Northminster Presbyterian Minister Headed for Franciscan Pilgrimage and More

Northminster Presbyterian Church in Troy has received a grant of $36,000 to enable its minister Rev. Charlotte Sommers to participate in the 2013 National Clergy Renewal Program funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary.

Northminster is one of just 87 churches across the country to receive the highly competitive grant that allows congregations to give their ministers the opportunity to engage in a period of reflection and personal renewal away from the church.

“We regularly hear that these renewal experiences are transformative for pastors and their congregations,” said Dr. Christopher L. Coble, Vice-President for Religion at the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc.

The overall theme for Northminster’s renewal period is “Simple is Better: Reclaiming Simplicity In Our Busy and Cluttered Lives.” During the almost four month sabbatical (Mid-June through September, 2014) Rev. Sommers will spend time in nature at a retreat in Alaska, travel in Northern Michigan, and participate in a Franciscan Pilgrimage in Italy. At the same time the congregation will mirror her sabbatical with three events offered to the larger Troy community: A day in nature at the Howell Nature Center, a Saturday evening meal and prayer service focused on resting, and a prayer walk in Troy.

“I am honored to receive this grant,” said Sommers, who has been pastor at Northminster for 10 years and  in the ministry for nearly 30 years. “It’s been a great ride, especially with the Northminster folks who are generous in welcoming and caring for others.”