We've received a grant!
Saguaro Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant to enable its minister Rev. Kelley Dick, to participate in the 2026 National Clergy Renewal Program. Saguaro Christian Church is one of 210 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 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. Dr. Robert Saler, Director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary, noted that interest in the grant programs has grown significantly in recent years, with higher numbers of applications leading to increased competitiveness.
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. The grant supports a three-month sabbatical for Senior Minister Rev. Kelley Dick, along with a season of renewal for the Saguaro Sept-Dec 2027.
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 are also considered, as a portion of the grant is intended to be used for the congregation's own renewal activities and be used to support pastoral leadership during the minister's time-away.
When applying for the grant, the question is asked of the pastor, “What makes your heart sing?” For Rev. Kelley Dick? All of the Colors. Morning Movement. The wonder of creation. And the extraordinary ways God's light finds us, even in the darkest places.
Since beginning in ministry, Rev. Kelley has ended worship services, youth gatherings, women's retreats, and countless moments of ministry with a familiar blessing: “Go and be a light in the world.” These words have become more than a closing blessing. They express the heart of her ministry and her belief that each of us carries something of God's light into the world.
Through the breathtaking colors of the Northern Lights dancing across Norway's Arctic sky, the beauty of playing with colors; tie-dye and stained glass, and the joy of reclaiming running through morning movement, each experience offers an opportunity to rediscover awe, wonder and delight .As Rev. Kelley experiences renewal, Saguaro Christian Church will embrace its own season of awe, celebrating the ways its people reflect God's light for one another and the wider world. More details will be shared soon.
“Pastors play such important roles in faith communities and in nurturing the spiritual lives of individuals and families by guiding the ministries of congregations,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “Yet the demands of ministry can seem relentless. We hope that these grants help congregations honor their pastors for their extraordinary service and support them with the time and other resources to step away for rest and renewal so they can return to their congregations reenergized.”
In these challenging and exciting times, we’re watching the applicants and awardees of these programs return from the renewal leave; energized, rested and ready to return to ministry. "Our goal is that these programs supply congregations with the means to express appreciation for their leaders and actively invest in what reenergizes their pastors for long-term ministry,” Saler said.
We are so excited and honored to receive this grant!! Thank you sabbatical committee members: Susan H, Bill I, Diana P, Dave C and Cathy S. Rev. Kelley and Saguaro are one of 5 congregations in Arizona to receive the grant.