2025 MRC Virginia and Gordon Palmer Jr. Trust Grant Cycle
MRC's Theme: "Creating a Way Forward," based on Isaiah 40:3 and Luke 3:4-6
The words from Isaiah, repeated again in Luke, offer comfort and reassurance by affirming that God is with us and will walk among us once more. These prophetic utterances originate during a tumultuous and uncomfortable period for the Israelites, marked by an uncertain future, widespread unrest, and systemic discrimination and oppression. The words of comfort were, as The Message version puts it, "thundered" into these difficult realities. However, these words are not simply a directive to watch and wait; they are a call to action. They urge us to prepare a wide, level path for Christ's salvation to be revealed and to "create a way forward" for God's work to be accomplished in the world.
Consequently, the theme for the 2025 Palmer Grant is "Creating a Way Forward." This initiative provides churches with the opportunity to address obstacles hindering their growth in ministry. We seek projects that will enhance the vitality and sustainability of churches as they engage in mission and ministry both locally and globally, following God's guidance.