As we step into a new year at The Oceanside Sanctuary and a renewed vision and mission, you are invited to lean into community and help us cultivate a Christian spirituality “reclaiming its calling to be known for love, liberation, and the celebration of God’s image in all people.”
Many of you know we (Jason and Jenell) will be embarking on a planned sabbatical leave next summer, from June through August and that we applied for a Lilly Foundation grant to cover some of those expenses. Many of you helped us with that grant as writers, editors, and contributors to our public feedback process. Unfortunately, we received news last week that we were not selected as a grant recipient.
For more than 150 years, this church has been part of the Oceanside community. Eight years ago, we reimagined the legacy of “First Christian Church of Oceanside” and birthed “The Oceanside Sanctuary,” a community committed to following the way of Jesus and reclaiming Christianity for love and liberation.
As we approach Pentecost Sunday on May 24, we are struck by what a meaningful and energizing Easter season this has been at The Oceanside Sanctuary. Between new leaders volunteering, new Meetups launching, a Community Defense Training, a memorable Lent service, and a new monthly youth group gaining traction, there is so much to celebrate.
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…
