June 2010

In the fall of 2009, I was blessed to receive a $15,000 grant from the Louisville Institutes for my 2010 sabbatical. The theme of my grant was “Holy Steps with the Children of Abraham.” Rest and renewal among “the children of Abraham” was at the heart of this sabbatical.  

I believe as Jews, Christians and Muslims we find common ground and lineage as “Children of Abraham.”   Between June 7 and September 19, I will regularly worship, pray, live and study among my sisters and brothers in all three faith traditions both here and abroad.   I will grow from this enriching experience. As I grow in faith and knowledge of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, I will return to First Church rested and renewed.

My ministry has been a journey of faith, hope, love and exploration with “the children of Abraham.” Now is the time to walk, talk, listen, pray and live with my sisters and brothers in the lands of their origins.   I will find rest and renewal among them.

World religions author and professor Huston Smith believed that to understand a religion, one must experience and live in the fullness of that faith tradition. Using the model of Huston Smith, I will live and worship with my brothers and sisters of Abrahamic faith. I contributed to the Columbus Dispatch for over 13 years. I will offer a regular blog for our paper during this time. The link will be on the church’s Web site.

In addition to the 11 weeks abroad, I will spend three more weeks close to home resting, reading and writing with my wife and children and worshiping among Muslim, Jewish and Christian friends. This time will allow me to be silent, listen, pray and reflect on my time spent on holy ground with holy people. 

While I am gone, the Rev. Dr. Janine Wilson will lead First Church. Come join us for services at 9 or 11 a.m. on Sunday. Have an enjoyable summer, and I will see you back here in September!

Blessings

Rev. Tim Ahrens