Day 1 2012 Sabbatical...1/2/12

So why and what is a sabbatical, and why would Bill do such a thing and in JANUARY/FEBRUARY!

Think of it this way...Sunday is the first day of the week, a day of rest and renewal for the "rest" of the week.
After thirty years of ministry, and anticipating another 10 years of active parish ministry, it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and myself, to claim this time as a Sabbath for the remainder of parish ministry. On the 7th day God rested, on the 1st day I shall rest.

Now here is the formula.  The first two months of 2012 are like Sunday, for the rest of the year. I will return in March, you can compare it to Monday, if the calendar year corresponded to one week. I know its not a one to one comparison, but you get the idea...plus I would rather ice fish than eat, and Sue and I are going to Florida for a spell in Feb...

On this blog, I will let you know highlights of the experience....everything from how the fish are biting to the latest insights from my reading.  My area of emphasis is in so-called "emergent church theology."

Day one has included a morning bird hunt with the inimitable Willow the Weimaraner and the Rev. Daniel Smail.  Snow, wind, chukkars and pheasants in God's country outside of Rochester PA, made for the perfect start to "Renew, Relax, and Recreate," the theme of my time away from the parish.  Watching a dog work a field and point a bird, is very, very, magical,   especially when that  house dog is the best pet a fellow could ever have...There is a reason dogs are "human's best friend"
Oh by the way, I blog like I speak, so if you are looking for good grammar, apologies....and if you like Pittsburghese...well yinz are in fer a treat.

Go Stillers beat dem Tebow's...I will be in Canada!