Sabbatical Report - Revd David Shirtliff Aug 07

The three months of sabbatical have come to an end. What exactly have I been doing with the time? Here are some of the highlights.

Rest, refreshment and friends
One of the reasons for giving ministers a sabbatical is to allow them time for refreshment and renewal, a time to unwind from the demands of ministry.

We began the sabbatical with a 3-week family holiday exploring the fjords of Norway. It was glorious: we basked in high temperatures, rowed on fjords, explored mountains, built snowmen and drove through enough tunnels to last a lifetime! We even had a midnight feast, whilst it was still twilight outside. We'd like to go there again, perhaps with a camper van next time so we can go further afield. We also managed a few days in Sussex where Jacqueline spent her teenage years. As well as seeing some of the sights we managed to catch up with family and friends, some of whom we've not seen for years. Jacqueline's sister also gave birth to a daughter whilst we were there: impressive timing!

European Methodist Festival
I travelled to the city of Bratislava in the Slovak Republic. It's an ancient city on the river Danube about an hour's drive from Vienna. The festival was a gathering of 1000 Methodists from 25 different European countries: from Ireland to Russia, Norway to Macedonia, Portugal to Latvia. It was a fascinating time, a bit like 'Easter People' but with translators. There were times of praise and worship, Bible study, small groups and workshops. There was a separate programme for children and teenagers.

The event was marked by a great sense of family, time for the sharing of stories about what God is doing across Europe, and encouragement for many. I noted that our European sisters and brothers have no problem with the idea of Methodist bishops, there is a powerful sense of Methodist identity in central and eastern Europe, and a notable amount of drive, vision and enthusiasm from the very small and relatively young churches of post-communist Eastern Europe.

The Festival was held on the campus of the city's 'Economic University' and we met in huge marquees provided by the Germans' Tent Mission. Accommodation was Soviet-era and basic, and the catering did feature rather a lot of pickled cucumber and cabbage! It was hot and sunny here as well.

Celtic Saints and New Monasticism
The main area for reading and research was two-fold. Firstly, I wanted to read about the history of what is called the Celtic Church: the Christian Church in Ireland, Scotland, Northumbria, Wales and Cornwall, and the Isle of Man from roughly the fifth to eighth centuries. How did it begin? How did it grow? What were its beliefs, practices and organisation?

Secondly, an awful lot has been written in recent years about Celtic Christian Spirituality, and how it might offer a way of being church in the 21st century. There is also growing interest in new expressions of Christian community, and the phrase 'new monasticism' is around. I wanted to have a look at this, and see if there are ideas that could be applied to the life of the church here on the island. I managed to look at both areas, and a Summer school in Durham provided further input. This was organised by a fairly new Christian Community called 'The Community of Aidan and Hilda.' They are based on Lindisfarne, but are a scattered community, like the Iona Community or Northumbria Community.

The Summer School was attended by people from all around Britain, plus the USA and Germany. The message was fairly stark: the way we have been doing church for the last few centuries has had its day and is dying; but we can be inspired by the past to create ways of being church for the future. Lots of food for thought here!

Coastal Path
The plan was to walk the coastal path around the island. I managed the section from Ramsey down to the airport, and hoped to do some more in the middle of August. But then came the foot and mouth restrictions and the footpaths were closed! I would still like to do the rest of the path. What I might do is choose a Saturday a month, advertise when I plan to go out, and see if anyone would like to join me. Nothing too strenuous!

Final thoughts
The sabbatical has been a real privilege. I feel rested and refreshed in a way that I've not felt for years. It's been a time for many new experiences and ideas. I've also had the chance to think and gain a sense of perspective that isn't possible in the normal day to day routine of life. You may well hear more about the sabbatical in various places over the next few weeks and months. Thank you for your support.