Storrs Congregational Church to Experience 'Renewal' Time

STORRS, CT — The Storrs Congregational Church has received a grant of $41,675 to enable its senior minister, the Rev. Matthew Emery, to participate in the National Clergy Renewal Program in 2017.

Storrs Congregational Church UCC is one of 146 congregations across the United States selected to
participate in the competitive grant program, which is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered
by Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Established by the Endowment in 2000, the program’s
grants allow Christian congregations to support their pastors with the gift of extended time away from
their ministerial duties and responsibilities.

Ministers whose congregations are awarded the grants use their time away from the demands of daily
ministry to engage in reflection and renewal.

The approach respects the “Sabbath time” concept, offering ministers a carefully considered respite that may include travel, study, rest, immersive arts and cultural experiences, and prayer. Congregations awarded the National Clergy Renewal Program grants nominated their pastors to receive this honor. Pastors in this year’s program represent a diverse group that includes Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and nondenominational congregations.

In consultation with their congregations, the pastors determine how they will use the grants to replenish, restore and renew their ministries.

Through the National Clergy Renewal Program, congregations apply for grants of up to $50,000 to
support renewal programs for their pastors.

At the Storrs Congregational Church UCC, the grant-supported renewal program is themed around
“Voices: Reconnected, Reclaimed, Renewed.”

Extending from late August through the end of December, Emery's sabbatical will begin and end with spiritual retreats at retreat centers in and around the New England region, and will also include periods
of pure rest time.

In the middle of the sabbatical, Emery is sschedeld to travel to Europe to visit sites of importance in
Protestant history and heritage. Of particular significance, he will have the opportunity to be in
Wittenberg, Germany, for the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s sparking the
Protestant Reformation with his infamous nailing of the 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church on Oct. 31.

Interim pastoral leadership while Emery is away will devote significant energy to the coaching and cultivation of voices of proclamation and testimony among lay members of
the congregation.

A team of leaders from the congregation’s Board and Pastoral Relations team collaborated with Emery in putting together the plans for both Emery and the congregation.

Photo Credit: Storrs CC