November Postscript from the EPNC

Dear Friends,

On October 24th, the Presbytery of Philadelphia did concur in the recommendation of the Executive Presbyter Nominating Committee and elected The Reverend Ruth Faith Santana-Grace as our new EP. It was a wonderful day with the Holy Spirit clearly at work in the worship and examination, in the questions posed to her and answers she gave. It was a joyous occasion and while Ruth does not officially begin her service here until February 1, she will be present at both our November and January stated meetings. Watch for more details as those gatherings draw closer.

For those of you who were unable to attend the meeting, there is a written summary of my report on the Presbytery website and a video of the day which we hope will be available in the Presbytery office. If you would like to see it. please contact Betsi Moise at enews@presbyphl.org and arrangements will be made for to you to experience the spirit of that gathering albeit on tape delay!

I did receive some questions as to how we chose the location for that meeting. It proved to be a challenging task for us to find a mid-day location with enough parking that was more centrally located. We would have had more options with a late afternoon or early evening meeting, but chose to be good stewards of Presbytery resources and take advantage of the fact Ruth was already in the area for her work with the Princeton Seminary Board of Trustees and had an evening flight scheduled out of Newark. All of those pieces led us to the Thompson Memorial Church where we were graciously hosted by Stuart Spencer and his faithful congregation. One who was present for that meeting thought it only appropriate that given this new day for our Presbytery we met in New Hope!

I know you will enjoy meeting our EP and working alongside her in the years to come. During her time of transition, I do encourage your continued prayers for Ruth as she concludes her ministry in California and anticipates her service among the saints of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. For that path and your steadfast encouragement throughout this time of discernment I give thanks to God.

Faithfully yours,

John M. Willingham, Moderator, EPNC