full support and respect because I believe you will walk the full Camino and not gaslight or show-biz, as seems to be getting popular after the Charlie Sheen movie. As you walk, day in and day out, you will definitely come closer to your soul and the spirit we know as God. I saw this with Beverly when she completed the Camino in 2010…so I became her support partner. How she came to take the pilgrimage is a long story and maybe she will tell you someday. Just take note she was reluctant to go and we developed a time sequenced checklist for endurance and foot care. May I suggest your own research on being prepared? In many ways, I’m sure it’s harder than 20 mile forced marches I experienced in Army training. It’s harder because it’s every day over and over again. You have to walk from one refuge to the next, while carrying everything on your back. Always carry water. The different people you meet will fill your heart and soul with wondrous joy. No one is sitting on the sidelines, everyone has the same goal and there will be many, many stories. Also, you find much humor in just being exactly where you are and the experiences you share at the end of every day. One thing is very certain: you will regret it if you don’t go!!
John: come back refreshed, ... but come back! ha!
Briana: Taking time to recenter is a benefit to the entire congregation. Leaders must first take care of themselves in order to be able to lead others effectively.
Beverly: I just spoke with Jenell about her longtime dream of walking the Camino. For me, the year I did it was a kind of dividing point. Life before 2010 and life after. Unless things have changed (what with phones and such) I believe you two will experience a renewal in all three areas. You will be called on to be resilient in many challenging situations. As you walk in hours of silence with yourself, all kinds of creative thoughts will well up. And you will definitely feel the joy and exhilaration of cooperating with people from many countries and walks of life, each with their own reason for being there, and all with the shared mission of reaching the cathedral in Santiago.
Jennifer: I think healthy leaders are rested and inspired leaders. Jason and Jenell labor with deep empathy and consideration, which has allowed them to build a thriving church community but can be tiring if not for periodic breaks.
Lucy: First, this sabbatical needs no justification. Second, by you both being away from the church for 3 months, traveling, finding those places and experiences that fill you, you automatically come back rejuvenated and will return refreshed and with new hearts and eyes.
Kris: Everyone needs time to recharge and being away can give a different perspective when you're not caught up in the day to day. New ideas, ways of thinking, time to read and reflect will renew you. It will also empower more people to step up and play a role in the functioning of the church.
Stephen: Our pastors are not only making strategic, organizational, public affairs decisions. Our pastors are called to discern ‘God’s call’ and ‘the direction of the Spirit’ which requires routine detachment from the busyness and noise of public life. A sabbatical is a form of work, and it is done on behalf of the community. It is a vital return to the contemplative source of wisdom that guides any robust leadership that points its patrons to that same source of wisdom.
Rich: Would be great if they could share their insights on what God is teaching them during the sabbatical through a blog post. This would give the church a chance to share in their sabbatical in real time.
Ron: In my work with nonprofit organizations, I have found that sabbaticals for CEOs/EDs strengthen organizations in two ways. First, they rejuvenate the leaders and give them fresh perspectives to bring back to the work. Second, they exercise the 'next tier' leadership muscle of the organization. This second benefit is often undervalued but may be the most important. Stronger, experienced 2nd and 3rd tiers of leadership create deeper shared leadership and co-ownership of mission and methods. This amplifies the impact of the returning leader and their new energy and ideas.
Mandy: It would deepen clarity, meaning, and more expansive leadership ability to people exploring the full human experience.
Kendall: My feedback, and I know you all know this... is making sure over the next year you build a bridge and weave the congregation into the plans to help keep the church members engaged. Although most of us truly appreciate Jason and Jenelle, there are some that (as in any church) only come for a specific speaker. Love how you do cycle in people…but keeping a connection to keep the growth going while gone. AND you both deserve the break….love to see the slow and steady growth to keep the church/ship from flipping over... :)
Noreen: Resilience as Recharge strengthening, cultivating a Recharge. Not only to strengthen you both but also strengthen unity in the church to come together to keep things going while you are gone, as this will also be hard to fill your shoes. Sometimes those that do the most are often taken for granted, When you bring back all the things you want to share from your Journey, it will surely be enlightening.
Edward: A Pastoral sabbatical, to me, serves as a way to make new connections with others and also within the self. It’s restorative and can make ways for new and inspiring visions for creativity. Based on the said reasons for taking a sabbatical, I would imagine this would invite greater cultural diversity to support our mission at OSC to facilitate a life of liberation for all people through Christ.
Dan: Jason and Jenell need time to rest, refresh and deepen their spiritual journey. As they deepen their spiritual journey they will both share with the congregation thru their vision, actions and preachings.
Patt: After your 10.5 years of hard work to turn around OSC into a vibrant, growing, inclusive church for all, you both deserve much needed time for renewal, refresh and rest. Both of you and members of OSC and those OSC serves in our community will benefit from what you bring back to us after your Sabbatical.
Fran: A sabbatical will re-energize you and contribute to your "pool"of resilience; that is your ability to deal with the complexities of leading a church community. In order to be creative (i.e., exercise fluency, flexibility, originality) you need to be rested thus better able to access the cognitive processes needed to spark the creative process. I also think you are asking how resiliency, creativity and cooperation interact to contribute to a shared mission. Perhaps cooperation is a result of the interaction between the first two concepts?
Ryan: It is mutually beneficial. For you both, it’s a learning and growing opportunity as individuals and as a couple, as people and as pastors. Then it also benefits the community to have renewed pastoral care and to have time to explore similar themes at OSC.
Bergen: Travel always exposes people to new ideas. I believe you will be able to reach even more people after spending time outside of our area and importantly to help the rest of us relate to an ever wider spectrum of people.
Claire: All I know is that as a teacher, summer is a time I reflect on what changes I want to make the next year, and I use the time for practices that will refresh and calm my spirit. I would hope you would find this same peace.
Linda: You just need a rest. You will bring back a renewed energy for ministry. Depending on what you do, you will hopefully learn something important to bring back to the congregation.
Molly: It is clear from various studies and collective wisdom that creativity and sustainable workloads can't continue without deep rest. Retreating from the current daily grind to take a holy pilgrimage will create endless internal resources (ideas from other cultures, moments of stillness for renewed vision for our church, etc.) for continued leadership and shepherding of our congregation upon their return.
Erin: It’s always good to travel and gain a new perspective
John: It's healthy to take a step back, pause and take your mind off of the church. You will have a different perspective when you see it again after the sabbatical. That different perspective will provide new ideas and plans.
Kristin: Even with my limited expertise in ministry, it seems clear that stepping back can help generate new ways to engage the congregation and strengthen our shared mission. For example, time away might lead to new practices for community engagement, creative approaches to worship or small groups, or resources that help the congregation live out its mission more intentionally. Ultimately, when a pastor is renewed, the church is strengthened as well.
Their sabbatical will also benefit our church through the insights and renewal that can come from intentional spiritual reflection. As they describe it, this time will include visiting sacred sites, undertaking a 500-mile pilgrimage, and exploring ancestral roots to deepen identity, belonging, and calling. In the Bible, God’s people often step away on journeys or into quiet places to seek God’s guidance—just as Jesus himself withdrew to pray. Grounded in our faith in God, following Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, this kind of pilgrimage and reflection can help renew a pastor’s sense of calling and generate spiritual and creative resources that strengthen our shared mission as a church. For example, these experiences may lead to new practices of prayer, reflection, or storytelling that help our congregation more deeply live out our faith together.
Donna: Absolutely a sabbatical will serve to deepen the reserve for our church. A sabbatical would be an investment in the future of the church. Whenever one gets a chance to travel and see outside our "bubbles" there is growth and broadening that really can't be traded for any other experience for anyone. You both are highly intelligent, excellent communicators, and deserve whatever will enable you to keep going. The pastor of the church where I worked and attended for years got to a point where as he described it "he just didn't have what it took to paddle out and catch another wave". I want you two to catch waves as long as possible.
Alyssa: You both deserve time away from the church to be able to look at your roles in a new light
Victoria: This is wonderful and after 10.5 years, it is much due and much needed! I feel it is important to step away and nurture your own temple so that you can return refreshed and renewed. As pastors you do healing work and that can weigh down the spirit ~ a three-month sabbatical will allow you to rest and truly rest without having so many distractions. This time will strengthen your resiliency which in turn will strengthen your creativity. A spiritual reset. It will also be a great opportunity for the church body to come together and hold it down in your absence. A time for collaboration and cooperation in keeping the sanctuary moving forward with the mission.
Sue: Having time to nourish their souls and their relationship will allow space and time for reflection in order to move forward with resilience, creativity and cooperation for OSC’s shared mission.
3. What fun & meaningful ways do you think our church could spend a summer exploring themes of “sacred sites”, “pilgrimage”, and “ancestral roots”?
Stephanie: Cooking classes/culinary experiences. Rest. Creating/Art
Jane: I think it would be fun to explore how Christianity has moved away from its early mystical roots.
Jordy: I’ve heard someone recently reframe AI as “ancestral intelligence” and lifting up what we learn from those who came before us, and how their sacrifices might inform our persistence and resistance in today’s times. I would also recommend reading Dr. Clint Smith’s book “How the Word is Passed.”
Deeanne: Sounds like three different months of teachings to me! All with a deepening family activity that is optional. Plenty of families going sabbaticals during the summer, maybe we could collectively talk about what we do as a congregation to rejuvenate and this might also help us to get to know each other more as well.
Niko: We at Oceanside Sanctuary have deep roots in our hometown. Our congregation has been gathering since 1875, and our current building has been in use since 1925. From our inception to the present day, the throughline of our history has been a commitment to helping the community in tangible, actionable ways. As Jason and Jenell explore their familial roots this summer, I think we should lean into our own 'ancestral roots' as a church to deepen our identity—especially since we are now more involved in community action and support than ever before. It would also be fun to look at parallels of sacred sites and holy pilgrimages in Jesus life, exemplifying how these can deepen our connection with the divine.
Chelsey: Retreat options, day trips and thinking about who our ancestors (from this land) actually are!
Clint: Maria and I will try to visit sacred and different religious holy sites. Sounds like a great adventure for us to do this summer as well. We wish we could go with you!!
Sheri: Sharing in ministry on our explorations, images, roots, etc.
LeeAnne: I love this idea!! A pilgrimage for me, might be to travel where my parents traveled/ vacationed (fishing, football games). Star gazing, bird watching, ocean vistas, and with a mindset of discovering more about those who came before me.. possibly grasp a tiny bit of what they experienced, which I imagine would open my eyes to see how they found comfort, rest and fun. With prayerful consideration, my eyes, heart and soul might be touched in a way that might shine a light on how I became who I am. Being open for a deeper sense of self.
Kelyn: Doing personal work on our spiritual lives and looking at our personal standing stones around different experiences with the Lord (times we have wandered in the desert, times we have seen the Lord show up through others, times we have heard from the Lord). Also looking at our spiritual genograms and what we have received or overcome.
Wendy: I love this! I bet if tasked we could find fun speakers!
Charlie: I don't have much to add here, these types of themes are not really in my radar. As a cultural "mut" with approximately 10-12 mixed geographic roots, this isn't something I think about.
David: Given that Oceanside Sanctuary is itself founded on "holy ground", congregants can surely meaningfully and spiritually explore it as it own "sacred site" or venture off to innumerable holy pilgrimage sites that exist in the US as well as around the world.
Rene: 1. We can go on sabbatical with you guys. 2. Maybe not a good idea. Maybe staying away from you is better. 3. Map out where people and their parents were born. 4. Share stories of people who have been to their ancestral homes. Share what that means to them. 5. Discuss what makes a site sacred?
Benikia: We could take advantage of being a church at the beach and have ministry cookouts and beach days. Go hiking, allow children to minister, develop mini video introductions of congregation members. Engage in community building/volunteer opportunities during regular church service.
Roger: As for outings weigh our church: there are numerous sites from strict religious places like Prince of Peace Abbey here in Oceanside, or Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas.
John: connect to native american tribes that existed in oceanside before the church. connect with the mexicans that where in california before it was the US. Discussion of sacred sites... art contest, what is a sacred site for you? offer a day or two day pilgrimage for families to experience to somewhere... start a sacred site for oceanside sanctuary. help us white people deal with our slave holding ancestors and the burden it is for some of us. Some people don't want to look at their ancestry in fear of what they might discover.... enough ideas?
Briana: Art/creativity exercise, a historical church walk together, or highlighting a few church members’ ancestry (if they want to share).
Beverly: It has always been intriguing to me how different cultures decide what is "sacred" to them, whether it be sacred springs or wells, sacred buildings, words, rituals, dances, even colors. It would be very interesting for us to explore what is sacred to us. Maybe bring a sacred object from our life story, explore places that are special (sacred) to us in our community, maybe create a sacred ritual just for our church. And, of course, the experience of pilgrimage is a kind of seeking after the sacred. How does a pilgrim seek the sacred? The words "humility" and "submission" come to my mind from my experience, but everyone's journey is different. Maybe our congregation could explore what it means to have a pilgrim's heart in our daily life. If you would be willing to send missives every once in a while, talking about your experiences on the Way, maybe they could be a springboard for discussion, so we could participate vicariously! And I know we will all be curious about what you find out about your ancestors! Maybe we could share stories of our ancestors as well. We are such a diverse community; I'll bet there are some fantastic tales to tell. I truly hope this happens for you! It would be a blessing for you AND for our church family.
Jennifer: I assume many people have specific moments or places where they have felt the presence of God. Perhaps helping people remember those and share would be a nice ongoing reflection moment during successive Sundays?
Lucy: There are many places in SD county that could be great places for the congregation to visit both holy and secular. Beach gatherings, park gatherings, Mission San Luis Rey, day hikes.
Kris: Church campout, beach walk, family history/genealogy
Stephen: Do a preaching series on figures that have shaped the Disciple’s movement. I think our congregation also has a fascinating history and while our pastors have become subject matter experts on that history, a shared memory of that history would be nourishing.
Rich: Mid week, sunset, communion at the beach or a similar nature spot
Ron: I've been thinking a lot about ancestral roots for the past couple of years. As a person whose roots in Norway/Sweden, Ireland and England have been veneered with whiteness, I see that my disconnect with "where I am from" impacts my ability to root. What responsibilities come with roots in privilege? What joys can we bring forward from our actual roots and how do we chip away at the veneer of white supremacy (and its partner patriarchy), what sins can we exercise, how can we untangle and re-tangle shared roots with others to build a future that reflects God's intents for us. What work do those of us steeped in whiteness have to do ourselves, and what work do we need to do in relationship with those whose roots are different than ours? How does this all impact the reality that none of us are free until all of us are free - including those of us shackled by whiteness? In exploring these what 'sacred sites' can support this work? And, knowing that every sacred site has a mixed history, how do we connect with what is constructive and life-giving in that site and how do we acknowledge what about that site hurt our roots and disconnected us from Life? How does pilgrimage prepare us to engage those sites that way? Not sure if any of this makes sense but it is what I have been pondering and thinking about and trying to act on the last couple years and I would LOVE to do so with others in the OSC community.
Mandy: Congregants from different backgrounds can share about their ancestral roots or pilgrimages they’ve taken. Someone could teach how to make or find a “sacred site”at home or in the community where they can practice their spirituality and in addition, how to create a regular spiritual practice in daily life. Movie showings within the theme of sacred site/pilgrimage. Visit some sacred sites in the area (indigenous, etc).
Noreen: Not sure. I think your journey will surely be what I hope to be for you, a life changing experience. There are many areas in San Diego that have historical value. Maybe during that time giving Ideas so that people can visit sites and places near by. As for or church, while you are gone, I hope we all make you proud.💗💗
Edward: There are many historical sites in San Diego County that are filled with culture that we, as a congregation, can learn about together. We can hike, gather, and reflect on stories and parables of the past. We can also take our own journeys to learn about our individual ancestry to find that we have more connections than we ever imagined.
Dan: We now have several "Meet Up" groups that could focus on a specific topic or possibly all 3 of these topics.
Pat: Perhaps families and individuals in our OSC community and in the Sunday school classes can have dialog about what "sites" in their lives they consider "sacred". An art project depicting these sites might be fun for individuals, classes or as a community joint effort in a large collage or mural. The "sites" can be local or places one would like to visit or want to visit elsewhere. Perhaps folks who have gone on a pilgrimage might be willing to share individually on a Sunday morning during service with photos of their experience. I imagine there are folks who have done ancestral roots research who may like to share via a panel discussion during a Sunday morning service not only what they discovered, but also suggestions for how others can do the same. A time limit for each participant may be a good idea for something like this.
Fran: Whoa...big question. I could envision addressing each on an individual basis and then sharing within a small group. Addressing each collectively as an entire church community is a bigger challenge....perhaps they could be sermon topics? Or we could actually break into small groups on Sunday mornings to discuss these?
Ryan: I’m a sucker for history, I’d love to learn something new to contextualize Biblical texts, especially the gospels.
Bergen: In theory I want to explore my ancestry but in practice I don’t often spend time doing it. It could be great to have workshops on how to build your family tree and how to use resources like ancestry.com
Linda: Well, I'm a loner. I already have plans to walk the Cotswold Way in May 2027 and the Camino Frances in Sept/Oct 2027. (If you are planning one of the Caminos de Santiago, try to stay away from July/August. I can tell you lots about the camino and there is a San Diego Pilgrim group that does training walks that you might want to try out.)
Molly: Summer neighborhood meal series- meet up with congregants in your neighborhood with discussion questions about your personal history and ancestral roots. Everyone brings a dish from their personal culture and background!
Erin: Like without you there? I’m not sure, but I’ve always enjoyed the film screenings, so I’d like that to happen again.
John: It would be great to hear from church members that have taken pilgrimages and visited sacred sites to understand how it has changed their lives and strengthened their faith.
Kristin: The congregation might also join in this spirit of reflection while they are away. For example, members could explore their own local “sacred places,” practice prayer walks, reflect on their own stories of faith, or consider the roots of our congregation’s calling in the community. In this way, their sabbatical could become not only a personal journey, but also an invitation for the whole church to listen for God’s guidance together.
Donna: Not sure thinking that creatively is my "wheelhouse". Give me some time ( I guess I have a year) to think about it.
Victoria: I think it would be meaningful to share what spiritual practices are happening along these themes. Maybe a monthly email highlighting the work.
Sue: Explore themes and places in solidarity with Jason and Jenell as they venture, explore and nourish their faith and their souls.