Calvary Episcopal Church, Clifton and Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati are two of 177 congregations recently awarded grants by Lilly Endowment’s National Clergy Renewal Program. The awards–$51,188 to Calvary and $60,000 to Redeemer—will make it possible for the Rev. Allison English (Calvary) and the Rev. Phillip DeVaul (Redeemer) to take sabbaticals in 2024.
During her sabbatical, which will begin in April, English will “revisit her vocational call to ministry, which began at the Eastern terminus of Route 66 in Chicago and came to fruition at the Western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California.” While she is away, members of the congregation will explore their own vocational calls using “A Sacred Voice is Calling: Personal Vocation and Social Conscience” by John Neafsey.
At Redeemer, the congregation will “explore hospitality and gathering around food as spiritual acts” from mid-April until early August, while DeVaul and his family are on pilgrimage in Europe, revisiting the place of his religious conversion in Italy and exploring foods and meals that are valued there.
“Pastors play an important role in nourishing the spiritual lives of individuals and in guiding the work of the Christian congregations they serve,” said Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion. “Through these grants, we seek to honor pastors for their extraordinary service and enable them to engage in a brief period of rest and renewal. We have learned that such experiences invigorate the leadership of pastors and bring new vitality to their congregations as well.”
