April 2021 Stated Meeting Minutes in Brief
This past week the Presbytery of Philadelphia gathered for our spring stated meeting. There was so much goodness wrapped up with in this sacred gathering. We sustained an examination for yet another candidate for ordained ministry; our Leadership Collegium report highlighted various ways our congregations, ministries, and leaders throughout the region have embodied the gospel in this most-challenging, strenuous, and soul-searching season; the executive team underscored the bravery of our people who dare to practice resurrection hope, seminarians in our ministry and leadership incubator whose questions and courageous witness continues to hold space for innovation and creativity, our 11 churches participating in the Vital Congregations Initiative that are being revitalized by the waters of baptism, and how we continue to expand our digital platforms as a means of grace and support one another in the midst of the pandemic. The Covenant Fund was also launched again to steward grant dollars for relevant ministry and a Lilly Endowment grant has led to the recent hire of Rev. Sarah Colwill to direct our Cultivating Enough in the care of Clergy. Friends, the Spirit is alive and well in this Presbytery.
Yet, what follows is the Keynote address from the Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr. Rev. Dr. Aloyo, Jr. serves as the Associate Dean for Institutional Diversity and Community Engagement and has been the primary facilitator of conversations on antiracism with our Presbytery’s Leadership Collegium, which will lead to broader engagement throughout the Presbytery in the months ahead. Stay tuned. In addition to a brief devotional as a part of the worship service, Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr. keynoted in the business meeting on Life Shattered/Life Restored, reflecting on the Emmaus road story and the faithful questions of life lived after the resurrection. Listen in to this powerful word to all of us.
Grace and Peace saints of this Presbytery and beyond.