Belmont UMC has received a grant enabling Pastor Heather Harriss to participate in the 2024 National Clergy Renewal Program. This program is funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. and administered by the Christian Theological Seminary. Through these grants, congregations can support their pastors with the gift of three months away from pastoral responsibilities.
With the support of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, Senior Pastor Paul Purdue, and lay leaders, Heather has planned a time away focused on pilgrimage, creativity, and adventure as spiritual practices. Her leave, beginning in May and continuing through June and July of 2025, will center on studying mystics, saints, poets, pilgrims, and the spiritual practices that sustained them. The grant also includes funds to cover her ministry areas during her absence.
Heather is eager to share more with the congregation and explore together practices that draw us closer to God, one another, and all of creation.
