Learning to work with the elderly church secretary is a lesson in love for a new pastor.
Author
Clare Cardia
Clare Cardia is a pseudonym for a United Methodist pastor and former newspaper journalist. The author’s name, and that of “Miss Em,” have been changed to protect Miss Em’s privacy.
Apply for a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant
Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants from the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship are designed for worshiping communities. These grants allow a wide range of Christian worshiping communities to focus on projects that connect public worship with Christian discipleship and faith formation. Funding awards range from $8,000 to $25,000.
The grants support year-long projects that show promise in fostering renewed or strengthened worship practices within worshiping communities in the United States or Canada. Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants for teacher-scholars are also available. Applications for the October 15 deadline will open on July 15, 2026.
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