Windermere Union Church receives grant

The Windermere Union Church recently received a $28,318 grant to enable Senior Pastor Barton Buchanan to participate in the 2014 National Clergy Renewal Program.

The program is funded by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary. 

Windermere Union Church is one of 140 congregations in the nation selected to participate in the program. 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.

Ministers whose congregations are awarded the grants use their time away from the demands of daily ministry to engage in a period of 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.

Congregational needs during the minister’s renewal experience also are considered. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used to fund interim pastoral leadership during the pastor’s retreat, as well as for renewal activities within the congregation. 

During the sabbatical, Buchanan will complete his sculpture, Dance of Transcendence, and have it bronzed. He also will travel with his wife, Amy, to Paris and London, where they will explore and immerse in the art and culture of these cities. Barton also will participate in a meditation retreat in Sedona, Arizona. 

Since its inception, more than 1,900 congregations have participated in the program, including the 140 congregations receiving grants in 2014.