SUMMER SABBATICAL
THE GIFT OF REST
From June 5 through September 2, our Senior Pastor, Fr. Bliss will be stepping away for a season of sabbatical rest. Here at All Souls, we have a long standing sabbatical policy in place to offer our clergy intentional time for spiritual renewal, deep rest, and personal reflection. This is not just a gift for the pastor, it’s a gift for the whole church. Sabbaticals allow clergy to return refreshed, rooted, and reoriented for the work ahead. And they offer the congregation a chance to deepen its own rhythms of shared leadership, prayerful attentiveness, and Spirit-led resilience.
One of the deep gifts of this sabbatical is the chance for the whole church to rest into the steady rhythms we've cultivated together. We believe this season isn’t about launching new initiatives or making major changes. It’s about tending what’s already growing. Offering presence, steady presence, and holding space for what is. That kind of faithful, quiet tending is not small work. It’s deep and sacred work. It helps create the kind of rootedness that will allow us all to re-enter the coming season with clarity and strength.
From June 5 through September 2, our Senior Pastor, Fr. Bliss will be stepping away for a season of sabbatical rest. Here at All Souls, we have a long standing sabbatical policy in place to offer our clergy intentional time for spiritual renewal, deep rest, and personal reflection. This is not just a gift for the pastor, it’s a gift for the whole church. Sabbaticals allow clergy to return refreshed, rooted, and reoriented for the work ahead. And they offer the congregation a chance to deepen its own rhythms of shared leadership, prayerful attentiveness, and Spirit-led resilience.
One of the deep gifts of this sabbatical is the chance for the whole church to rest into the steady rhythms we've cultivated together. We believe this season isn’t about launching new initiatives or making major changes. It’s about tending what’s already growing. Offering presence, steady presence, and holding space for what is. That kind of faithful, quiet tending is not small work. It’s deep and sacred work. It helps create the kind of rootedness that will allow us all to re-enter the coming season with clarity and strength.
The theme of Fr. Bliss’ sabbatical is “Return”. We are praying this sabbatical is shaped by the gentle invitations to return to lingering, to play, to family, and to body. This theme emerged through prayerful discernment with his spiritual director, bishop, fellow clergy, family, and friends, each helping to name the deep longing for restoration and rootedness. In a vocation often marked by urgency and constant care for others, this sabbatical offers space to tend the quieter callings: to slow wonder, joyful rest, rooted time with loved ones, and a renewed attentiveness to the body. It is a time to remember what is true, to restore what has been stretched thin, and to receive again the grace of simply being.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the sabbatical season: who to contact, what’s planned, and how we can walk together with grace and openness during this sacred pause.
KEY SABBATICAL DATES
Last Sunday — June 1
Last Day in the Office — June 5
Sabbatical Start — June 8
Sabbatical End — August 31
First Day Back in the Office — September 2
First Sunday Back — September 7
POINTS OF CONTACT
Fr. Bliss will be offline and unavailable for the duration of the sabbatical, except in the case of a true emergency. All non-emergency communication should be directed to allsouls@allsoulscville.com. If an emergency arises that requires contact, the Elders will discern and reach out.
General Questions: allsouls@allsoulscville.com
Pastoral Care, Worship & Liturgy, and Preaching: Pr. Brendan (Associate Pastor) — brendan@allsoulscville.com
Children and general Church Administration: Zella Page (Children’s Formation Minister) - zella@allsoulscville.com
Youth Ministry: Flynn Pinkston (Youth Minister) - flynn@allsoulscville.com
Elders:
Amie Elmore - amie@allsoulscville.com
Daryn Henry - daryn@allsoulscville.com
Paul Yoder - paul@allsoulscville.com
Molly Crouch - molly@allsoulscville.com
Deacons & Facilities: eric@allsoulscville.com
Prayer Ministires: prayer@allsoulscville.com
Mercy & Justice: mercy@allsoulscville.com
Giving: finance@allsoulscville.com
Summer Communities of Six & Fall Meals and Stories: — Molly Crouch (Elder) — molly@allsoulscville.com
FAQs
1. What is a sabbatical, and why does All Souls have a policy for it?
A sabbatical is a season of rest and renewal set apart for clergy to step away from the daily responsibilities of ministry in order to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with God and self. At All Souls, we honor the biblical rhythm of sabbath, not only weekly but also in longer seasons. We believe that healthy leadership flows from a rested soul. Our sabbatical policy reflects our commitment to the long-term spiritual and emotional health of our clergy and our church.
2. Why is Fr. Bliss taking a sabbatical now?
Fr. Bliss has served faithfully for 16 years in pastoral ministry, and nearly five years here at All Souls. This sabbatical is part of our church’s rhythm of offering extended rest after extended service. Through prayer and discernment with this sabbatical was planned as a timely and needed season of rest.
3. What is the theme of this sabbatical?
The theme is “Return,” a call to return to lingering, to play, to family, and to the body. This theme was discerned in conversation with trusted guides and reflects a deep desire to slow down, delight in loved ones, and listen again for God’s quiet voice in the ordinary.
4. Will Fr. Bliss be available during his sabbatical?
No. To fully enter this season, Fr. Bliss will be stepping away from all pastoral responsibilities and communications. This includes preaching, pastoral care, email, and meetings. These boundaries help ensure the sabbatical is truly restorative for him and for the church.
5. Who should I contact if I need pastoral care or have questions?
See the contact information below. You are not alone during this season. Our leadership team is prepared and available to walk with you in any pastoral need that arises.
6. What will happen at All Souls during the sabbatical?
The life of the church continues with worship, gatherings, teaching, and care. In fact, a sabbatical is also a time for the church to listen, grow, and lean into shared leadership. Special rhythms and guest preachers may be part of this season, offering fresh voices and perspectives.
7. How can I support this sabbatical?
Pray for Fr. Bliss, for his family, and for the church during this season of return. Participate by showing up, staying engaged, and supporting our leaders. Be open to what the Spirit might be doing in this slower, quieter season of our common life.
8. What will happen when the sabbatical ends?
Fr. Bliss will return to All Souls on September 2, reentering with gratitude, perspective, and renewed energy for the season ahead. His return will be a time of celebration and reflection, a shared moment of re-gathering for all of us.