Supporting Leaders by Supporting Rest: Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s Sabbatical Begins June 14
The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the ministry of Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, as she begins a three-month sabbatical from June 14 through September 14, 2026.
As a synod, we give thanks for the gift of sabbath — time set apart for rest, renewal, reflection, and restoration for those called to leadership in the church. Pastor Jacqui’s sabbatical comes after a season of significant ministry, including accompanying candidates for rostered ministry, supporting first-call pastors, strengthening youth leadership, encouraging congregational vitality, and helping develop leaders for the church across our synod.
During her sabbatical, Pastor Jacqui will enjoy a season of travel, family, and renewal. Her journey begins in Madrid, Spain, visiting a longtime college friend, followed by time in Porto, Portugal, fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting the country. She will also spend cherished family time in Door County, Wisconsin, before hopefully concluding the summer with meaningful time at the beach.
“The hope and plan,” Pastor Jacqui shared, “is to come back refreshed and ready to reach new heights building up leaders for our church.”
We are deeply grateful for Pastor Jacqui’s ministry and for the thoughtful planning that allows this important work to continue during her absence. The Office of the Bishop has plans in place, designated staff support, and clear processes to ensure that candidacy, faith formation, leadership development, and related ministries continue smoothly throughout the summer.
This continuity reflects one of the strengths of being church together: shared leadership, thoughtful planning, and mutual care that allows for both faithful ministry and faithful rest.
Pastor Jacqui’s ministry has touched many corners of the synod. Over the past year alone, the Grand Canyon Synod has accompanied 13 candidacy participants, celebrated eight ordinations, supported first-call pastors across Region 2, strengthened the ministry of Synod Authorized Ministers, launched a successful first year of the Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), prepared for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, and continued nurturing growing Lutheran campus ministries across Arizona.
We give thanks not only for Pastor Jacqui’s leadership, but also for a church that values sabbath and understands that healthy ministry includes time for rest and renewal. We look forward to welcoming her back this fall, refreshed and ready for the work ahead as we continue raising up leaders for Christ’s church.