The concept of a pastoral renewal leave is a well-established one, but new to most of the congregants at Dearborn First UMC. Pastor David is the first clergy person to take such a leave while appointed here, so there are bound to be additional questions. The following document was compiled to help bring clarity to this process. If, after reviewing this page, you still have concerns, please feel free to contact Pastor David, or Staff-Parish Relations Committee Co-chairs, Barbara Wolicki and Linda Selberg.

What Is Renewal Leave?

“A renewal leave is a planned time to move outside the normal demands of pastoral leadership in order to make space for God to bring renewal. It’s the renewal that is needed for moving forward in life and ministry with increased health spiritually, physically, emotionally, and as a visionary spiritual leader. The specifics will look as different as the individual pastors. However, being renewed is the focus. Ultimately, it’s being renewed in the sense of God’s calling, being renewed in energy, and being renewed in God’s grace.” [Source, West Ohio Conference of the UMC.]

When will Pastor David’s renewal leave take place?

Pastor David’s renewal leave will be in effect May 17 - August 15, 2021.

How long will Pastor David’s renewal leave last?

Pastor David’s renewal leave will last 3 months, but a renewal leave can range anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months.

What does the larger church say about Renewal Leave?

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church continually reaffirms the importance of time away from regular ministry for continuing education and spiritual growth.  Paragraph 350.2 of the 2016 Book of Discipline states, “A clergy member’s continuing education and spiritual growth program shall include professional formation leaves at least one week each year and may include at least one month during one year of every quadrennium.”

Paragraph 350.3 of the 2016 Book of Discipline states, “A clergy member may request a formational and spiritual growth leave of up to six months while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church. Such leaves are available to clergy members who have held full-time appointments for at least six years. Such a leave shall be with the approval of the committee on pastor-parish relations, the church council, and the district superintendent. Annual conferences are encouraged to assist with pulpit supply and other temporary support for such leaves.”

Why is Pastor David taking a renewal leave?

Renewal leave is a highly valued opportunity for spiritual, personal, and vocational renewal and growth, encouraged for all clergy in the United Methodist church. In the British Methodist church, in which Pastor David is still under appointment, clergy are required to take a leave every seven years. The time has come, and is actually overdue, for Pastor David to take this mandated leave.

What will Pastor David do on renewal leave?

Pastor David is planning a variety of experiences that will offer opportunities to refresh and reconnect with his own purpose, as well as to grow in his vocation.

Pastor David looks forward to:

1. Recharging personal batteries through time spent with Glenys and his family, fishing, and sailing down the Erie canal on his homemade boat (prayers appreciated).

2. Growing spiritually in his call through study - What is the sacred and practical purpose of sabbath - both in his experience of sabbath on renewal leave, and as it applies to the church in its ministries? What does it mean to be whole?  

When he returns to Dearborn First UMC, Pastor David looks forward to applying this idea of sabbath and wholeness as a course of congregational study to help us fully appreciate our own lives, families and church. It will be especially helpful at a time when we will be returning to a more “normal” way of life post-Covid.

Will Pastor David return to ministry at Dearborn First UMC when renewal leave is over?

He will, and with renewed spirit and focus on ministries at Dearborn First UMC as a result of his time away. This renewal leave is planned and executed in full cooperation with the District Superintendent and SPRC, and is viewed as an important part of professional and personal development. He is still under appointment at Dearborn First UMC during and after his renewal leave.

Can I contact Pastor David while he’s on renewal leave?

In order to fully renew and recharge, Pastor David should be relieved of any pastoral obligations while he is away. His preference is that people don’t contact him.

Who will handle pastoral care emergencies and visitation?

Rev. Steve Perrine, currently appointed at Good Shepherd UMC, will handle pastoral emergencies and visitation. He can be reached through Marti Tamaroglio, Dearborn First UMC office administrator.

Marti can be reached during office hours (8:30 am - 1:30 p.m., Mondays - Thursdays): 313-563-5200, or office@dearbornfirstumc.org.
In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call: 248-854-4607.

Who will handle weddings and funerals while Pastor David is away?

Wedding inquiries can be made through Christie Brewster, our Wedding coordinator.

Funerals will be handled by Rev. Steven Perrine, currently appointed at Good Shepherd UMC.

Both wedding and funeral inquiries can be made through the church office: 313-563-5200, or office@dearbornfirstumc.org.

Who will handle pulpit fill?

Guest preachers and lay speakers have already been scheduled for each Sunday that Pastor David is away. Ordained clergy will preach on the first Sunday of each month to administer Holy Communion.

Who will be in charge of staff, lay leaders, and operating decisions while Pastor David is away?

Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) will have oversight of the staff. Day-to-day operating decisions will be taken care of as usual by our wonderful leadership teams.

Will the parsonage be empty for those three months?

The parsonage will still be lived in by Pastor David and his family.

Where will this information be shared?

In an initial email, on the DFUMC website, as well as links to the website in The Connect - our email newsletter, for any further updates.

Who can I contact with other questions about the renewal leave?

Additional questions about the renewal leave can be discussed with:

Pastor David: pastor@dearbornfirstumc.org, 269.903.8560

Barbara Wolicki, SPRC co-chair: sprc@dearbornfirstumc.org, 313.433.3464

Linda Selberg, SPRC co-chair: sprc@dearbornfirstumc.org, 313.570.4774

The church will be in good hands for the next three months. Much work has been done in the last year to ensure that teams are working well together, and moving the vision and mission of the church forward effectively. We wish Pastor David (and Glenys) all the best and look forward to him returning renewed, recharged and ready to guide us ever forward in ministry as we connect, care and serve!