St. Mary's Awarded Lilly Endowment

St. Mary’s has received a grant through the National Clergy Renewal Program to support a 12-week sabbatical, April 2–June 28, 2027 for Rev'd Kira.

This sabbatical will be a time for rest, prayer, and renewal after 15 years of ordained ministry, including several years of ministry at St. Mary’s. Her plans include time in the high desert of northeastern Nevada, followed by travel to historic Christian communities in Scotland, France, and Italy. Through contemplative prayer, pilgrimage, time outdoors, and immersion in the arts and culture of these places, Rev'd Kira hopes to deepen her spiritual life and return to St. Mary’s refreshed and renewed for the ministry we share.

The National Clergy Renewal Program, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary, provides congregations with the opportunity to support their pastors through an extended period of Sabbath rest and renewal. Rev'd Kira is deeply grateful to St. Mary’s for making this time possible and to the Lilly Endowment for its generous support.