The Lilly Clergy Renewal Grant
A time for drinking again from God's life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.
The Lilly Foundation Clergy Renewal Program seeks to strengthen Christian congregations through renewal and reflection. Each year this organization offers grants to both Pastors and their churches in the state of Indiana as well as throughout the country. Our church family is applying for this grant this year.
Our hope is that this will provide an opportunity for our entire church family to experience rest and renewal. We believe that the timing is right for us to pursue this. The following has been provided to help you understand more about this important program and the many benefits that we believe it will bring for our congregation.
Who is this for? This renewal program is for both the Pastor and for the local church.
What is the purpose of it? The purpose of this program is to provide support for renewal activities that regain enthusiasm and creativity for ministry by providing a time of rest and reflection. The goal is to determine and experience "what makes our heart sing".
When would it take place? The Grant Application is due on April 13th, 2018. Awards are announced in August . If awarded, the renewal period would occur in the summer of 2019.
Why Now? There are several reasons for why the timing is right including the following:
Building expansion project will have begun. Time for rest and renewal for the entire congregation. Please see yourfountain.org/time-has-come for more details.
Joshua will have celebrated his 9th anniversary at the Fountain. Time for rest and renewal for he and his family.
The Lilly Foundation Clergy Renewal Grant provides a wonderful opportunity for our entire church family. Therefore, we ask that you would pray with us for the successful submission and outcome of this proposal. As you do so remember that we all have a need for times of rest and renewal. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Rome, said this in Romans 12:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 (ESV)
May the Lord grant us regular periods of renewal so that together we may be the Church that God has called us to be. Learn more about this program and hear Pastor Joshua's message on the importance of rest and renewal by using the links below: