The Rev. Peter Little's Sabbatical Sketchings
As most of you know from 1st September 2018 to end of November 2018 I am on a 3 month sabbatical (back to church duties on 1st December in time for preparation for Christmas etc!).
A 3 month sabbatical is what the United Reformed Church gives its ministers after every 10 Years in ordained ministry. I am amazed that 10 years has gone so quickly!
But it has, and I have just started, like any new experience, a voyage of discovery that I am looking forward to.
What is a sabbatical?
A Sabbatical is a period of reflection, and a chance to re-charge batteries, and whilst on sabbatical ministers are encouraged to pursue some form of interest or study related to their work. Minister friends of mine have done many and varied pursuits ranging from exploring how people worship in countries as far apart as Australia and New Zealand, and for those who wanted to explore a more contemplative style of worship, have spent time with monks in a religious order and all have benefited from these sabbatical experiences.
I am doing none of the above, noble as they all are!
I have always been interested in theatre and the Arts (cinema, paintings, etc.) and for my sabbatical I am going to study ‘the relationship between theology and drama’. This will include reading around the subject, some academic work, but also I want to interview actors and Directors of faith based theatre companies to find out if by being involved in a faith based Christian theatre company, has it enhanced their faith or not, from a Christian perspective?
I also want to look at the mystery plays and how that influenced the religious world through the influence of drama, and also when we celebrate communion, is that a form of drama? I think it is.
Some of my study will be here in Birmingham and Sheffield and some in Cambridge where I will have access to the intellectual brains of Westminster College! I want to explore how the use of drama can help enhance worship in our churches.
Whilst on sabbatical I hope on a monthly basis to be sending to the website postings of what I am doing called "Sabbatical Sketchings".
Also, whilst on sabbatical, whilst not being actively involved in worship and church life, if you see me around, you are allowed to talk to me. I am not in quarantine! I mention this as a minister friend of mine said that when he was on sabbatical and walking in his local park, members came up to him and said that they did not think they could talk to him! Not true!
Whilst not being actively involved in worship and church life I am planning to join you all for our Macmillan cancer event at South Aston on 21st September, which I want to support for obvious reasons.
I hope this has given some idea of what your Minister is up to whilst on sabbatical!
Yours in Christ
Peter
As most of you know from 1st September 2018 to end of November 2018 I am on a 3 month sabbatical (back to church duties on 1st December in time for preparation for Christmas etc!).
A 3 month sabbatical is what the United Reformed Church gives its ministers after every 10 Years in ordained ministry. I am amazed that 10 years has gone so quickly!
But it has, and I have just started, like any new experience, a voyage of discovery that I am looking forward to.
What is a sabbatical?
A Sabbatical is a period of reflection, and a chance to re-charge batteries, and whilst on sabbatical ministers are encouraged to pursue some form of interest or study related to their work. Minister friends of mine have done many and varied pursuits ranging from exploring how people worship in countries as far apart as Australia and New Zealand, and for those who wanted to explore a more contemplative style of worship, have spent time with monks in a religious order and all have benefited from these sabbatical experiences.
I am doing none of the above, noble as they all are!
I have always been interested in theatre and the Arts (cinema, paintings, etc.) and for my sabbatical I am going to study ‘the relationship between theology and drama’. This will include reading around the subject, some academic work, but also I want to interview actors and Directors of faith based theatre companies to find out if by being involved in a faith based Christian theatre company, has it enhanced their faith or not, from a Christian perspective?
I also want to look at the mystery plays and how that influenced the religious world through the influence of drama, and also when we celebrate communion, is that a form of drama? I think it is.
Some of my study will be here in Birmingham and Sheffield and some in Cambridge where I will have access to the intellectual brains of Westminster College! I want to explore how the use of drama can help enhance worship in our churches.
Whilst on sabbatical I hope on a monthly basis to be sending to the website postings of what I am doing called "Sabbatical Sketchings".
Also, whilst on sabbatical, whilst not being actively involved in worship and church life, if you see me around, you are allowed to talk to me. I am not in quarantine! I mention this as a minister friend of mine said that when he was on sabbatical and walking in his local park, members came up to him and said that they did not think they could talk to him! Not true!
Whilst not being actively involved in worship and church life I am planning to join you all for our Macmillan cancer event at South Aston on 21st September, which I want to support for obvious reasons.
I hope this has given some idea of what your Minister is up to whilst on sabbatical!
Yours in Christ
Peter
