clergy renewal leave
with gratitude to the lilly endowment
Thanks to a generous grant provided by the Lilly Endowment, our senior pastor Steve Murphy is taking a Clergy Renewal Leave, providing him—and us—a time for rest, renewal, and rejoicing. The Clergy Renewal Leave (CRL) will last from April 21, 2025, to August 1, 2025.
Continue reading to discover our plans for preaching, pastoral care, and discipleship opportunities at Aldersgate during CRL.
Summer Preaching Schedule
April 27, May 4, & May 11
Rev. Lisa Brown Cole
May 18
Rev. Edwin Kogo
May 25
Rev. Lisa Brown Cole
June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Rev. Belton Joyner
July 6
Rev. Claire Clyburn, our District Superintendent
July 13
Mike Mullins of Asbury United Methodist Church
July 20
Rev. Ryan Canaday of Free Recovery Community
July 27
Pastor Carmen Cook of Auburn United Methodist Church
Summer Events
June: Wednesday Night Bible Studies with Rev. Belton Joyner
More details coming soon!
July: Sunday Afternoon "Becoming Bright" Learning Forums
More details coming soon!
Clergy Renewal Leave FAQ
What is a Clergy Renewal Leave?
LEARN MORECRL is designed to give clergy a mid-career time of rest and renewal to energize them for future ministry.
Aldersgate UMC & Pastor Steve applied to the Lilly Endowment's very selective CRL grant program and were honored to be chosen as one of the 2025 recipients.
Click below to visit the Lilly Endowment's website and learn more about their Clergy Renewal Program.
Where will Pastor Steve be during CRL?
Beginning on Tuesday, April 22, information about Pastor Steve's journeys will be displayed on the bulletin boards by the church office. Stop by anytime to take a look.
What if I really, really, really need to get in contact with Pastor Steve?
EMAIL JOHNJohn Hall, one of our Certified Lay Ministers, will be in contact with Pastor Steve during leave to communicate any urgent information. To reach Steve, contact John Hall at johnh@aldersgate.org or 919.696.5803.
Will the church office be open during CRL?
Absolutely! Feel free to call or stop by during normal business hours (listed on Google Maps and on the footer of this website).
Who do I call with a pastoral emergency during CRL?
Barbara Atkinson, one of our Certified Lay Ministers, will take the lead on congregational care during CRL. Please call her or send her a text message at 919.638.5711 for pastoral care needs.
Who do I call with non-pastoral, church-related needs during CRL?
CONTACT USYou can contact the church office via the methods listed on our "Contact Us" webpage. You can also contact Certified Lay Minister John hall at johnh@aldersgate.org or 919.696.5803.
How much money is Aldersgate spending on the Clergy Renewal Leave?
$0 ! Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, all expenses for both Pastor Steve and Aldersgate UMC are covered.
1320 Umstead Road
Durham, NC 27712
Open M-Th 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Office Closed Fridays
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