Spiritual Care
Lilly Endowment Invites Applications for Clergy Renewal Program NEW
The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment seeks to strengthen Christian congregations by providing an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Through its 2005 National Clergy Renewal Program, the Endowment anticipates awarding as many as one hundred grants of up to $45,000 each directly to Christian congregations for the support of a renewal program for their pastor. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used for congregational expenses associated with the renewal program. Possible programs may include an uninterrupted period for reading and writing, directed research at a theological school, a study trip to religious sites or travel for other purposes in the United States or elsewhere in the world, quiet time for rest and prayer, or special visits with family and friends. Pastors may use up to $5,000 of the grant for post-leave, follow-up counseling, spiritual direction, continuing education, or personal fitness programs that might be an outgrowth of the clergy renewal experience.
The National Clergy Renewal Program is a competitive grants program open to congregations that have an ordained pastor with an M.Div. degree from an accredited theological seminary. Congregations in any of
forty-nine states in the United States may apply. (The Endowment administers a separate program for Indiana congregations.) Applications will not be accepted from clergy serving congregations in U.S. territories or protectorates, clergy serving military bases (whether in the U.S. or overseas), or for chaplains in colleges, universities, hospitals, or prisons.
A full description of the program and grant application procedures are available at the Clergy Renewal
Program Web site. http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/1342/lilly
Download valuable advice from Pastor Tom
Pr. Tom Taylor, deputy coordinator of LDRNY/ Long Island, has some suggestions for pastors to care for themselves. To read them, click here.
Pastoral Support Program to Prevent Burn-Out
The Lutheran Counseling Center (LCC), with support from LDRNY, has put together a comprehensive, holistic health and wellness pilot program designed especially for pastors. LDRNY Executive Director John Scibilia says that studies of the aftermath of natural and human catastrophes show that many caregivers, especially pastors, leave their communities or the ministry following a disaster, due in large part, to compassion fatigue. After the Oklahoma City bombing, more than 60 percent of the local clergy left the vicinity within three years following the attack. LCC's new pastoral health and wellness program offers pastors tools to create personal health and wellness, through professional support, small groups of colleagues working with you, educational forums, interactive web site consultation, For more information, call LCC at 516-741-0994, or send an email to Molly mollyblcc@aol.com .
For more information:
Lutheran Counseling Center
Other Resources
Faith Trust Institute is an interreligious organization offering myriad resources on the faith aspects of domestic and sexual violence. Resources are appropriate for places of worship, schools, law enforcement agencies, women's programs, and health care providers. NEW
LDRNY has compiled a Domestic Violence Resources and Information Guide. Download an order form here.
Church World Service offers information on post-disaster spiritual care here.
Gift From Within, a non-profit organization, offers articles and videos on coping with PTSD.
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