Living Legacy Grants Support Leaders and Ministries in Des Moines Presbytery
Team members checking vitals at the clinic in Honduras
The Presbytery of Des Moines established the Living Legacy Fund to empower and support the congregations of the presbytery as they labor in God’s mission and witness to God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
In 2022, the Living Legacy Committee awarded grants to pastors and congregations. Here’s an overview of who received funding and how the grant monies were used to further the ministry of leaders and churches.
Leadership Development Grants were awarded to:
• Rev. Doug Basler ($2000). The grant supported participation in a DMin program focused on the sacred art of writing. Rev. Basler is exploring the relationship between reading good literature and spiritual formation.
• Rev. Philip Beisswenger ($2000). The awarded funds covered the cost of a DMin residency and course books. Rev. Beisswenger is studying congregational revitalization and focusing on how congregations, pastors, and mission co-workers respond to crises spanning from John Calvin’s time to the present.
• Rev. Ekram Kachu ($2000). The grant supported participation in a DMin program with emphasis on ministry in immigrant communities.
Mission Grants were awarded to:
• United Presbyterian Church, Lenox. ($1500). As one of eight congregations in southwest Iowa working together as part of an ongoing partnership, Lenox Presbyterian Church used this funding toward home repair on a collaborative mission trip to northwest Oklahoma.
• First United Presbyterian Church, Winterset ($1300). This congregation continued to serve their community following a devastating EF-4 tornado through clean-up efforts and meeting the needs of affected families.
• First Arabic Presbyterian Church, Des Moines ($2000). The church’s outreach arm, the Arabic Outreach Center, used the grants money to offer transportation to community service locations for Arabic-speaking neighbors and their families. They also helped with translation at the service destination, helping these immigrants and refugees meet their needs and set a path toward integration into the community.
• First Presbyterian Church, Audubon ($1000). The funds supported a medical mission trip to Honduras, as they returned to a clinic that has served 900 patients at no cost. While there, they also led worship for the community, delivered prayer shawls to homebound and older adults, and served in a tutoring program.
Team dentist treating children of a village in Honduras
The Living Legacy Fund is funded by the proceeds of church property sales within the presbytery.
Teaching elders and ruling elders pursuing ministry-related continuing education or theological education can apply for Leadership Development Grants. Churches and presbytery committees can apply for Mission Grants to help fund mission activities and mission trips.
Would a Living Legacy Grant help you continue your study or further your participation in God’s mission? Apply today!
