“O give thanks to the Lord for the Lord is good; The Lord’s love endures forever.”  Psalm 107:1

As we gathered on November 12, 2024, at Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church for our final stated meeting of the year, our time together was framed on the theme of gratitude, inviting us into a discipline that sustains us in the hope of the Gospel. We are cognizant of the array of emotions that have been part of our recent cultural realities – emotions that have been fueled by a season of rhetoric and the language of hate tempting us to focus on what causes division.
Our pre-presbytery gatherings, grabbing ahold of that hope, offered glimpses of possibilities for the future. The Commission on Financial Management shared our vision for ministry for 2025 reflected in the proposed budget, while Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director of Interfaith Philadelphia along with the Rev. Dr. Joyce Shin (now serving as Chair of Interfaith Philadelphia’s Board) shared the importance of and fruits born of interfaith partnerships.
Opening worship stirred our spirits – with a combination of music, prayers and a powerful message by the Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto, Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Barreto challenged us to expand our view of Christ’s table, one where there is always enough and always one more chair. Energized by Christ’s Grace, we gathered at the table to experience this promise, seeking the unity we find in Communion.
The assembly, led by Moderator, Elder Jim Ballengee & Vice Moderator, the Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight, spent much of the meeting looking toward the Presbytery’s future. With the approval of the 2025 Operating budget and the election of next year’s incoming class of leaders for our commissions and committees, we then elected the Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight and the Rev. Christopher Holland, as our 2025 Moderator & Vice-Moderator. Reflecting upon the deep sense of division in our country, the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace, Executive Presbyter, called us to lean into our faith, one that calls us beyond this moment, a faith that calls us to reclaim our identity as a people of Gospel hope. Holding onto that hope and focusing on our theme of gratitude she was joined by the Leadership Team of the Revs, Kevin Porter, Sarah Colwill & Brenton Thompson, and Jim Wagner in sharing their thoughts of gratitude about the presbytery and the leadership.
With the closing invitation, that as we look towards the coming year, do not forget to reflect upon our gratefulness for the ongoing works of Christ in our midst, our meeting was adjourned with a time of food and fellowship prepared by the members of Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church

Please click here to view our photo album of the meeting.

Video Resources: Please view our Meeting Highlights, the Sermon by Rev. Eric Barreto, Building a Vision, and the full video of the Meeting.