Pasadena’s Trinity Lutheran Church Receives National Clergy Renewal Grant

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pasadena has been selected for a 2026 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program grant, giving the congregation and its pastor an opportunity to pursue a period of rest, reflection and renewal.

The church, located at 997 E. Walnut St., appears on the official list of grant recipients released October 27 by Christian Theological Seminary. The announcement identifies the Rev. Sharon Mead Ruff Richter as the congregation’s participating pastor.

Trinity is among 255 congregations nationwide selected this year through two Lilly Endowment clergy renewal programs, according to the seminary, which administers the initiatives.

The grants are designed to help churches support their pastors by providing time and resources for personal and spiritual renewal. Participating ministers may pursue extended periods away from regular responsibilities or several shorter renewal experiences.

The seminary said pastors receiving support through the programs may explore travel, scholarly interests, creative activities, family relationships and other pursuits intended to restore their energy for ministry.

Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion, said the programs recognize the responsibilities pastors carry in supporting their faith communities.

“We hope that these grants to congregations will help them honor their pastors for exemplary service and provide them with the time and other resources for renewal and rest so they can come home to their congregations reenergized,” Coble said.

The two clergy renewal programs awarded more than $14 million nationally in 2026. Congregations could request grants of up to $60,000, including as much as $20,000 for congregational expenses related to pastoral coverage and renewal activities.

The announcement does not specify Trinity’s individual award amount, the dates of Richter’s planned renewal period or the activities included in the Pasadena congregation’s proposal.

The programs began in 1999 and 2000, respectively, and have supported more than 4,781 congregations across the United States and Puerto Rico, according to Christian Theological Seminary.