Stated Meeting Recap

Buffalo Presbyterian Church played host to the Presbytery on May 5th. Pastor Brian Entz welcomed the Presbytery to Buffalo and extended hospitality to all on behalf of the 170-year-old congregation. The Buffalo choir provided special music and many church volunteers provided hospitality throughout the meeting and meal.

by Stated Clerk John Curtiss

This meeting featured worship preacher and keynote speaker Pastor Josh Erikson. Pastor Josh is a founding member of the Presbyterian Growth Network, a coalition of pastors and leaders who seek growth that is faithful, healthy and sustainable. Pastor Josh preached a sermon based on Acts 16:1-5. Josh reminded us that, "in extraordinary times, the church is called to do extraordinary things; and in ordinary times, the church is called to do ordinary things; so regardless, the church is called to service." Worship included time to honor and prayerfully examine the many emotions and experiences throughout the Operation Metro Surge. Members of the Pastoral Leader Care Team led the Presbytery in a time of reflection and prayer, giving opportunity to name our common experiences.

It was the second Presbytery meeting that utilized the MAZE (our Mobile Audio/visual Zoom Equipment). This resource enables us to hold hybrid meetings virtually anywhere within the Presbytery. Acting Co-Executive Presbyters Anna Kendig Flores and Zach Wilson were able to give their report, using the MAZE, from the Presbyterian Leader Formation event in Baltimore, Maryland.

Highlights of the business meeting including the presbytery adopting a new Antiracism Policy, as drafted by members of the Antiracism Task Force and the Race and Equity Report Implementation Team and recommended by the Presbytery Leadership Team. This policy includes a process for reparation when harm is experienced.

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry introduced Alex Boltz, a new inquirer in the process. Alex is a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. TE Steven Tyyklia, Associated Church in Owatonna, was elected to the Pastoral Positions Team.