RENEWAL LEAVE 2025

Pastor Patty is on Renewal Leave through Labor Day 2025. To learn about the ‘why’ behind the leave, read this statement from the Prairie Board.

These leave’s theme is Silence, Sauntering, and Silence. To learn how Patty is embracing this theme, click here. We have leadership in place to make this a smooth, stress-free summer for congregants and visitors alike.

Questions? Check out the FAQ below and please reach out to margarets@fumc-cs.org for any additional information.

Journey with Patty through our summer of renewal activities! 

Pastor Patty is on renewal leave through Labor Day 2025 for a time of spiritual deepening. While she’s away, we’ll stay connected through events inspired by her themes of Silence, Sauntering, and Saints. Click here to learn more about Patty’s journey. The below activities will offer space for reflection, adventure, and deeper connection—mirroring the rest and renewal Patty and her family will be experiencing. Alongside Sunday worship, several special events are planned. Click here for details, and stay tuned for more info and registration! NOTE: Find the Connect Table for various registrations in the back of the gym at Sunday Worship. Get YOUR very own Passport on Sunday at the Connect Table: Collect cool stickers as you participate in Renewal Activities

June
Every Sunday “Surprising Lives of Christian Saints” Adult Sunday School, 9-9:45 a.m. Each session is stand-alone in this video series
6/8 Prairie Campus Labyrinth after worship (Silence Team)
6/9 Allegiance Movie Night 6:30 p.m. (Saints Team) 
6/15 Pride Sunday Worship Downtown @ 9am (no church at Prairie)
6/25 Benet Pines Labyrinth Walk 9:30 a.m. (Silence Team) 
6/27-28 Pilgrimage to Camp Amache, Granada Co (Saints Keystone Event) 

July
Every Sunday “Surprising Lives of Christian Saints” Adult Sunday School, 9-9:45 a.m. Each session is stand-alone in this video series
7/11-12 All-Church Retreat/Campout, John Wesley Ranch (Sauntering Team) 
7/19 Local Labyrinth Walk (Silence Team)

August
Every Sunday “Surprising Lives of Christian Saints” Adult Sunday School, 9-9:45 a.m. Each session is stand-alone in this video series
8/6 Centering Prayer (Silence Team)
8/23 Forest Bathing, Fox Run Regional Park (Sauntering Team)
8/24 Local Labyrinth Walk (Silence Team)

September
9/7 Welcome Back 'Oktoberfest’ Celebration After Worship

Come join the fun! Come journey with Patty! Come learn new things and make new friends! It’s the Prairie Way! 

  • Patty will be on renewal leave from Memorial Day through Labor Day of 2025.

  • Margaret Scott (Pastor of Parish Life) will be our ‘point person’ during Patty’s time away. You can email her at margarets@fumc-cs.org.

  • FUMC-Prairie Campus will be supported by members of our congregation including clergy and lay members. We expect to invite outside clergy and other speakers to guest preach as well on Patty’s themes of Silence, Sauntering, and Saints.

  • If there is a serious emergency, Rev. Eric Strader is the administrative pastor for the downtown campus whose responsibility, even now, includes support with unexpected adverse events.

  • Patty will get a complete break from communication with congregation members so that she can fully engage in her spiritual journey.

  • Yes! Patty is engaging in this renewal for us as well as herself. The Lilly grant requires that the pastor returns to the congregation for at least one year after the leave is completed. Bishop Oliveto confirmed this commitment as part of the grant application.

  • To find out about leadership in place during the renewal leave, click here.

  • Patty’s salary will continue to be paid per her contract. The Lilly grant will cover approximately $41,000 of additional expenses for Patty’s activities during the leave (transportation, housing, travel costs, etc.) and $19,000 for congregational expenses (staff coverage, speaker costs, field trips, supplies for activities, etc.).

  • The successful award of the Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lilly Foundation is anticipated to cover the costs associated with the renewal.

  • There may be an impact financially if summer attendance drops more than typical in the summer or people choose not to give during that time.

  • The Lilly funds will be divided between funding for the pastor’s activities and congregational expenses and activities.

  • Yes! Church will continue to be held at the Prairie Campus on Sundays at 10:00 am. This time of worship is important to us as a community and will also be important for newcomers seeking an inclusive, Christ-centered community to connect with in Colorado Springs.

  • Patty and Roger are making plans to make sure Theo is well taken care of when they are away.

  • Please ask questions! This is a document that will be updated. Send additional questions to margarets@fumc-cs.org.