About a year ago I received a letter from the Diocese offering me a sabbatical during 2010; or, rather, 3 months ‘Extended Ministerial Development Leave’. I suspect the extra words are to re-assure the congregation that their incumbent isn’t simply going to swan off for three months, but will actually be undertaking a project intended to develop and enrich his/her ministry.

I believe that the project I shall be working on this autumn should certainly do that, in more ways than one. As some of you know, from time to time I lead study days or quiet days on works such as Bach’s St John Passion or Handel’s Messiah, drawing both on my initial training as a musician and the subsequent theological education. Experience has shown both that such explorations are greatly valued, and that hardly anybody (at least in the UK) is doing any serious work in this area, despite the obvious potential in the fields of discipleship, personal devotion, spirituality, and mission.

This autumn I shall be studying J. S. Bach’s St Matthew Passion in the multi-disciplinary way described above. Although I have had this ‘Everest’ of sacred music in my sights for many years, it’s been clear that studying the biblical and musical texts of the Matthew Passion along these lines will be a major undertaking, requiring the kind of dedicated time that a only a sabbatical (sorry, EMDL) can offer.

My base for the autumn will be St Chad’s College, Durham, where I have been given a Visiting Fellowship for the term. I am grateful to the Principal, the Revd. Dr Joe Cassidy, for making this possible, and also to Professor John Butt of Glasgow University who will be supervising the musical side of the project.

As to practicalities, I shall be away from the parish from (roughly) the second week of September until the second week of December. During this period, the Churchwardens will continue to exercise their normal responsibilities, Nick Stuart will chair the PCC, Steve Bailey will convene the ministry team, and Katrina will continue to be her efficient self in the parish office.

As the full-time clergy member of the team, Steve should be the first port of call for any inquiries regarding ministry. Before I set off, the service rosters will have been completed for the term and cover will be in place where necessary. I aim to be back in the parish in good time for Christmas, refreshed and raring to get on with the challenges and opportunities of the New Year. Thank you. CS