Dear Minister Colleague,

    As we approach the middle of 2009, I want to give you an update on the availability and use of Board of Pensions’ allotted Sabbath Sabbatical Grant Applications for members of the plan. The Synod of the Northeast approved three grant applications in 2009 for pastors from three presbyteries in the synod.  Eight (8) of the $3,000.00 sabbatical grants are still available this year. This represents a total of $24,000 available to ministers for education and refreshment.

    Information about the grants may be found on the synod web page at the Synod website under Grants, click here. If you need additional information, or assistance applying, please give me a call.

    I am grateful for your ministry in Newark Presbytery.

Kevin

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Examples of Sabbatical experiences funded this year include:

Study the challenges that pioneer Missionary David Asante of the Basel Mission faced in communicating the Biblical Gospel to indigenous Twi (Ghanaian) People.

Cross-country spiritual journey visiting museums and ending at Ghost Ranch for a course in “Creation of the Sacred Vessel”.

Alban Institute course “Finishing Strong, Finishing Well” to help prepare the pastor and the congregation for retirement spiritually, mentally and physically.

To connect spiritually with the pastor’s homeland, Africa, by exploring and participating in Ghanaian traditional religious practices to determine whether there may be some similarities to Christian practices.