A note from Terry Kukuk about her sabbatical

Dear Siblings in the Presbytery of the Miami Valley,

The Lord be with you!

During my report at the May 13 presbytery meeting, I shared with those gathered in person and online that I have been partnering with you in ministry for seven years, which means this is my sabbatical year. I will be on sabbatical from June 1 to August 31. I am grateful for this generous gift of time for rest, renewal, and curiosity. My time of sabbatical is a double grace in that my husband, the Rev. Brad Sheppard, pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian in Cincinnati, is also on sabbatical this summer.

My sabbatical will be shaped by the three foci for our presbytery. First, I am looking forward to tending to the quality of relationships in my life—with God, with my family, with myself.  Second, I will spend time considering how we might be equipped for ministry and building up the body of Christ. I will travel throughout the United States to engage in conversations with colleagues and congregations that are healthy, thriving, and engaging in innovative ministries. And finally, I will explore how a posture of curiosity can build health and vitality into our mission and ministry. I intend to ask a lot of questions to help me explore, discover, and participate in God’s activity in the world.

While I am on sabbatical, Ruling Elder Marge Morgan will be the acting Executive Presbyter. Marge loves the church of Jesus Christ and this presbytery. She has spent the month of May attending presbytery committee meetings and in conversation with me so that she can seamlessly step into her duties as acting Executive Presbyter. I am thankful for Marge and her willingness to step into this role. I know that your work together this summer will be fruitful.

It is my hope that this sabbatical time of rest, renewal, and curiosity, will contribute to our partnership in the gospel here, throughout the Presbytery of the Miami Valley.

Grace and peace,

Terry Kukuk, Executive Presbyter