Church of Our Saviour Arlington Receives a $50,000 Grant

Arlington – Church of Our Saviour has received a grant of $50,000 to enable its minister, the Rev. Malia Crawford, to participate in the 2017 National Clergy Renewal Program. Church of Our Saviour is one of 146 congregations across the United States selected to participate in this 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, during which they 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.

Through the National Clergy Renewal Program, congregations apply for grants of up to $50,000 to support renewal programs for their pastors. Collaborative in nature and implementation, the program allows congregations to partner with their ministers in developing experiences that addresses their unique renewal needs and aspirations. Recognizing that ministers’ families are subject to the stress and demands placed on pastoral leaders, the program encourages pastors to involve their families in renewal activities. Congregational needs during the minister’s renewal experience also are considered. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used to support interim pastoral leadership during the pastor’s retreat, as well as renewal activities within the congregation. Since the National Clergy Renewal Program’s inception, more than 2,450 congregations have participated in the program, including the 146 congregations receiving grants in 2017.

During her sabbatical from April 9 to July 31, 2018, themed “Racial Justice, Spirituality, and the Arts,” the Rev. Crawford will take an Arlington Community Education mixed-media collage class and attend a weeklong training through Visions, Inc., a highly respected nonprofit offering diversity and inclusion training. Meanwhile, Church of Our Saviour will enjoy a parallel period of renewal and learning, led by the Rev. Bill Kondrath, a consultant, trainer, and coach with Visions, Inc. The parish will partake in several adult education opportunities on racial justice, including a justice-related art project, classes on racial justice, and a spiritual retreat at Bethany House of Prayer, an Arlington place of prayer and hospitality that shares ministry with the Episcopal Sisters of St. Anne.

As part of this experience, Our Saviour will engage the broader Arlington community as well. On June 2 at 4 p.m., Our Saviour will welcome renowned composer and director Nick Page to lead a free afternoon music workshop, open to all, with a focus on learning songs of justice. That evening at 8 p.m., parishioners and the public can hear the Rev. Crawford perform with the Boston Pops Gospel Choir on Gospel Night at Symphony Hall. Finally, on September 29 at 4 p.m., Arlington residents can enjoy a free Community Arts Night showcasing art related to racial justice, hosted by Our Saviour.

“Lilly Endowment recognizes the important role that pastors play in shaping and guiding the work of Christian churches,” said Dr. Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion. “We can think of no better way to honor these hardworking, faithful men and women than to help them step away from the demands of leadership for a brief period of rest and spiritual renewal. We regularly hear that these renewal experiences are transformative for pastors, their families, and their congregations.”

The Rev. Rev. Robert Saler, research fellow and director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs, noted that the National Clergy Renewal Program integrates key attributes of healthy congregations, including a mutual respect for the renewal needs of both ministers and the congregations they serve.

“The program provides an opportunity for congregations to express appreciation for their ministers’ service and leadership,” Saler said. “At a time when leaders are often praised for their pace of innovation and productivity, the National Clergy Renewal Program pays homage to the timeless wisdom embedded in the practice of reflection and renewal.”

Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis directs the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations and a second program for congregations across the United States through its Center for Pastoral Excellence.

About Church of Our Saviour

Theologically and liturgically progressive, Church of Our Saviour embraces diversity boldly as we seek continued spiritual growth and evolving revelation of God’s call to our community. We offer safety to those marginalized by society or situation; a contemplative environment for those who need to grieve, to heal, or to be nourished; and encouragement and guidance for those discerning their spiritual path and seeking a spiritual home. We seek ecumenical interactions, as well as partnerships with public, private, and other Episcopal organizations as a means of embodying our commitment to social justice. Visit www.church-of-our-saviour.org for more information, or contact us at 781-648-5962 or office@church-of-our-saviour.org.

Media Contact: Ginger Webb, Co-Warden