Blog Post by Rev. Ryan Landino, Presbytery Leader It took me a long time before I really appreciated the significance of the meaning behind receiving a gift. We all remember receiving good gifts and bad gifts, unexpected gifts, and gifts-meant-to-be-a-surprise-but-you-figured-it-out-anyway gifts. Gifts ranging from wrapped things you tear open to gift cards to the gift of just being present. I…
From Your Presbytery Leader: “Why I Attend a White Privilege Conference” When I was just starting out a little over ten years ago as a freshly ordained pastor, a debate about race was unfolding at one of my first presbytery gatherings. I don’t recall the exact issue, but I’ll never forget when a White colleague named Jeremy spoke out about…
I have always valued Lent as a season of holy disruption. A spiritual rallying point. A time to detach from habits that mire us in drudgery and reconnect with the practices that give us life. (click here for a video I made about this approach) But this year, what does a Lenten season embracing disruption look like when we are…
From Your Presbytery Leader Checking in Greetings in the name of our God and Savior Jesus Christ! It has been about three weeks since I began this wonderful ministry as your presbytery leader! I am so warmed by your hospitality and your helpfulness in making sure I have everything I need to find myself situated. I am impressed by the…
Video Blog By Rev. Rob Dyer Senior Pastor/Head of Staff First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, Illinois Rev. Rob Dyer gave the Charge to the Presbytery at the Installation of the Presbytery Leader, Rev. Ryan Landino. We pray you watch the video below and consider how we might all engage more in the life of the Presbytery and in support of…