Posted on November 8, 2009

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Lilly Endowment Announces Recipients of 2009 National Clergy Renewal Program Grants

The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment has announced grants of up to $50,000 to 149 ministers through its National Clergy Renewal program.

Now in its tenth year, the program enables ministers to take leave of daily parish life and engage in renewal and reflection for a short period without disrupting the activities of their congregation. Congregations may apply for an award of up to $50,000 — an 11 percent increase from last year's maximum grant award of $45,000. Up to $15,000 of that may be used to pay for pastoral care support while the pastor is away, as well as for renewal activities within the congregation.

Since 2000, the program has awarded almost 1,300 grants. This year's group includes congregations in thirty-six states representing seventeen denominations. Recipients include Dennis W. Foust, Shades Crest Baptist Church, Birmingham ($50,000); Jeffrey S. Huber, First United Methodist Church, Durango, Colorado ($50,000); Hazel S. Glover, St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Carrollton, Georgia ($50,000); Nancy E. Muth, First Presbyterian Church, Germantown, Philadelphia ($49,770); and Michael A. Mayer, Light of Christ Catholic Church, Rochester, New York ($45,978).

"We find that these programs can be transformative for the congregations, too," said Craig Dykstra, senior vice president for religion at the Lilly Endowment. "Not only do they have the opportunity to grow in their leadership abilities in the pastor's absence, but they also learn that they need to create an environment at their churches that supports their pastor's continued service at a pace that he or she can sustain. Such a pace can serve as a model for members of the congregation."

For a complete list of this year's recipients, visit the Lilly Endowment Web site.

“149 Congregations Selected for Grants in Lilly Endowment?s National Clergy Renewal Program.” Lilly Endowment Press Release 10/29/09.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Secondary Subject(s): Community Improvement/Development, Religion
Location(s): Indiana, Indianapolis

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