Tabernacle Baptist Church of Utica, NY, has received a grant of $47,425. to enable its Pastor, The Rev.Dr. Mark S. Caruana, D.Min. ’03, to participate in the 2012 National Clergy Renewal Program funded by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. It is one of 147 congregations across the country that will support their ministers in the program, which allows pastors to step back from their busy lives and renew their spirits for the benefit of their ongoing ministries.

During Dr. Caruana?s thirteen year tenure, Tabernacle Baptist Church has welcomed hundreds of ethnic Karen refugees from Burma (Myanmar) into its congregation. Pastor Caruana?s September ? December 2013 sabbatical will provide him with the opportunity to immerse himself in the history and culture of Burma, the experience of Baptist Christians in Burma, and the experience of other Baptist congregations in the U.S. that are welcoming refugees from Burma into their fellowships. His plans include an extended visit to Burma in late 2013.

Hartford Seminary wishes to congratulate Dr. Caruana on this prestigious award.

Full Announcement