Grants for congregations, parishes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other worshiping communities in USA and Canada
This grants program for worshiping communities is especially focused on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship, a theme that can unfold in many facets of worship from Bible reading to preaching, public prayer, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, congregational song, visual arts, storytelling, and more. We encourage grant proposals developed through a collaborative process from emerging and established churches; seminaries, colleges, and schools; hospitals, nursing homes and other tax-exempt organizations.
Year-long process of focusing on worship
Many congregations have discovered that a year focused on worship has led to revitalization that increases their ability to reach out to the world with the good news of the gospel. They have taught us that when churches are engaged in focusing on worship, others are drawn to worship with them. A Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant can plant seeds that will continue to grow long after the grant year.
Projects funded have included (but are not limited to)
- an in-depth study of the theology of worship in relation to current and emerging practices.
- reflection and study of baptism or the Lord’s Supper and ways in which the sacraments connect with the life of the community.
- exploration of the Psalms and the way they shape words and music in worship.
- collaboration of pastors and lay leaders in planning worship that carefully integrates the sermon with other components of the service or aspects of congregational life.
- a year-long process that encourages the unique gifts of people of all ages to be used in planning and leading worship.