She's set to embark upon an adventure of a lifetime and she hopes to bring back with her memories and skills that will make a difference for local people.
Yorkton's Faye Greer, Minister at the Westview United Church, has been given the opportunity to participate in a three month study program/sabbatical beginning next week in Jerusalem. While away Greer will be staying at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies, a location where people travel from across the globe for personal development and a better understanding of the Holy Land.
"It's a three month continuing education, spiritual renewal program where I'll be involved in studying and also have time for rest and just letting the spirit in. I'm feeling both excited and challenged," says Greer adding, courses will involve history, geography, archeology as well as religions of the area...
"...there will be aspects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It's going to be very interesting."
While away, the local Minister will also have the opportunity to travel a bit. She hopes to take a week to explore "the land and the roots where Christianity began."
Greer says the United Church of Canada mandates Ministers who have been in place for a period of five years are eligible for a sabbatical leave for up to three months. Leave is to include rest, study and personal reflection.
"Sometimes people will do it in three separate components but I feel this trip will combine all three together."
At first she says, she didn't think this trip was for her. Not too far off from retirement, she thought, why take a sabbatical now? After seeing a brochure on the Tantur Institute however, she changed her mind.
"I was hooked as soon as I saw it. It's been a year in the planning since that."
Notice had to be given at her church and programming lined up during her absence. Greer says she is extremely grateful to the church and its board for their support and efforts to make this opportunity happen.
"It's unbelievable that something that was a year away is now here."
Aside from personal benefits Greer hopes to bring back with her a wealth of knowledge to share with her congregation and her community.
"I'll be looking at the biblical studies and the sermonizing and those types of things and hopefully return refreshed and renewed... gaining a sense of direction for the future..."
Her sense of renewal will come with some risks. The Holy Land is a long time place of political turmoil and violence. There's also changing temperatures and a completely different lifestyle than what we in Canada are accustomed to.
Greer has been researching and reading to be sure she's prepared for what might come her way.
The minister has been provided with literature informing about the Palestinian/Israeli situation, why things are the way they are and how to cope.
"I'll be centered in Jerusalem but the program involves travel to various biblical sites... One of the things they're trying to incorporate is a Sabbath meal with a Jewish family... there's also free time and a week off with an opportunity to do some travelling outside of Israel itself."
Safety and daily situations are constantly monitored at Tantur to ensure each visitor has a fulfilling experience.
"This will be a totally new experience for me... I'm very excited, a little nervous too... but people travel from all over the world to do this," she says adding, there are 15 other people booked from around the globe at the institute the same time she will be there, bringing together individuals with a variety of backgrounds, beliefs and traditions as well as a networking opportunity unlike any other.
Once back from her trip Greer will be able to maintain contact with others whom she meets, sharing ideas and passing along the benefits to people at home.
Three months away from home means plenty of thought must go into packing and that's precisely what the past week has been about.
Told to "pack light" Greer says it's been a challenge deciding what to bring along.
"I have to be prepared for all kinds of weather. When I get there it will still be warm... but it's desert area so it could get quite cold in the evenings... so I have pack for a variety of weather possibilities."
Planning for her parish while she's away has also been a focus. For those who attend Westview United Church, she says there is no need to worry about the upcoming three months. Both the minister and the Board assure Greer's time away will be filled with a variety of interesting and fun activities until her return in mid-December.
Sunday services, mid week groups, funeral and pastoral care will all continue as usual as well as there will be added plans that could include polkas, pets and food and body for the soul.
"We've filled every Sunday and people are seeing this period as a time to grow by exploring their own faith... sharing a variety of workshop experiences with different worship leaders," concludes Merle Sherwin, Board Chair.
