Page 11 - Glory & Grace Issue 12: Witnesses

In 2023, Pastor Ben and Pastor Jen both celebrated 15 years of ordained ministry. In 2024, King of Glory will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the congregation. In consideration of these milestones and in conversation with the Board of Directors, a future sabbatical for the pastors was envisioned. In March of 2023 the pastors wrote a detailed proposal for how they would use their sabbatical time and applied for a clergy renewal grant funded by the Lilly Foundation.
In September, King of Glory was awarded a grant of $59,000 to enable our pastors to participate in the 2023 National Clergy Renewal Program. King of Glory is one of 177 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 Lilly 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. Since the National Clergy Renewal Program’s inception, more than 3,527 congregations have participated in the program. We are excited that King of Glory was selected to receive this generous grant!
The renewal time for Pastor Jen will run April 15 - July 13, 2024. Pastor Ben’s renewal time will take place May 20 - August 17, 2024. While they are away from the congregation, retired clergy and LPAs (Lay Pastoral Associates) will lead worship assisted by the very seasoned and capable church staff.
More information about the Quanbeck’s sabbatical plans will be provided at the congregation’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28th, but here’s a brief summary of their plans:
+Jen’s solo trek - Grand Canyon National Park +Ben’s solo trek - Flathead National Forest +Family trek - Canadian Rockies
+Pastors trek - Iceland
From Ben & Jen~
It is our hope that this sabbatical will provide opportunities for both the congregation and the Quanbecks to hear anew God's invitation: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths" (Isaiah 2:3).
PAGE 11