Refreshing the Well

Later this month, Kerry and I will participate in a continuing education program conducted by the Virginia Theological Seminary (http://www.vts.edu/icfl/collegium). The program’s theme is “Body, Mind, and Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening, and Sustaining Clergy Wholeness in Small Congregations”. The event offers clergy the opportunity to focus on the areas of spiritual, financial, physical, vocational health, and conflict resolution. When I suggested applying for this event, lay leadership, particularly the pastoral relations committee, encouraged me to apply. In reading the materials and preparing the various pre-Collegium homework assignments, I am starting to see some of my habits and choices in a new light. With the training opportunities at the Summer Collegium program, I am most hopeful that I will learn new ways of being a more balanced and healthy clergyperson.

I ask you for your help:

(1) Keep me in prayer as I learn (and unlearn) habits;

(2) Help me keep a balanced work week. If I am on a designated day off, please allow me the time to be “off the clock” and if I need to hear it, help me say the words “time off” or “vacation”. Please note: I will be available for pastoral emergencies (i.e. sudden hospitalizations or deaths in your family). Please call the office staff or the parsonage;

(3) Ask “how did the Summer Collegium go? What did you learn?” when you see me after the program is over. Reflect with me what I have learned and how I will keep these issues at the forefront, rather than on the backburner, of my understanding of ministry. In committing to this program, First Baptist and I are asked to complete some follow-up assignments, integrating the program learning with the ministry work here at First Baptist. I hope the whole congregation will participate actively in the completion of this program.

On a personal note, this summer marks the fifth anniversary of my ordination to ministry. When I was ordained, a group of American Baptists in Kansas gathered to celebrate and affirm my call to ministry. At the end of the service, the people gathered around for the laying of hands. In true Baptist fashion, it was not just the denominational officials or assembled clergy who offered this blessing. The laying of hands was a communal event involving the congregation I was serving at the time, visiting clergy and laity, the regional executive, seminary faculty, and members of my family.

At that time, the gathered people called “Church” affirmed my ordination. I continue in ministry, needing the same network of support and care. First Baptist, Bennington, has allowed me much grace and love to serve here for the past three years, and the relationship continues now beyond my initial calling. I ask that you keep helping me become a better minister through your prayers and support. I will work on my areas of challenge (i.e. stress management, personal time away from duties, and balancing work and home life). I will do so with the awareness that you are with me as I am with you along the pilgrim journey.

The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot, coordinating minister