Pastor Tracey receives two grants

Trinity has received a grant to enable Pastor Tracey to participate in the 2018 National Clergy Renewal Program.  This is a competitive program and is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. The program allows congregations to support their pastors with the gift of extended time away from their ministerial duties and responsibilities. Throughout last winter and into spring, Trinity’s Governing Board and Pastor Tracey worked together to develop her grant application.  The program is designed to provide pastors with extended Sabbath time away from ministerial duties and responsibilities to engage in reflection and renewal.  The program allows congregations and clergy to collaborate in developing experiences that address their unique needs and goals.  $15,000 of the grant is allocated toward Trinity for pastoral coverage and renewal activities for our congregation during Pastor Tracey’s sabbatical time.  Tracey’s proposal was developed around Trinity’s Vision Statement: “Growing in love and service through relationships with God and community” and will include activities and experiences such as time spent in religious communities (monasteries, etc.) and travel with family.  It will take place April 25 – July 25, 2019.

Pastor Tracey has been selected to participate in a two and a half year program for women clergy, partially funded by Lilly Endowment.  The program consists of five 10-day retreats to support and equip participants to navigate and address the challenges of ministry.  One retreat occurs each fall and spring through November, 2020.  This program helps “women pastors establish a rhythm of prayer, engage in spiritual disciplines,” and build into their daily life a time of rest and worship. It provides personal and professional tools to assist women in ministry and develops peer and mentoring relationships.  There are 20 participants representing 9 denominations and 14 states. The first retreat at Benedict Inn in Beech Grove will take place November 5-14, 2018.

Congratulations Pastor Tracey!