Minister's Moment

On July 1, 2025, I, along with 12 other pastors from throughout the country, began a journey together as a cohort with the Pause/Play Center for Preachers at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. The cohort came to an end June 30.

For the past 12 months, I have been challenged to tap into my creativity, find time to engage in intentional “play,” and figure out what sabbath looks like for me, and then to actually take the sabbath rest. The cohort has met monthly, in addition to me receiving individual coaching on sermon preparation and spiritual direction. We have read several books that have challenged us and allowed us to grow. I have made friends with my colleagues from many denominations. By staying in contact with them, we will be able to continue to challenge and encourage each other as we continue to live out those practices and skills we have learned throughout this year. Being a part of this cohort has truly helped me to “reset” and “refocus” as I look toward the many years I have ahead of me in ministry.

In so many ways, being a part of this program, like baptism, is not the end of the journey, but just the beginning. It has taught me that I must rest in the creative and creating Spirit of God to continue to do this work that I have been called to with courage and calm and hope for a brighter tomorrow. It has reminded me that I must care for myself, for my spiritual and physical health, and for those whom God has called me to care for. It has reminded me that, even as much as I remind everyone that they are beloved children of God, I am too a beloved child of God.

Now that my year with the cohort has completed, I am planning to use some of the things that I have learned in our church setting. The plans are still in the works, but there is more to come.

Thank you all for your love and encouragement as I participated in Pause/Play. I look forward to continuing to serve God, and Bridgeport, in the spirit of pausing and playing.

As always, it is a joy and a privilege to serve as your pastor.

Love,

Ann