“I put the funds that I received towards hiring a personal trainer and paying one month of my membership to Planet Fitness. This has allowed me to remain focused on my physical well-being and the exercise that is necessary for me to improve my health and overall well-being exercise has proven to be a very crucial component of my mental health as well.”

“The funding allowed me to purchase supplies to support intentional solo crafting and creative exploration as a form of renewal and self-care... The supplies have had a meaningful impact on my emotional and spiritual well-being by enabling small but consistent moments of self-care in everyday life. I have found comfort and grounding through creative practices during brief intervals when I might otherwise have experienced heightened stress.”

“I am grateful to be able to report I have spent the entire $400 mini-grant on two pairs of Hoka walking shoes and one pair of walking pants. This grant has been a great source of encouragement to continue my daily walking goal of five miles while maintaining proper foot care.”

“I used the funding to pay toward the cost of a room for 2 nights at Paris Landing Inn during a clergywomen's retreat in August 2025. I had a room overlooking the lake and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. I enjoyed the quietness and the calmness that looking out over the lake gave me.”

“I have used the funding to pay for the creation of a last will and testament for both me and my wife. Besides the obvious long-term financial benefits for us and our family members, this has eased my current anxiety and provided a sense of peace.”

“I used the full amount of the funding to take a short sabbatical so I could truly rest and reset. This time away helped me recharge mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, allowing me to come back with more clarity, strength, and focus for the work ahead.”

“I used the wellness mini grant to start with 3 days of sabbath rest at St Meinrad Archabbey and Retreat Center in Meinrad, Indiana. The grant made it easier to allow myself to do this and not think of the expense for myself or the church if I had asked them. And the trip was the perfect way to center myself for the almost month ahead of Rest and Renewal from the church.”

“I used my funds to purchase a bike trailer so that we could take family bike rides with my 2 youngest girls, a 4 yo and 9 month old. It has been absolutely delightful to bike around our new neighborhood in Nolensville together as a family of 6, exploring the bike trails, the creek, and the 2 easily accessible playgrounds from our house. We have grown closer as a family and we are getting out of the house so much more than we used to.”

“I used the funds to go on a trip to Colorado and play in a softball tournament. During a particularly busy and stressful season, it allowed me to take some time away from church for a weekend and spent it with new friends who are not related to my church at all. I played 7 softball games during the weekend and we also had some time to do some hiking at Red Rocks park in Denver. I got a ton of physical exercise that weekend, but I also had a really good time getting to know my teammates and making new friends. The mountain air was good for my soul and winning felt good too.”

“The $400 was used to help pay for a 4-day visit to The Cove, the Billy Graham Retreat Center in Asheville, NC. Balance was paid by the Charge I serve. The short respite was a welcome break that allowed me to separate from phone, email, and ALL media for the 4 days. This break allowed me to focus on recharging mentally through solitude, relational with my wife, and physical through the hiking trails that have conversation stops.”