sabbath mini-grants

Personal Sabbath Mini-Grants for Rostered Ministers

Rostered Ministers Personal Sabbath Mini-Grants

In order to support the Metro D.C. Synod’s goal of equipping healthy leaders to faithfully follow the commandment of keeping the sabbath, the New & Renewing Missions Table is offering mini-grants for up to $500 to be used for sabbath time away to all rostered ministers in the Metro D.C. Synod.

Rostered Ministers can apply below and are encouraged to take time off and away, ideally on a Sunday or other primary workdays.

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What costs are covered by the mini-grant?

The grant supports paying for:

  • Group 363

    Another leader to serve in your absence – list of local supply preachers can be viewed here.

  • Vector

    Costs to go somewhere different than your usual home/church/location

  • Group 364

    Childcare

  • Group 365

    Travel or retreat materials (art supplies, fancy snacks, what is Sabbath for you?)

How to Apply?

This mini-grant, has a mini-application process. Keep it simple. Please submit the basic details and a short paragraph describing what your retreat plans will be. There is an example provided as well. Click the link below to apply.

Reflections

RIPE aerials Jon Fry installation August 27, 2023.

"I believe that Sabbath is more than just rest, it is the ability to find rejuvenation in whatever you might be doing. Having gone to Wartburg Seminary as a distance student, most of my friends are scattered throughout the country. This Sabbath grant enabled me to reconnect with my dear friend Jon, see his family’s new community, worship with some amazing people, and share the Good News with those gathered at his installation. I am thankful for a Synod that prioritizes Sabbath time for its rostered leaders!" 

- Deacon Alyssa Prinzivalli
of King of Kings in Fairfax, VA
20230518_120507

"With the support of my wife and a Synod Mini Sabbatical Grant I was able to spend three days away in Nags Head, NC—resting, thinking, praying and catching up with a long-time college friend. After breathing deeply of the fresh salty air and a short walk, we headed to the First Flight Museum. The Obelisk in honor of the Wright Brothers' first flight and the bronze statue of the plane were fun to bicycle around."

- Pastor Mitch Watney
IMG_8272 copy - Pastor Garrett

"Creation, especially the beach, has always been a place of renewal, recalibration, and rest for me. Typically my family goes to the beach every year with our extended family, however, due to an illness in the family our vacation was cancelled this year.

Therefore, the Sabbath grant provided the opportunity and resources to find solace and refreshment amidst God's creation instead. It gave me time away, putting aside many of the usual stressors and day-to-day routines, to connect with my family as well as find time for relaxation, play, and wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. I am grateful and very appreciative for the opportunity."

Pastor Garrett Wolf
of King of Kings, Dulles South
ALCM Omaldo Perez - Saint Stephen Pastor Betty Landis

"The Sabbath Grant allowed my husband to accompany me to the ALCM (Association of Lutheran Church Musicians) conference in Philadelphia. We both love church music and sing in the Adult Choir. It was a joy to learn about the resources and collegiality of the ALCM. It was a joy to participate in the educational sessions, the plenaries, and the special evening music events. We could never predict how much that joy would provide a reservoir of strength for facing a very difficult family situation just three weeks later. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to share in a learning, Sabbath time together as a couple."

- Pastor Betty Landis
of Saint Stephen in Silver Spring, MD

Consider Spending Time at One of These Retreat Centers

Individual Hermitage at the Franciscan Monastery

Enter into deeper communion with God through prayer and solitude. The hermitage is a peaceful urban retreat for one person that is nestled behind the historic Franciscan Monastery.

Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp & Retreat Center

Mar-Lu-Ridge is located near Fredrick, Maryland and has a variety of cabins, conference space and housing depending on your needs!

Overlook Retreat House in Germantown, MD

Come away along for solitude or come to tend relationship and grow new ideas. Overlook Retreat House is ideal for individual and small group self-guided retreat time and open year-round. It is a 3-bedroom living space.

Caroline Furnace Retreat Center

Caroline Furnace is located in Fort Valley, VA and offers The Farmhouse and The Loft to guests weekly. Cost is $200/night.

Shrine Mont

Shrine Mont is a conference and retreat center located in Orkney Springs, a community in western Shenandoah County, Virginia. Enjoy a peaceful weekend or a week at one of six cottages on property. Prices vary so call for assistance.