Christ Lutheran Church of Cottonwood receives grant

Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood has received a grant of $60,000 to enable its minister, Rev. Janel Kuester, to participate in the 2025 National Clergy Renewal Program. Christ Lutheran is one of 200 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.

Ministers whose congregations are awarded the grants use their time away from the demands of daily ministry to pursue renewal and revitalization. The approach respects the “Sabbath time” concept, offering ministers a carefully considered respite that may include travel, study, rest, prayer and immersive arts and cultural experiences.

Through the National Clergy Renewal Program, congregations apply for grants of up to $60,000 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 address 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 $20,000 of the grant may be used to support interim pastoral leadership during the pastor’s retreat, as well as renewal activities within the congregation.

CDA social June 7

The Catholic Daughters of America are having a free social after the 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 7. They will be serving coffee, juice and rolls in Holy Redeemer Church’s Carlin Hall.