Dear Melville Family,
As many of you know, I’ll be taking an Intermission this summer—similar to sabbatical, it’s a time set aside for rest, renewal, and spiritual reflection. For part of that time, Graham and I will be walking a portion of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain which is the traditional burial place of St. James. We’ll begin in Porto, Portugal, and walk northward along the coast into Spain following a path walked by thousands of pilgrims throughout centuries. I don’t know why but it’s a pilgrimage that we’ve always talked about making together. Unlike others, we’re not setting out to prove anything or to “accomplish” a goal, or even with a specific prayer intention in mind. For lack of a better description, we’re walking to take the time to slow down, to listen, to pray.
Intermissions are not vacations, though rest is part of them. They are part of a rhythm of ministry and life that honours the biblical principle of sabbath. God commands sabbath rest not as a burden, but as a gift—because we are not machines. We are human beings, made in the image of God. And that means we need time not only to work and serve, but also to rest, reflect, and reconnect—with God, with ourselves, and with one another.
While I am away, I hope you’ll consider how you might create space in your own life for spiritual renewal. Maybe that means setting aside a few quiet minutes each day for prayer or reflection. Maybe it means unplugging from your phone one evening a week. Maybe it means a walk in the woods, a cup of tea with a friend, or saying “no” to one more commitment so you can say “yes” to God’s presence.
Preparing for this camino reminds me that we are always on a journey. And just like the ancient pilgrims, we need to pause, to breathe, to remember that we do not walk alone. Christ walks with us—and sometimes ahead of us—calling us to rest, renewal, and deeper trust.
I’ll be keeping you in prayer along the way, and I look forward to returning with fresh insight and energy. In the meantime, may we all seek those sacred pauses that restore our souls and renew our faith.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Bethany McCaffrey
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