Sabbatical Courses at Hancock Church
We are blessed to be able to have our own sabbatical experience alongside Barbara while she’s away. She sought and was awarded a sabbatical grant from the Lilly foundation, which not only provides structure and financial support for her own leave, but also provides ways for the church community to participate in activities that are parallel and allow us all to rest and renew. The theme for our side by side sabbatical experiences is Sabbath, Mindfulness, & Prayer
The Lilly grant specifies several ways that the Senior Minister and the congregation will explore the sabbatical theme. These include an online class taught by a Candler School of Theology professor titled Sabbath as Rest and Resistance, a contemplative photography course led by Ingrid Cyros, a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, and two book groups.
Sabbath Book Study
As part of our own time of study on the subject of Sabbath, Rev. Barbara and David chose two books for the congregation to read together. They are both well-written, short books that come very highly recommended by the faculty person we had for our Sabbath class Ryan Bonfiglio.
If you would like to join David and Sue who will each lead one of the books, please register with them directly, and they will send you the Zoom link. You do not have to come to all of the weekly gatherings. Come when you can, and if you cannot attend at all you can still read the book(s), and contact David or Sue to share your insights or thoughts. Other than the cost of the book, the book study class is free.
We will be purchasing a few books for each study, and they will be available in the Potter Library on a first come, first serve basis. You can also order the books yourselves, share it with others, or read together with friends.
Book 1: The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel. This book is a classic that is referred to by most folk who write and teach about the sabbath. David will lead this discussion on Monday evenings (except for one week) via Zoom on June 5, June 12, June 19, and June 26 from 7:00 – 8:30pm.
Book 2: Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn. Ministry Magazine says, “If all the world would experience Dawn’s Sabbath, stress-related ailments would be far less prevalent – and God would be better known.”
Sue will lead this discussion on Thursday evenings via Zoom on July 6, July 13, July 20, and July 27 from 7:00 – 8:30pm.
Past Courses
Sabbath as Rest and Resistance
Course presented by Dr. Ryan Bonifiglio, The Candler School
4 sessions on Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:30pm, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18
To download the one sheet, CLICK HERE.
This course explores the biblical theology of Sabbath as well as the purpose, place, and practice of Sabbath in Christian faith formation. We will come to understand the ancient practice of Sabbath keeping as more than just a good idea for managing busyness or a way of taking more time off on the weekends. Rather, we will explore Sabbath as both a divine gift and a social mandate that extends to us a disruptive and daring invitation to embrace restorative rest, holy inefficiency, meaningful play, and the call to justice.
Questions asked in this course include:
- What did the practice of Sabbath entail in the ancient world?
- What are the theological motivations for observing Sabbath?
- How is Sabbath related to social and economic justice?
- Does Jesus abolish the Sabbath or make it less rigid?
- How is observing Sabbath different than taking a day off?
- Should we strive to have Sabbath “moments” throughout the week or is it important to observe Sabbath through a specific day?
- What does it look like to give Sabbath rather than just keep Sabbath?
- Why it is hard for us to slow down even when we are exhausted?
In taking up these and related questions, emphasis will be placed on how the biblical concept of Sabbath has the potential to critique, inform, and rewire how we approach Christian life and discipleship.
Register for this course through the Candler Foundry website:
Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio teaches Old Testament at Emory’s Candler School of Theology and serves as the Director of The Candler Foundry. He teaches courses on a range of topics including biblical metaphors, the prophets, Old Testament theology, the Bible and poverty, and biblical interpretation. He previously taught at Columbia Theological Seminary and served as a scholar in residence at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. He was born and raised in Philadelphia and has degrees from Princeton University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University (PhD).
The Practice of Contemplative Photography and Journal-Writing
Facilitated by Ingrid Cyros, MDiv
Retreat on May 20
To download two-page description CLICK HERE.
“Photography is the best way I know of to bring me closer to some of the mysteries of life.”
This is a two-part offering. Register by May 14. If you are unable to attend one of the parts, contact Ingrid directly at ingridcyros@comcast.net to discuss options to participate. The fee for this course for up to 10 participants has been covered by the Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. I hope you will join me!
Join Ingrid to explore the intersection of photography, contemplation, and wonder, on the shores of the Plum Island, in a two-part contemplative photography workshop and retreat. You will learn a fresh way to see beneath the surface of things, and to connect with God –through the lens of a camera, in this natural sanctuary. All you need to bring is a smart phone and your curiosity. Emphasis will be on the creative/spiritual process, rather than the technical aspects of photography. You are encouraged to bring a journal as well.
The retreat is offered in two parts:
Part I: An Introduction to Contemplative Photography
Zoom mini-workshop on May 16 from 5:30 – 7:00pm. This will be a brief overview of “the practice”, a guided meditation with image (Visio Divina), and time for questions and answers, all in preparation for photo exploration on Plum Island. This session will be recorded.
Part II: Photography Exploration (and optional Journal Writing)
On Plum Island on May 20 from 9:30am – 12noon/1:30pm (Sandy Point, at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Rain or Shine). Following the photography exploration:
- Lunch: Bring a “brown bag” lunch to enjoy at my garden in Newburyport
- Group Sharing: final words and send-off blessing, ending at 1:30pm
“The contemplative practice of photography and journaling is how I explore who I am…and Whose I am. These reverenced moments are spectacular gifts and have inspired me to share this contemplative practice, with others.”
Register for this course via this Breeze Form:
https://hancockchurch.breezechms.com/form/538bb1
Ingrid Cyros, MDiv, earned a Master of Divinity Degree and Certificate in Spiritual and Pastoral Care (Andover Newton Theological School), Spiritual Care Specialist certification (AAPC), and Spiritual Direction credentials (Gateways to God, Andover, MA). Ingrid lives in Newburyport with her husband. She is mother of two adult children. She enjoys painting, cycling, and takes an imaginative approach to photography, gardening, cooking, and preparing for a guest’s arrival. Ingrid may be contacted at ingridcyros@comcast.net. Read more about her at ingridcyros.com.
Post retreat, participants would have the opportunity to reconvene to engage in a facilitated sharing session(s) with the goal of deepening into the practice, in a community of practice. Resources (incl. “take away” prompts) will be offered enhance and broaden the contemplative practice. Facilitated virtual sessions, on Zoom, for 90 minutes each, would be an opportunity to share photos and excerpts from writing. A fee of $25/session, paid by each participant, directly to the facilitator, prior to meetings.
More courses TBA!