Important Information about Our Rector's Sabbatical, April 13-August 17, 2026:
March 30, 2026
Dear St. Julian’s Family:
As I know many of you are aware, I will begin a four-month sabbatical on Monday, April 13th, returning to the office on Monday, August 17th. I want to thank you at the outset for allowing me this time that exist for rest, restoration and creative pursuits. Clergy in the Diocese of Texas are granted a sabbatical every seven years, and my last sabbatical was nine years ago in the summer of 2017. With the completion of building our new church in the summer of 2024 and the onboarding of the Rev. Demery Bader-Saye as our Associate Rector in the summer of 2025, I have delayed my sabbatical for two years, and the time has come to lean into sabbath in preparation for our next season together at St. Julian’s. Though we have accomplished much together over the past few years with the completion of our new church, becoming a Parish, and significant growth in number and spirit, I believe, as I have said before, that we are only just at the beginning. Our God-given vision of further developing our campus and growing our impact for good and for God in the world around us is life-giving ministry that I am genuinely excited to continue with each of you, and I believe this sabbatical time is a necessary step in preparing for all that lies ahead of us.
I want to assure you that you will be well cared for in my absence. Demery, supported by our staff and vestry, is well prepared to lead. Though Demery has been our Associate Rector for just under a year, she has been a member of St. Julian’s and assisting clergy person in our church for the better part of 16 years. She knows us well and loves St. Julian’s deeply. She is wise, well organized and a gifted pastor. She will be adding hours to her work among us in May and June before becoming three-quarters time on July 1 for the remainder of 2026. She will be further supported by the Rev. Nan Kennedy who will be assisting with worship and preaching regularly while I am gone. My most important ask of you in my absence is that you care well for Demery. Please keep her in your regular prayers, offer her words of encouragement and hands of help, and call on her when you are need of pastoral support. Our lay leadership is strong at St. Julian’s. Equipped and empowered lay ministry has always been the secret sauce at St. Julian’s and the key to our success. To this end, we have a gifted vestry (lay leadership team) led by Mel Bland, who also stands ready to support the day to day operations of the church and is available to you, as well, if any needs arise in my absence.
Finally, as I step back to breath and restore, I hope you will find time to do the same. God commands sabbath, for a field that is left to lie fallow for a season is restoring its ability to produce future abundant harvests. Though everything we do and offer at St. Julian’s will continue uninterrupted in my absence, we also see this as a time to reflect on and prayerfully examine what is here now in order to help determine where God is calling us to next. I too will be doing that good spiritual work from just a step away. So, though we will not be actively beginning new ministries and programs while I am away, I hope we will all take time to think about what we love and appreciate about this family of faith that God has shaped. For that is the foundation from which, with God’s help, we will build together what comes next.
Below, I have included a list of contact information for any questions or needs that arise in my absence, and I want you to know that I am grateful for you and that I love you (those three most important words!). Our journey together, along with the love of my family, are the greatest God-given blessings in my life. Though I know the time will fly by, I already look forward to my return, and all that God has in store for our bright and holy undiscovered future.
Before I depart, I look forward to celebrating Easter with each of you on Sunday, April 5th and to welcome the Bishop together for Confirmation on Sunday, April 12th. See you very soon and God bless!
Peace and Warm Friendship,
Miles+
Rector, St. Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church
Contact Information:
For questions about worship, the day to day operations of the church, or general information:
The Rev. Demery Bader-Saye, Associate Rector: dbadersaye@stjuliansaustin.org, 678-644-0581
Mel Bland, Senior Warden: mbland42@outlook.com, 512-284-3086
For pastoral emergencies or crises:
The Rev. Demery Bader-Saye, Associate Rector: dbadersaye@stjuliansaustin.org, 678-644-0581
Patty Ely, Hazelnut Pastoral Care Coordinator: patty.ely@hotmail.com, 512-971-5692
For questions related to finances or your giving:
Kim White, Bookkeeper/Admin: bookkeeper@stjuliansaustin.org, 512-623-0936
Wright Meyer, Treasurer: treasurer@stjuliansaustin.org
For questions about scheduling building use or any building related issues:
Kim White, Bookkeeper/Admin: bookkeeper@stjuliansaustin.org, 512-623-0936
Jack Ely, Building Coordinator: parishadmin@stjuliansaustin.org, 512-497-0828
For questions about weddings or funerals:
Patricia Crawley, Wedding and Funeral Coordinator: pcrawley@stjuliansaustin.org
For questions about Children’s Ministry and VBS:
Jennifer Cowles, Children’s Minister: jcowles@stjuliansaustin.org
For questions about Youth Ministry and the Summer Youth Pilgrimage:
Elle Delano-Micek, Youth Ministry Coordinator: youth@stjuliansaustin.org
For questions about Adult Spiritual Formation/Christian Ed:
Dr. Tony Baker, Theologian-in-Residence: anthony.baker@ssw.edu
For questions about Ministers of Worship (all scheduled to serve on Sundays):
Debbie Dodds, Worship Coordinator: ddodds@stjuliansaustin.org
For questions about music:
Nick Litterski, Music Minister: nicklitterski@gmail.com