Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program
Do you know of a pastor who could benefit from renewal? Announcing its 2010 National Clergy Renewal Program, the Lilly Endowment expects to award 150 grants, of up to $50,000 each, to congregations directly, allowing their pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life to engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Up to $15,000 of the grant can be used for the congregation to pay for worship and pastoral care support while the pastor is away, as well as for renewal activities within the congregation.
This program of the Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation, seeks to strengthen Christian congregations by providing ways for pastors to drink again from God's life-giving waters, to regain enthusiasm and creativity for ministry. Nearly 1300 pastors and their congregations have benefitted from these grants since they began in 2000. Often, grants energized the pastor and also the church.
The application is structured to provide congregations and their leaders maximum freedom in proposing a renewal leave suited to their own context. Many congregations use it to give the pastor time to explore a deeply held personal interest.
To apply, visit
http://www.clergyrenewal.org/ Deadline for submission of proposals is June 21, 2010. Notification of grant awards will be made in November 2010.
