Joining the Schenectady Community Ministries
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I am honored and excited to share that the steering committee and the delegates of the Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) have invited me to serve as their next Executive Director/CEO. I will begin my service with SiCM on March 15, 2021.
The Schenectady Community Ministries is a collaborative of some 52 faith communities in the greater Schenectady, NY area that, for over 50 years, has sought to address the social, financial and political injustices that emanate from and perpetuate systemic poverty. Food security, through various programs including the largest pantry in Schenectady and a summer meals program for school-aged children and youth, has been the historic stake on the ground from which other justice engagement, support and encouragement have sprouted.
I was drawn to SiCM’s stated aspiration to be an interfaith organization. This aspiration lit up my commitment to an intercultural framing for the work and of structures. I was also drawn to the urban nature of the work. I was raised in the city, and have always worshipped in the city. It was the city that encouraged my vocation - serving New Brunswick, Trenton, White Plains, Elizabeth, and Plainfield as pastor. The city drew me.
Perhaps the most powerful resource SiCM has to strengthen its current work, and expand into its aspiration, is its historic presence, ministry, and engagement in the city of Schenectady. During the discernment process, I heard time and again that albeit all challenges, SiCM is a known institution in the city. SiCM is known for being consistent in service and commitment to the people of the city, and as a safe space for personal and communal engagement around issues, problems, and opportunities.
And much work lies ahead. The aspiration to become an interreligious organization that works for social justice and racial reconciliation will require a strategic planning and identity articulating process among partner congregations and with new community partners. My operating assumption of service in and with the city is that anyone or any organization that wants to impact and participate in the transformation of the social and political plight and disenfranchisement of many who call cities home must do so in an intercultural manner, with a commitment to empowering the interculturality of cities - its diversities and intersections. That is how I read SiCM’s aspirations and history.
Words fail me to articulate my gratitude for the over 10 years of engagement with regional church strategic planning and implementation. Serving the Synod of the Northeast (Presbyterian Church, USA) for 4 years as part of the strategic planning process, and then as staff for 6 years and a half has been a unique opportunity for vocational discernment and growth. I was afforded the unique opportunity to fashion a new position (synod networker), to serve in the implementation of a strategic plan, and to encourage and minister with and alongside Presbyterians throughout the US Northeast. My last day of service to the synod will be March 2, 2021.
I covet your prayers and good thoughts. I also covet your support. If the story and aspirations of SiCM have spoken to your own commitments, I invite you to support this organization by donating at sicm.us/donate. For more information about the current work of SiCM, please find resources at sicm.us/newsletter.