Calvin Announces $750,000 in Worship Grants

May 3, 2006 == MEDIA ADVISORY

The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) has selected this year's
grant recipients in its Worship Renewal Grants Program.

This year the CICW is granting almost $750,000 to 57 churches and
organizations across North America, from a variety of worship traditions.
Grant recipients represent congregations and schools from 14 denominations in
23 states and a trio of Canadian provinces.

"The selection of grant recipients from a large number of excellent proposals
is a thoughtful and prayerful process that involves many people," says Betty
Grit of the CICW.

Several projects this year will engage worshipers of diverse cultures, ages
and traditions, including worshipers who are often marginalized, such as those
with addictions and the homeless.

In Grand Rapids, Community Recovery International will plan weekly recovery
services which encourage the use of artistic talents and personal testimonies
that express God's grace and forgiveness so that worship becomes the foundation
of the healing process.

Music is at the center of several of the projects.

Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids will head up a group
of pastors and youth leaders to learn about the dynamics of worship in
relationship to urban youth and hip hop, while First Congregational United
Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., will equip lay leaders to present
scripture and multicultural music in worship and to kindle imagination about
the design of a new worship space as part of the redevelopment of downtown
D.C.

This year, CICW received over 180 proposals from 32 denominations and 42
states and four provinces. CICW consulted with an advisory board of liturgical
leaders and scholars from a variety of backgrounds to evaluate grant proposals.

The Worship Renewal Grants Program is supported by Indianapolis-based Lilly
Endowment Inc. Founded in 1937, the Endowment's major areas of concern are
community development, education and religion.

The next application deadline for the Grants Program is January 10, 2007.

For the full story see
http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/worship_grants.htm
Contact Betty Grit at 616-526-8890 or worshipgrants@calvin.edu

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Received on Tue May 2 22:31:15 2006