The term sabbatical is derived from "Sabbath time," indicating a time of rest, renewal and reflection. It would only seem fitting that Sabbath time be granted to spiritual leaders, who often spend the traditional "day of rest" teaching their flocks.

Two local pastors received grants from the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program to take sabbaticals. Rev. Loren Gustafson, pastor of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church was awarded some $37,000 to attend Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. and to counsel with other pastors in the area who have recently completed relocation projects. Rev. Marianne Niesen, of St. Paul's United Methodist Church is planning a trip abroad to study the roots of the Methodist Church and the Roman Catholic Franciscan tradition with the $40,000 she'll receive from the endowment.

The Lilly Endowment Grants offer the opportunity for clergy to take sabbaticals, travel and pursue interests that will enhance their service to their congregations. Many religious leaders choose to study the international roots of their faith.

Niesen, once a Roman Catholic Franciscan nun, said she plans on visiting England, Italy and France to study the roots of the Anglican movement and the work of John Wesley, who cofounded Methodism. Her journey will also taker her to Assisi, Italy to study Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order.

"I also want to look at the significant women in their lives and their influence," Niesen said.

The sabbatical also includes a stop in Taize, France where a modern Protestant movement is happening. Niesen will also attend a Holy Week retreat in Assisi.

"It's a way for me to investigate where I've been and where I'm going," Niesen said.

St. Paul's congregation will have moved into its new building by the time their pastor takes her sabbatical in 2006, and Niesen will also take time to study sacred spaces and how they influence the communities that use them.

Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church is also in the process of building and relocating, and Gustafson said he's planning on interviewing pastors and congregations while in the Midwest to discuss building and relocation projects. Gustafson said the building process is often a difficult time for congregations and their leadership.

"I'm concerned as the pastor and spiritual leader that this isn't just a master plan but the Master's plan," he added. "We want to be clear that God's moving us in a meaningful direction.

At Luther Seminary, Gustafson plans on studying preaching and the integration of technology in worship services.

Gustafson will be gone October through November of 2005, and plans on spending a month of his sabbatical traveling in Europe with his wife, visiting historical sites where the Lutheran Church was born.

While both pastors are on sabbatical, their congregations will study similar topics in sermons, readings and small discussion groups.

Niesen and Gustafson are among 132 recipients of the Lilly Endowment sabbatical grants. The endowment gave more than $5 million to pastors in 23 different denominations.

Reporter Laura Tode can be reached at 447-4081 or laura.tode@helenair.com.