2018 Candidates for Lay Leadership
Visit trcnyc.org/LayLeadership or subscribe to “Welcome to Riverside” to listen to interviews with the candidates. Church Council
Dr. Frank A. Nelson
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Columbia College, Columbia University, BA Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, MD I currently serve on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and practice gastroenterology and hepatology at Mt. Sinai, St. Luke’s, and Mt. Sinai West. I have previously served on the worship commission and wellness center.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in innumerable ways at the Riverside Church. It can be at the Food Pantry, or Clothing distribution, providing shelter for homeless persons, the singing of the cherub choir, participating in civil disobedience, or marching for social justice issues of our day, or lives transformed perhaps by the gospel message, the music or the example of another observed life. I see God working everywhere in the Riverside Church through our programs, people and message. It’s not difficult to see, but sometimes you have to put on your “spiritual eyes”.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I want Riverside to continue to flourish and to achieve that vision of the “beloved community.” I hope that I can bring both my experience in church life at Riverside, a mature and balanced Christian perspective, and insights from my secular work to help guide the institution and the church to achieving its stated mission. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and am committed to using any talents that I have in God’s service. The experience of serving in various capacities, raising children in the church, and participating in many different committees allows me to have a perspective that will be of benefit especially at the level of the church council.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Daily Prayer and meditation as well as daily reading of scripture keeps me grounded and reminds me of the importance of faith in my daily life and practice. I find that this practice prepares me for my daily interaction with patients and their various needs which are often both medical and mental. Attending church weekly is another important part of a practice that sustains me. I can always experience God’s presence in some aspect of the service, the spoken word, or scripture, music (instrumental or vocal), and this is important in strengthening and sustaining me for the journey.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship reflects the understanding that all that we have is a gift of God. We are therefore obligated to use what is given to us to assist in fulfilling Christ’s mission on earth. In my understanding, this includes contributions to our local church as well as other agencies and organizations that feed , educate, emancipate, defend, and protect the needy and vulnerable. My practice is to support both with my money as well as time.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership provides the vision/ideas. The staff however is entrusted in formulating these ideas into programs and practice. Lay leadership has been the foundation of the Riverside Church since its founding. Effective collaboration between lay leadership and the staff has resulted in the many successes of the Riverside church past and present. The church thrives when there are highly qualified lay leadership working with highly qualified staff both in tune with the Holy Spirit to accomplish goals arrived at through collaborative efforts and prayers.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that Riverside will be able to grow, be a beacon of light to many more people. I also hope of a return of members to the fold. I hope that we can continue to be the moral voice of the country, never forgetting that we are first and foremost a church. I hope that greater trust and love will blossom so that united we can forge into the future that desperately needs us.
1 Church Council
Dr. Kurt Karandy Adams
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Currently working in a management role in education, I hold a PhD in American Religious History from Princeton. I also bring prior nonprofit board experience, where I helped to oversee the organization’s endowment and building management. A resident of Harlem, I am engaged and in community issues through a neighborhood Democratic Club.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? When I first wandered into Riverside on a summer day nearly five years ago, I came out of curiosity. A student of American Religious History, I wanted to see where Fosdick, Coffin, King, and Forbes had preached. But as impressive as Riverside’s rich history is, it was the people I met that inspired me most. Through intimate conversations at Pastor’s Table and fellowship at Coffee Hour, through friendships with newcomers excited about this place and longtime members who’ve weathered tumultuous times, the people of The Riverside Church embraced me just as God created me.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? We are in a moment of transformational change in the life of our church. I am asking for your blessing to serve on Church Council at this moment because I want us to run toward our future with hope and anticipation, not fear. Through previous service at Riverside (on Budget and Planning, Stewardship Committee, Ministerial Relations Committee, MCPL Commission, New Membership, and the Sharing Fund) I’ve not only developed institutional knowledge of the financial, administrative, and programmatic life of the church-I’ve also witnessed what’s possible when we come together.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I love to go on long, contemplative walks in the city. Whether along a quiet path in Riverside Park or on the noisy sidewalks of Broadway, walking allows me to set aside a time for prayer and reflection. It is a moment where I can re-center, reflect on the day, and be in conversation with God.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means thinking about giving and serving as expressions of Christian faith. Giving, through both time and financial resources, is how I say that I am a part of this community. I have a practice of regular financial giving and am looking for ways to increase my giving as an expression of gratitude for the community of Riverside and faith in its transformative work.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I believe that our relationship as lay leadership and staff starts from a mutual love of the church and a shared faith in its mission to transform the world. I also hold deep respect for those who are called to ordained ministry and have dedicated their lives to serving the church. And so, with our common purpose and unique roles, I believe we are called to live in a partnership grounded in a trust, vulnerability, and grace.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Since its inception, Riverside has been an experiment in holding the seemingly incompatible together. Each time we do so, our witness surprises the world about what it means to be the church. Our bold experiment goes on within these walls, as we, in all our beautiful difference, come together to live in Christian community. We don’t always get it right, but when so many retreat into hyperpolarized bubbles, we are bold for trying. As we enter our ninth decade together, I hope we continue this bold experiment and show the world what it means to be the church.
2 Church Council
Jacqueline Hopkins
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. In 1994, I won the Sarah Fortune Award in Language and Literacy. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy. I have 15 years of experience managing education programs for adults. I also have extensive experience leading workshops. In addition, I am the leader of a group on Meetup.com.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in the Young Adult Ministry of the Riverside Church, under the excellent leadership of Rev. Bruce Lamb, the Interim Minister. God is evident in his contagious enthusiasm and exemplary devotion to the people he serves.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I feel a strong calling by God himself to be of service to him, our beloved Senior Minister, and his people. I have served in many capacities in the past, including 3 years on the Church Council, and would be honored to serve again.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. A spiritual practice that sustains me is studying God’s word every morning first thing before even having my breakfast. This sets the tone for the day ahead.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? To me, Christian stewardship is cheerfully and sacrificially giving. It is supporting financially the important work of my church. Because of the belief I have in giving sacrificially, I give quite generously, knowing that if I trust and give, the Lord will take care of me.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I believe lay leaders and staff should be partners in the gospel of our Messiah. We should respect each other, listen to each other, and work collaboratively.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? As Riverside moves into the future, I hope and pray we will, as Jesus taught, make disciples of all nations.
3 Church Council
Christian M. Rojas
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I am a professor at Barnard College, where I teach and do research in organic chemistry. I have served in leadership positions at the department and college levels and am committed to collaborative decision making.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? On Communion Sundays it is a joy divine to be part of the Riverside community as we go forward together to receive bread and cup. Partaking in this ritual, I feel a blessed assurance that Jesus’s message of a new covenant, passed down through the ages, is still alive now and will remain vital into the future. I am also moved by the declaration that this table of fellowship is open to all humanity, far beyond the doors of the Riverside Church.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I would like to continue the work of helping Riverside live fully into its potential. This will require us to find improved ways of being in community with each other, among laity, clergy, and staff, as well as in interactions with those outside Riverside at the local, national, and global levels. I have a good sense of the challenges ahead of us from my service to Riverside so far, including Church Council in 2015-2016 (one-year appointed term), 2017-2018 (one-year elected term); Nominating Committee 2016-2017; Building Committee 2017-2018; Personnel and Salary Committee 2017-2018; Senior Minister Search Committee, Co-Convener (2012-2014).
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Attending worship at Riverside provides me with a time and space for reflection. The combination of scripture, music, and fellowship creates an environment for connecting spiritually with myself and others. I am also fascinated by the literary structure of the Bible, including the interrelationships among its narratives, and the way we interpret these stories to influence the way we live our lives.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? To me, Christian stewardship is about sharing of what we have in order to take care of each other and to support the ability of our church to do the same. I have participated in the life of the church through stewardship by giving through volunteer service and financially through regular pledging, incremented annually.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Ideally, there should be a collaborative relationship between lay leadership and staff in setting goals, developing initiatives, and evaluating what is working and what isn’t. By exchanging ideas, plans can be tuned and prospects for successful implementation are greatly improved in the process of converting plans and ideas into action. Honest discussions between lay leadership and staff help to maintain trust, which is essential, as well as ensuring good communication and openness with the rest of the congregation.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Almost 100 years ago, Harry Emerson Fosdick asked, “Shall the Fundamentalists Win?” With this question as pressing as ever, I want today’s Riverside to be a brightly shining example of the “intellectually hospitable, tolerant, liberty-loving church” that Fosdick advocated-a community strong in spirit and action, centered on Jesus’s radical message of love for God, neighbor, stranger, and enemy.
4 Church Council
Dr. Challon Perry
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. B.S. in Biology, May 2002, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Doctor of Medicine, May 2008,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; New York Firefighters Skin Bank, July 2009-Present, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell, New York, NY; Member of the Manhattan Central Medical Society, January 2017-Present, New York, NY
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? The Freedom School has been a great success here at the Riverside Church. The program far exceeded its fundraising goal in the first year of its inception and continues to be well funded for future iterations. I believe that this is a perfect example of how the Spirit of God has moved members of our church community to serve those in need in the larger community outside of the church. There has also been continued growth in the Youth and Young Adult ministries. I remember starting my Riverside journey with the Young Adults and attending many of the Theology on Draft events. I’m happy to see that it has continued to flourish.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Since 2016, I have served on the Education Commission as the Commission Representative to the Budget and Planning Committee. Due to the unfortunate passing of the Commission’s previous chair, I became vice-chair of the Commission in January of this year. I believe that if you want change to happen, you must be willing to put yourself forward to do the work necessary. I would love to serve as the Education Commission Representative to the Council. I know there are challenges that lie ahead, but I feel that everyone has a responsibility to actively find solutions. This is my way of being an active participant.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Fellowship within the church community, and especially outside of the Riverside Church, has been valuable to the formation of my faith. I currently take the Biblical Hebrew classes here at the church along with a number of the other small group classes. I have a great friend that lives near me in the Bronx, and we have some very in-depth discussions about faith and religion and how they are intertwined with society and social justice based on our personal experiences. Though I may do some meditation and self-Bible study and reflection, I find being in fellowship with others and having hard, in-depth discussions a much more rewarding experience.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship includes all things that are necessary to manage all aspects of the church. It’s not just building maintenance, ministry for the people, or financial giving. It is all of those things together. All of them are important and are intertwined. Maintenance and ministry require resources and funding. I regularly participate in financial giving mainly through monthly automatic payments. Though the church has a considerable endowment, I believe it is the responsibility of the entire congregation to contribute to the financial health of the church as they are able. I try to give as much as I am able, but I freely give it order for the church to achieve its mission.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? When I was first elected to lay leadership in 2016, Rev. Dan Hotchkiss facilitated a retreat on the relationship between laity, clergy and the congregation within the church. Chapter 11 of his book “Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership,” the key to building a healthy partnership is to establish firm boundaries between the laity and the staff. Firm boundaries are those where the roles of the respective parties are clearly defined. The laity and staff are partners that compensate and cooperate with each other to achieve the mission of the church that has been set forth. There are no silos of power or blurred lines of shared leadership.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that Riverside is that bastion of social justice, advocacy and change well into the 21st century. I would like it to be a center of dynamic faith formation within the community where it is located. I want to see continued growth of our youth and young adults membership and programming because a church without a youth movement has no future. I would also say we should not totally discard the past. There is wisdom in those who have come before us. Without that aforementioned knowledge, we end up potentially repeating the same mistakes and move no closer to progress in the future.
5 Church Council
Sandy Thomas
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. 40 year career/leadership positions w/Girl Scouts of the USA. Expertise in empowering volunteers; volunteer/staff partnerships; conflict resolution; HR; organizational behaviors. Currently working as a volunteer consultant in countries w/o Girl Scouting to help establish Nat’l NGOs. (Constitution/by-laws, governance structures, funding opportunities)
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God is at every entrance. Entering on the Claremont side I sometimes wonder if one of the homeless looking individuals is Jesus saying, “Are you going to acknowledge me or just walk on by?” At the Riverside entrance, God is making more of a boisterous, unrestrained welcome: “This is my house and you are WELCOME. And did you bring food for my food pantry?” The organ calls me in on Sunday morning. When I sing a hymn I can feel God challenging me, “Are you paying attention to the words you are singing?” When I rehearse w/ the Inspirational Choir, I feel God’s presence and feel His love for each choir member. Anytime I leave the building, I hear God asking me, “How will you be my disciple?”
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I feel I am qualified and have the skills the Council has identified as being needed. I have experience with many non-profit boards. Communication, team work, respect for each other’s’ opinions and differences are essential elements of a well-managed productive board. TRC is taking the lead in many exciting cutting edge opportunities, and I want to be a part of and help lead those efforts. I also think it is important to protect the important historical culture and what has brought TRC to where it is today.
Being a part of TRC’s Church Council is not a responsibility I would take lightly. I am ready, willing and qualified to take on that responsibility.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. When I wake up in the morning I ask God, “How can I be your disciple today?” I think about what is on my calendar for the day and how I might do God’s work. At night, I try to remember to think about the opportunities where I did what I think God would want me to do and where I fell short. Living in New York City there are so many opportunities to be aware of those around you and how you might reach out, especially for just the little things. When I go down into the subway and it is really loud - and no one else is around - I love to belt out one of our Inspirational Choir songs at the top of my voice, knowing no one can really hear me. But I know God can. When in doubt: SING!!!! That sustains me.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship is about taking care of resources. It means taking care of the environment, animals, all of the resources God has given to us. It means taking care of each other, being our brothers/sisters keeper. For the Church Council it means being good stewards of The Riverside Church resources. It means understanding the needs/budget/finances of the church and making sure those resources are spent the way the church wants them to be spent. It means not being wasteful. It means putting our money where our priorities are. I make a yearly pledge to the church and also believe stewardship is about sharing my talents and giving of my time.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? It’s a team. It’s a partnership. The work of the church should be aligned. Senior leadership (staff) and Church Council (lay leaders) set the direction, with input from Commissions and staff. Once the priorities and the work is determined it is ultimately the staff’s responsibility to see that the work is carried out. However, the work is carried out through Commissions (lay leaders) in partnership with the staff. If it is all staff driven then the “church” belongs to the staff. If it is all done by lay leadership then there could be limited ownership by the staff. You can’t have one without the other. Staff and lay leadership need to feel ownership in the work (successes and challenges).
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? My hope is that The Riverside Church is a leading force in bringing people back to the church; is a leader is speaking the truth and standing up for those who can’t stand and should not stand by themselves. That we are an educator for God’s work and people are drawn to the church because of what we do and what we stand for. We will be a voice for those who have no voice. That we, the family of Riverside, will work harder to understand our differences and work together for God, not for ourselves. Our meetings will be filled with celebration as well as sharing our challenges respectfully. All families have disagreements but we still love each other and do what is best for the church without our own agendas.
6 Church Council
Rev. Dr. Alan Bentz-Letts
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. M.Div. & Ph.D. (Relig. Stud.), Yale U. Retired United Church of Christ minister: college & hospice chaplain Counselor to students and staff; teacher of theology and spirituality; activist in peace and justice movements President of co-op Board Adoptive father
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I believe God is at work in the exceptional diversity of Riverside’s membership. Such diversity is a challenge but also a great blessing. The historic tradition of this church in terms of both liberal theology and social justice has also been a blessing for many people, our nation and the wider Church. Pastor Amy has called us to a radical discipleship in following Jesus, losing our lives in order to save them. Our worship, our programs for racial justice and serving human need, and the recent actions our church has taken in divesting from fossil fuels and opposing fracking, are all signs of God’s presence.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? A few years after joining Riverside in 2006, I decided to seek election to the Mission & Social Justice Commission in order to feel more connected to this church. Serving two full terms with MSJ, including the last two years as co-chair, has allowed me to support all our varied ministries, to befriend many wonderful people, and to take meaningful action on behalf of racial and economic justice and against climate change. Those same motivations lead me to run for the Church Council in order to participate in decisions that will shape this church to be faithful and prophetic in the age of Trump.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Most days I take time for meditation, during which I give thanks for the day, may write in a journal or read Scripture, and pray for the people in my life, and the church and world. Also important to me is the mutual sharing of feelings and experiences, both with individuals and in small groups. Lastly, I will mention what happened when I was arrested, in 2004, protesting President Bush at the Republican National Convention in New York City. As I lay on the pavement, waiting for the police, I felt a profound sense of peace for finally taking a strong stand against the obscene war in Iraq.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus and his teachings in all areas of our lives. I make an annual pledge to the congregation and contribute each Sunday in the offering as well as on special occasions. I also contribute to many secular organizations and participate in the church’s monthly food drives. Furthermore, I love to teach and have contributed substantial time and my theological training to Riverside’s adult education program, leading courses on the environment, contemporary theology and (with co-leaders) Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam” speech of 1967.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? According to the By-laws, The Riverside Church is “an independent, congregationally-governed church affiliated with the American Baptist Churches and the United Church of Christ.” As such, the ultimate power of decision lies in the hands of the membership (the laity). Nevertheless, the clergy, and particularly the senior minister, are looked to for leadership and exercise extraordinary influence in our affairs. The ideal to work for is a genuine collaboration (as compared with consultation) among staff, lay leaders, and members. This requires trust on all sides, and a willingness to share power and to work through conflict with civility and respect.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? The need for prophetic, progressive Christianity at this time in our nation and the world has never been greater. My hope is that Riverside can build on its proud heritage and become a voice that can nourish the deep spiritual needs of Americans and will encourage them to hear, in Pope Francis’ words, both “the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.” To accomplish that, our church needs to grow in trust and in partnership, to reach out to young people and the local community, and to join interfaith efforts for a just and peaceful world.
7 Church Council
Eugene A. Melino
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I earned my graduate and undergraduate degrees at New York University, where I majored in English education. I’ve taught English at the secondary school and college levels. I worked as a corporate writer for IBM, AIG and Empire Blue Cross. Currently I work for NFP Corp., a commercial insurance brokerage. I am also a published poet.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God has been at work in Riverside through evangelism. From Rev. Fosdick’s “Shall the Fundamentalists Win” to Rev. King’s “Beyond Vietnam,” from Riverside’s radical inclusion to calling a woman as senior minister, Riverside has spread the Gospel in word and action. This is evangelism that promises a society based on love rather than oppression and exploitation by God or human. I have met people from all over the world and of all faiths who’ve told me how they draw hope and strength from Riverside. What they are responding to is the Good News.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Since joining Riverside, I have recognized God’s call to lay leadership. I have served as Secretary of the Senior Minister Search Committee that called Pastor Amy, Chair of the Adult Christian Education Committee, Mission Coordinator of Mobilization 2004 (Riverside’s nationwide social justice initiative during the 2004 presidential campaign) and adult Bible study leader. Currently, I serve on the Education Commission and the Ordination Committee. In keeping with my call, I offer my candidacy as part of my stewardship responsibility to support the church I’ve come to love and call my church home.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. My spiritual practice centers around three elements: regular church service attendance, teaching Scripture, and writing poetry. In service, I gain spiritual sustenance through hearing the sermon, contemplation through prayer and music, and taking communion, which always brings Christ’s resurrection and promise foremost to my mind. Teaching Bible study enables me to contemplate Scripture deeply, and the interaction with the class always invigorates my faith. I see my poetry as a creative arts ministry like writing hymns. Scripture provides me with endless inspiration that expresses itself in the social justice themes that pervade my poetry.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? For all of Christianity’s criticism of worldliness and materialism, Christ’s church intentionally exists in the world in order to minister to world. Stewardship challenges the Christian to act responsibly to maintain the church’s material life while at the same time heeding Christianity’s warnings against idolizing money. To do this, the church member must not only contribute financially to the church, but also support (not undermine) clergy and staff in managing the church’s money in line with the Gospel.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Too often I hear Riversiders speak of the “church” as some entity separate from the congregation. This is a false dichotomy. There is only the church as one body in Christ. As a congregational church, Riverside is comprised of clergy, lay staff and congregants. Clergy and lay staff are not the congregation’s rulers, nor are they its servants. All three are equally essential to the church. The relationships among them must be based on trust, goodwill and deference. Suspicion, animosity and rebellion must be called out and corrected if Riverside or any church expects to live up to the Gospel.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope to see Riverside expand the evangelism of love and social justice. Twenty-first century technologies offer Riverside capabilities unprecedented in the Church’s history. They have also set off a cultural revolution as global and cataclysmic as Gutenberg’s printing press did five centuries ago. The dark forces of hatred and oppression have been empowered, too. The more effectively Riverside evangelizes, the more it will draw the ire of these dark forces, the same dark forces that persecuted the early church. Riverside must be united, well organized and well funded in order to meet the challenge.
8 Church Council
Dr. Tony O. Job
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Multidisciplinary Ph.D., in Management and Int’l Econ from The Claremont Graduate University in Claremont California. I taught Mgt and Mkt at Baruch College CUNY. In the early 1980s I worked at the United Nations Center Against Apartheid & Center on Transnational Corporations monitoring violators of UN sanctions against apartheid.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? With the arrival of our current young and vibrant ministerial leadership and led by the holy Spirit, I see an opportunity to come back and help contribute to the success of our beloved church.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? As a member of the Riverside Church since 1980s, I consider my self blessed for the opportunity to worship and fellowship with the beautiful people of this magnificent congregation. It is for this privilege that I want to serve.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I fast and I know that Lent is one of the Holliest period in our Christian journey.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? To me, giving is receiving. It is a spiritual act.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership and staff working relationship should be seamless and harmonious. After all, we are here to carryout the mission of Christ our Lord and savior - on earth, in worship and service.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope to see our church thrive and continue to grow, so that we can provide spiritual leadership and hope to a challenged nation.
9 Church Council
Sonia Ingram
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Harvard University Kennedy JFK School of Government, Cambridge, MA Master of City Planning Degree (MCP) Studied at Harvard University School of Business Administration Hunter College, New York, NY Bachelor of Arts, Economic and Political Science, Phi Beta Kappa, Cum Laude Revere Securities, Portfolio Mgmt Permanent Solutions, Founder
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in the congregation, the worship programs,the dedication of the staff and the lay leadership . All of us work together to help us to grow spiritually and help others to do so; and lay leaders help us spend our time well in understanding the meaning of life. Small Group Classes, volunteer opportunities, Live Justice Now, Beloved Earth Community, Mission and Social Justice programs help us to build a base of education, readings, and contribute to a strong, empowered congregation centered around prayer, giving and serving
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I see leadership as an opportunity to foster new learning: accept and encourage multiple view points, ambiguity, and diversity; promote exploration, discovery and change. A leader can facilitate, listen, encourage, trust and nurture creative dynamics among and between people and creation using humor where appropriate to build and maintain community as a safe space at Riverside ; I would like to respect, amplify and support through participant interpretations of God’s work in the world in all human life and creation.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I enjoy meditation supported by prayer.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I value people, nature and future generations and the support of the church through financial giving.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership and staff discover and construct together significant and meaningful expressions for the Gospel in intercultural exchanges.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Riverside can make a difference and be an agent of change to build community and spiritual resilience.
10 Budget & Planning
Lakeisha McCoy
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I work as the Global Marketing Lead for Accenture’s Media Industry practice. And my responsibilities include driving awareness and sales through marking and channel mix strategies promoting our expertise and Thought leadership across digital, social media, events and PR.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? Riverside is a church that has a legacy of social justice. I see this legacy continuing to grow to address the evolving discourse around social justice as society shifts. Whether that’s our God and Guns, MLK or explorations of race series or participation in the Women’s March, Riverside rolls up its sleeves to take the lead in important social justice work.
Additionally, Riverside is a church grounded in the exploration and education of the word and the practice of faith. This exploration extends beyond Christianity to be inclusive of other faiths. Series such as Who Is My Neighbor? An Introduction to Islam for Non-Muslims, have help to build understanding of other’s walk with God.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I have deep passion for the communities of the church I’m constantly enriched by and would like to contribute my gifts in the upliftment and fulfillment of Riverside’s mission.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. My spiritual practice consists of prayer and meditation -- which I dedicate an hour to daily. I also attend several weekly services at Riverside to enrich my spiritual practice including, the main Sunday service in the naive, as well as Morning Light and Open Bible Study. And when I can get a free moment in I like to attend Space for Grace for a mid-week lift.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I believe it’s not sustainable to maintain the rich programs of the church without the stewardship of members and supporters. And if you’ve established yourself the word of God you know that stewardship is an important tenet of the Christian walk.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Riverside being a congregational church gives special meaning to the relationship between lay leadership and staff. The relationship is highly symbiotic and supportive. Lay leaders have to keep their fingers on the pulse of the voice of the church in order to ensure that the direction of church reflects the heart of its members. On the flip side, our staff provides deep leadership and direction and the lay leadership are -- in my opinion -- in place to help support and execute on the vision.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Riverside has a growing membership that illustrates the diversity and needs of the communities we service. My hope is that we continue to reflect the principals of Christ and that every word, program, and engagement uplifts the voiceless and ministers those who deeply seek to see God’s face.
11 Budget & Planning
Michael Ellis
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. BSCEE, Purdue; 5 years with IBM in Manufacturing & Sales, 30 years in my own ERP and Business Consulting Firm, 5 years Owner/Operator Hotel/Restaurant; Small - medium business management, entrepreneurship; extensive Leadership Development training of college students; Elected official; Board positions
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God is most evident to me in the worship service and in our choirs. I am amazed how renewing and energizing the experience is every Sunday for me.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I know I have been blessed with some specific talents and skills and I want very much to put them to good use in the work of our church. As great as this congregation’s work is, there are many opportunities to be even more effective in making an impact in our world. Volunteering is something all members can (and should) do. Lay leadership gives me the chance to bump it up a notch or two and get more deeply involved in helping our congregation achieve our mission.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Coming to choir rehearsal is my most routine spiritual practice. The people are genuinely kind and fun-loving but they appreciate the work we do to feed the souls of ourselves and others in worship. Sometimes I leave rehearsal or a worship service and find myself hours later in the same day humming or even singing the songs from that day. It’s a beautiful contribution to my life to have the encouragement of Christ’s love put in front of me whenever I’m reminded of our songs of worship.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means making the most of the many gifts that God has bestowed upon me. We are each given, in varying measure, talents, skills, time, energy, treasure and other resources. It’s a very personal matter to reflect on what those gifts are and to seek out opportunities that match with my ability to give (time, talent, AND treasure). It has always been important to me to support my church financially, but I have always done so privately. I don’t want to be harshly judged or gloriously lauded for giving XX amount in a year. So I give as generously as I’m able and I keep quiet about it. Because of the rules, I’ll give once a year so my name is on record.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay Leadership and Staff should have a collaborative relationship, but one which is respectful of the structure of the dual nature of a large congregational church such as ours. Lay leadership has a hierarchy with Church Council at the top, with Commission and Committee Chairs reporting into the Council and members of Commissions being generally accountable to their respective Chairmen. Staff has its own, similar, hierarchy. Senior Pastor (Amy Butler) serves as the effective CEO of the church, the Senior Executive Minister (Michael Livingston) as the COO and Minister/managers reporting to them. We must work as a team but respect the chains of command.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I believe we can grow as a congregation, to improve our utilization of our vast resources. But more importantly, I hope we will extend our reach much farther into the world. Very few churches in the world are blessed with such a powerful history and legacy. I want us to make significantly more out of what we have. I want us to be more genuinely understanding of and caring for all people in the world.
12 Budget & Planning
Patrick Mouton
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I am graduated from a top French business school. I served during 18 years as CFO of Action Against Hunger, a not-for-profit organization providing humanitarian relief in developing countries by carrying programs around nutrition, water and sanitation, food security and health. In January 2013, I started a new position as a controller with IAVI.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see in God in everyone and in the divine energy that binds us all in the body of Christ. Our community is a vibrant one, which accepts anyone regardless of our social identity. The only identity that is being recognized here is that we are all children of God. The Riverside Church embodies this melting pot that we have been called to be. Everyone is being listened very respectfully, even though there are very diverse opinions. All the social programs carried by church members and staff are the greatest manifestation of God at work in The Riverside Church.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I love The Riverside Church and especially the people who make it. I want to give as much as I can to this great organization that supports my spiritual growth. I cannot find a better way (besides my monetary contribution) than to assist the B&P committee developing the budget guidelines of The Riverside Church as this is what I have dedicated most of my professional life to, and as I trust God gave me a gift for that.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I love to practice yoga every other morning. This is a very important moment that establishes the state of mind in which I will spend my days. I also love to read on a daily basis a Tao meditation as I found myself inspired by ancestral wisdom that support all the decisions I have to take during the day. I strive for letting empathy and compassion shape all my interactions, whether it’s at work, with family or friends, or just with mother nature.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means to acknowledge the abundance of resources that are available to us, as a whole and individually, and to administer them with great justice for the benefit of all. Therefore I feel that it is JUST for me to contribute to The Riverside Church programs, and I have been doing so since I joined this community 10 years ago by pledging an annual gift and by giving to the plate whenever I attend a Sunday service.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leaders and staff should work hand in hand to govern, administer and run properly and efficiently The Riverside Church, like the legislative and the executive powers of any government. Lay leaders should be supportive of the staff initiative as long as they are in line with the mission of the church and according to its own means. On the other hand staff should seek guidance from Lay leaders who represent and are the voice of the congregation.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? My greatest hope for The Riverside Church is to see more and more people benefiting from the great work that is being done here. The Riverside Church is an inspiring institution by its history, its openness, its members (past and current), its programs... and even its building. God put in our hands great resources to do good in the world and we all have the duty to bring out the good news that tomorrow will always be better than yesterday.
13 Budget & Planning
Kwesi McDavid
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Kwesi McDavid is a data-driven mathematician, digital strategist and political activist. Two decades of experience in digital strategy and data analysis with corporate clients and Fortune 500 companies-including AT&T, Reuters, Nokia, DirectTV and Verizon-have refined Kwesi’s unique ability to analyze people, data, cultures and the political environ
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? Everywhere, I believe God is everywhere and his work is everything. All things material have spiritual origin. I first attended Riverside when I was 8 and was there until I left for College in 1988. I would often return to the Church and pray in the nave privately. I returned three years ago after my fathers death and have been a habitual member of the Open Bible Study community.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I would to offer my service to my Church and my Lord. I have an expertise that I believe can help and I want to give back all of the love I have received over the years from Riverside.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Forgiveness in the Lord, faith In the Lord, kindness to my neighbor as taught by the Christ. I attend Bible Study every Sunday, practice Yoga and read Hindu scripture.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? It means I give back in as many ways as I can. Service to the Church, service to my fellow Church Members, just being a good person and giving as much as I can financially to sustain the beautiful building we call Riverside Church.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? We are partners in Christ.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? That the Church is self sustaining and serves the community that it resides in.
14 Budget & Planning
Allen W. Kratz
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Earlham College, B.A.; Drexel U., MLS; American U., J.D.
Prior employment: newspapers, Prudential Insurance (PR); Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (denominational news service), AT&T/Lucent (government relations), NJ Transit (real estate contract administrator)
Current: Rebuild by Design
Volunteer: Historic Preservation Commission
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God works in The Riverside Church in many ways: in the diversity of its membership; in pastoral leadership that matches and supports the diversity of members and worshipers; in challenging everyone who enters Riverside’s doors or digital portals to serve others more fully; in the many social service and social justice that members and staff support.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Worship at Riverside, which became membership in Riverside, has enabled me to move through and above various challenges in my life. Starting with my first visits to Riverside, the pastoral staff and lay leaders have been important sources of inspiration and strength. I am eager to try to return the gift by volunteering my time in lay leadership that supports and advances the mission of Riverside.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Weekly Sunday worship at Riverside helps me identify ways in which I can love others more graciously and more fully. Music from Sunday services often stays with me during the week, the notes and words reminding me of the past week’s lessons.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship entails recognizing that what we receive is not for us alone but also belongs to others. I tithe my earned consultant income.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leaders and staff fulfill complementary roles: lay leaders serving as a “board of directors” that works with staff to formulate and establish overall policy through church-membership approval, and staff serving the role of day-to-day operations to advance the polices adopted by church members that lay leaders and staff have formulated and established.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? My hope is that we as members, lay leaders and pastoral staff continue working creatively to support each other in our ministry to the wider world and to each other.
15 Education Commission
Adelaide E. Sackeyfio
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. BA; Msc. Education Teaching K--12; Community college, Tutor
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? Whenever preachers mount the pulpit to preach, God is there; lay readers stand behind the lectern to read, organists strike the organ, choristers sing and the congregation and all people join the strain, God is there; the little children are present, svizitors show up, members gather for various reasons God is there; administrative and. building staff are busy at work, God is there still working his purpose out.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Lay ministry supports ordained ministry in all aspects of church work and helps to spread the word far and wide and to sow seeds of growth no expansion. As an elected lay leader, I will employ my talents and expertise to team up with other. commissioners to promote the work of The Riverside church in the community and in the world.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Joining members of the Spiritual Life Committee to plan and attend retreats helps me to come together with other disciples to discuss topics,issues, ideas, and matters of spiritual interest as well as do bible studies,and express through art. All of these help to sustain me on life’s journey.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Freely ye receive, freely give. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse and prove me now said the Lord of hosts and I will pour your out a blessing, there will not be room enough to receive it. This means God requires me to do financial contribution to the church to establish a fund for church programs so no one will lack.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? The relationship between lay leadership and staff is inevitable. An effective lay leadership is like an adapter between the staff, congregation and collegiate. It is the force that propels the church forward.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? They say the future belongs to the children. We need to build long lasting programs that interest the the youth and encourage their participation in every aspect of the church and community so they can carry on and pass the baton to posterity.
16 Education Commission
David Jensen
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. MS Computer Science, Columbia University; BA Finance, University of Illinois Wide variety of work experience in small and large organizations. Organized many computer meetings and computer conferences.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I liked the social concerns of William Sloan Coffin and Amy Butler. In the next several years, the current federal government politics will enact changes including massive budget cuts that will do very serious damage to a very large number of people. It our duty to help those affected people.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I have been going to Riverside off and on since the mid 70s when I lived in International House and went to Columbia. I am interested in taking part in the operation of the church. Jerome Hariston and I have been working on a rethinking of the Riverside SharePoint site, which was started about 6 years ago. We are prototyping it on a separate SharePoint account and we are recommending a system that stores all committee documents and organizational documents, such as in an easily readable system. The system provides permissions for the various groups. It also provides contact information for lay leaders and staff in an appropriate, permissions-based form.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. A place to worship for myself and my wife.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I give only to Riverside and the two universities that I received my degrees from.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I assume there is adequate communication.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Attract more members. Social involvement. No need to generate revenue like the apartment building which will be built in Union Theological Seminary.
17 Education Commission
Charmae Lewis
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I have a BA in Theatre from Prairie University. I trained in acting at AMDA. Eventually, I went into Proofreading and I am VP/Head of Proofreading at AllianceBernstein. I have volunteered with the Riverside Girl Scouts.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I joined The Riverside Church because I see God in the ideals of this church. I wanted to part of a church that is/was open to everyone regardless of race or sexual orientation. Also, I wanted to belong to a church that actively engages in social justice.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I want to give back by taking an active role in helping to steer the church in ways that might be most beneficial, such as listening to the needs of the different groups, and supporting them to the best of my ability.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I enjoy attending the service weekly. Listening to the sermon and taking the moment of quietness at the end, allows me to center and regroup for the week ahead.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I feel it is important to support the church economically and to that end, I give a significant portion of my bonus to the church as well as giving to individual drives that the church has. More important is supporting the church through actions and deeds.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? If by staff, we mean clergy, I see the clergy as supporting the pastor’s vision for the church and supporting the members of the church and their various ministries. The lay leadership takes an active role by communicating to the clergy what the church members want and need and by actively working to support those needs. Whether it is by volunteering, working with the children of the church or organizing workshops or seminars that support the church, the lay leadership has a responsibility to serve through actions.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope for Riverside to continue to live up to its ideals and to become a safe and welcoming place for all types of families-families with children with special needs, single-parent families, families in need, etc.
18 Education Commission
Rueben Martinez
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I train people to pass financial licensing exams to become registered representatives and principals (managers) of brokerage firms and investment advisers. My business is Empire Stockbroker Training Institute and the business just reached its 20th anniversary.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in the Sunday service when people pass the peace with one another. I not only see familiar faces, I interact with church members and visitors who I have never met. I also see God at work in the Education Commission which I currently chair. Our Commission members are extremely gifted, supportive, and cooperative. I see God at work in collaboration with other Commissions, Committees, clergy, and staff. Everyone has been extremely helpful in offering me advice and being supportive of what we are planning and accomplishing.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? First, I want to continue the great work of the Education Commission that I have witnessed. I want to play a larger role in assisting the Freedom School. I want to continue working with lay leadership, clergy, and staff in developing new programs and services. I want to continue meeting new members to encourage them to volunteer for Education programs and/or to serve on the Commission. Finally, I want to work with our talented Commission members in developing programs and services that will benefit the church over the long term, even after our time of service is over.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I have a Bible app on my smartphone. Every day, the app alerts me by text whatever is the scripture of the day. I read this every morning to start my day to give me inspiration. Also, I have listened to the Be Still and Go podcast. I encourage everyone to give it a try (trcnyc.org/ bestillandgo).
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Stewardship at the Riverside Church gives us the opportunity for general giving and targeted giving. With general giving, the Church can allocate funds towards the highest priorities. With targeted giving, congregants can allocate funds towards programming and services that they feel tremendous passion for. I take advantage of both methods. I enjoy general giving as I trust the clergy and staff to know where best to allocate the funds. I also enjoy targeted giving such as giving to the Grateful Gift market for the Education Ministry.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? There must be constant communication between lay leadership and staff. This way, the leaders and the staff share ideas and goals and figure out the best methods of moving forward. Lay leaders should talk to staff in their ministries and other ministries as well as the Senior and Executive ministers. I believe that lay leadership should collaborate with the Communications department since they have great methods of promoting the Church and its programming. The event “The Courage to Show Up” trended #1 on Twitter on a Thursday night when popular TV programming such as “Scandal” was airing. That was amazing!
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that Riverside gets closer to becoming the beloved community and that there is more interaction between members and guests inside and outside of the church. Since I became Chair, I have met several fascinating people for the first time. Meeting one member led to the opportunity in getting Dr. Aletha Maybank to be our keynote speaker for Career Day. I hope that similar opportunities will arise to enhance our Church. Finally, I hope that the church adds similar events to Party with a Purpose for great causes and allow me to DJ for the events.
19 Education Commission
Robin Veenstra-VanderWeele
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I have a Masters in Social Work and have dedicated my career to working at the intersection of education and social work. I am currently the CPO at Partnership with Children and am thrilled be launching 3 Freedom Schools sites this summer. I have years of volunteer experience leading Girl Scouts, children’s choirs, VBS, and early childhood programs
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in our community at Riverside. It is a vital part reflection of God’s abundant love and grace that we all come as we are to this community of faith -- fully valued, fully seen, fully engaged. I am delighted to have a church home for my family -- most especially my children -- that reflects the values of social justice, equality, diversity, and love. There’s no question in my mind that God is at work in these values and I am eager to further God’s work with my church family.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? We began attending Riverside as a family in the fall 2014 after relocating to New York City. We were eager to find a church home that could both nurture our children’s faith and also challenge our faith as adults. Since we first came to Riverside, we knew we found something special. A church community that seeks to be the hands and feet of God in this world. A church community that engages with the Bible fiercely and with an unflinching commitment to justice, mercy and love. A church community that will celebrate the diversity of humanity. The Education programs at Riverside have been essential in building and inspiring our faith and I am eager to support these programs with staff and lay leaders.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. The discipline of regular Sunday worship -- the text, the music and the sermons - are critical to my spiritual life. For many, many years I was a church choir member. Consequently, it is not usual to catch me quietly singing along in the pew with the choir or on my walk back home from church.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Stewardship means the faithful giving of time, talent and treasure to the community of faith to honor the gifts God has given in your life. My husband and I give regularly to Riverside, and a number of other organizations doing God’s work on earth.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? In partnership, we seek to execute the mission of the church.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I am eager to see our Youth ministry continue to grow and develop as we adjust to changes in church staff. I am interested in more fully developing the specific Education ministry for our middle school youth, as well. There are many great opportunities for our youth to be engaged in the life of the church, currently, and I look forward to working with other committees to integrate youth into joint efforts.
20 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
Hillary Puckett
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. As the executive assistant to the president of a fashion and lifestyle public relations agency, my job consists of a wide range of responsibilities including copywriting and editing, event production, sample trafficking, and clerical work. I graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies,
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in the incredible community of faith at Riverside. I love meeting new people, particularly those like myself who come from other states or even other countries, whether they are visiting for the first time or have decided to make both New York and Riverside their home. Specifically, I see God at work in the every-growing young adult ministry of which I have been an active member since 2016. I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know so many wonderful people around my age from all walks of life, many of whom I call close friends. I am so inspired by the expansion of the young adults’ presence at Riverside because I truly believe that we are the future of our church.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am interested in lay leadership because I want to give back to the church that has given me so much. The pastoral staff in particular has been there for me in times of spiritual and emotional distress, and I would be honored to serve as a lay leader to support them in doing their jobs and being the church for a people who so desperately need it. I want to truly make a difference in our community, in the city, and in the world and live into Riverside’s motto that you are safe here, you are loved here, and you are invited into full participation in our life together.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I am a big believer in practicing meditation and yoga. As a fashion industry professional, it’s very rare that I’m not working as my job as an executive assistant requires me to be on call 24/7 and is basically “The Devil Wears Prada.” Therefore I really gravitate towards meditation and yoga to have and to cherish those ten minutes or that hour to myself where I am focusing and calming my mind, body, and soul without being glued to my phone. Instead of worrying about my to-do list or what the day will bring, I use my meditation and yoga practice to stay in the present moment, pay attention to my mind and my body, and simply be still in God’s presence.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means giving with the knowledge that church is more than a seat at the pew during the service on Sunday. Stewardship is about giving with the mindset that my financial gift, however big or small, will support the many programs that Riverside has such as the Shower Program, Food Pantry, and Clothing Service that help so many people beyond the walls of the church nave. While I have not always been as consistent with my giving as I would like to be, I was inspired by Pastor Amy’s sermon about tithing and have very recently begun the conscious effort of giving in a way that better reflects my faith and dedication to Riverside.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I believe lay leadership are the people who simultaneously help execute the vision of Riverside’s pastoral staff and also improve it with their own unique ideas. In this way the relationship between lay leadership and staff is very symbiotic in that both benefit from the distinct viewpoints that both staff and lay leaders bring to the table.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that Riverside’s community of faith continues to grow and expand their reach into the New York City, national, and global communities. In particular, my hope is to see more youth and young adults become members, live into their membership at Riverside, and step up as the next generation to lead Riverside into the future.
21 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
Carolyn Bland
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. BBA in Marketing, various managerial and customer service positions with Verizon and Con Edison. Volunteer work with The Red Cross with the Manhattan Disaster Action Team, conducted citizenship classes for women at the Arab American Assoc, taught horsemanship for autistic kids with Gallop NYC, English conversation with NMIC
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work through the congregants in our ministries who work tirelessly and diligently seeking to do the Lord’s work; from the ladies who buy and prepare the Communion bread, to the congregants who lead the Eclesia ministry in the park, to our Carillonneur who plays the bells which welcome us to our space every Sunday.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I volunteered for many years with The Riverside Theatre and when it was downsized, I became less active in the church. I recently felt a calling to stop playing it safe, to step out in faith and to live life boldly and courageously and once again participate actively in the life of the Church.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Prayer, Prayer, and more Prayer. Daily reading of the “Girlfriends in God” devotions, and more Prayer. Prayer sustains me, gives me courage, and heals my heart. God is our refuge and our shelter from the storm.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I read once, “We make a living by what we get out of life,but we make a life by what we give and how we give it.” Financial giving supports the life of the Church and of others. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership should be able to take the pulse of the congregation and present ideas and concerns to our staff. They are the congregations advocate and liaison.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:26
I would like our congregation to become intimately familiar with all of our wonderful ministries, and not only on Homecoming. I would like us to have and leave a larger impact on our surrounding communities.
22 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
Danielle Aviles-Griffin
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Prior to joining Riverside Church, my husband and I were members of Manhattan Grace Tabernacle, which is an extension of Brooklyn Tabernacle. We served as Lay Leaders for a ministry named Celebrate Recovery for 6 years ( for 4 days a week). I have a B.S in Production Management and 20 years experience as a Senior Tech. Design Manager.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see it in the current division between those who adhered to the ‘status quo and historical obligational” way servicing God and those who are newly searching for a more spiritually inclusive way of servicing. I see God’s hand in the graceful and-to loving approach of the new leadership and memberships.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Although servicng in various ministries throughout my life has been a truly imprinting experience, having to the opportunity to service in a ministry that was directly design to serve the hurting, addicted, abused and socially stigmatized , gave me the the spiritual growth I needed to truly break through the superficial definition of what is means to selfilessly service another person in the name of God. I want to continue my spiritual growth by being of service to others.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Prayer, Journaling and a list of Thankfulness alphabetically .. ( a celebrate recovery practice)
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Financial given and spiritual giving are not the same. But the exercise of selfless giving, in all aspects of your life should be exercised.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? A lay leader should learn from the spiritual growth of the congregants while also leveraging all other experiences God has presented in their lives. Humility and genuine care for others will create a channel of communication that should establish a good method to use to open ones, (and others) ears and heart towards learning these skillsets.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? My hope is that it transcends its prior reputation, and grows successfully into an International and progressive spiritual center that believes that everyone hurting and abused and discarded is welcome without judgement, in the hearts of all congregants. I hope that every congruent believes that their walk with God is not based on their judgement and social measure of others, but their focus on themselves and their relationship with God. And that they themselves find the kindness, grace and inclusion of other’s because God dwells everywhere and within everyone.
23 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
LaSonya Thompson
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I’m a Doctoral Candidate at West Chester Univ. of PA, an attorney, a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters-NY, and a volunteer with VoteRunLead.org, which promotes & prepares Women to run for political office. I rallied with survivors & senators in D.C., on Human Sex Trafficking Awareness Day to pass The Stop Enabling Sex Trafficking Act (SESTA).
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God “strengthening weak hands, and confirming feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:3, 4 KJV).
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I want to serve through planning and implementing practical, equitable solutions as well as facilitate the process of spiritual transformation.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Fasting combined with quiet reflection sustains me especially when God is leading me into a new season that stretches my faith and pushes me outside of my comfort zone.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means expressing gratitude and remembering all of God’s benefits in a thoughtful way. I financially give by God’s leading and prompting with a cheerful heart.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership and staff are God’s children and creation thus we are to interact with love, forgiveness, and respect for each other’s diverse gifts and talents.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that Riverside will have satellite campuses and global outreach ministries to reach the Nations.
24 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
Patricia Pell
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Most of my work has been in early childhood education.I have an MS Ed from CCNY; my undergraduate degree is from Indiana University where I majored in Speech and Theater with a minor in education, grades 7 -12. I taught Speech and Theater classes in Indiana before moving to NYC where I pursued professional acting, then teaching and administration.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I have always had a sense of the presence God inside and out of this awe inspiring building. No matter what, through times of conflict and dire finances, we pull through. I believe God holds us together for God’s purpose despite our follies.Social Justice is soaked in these stones and we struggle to live up to our inheirited mandates to follow a Gospel of love and inclusive justice. Because we struggle to discern God’s will and our purpose, we carry on a living , evolving mission. It is truly “the love that will not let us go” that tells me God is not done with The Riverside Church in the City of New York!
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? The church has been a large part of my life since 1971. I would be adrift without the opportunity for purposefull volunteering. I believe strongly that as the church offers community, spiritual nurture and engagement with the real problems of the suffering world, I must be a part of supporting her work.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. The Sunday morning service is very important to me. Even though as an usher I can’t pay full attention,the music alone can transport and fill me with joy. I am always captured by the sermons, which Pastor Amy and the other gifted staff make both real and personal,while encouraging Bible literacy. I practice meditation and daily prayers and take advantage of a long commute to listen to the sermons and podcasts on our website.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I grew up in a Presbyterian family and even children tithed. For me , pledging means that whatever I am giving is a demonstration of love and support for the work and mission of our church. It is also an act of trust in the ministers and staff who carry out the mission.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? It needs to be one of mutual trust and respect. Our staff are also in leadership roles and lay leaders should work in collaboration with them. This is a large and complicated organism that needs clear direction and good will from all to be productive.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope we will continue to respect and grow our legacy of liberal theology,social justice Gospel and active engagement with the world. I hope we can learn from our mistakes and human missteps and let go of destructive negativity. I hope we can truly be a light and beacon for disenfranchised and hopeless people and causes. I hope Riverside continues to live and breathe life.
25 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
Dr. Hsien-yu Wang
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I am an M.Div. student at Union Theological Seminary, graduating in 2018. I was an intern in the Ministry of Education at The Riverside Church from September 2016 to June 2017. During the internship, I worked closely with lay leaders to create opportunities for learning and spiritual formation.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? The Riverside Church is a loving community. I see God at work through church members’ fellowship of working together, in solidarity for social justice, and the thrust for the understanding of the Gospel message.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I was warmly welcomed to join the Riverside Church community. Church ministers and the congregation have blessed me in many ways. Ministers have been helping and guiding me in the practical training in ministry. I have received rich spiritual and warm fellowship from The Riverside Church congregation. I feel that it is the time for me to further serve The Riverside Church, particularly in welcoming potential new members and in caring for the needs of our beloved congregation. Serving the community gives me joy.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I engage in the daily spiritual practice. Sunday worship at The Riverside Church is the center of the spiritual practices that sustain me.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? God has blessed each of us with gifts. Christian Stewardship means that we, as Christian, have a solemn responsibility to use our gifts from God to serve the needs of The Riverside Church community. Financial giving is an important and essential aspect of the Christian community. Our gifts support many programs targeting the needs of the least of us.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership represents the congregation. It is the voice of the congregation. The staff (who are theologically trained) constitutes an executive branch of The Riverside Church. Staff provides many “services” including worship, spiritual formation, theological education, parish and pastoral care. Lay leadership communicates congregational needs to the staff to facilitate timely treatment. The staff in turns makes use of the lay leadership in explaining efforts and policy in The Riverside Church.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that the spirit of the Riverside is fully charged by the prophetic voice of the ministers. The Riverside community as a whole carries the witness of the gospel that will enable true social change.
26 Membership Care & Parish Life Commission
Stefany Blyn Jacobs
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. MFA-Columbia Univ., Painting & Sculpture, 1978; BA-Rutgers Univ., Art, 1975; Four Year Certificate-The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Painting, 1974 Adj. Assoc. Professor of Drawing, Painting & 2-D Design, Nassau Comm College 2001-pres; Also VCU, Princeton, MCC, ECU, & NSFIA Drawing & Painting; Teaching PTA
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work in The Riverside Church when I see members supporting each other through prayer and active listening. I see growth in new ministries to children and young adults. I see improved facilities and signage as indicators of hospitality. I see God at work in the flowing banners of the nave and our “Station of the Cross”. I see God at work in our continued striving for social and economic justices as preached by Dr. King. Our innovative practice of digital discipleship enables us to stay in touch with our Lord at home and on the go.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am interested in serving through elected lay leadership because these posts call us to closer dialogue with our cherished Savior. As we know the church to be the Body of Christ, we know that to serve the Body means to serve Him. As James instructed, we are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. I hope if elected to share every opportunity that brings the concerns of the congregation to effective action and effective action to our neighborhood and community. As members learn to listen and to love, they bring forth the fruits of the spirit.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I am sustained by a variety of spiritual practices, but seeking God through journaling has continued to be especially important to me. My journals are usually hardbound black sketchbooks and I prefer to work with black pen, sometimes with the addition of colored pencils, ink or watercolor. In writing letters to God in the morning I feel as though I speak my language of line and color and form after reading scripture, and that if I draw and listen, I may draw a little closer to God.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian Stewardship means care for all God’s creation and especially God’s Church. Good stewardship asks us to make the best possible use of our human and financial resources, throughout our institutional practices. Furthermore, we seek to reflect those best practices both on a personal and a global scale, without waste or frivolities. I seek to honor that understanding through the weekly writing of a pledge check, striving towards the goal of tithing even during these times of financial disenfranchisement. God rejoices with us when we rejoice with thankful hearts, and we so move closer to the act of “Letting Go.”
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership seeks to represent the goals and mission of the congregation. Staff leadership is responsible for running the everyday affairs of the church and providing implementation of ministries and programming. Lay leadership is fluid and effervescent and can reflect a change in demographics or desire. The staff, with denominational backing, also seeks to stabilize practices and procedures, avoiding flip and petty actions which might be wasteful or confusing. Monthly Commission meetings provide a comfortable venue for dialogue between clergy and elected laity, clarifying short term goals and our long term visions.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? My hope for The Riverside Church is that we greatly increase the size of our congregation and that the increase might bring to us more families with children and more young adults. I hope that each seeker will receive good sustenance in their pathway to Riverside. I especially hope that the need to care for small children will never prevent a parent from participating in the life of our church community. I hope that our new members are able to put down strong spiritual roots, bringing forth good fruits which are able to be passed on from generation to generation.
27 Mission & Social Justice Commission
Angela Aidala
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I am on the faculty of the School of Public Health at Columbia University. My teaching/research focus is on social, cultural, political and economic factors that influence health and illness. I work with faith communities and other community based non-profits helping raise funds evaluating programs to reduce race/ethnic and income disparities.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? Daily with opportunities for spiritual development while at the same time understanding Christ’s prophetic vision to achieve peace and justice in the world, which requires voice and action in the world.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Global aggression as well as war on the non-wealthy at home present increasing challenges but also provide important openings for strong moral voice, progressive vision and activism. Riverside Church has always been a leader in the fight for peace and justice, advancing a social ethic of caring and interfaith ecumenicalism. Membership on the Mission and Social Justice Commission provides an opportunity to contribute to the prophetic task.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Quiet reflection
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Give as you can not only for stewardship of the church but to sustain the church in its work care for the world and all its peoples
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? A partnership, a collaboration, each bringing expertise and authority in their respective roles. Theological, professional, but also ‘on the ground’ expertise should be respected.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Be a major force for advancing Riverside’s mission throughout the country and the world: to be not only an interdenominational, interracial, international, open, welcoming, and congregation but that we contribute teaching and action to achieve openness, welcome, and acceptance, achieve peace and justice, far beyond the walls of our beautiful sacred space.
28 Mission & Social Jusitce Commission
Victoria Anderson
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Recently, I received my Masters of Fine Arts in Documentary. My thesis film was presented in several NYC venues. My goal as a filmmaker is to give voice to the voiceless. I work full time as a Film/Video Technician at Pratt Institute, and freelance as a Projectionist/House Manager at Maysles Documentary Center and AV Specialist at BAM and NYU.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? The work of God is seen in so many aspects of Riverside Church: I see God at work bringing people of varied gifts and backgrounds together and offering a space and ministries which speak justice forward. I see it in the “Coming Home” and Sojourner’s program reaching out to prisoners and refugees. I see it in Maranatha’s Edgar Richards’ Scholarship Awards Breakfast and throughout Pride Sunday. I see it in The Riverside Hawks and Faith Formation programs like the Christmas Pageant.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? This is my second home; my faith was born and bred here through the church school, youth department and now my faith continues to develop in so many ways. I volunteered with Maranatha assisting with Program Planning and implementation and I was an English Conversation Partner. I have also served at Thanksgiving Brunch, assisted with ushering, and now teaching church school. There are so many monumental moments I spent here in community, surrounded by amazing and gifted people with a shared vision of loving-kindness. I now feel the call to serve in an elected lay position so that I can participate more fully in leadership with others who share my commitment to this beloved community.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Daily prayer and meditation
Whenever I can, I go into Gethsemane Chapel, kneel on the velvet and hang my head in reverence and humility, remembering that his yoke is easy and his burden is light and with his stripes we are healed.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I have been blessed with so many mentors so that giving back was being instilled within me throughout my youth in Sunday school, Confirmation class, and Rites of Passage. As an independent adult I’ve continued to offer part of my income annually. I desire to surrender myself to doing the work to help others find joy and comfort in the earthly blessings that have been so richly bestowed upon me. My financial offering is rendered to the services and ministries of the church as an act against poverty and injustice. There are so many benefits that life has afforded me and given me peace. I feel that as a Christian it is my duty to act as the hands and feet of God advocating for the least.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? In undergrad at Penn State University, I was elected and served in the Student Government Association as a Senator. Part of that work was to create and preserve financial equity, safe spaces and to fight for social justice initiatives. I also served as the President and Secretary of the Association of Black Collegians for two terms. I truly believe that leadership is an awesome responsibility and it is a partnership with those one is charged with leading.
I see Lay Leadership and Staff at Riverside working together on a shared vision with each bringing gifts and insights to share for the greater good. It would be my honor to serve.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I want Riverside to continue to be a beacon of light locally and globally. I hope that the church will grow in numbers because there are many challenges ahead. The harvest is plenty but the labor is few. Now more than ever, we must add more workers to lead the fight towards justice.
29 Mission & Social Justice Commission
Karen Diggs
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I currently am employed in the field of workforce development, where by developing partnerships, customer advocacy and providing barrier remediation, we inspire our customers to gain sustainable employment. I volunteer in various capacities across the city.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I believe that God is Father (Mother) of all, over all, through all and in all, I say this to say that God is at work everywhere within and including The Riverside Church in the City of New York.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am interested in continuing on the Mission and Social Justice (MSJ) Commission because it allows me to put my faith into action. These times demand it. On this Commission, I am afforded the opportunity to utilize my skills, talents and interest in a deep and meaningful manner. The mission statement of (MSJ) declares that it “seeks to transform” and I see a transformative awakening within myself. I welcome another term to continue the work we have begun within the church.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. A spiritual practice that sustains me is to spend time alone,in order to take time to release, revive and renew.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I believe Christian Stewardship means to be responsible in the management of God’s property. It is the opportunity to help achieve God’s agenda here on earth, through material, spiritual and financial means. How I personally choose to reflect that understanding through financial giving is between God and I.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff to be one where each has separate and necessary roles and responsibilities. The staff lead towards and the lay leadership drives towards the agreed upon vision and mission of the church. Both bodies respecting the fact that each has been called for their purpose.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? As we move into the future it is my wish for The Riverside Church in the City of New York, that she will use her unique position as a beacon of faith and hope to fully embrace our social justice mission not just in word but in action. To come out from the pews and into the streets. That in planning for tomorrow we do not neglect those in need today. The community of Harlem and beyond cries out for our collective voice.
30 Mission & Social Jusitce Commission
Kate Sullivan
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Graduating in May with my Master is Social Work from Columbia University, currently intern at Urban Pathways (an organization that serves chronically homeless individuals), interned this past summer at Goddard Riverside Law Project (housing rights legal service), worked for Boys and Girls Club for 1 year, Youth Group Volunteer Leader at past church
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God in our faces. Riverside is a church that embraces everyone. I once heard, “The church is a group of people compelled together by the Holy Spirit and only exist together because of the Holy Spirit.” and that is my church. I love that I look up at the pulpit and see myself in the leadership. That I know there is not hurtful, prejudicial, and oppressive doctrine my church is propagating. God is present in each and every Riversider, as they enter the church community actively seeking to take God’s love and give it to all of God’s people, not just the privileged few. For me, God is one of radical inclusion that calls us to love with our whole being, and that is what I see it here too.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? My main reason for joining Riverside was its commitment to social justice. In May I will graduate from Columbia with my Master’s of Social Work, and the reason for this is completely driven by my faith. I believe God calls us to go to those society has pushed to the margins, to make eye contact with those who the world has said are not worth looking at, to fight for those society has deemed as less than human. With this in mind, I want to use my knowledge and passion to help Riverside transform systems of oppression and those effected by it. I want to be able to use both my training and my faith to further God’s work of justice and love through the arms of the church I belong to.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. One spiritual practice that sustains me is exercise. It’s a time where I am fully aware of my body, its strengths and weaknesses. My theology firmly believes that our bodies are good, God gave us them and walked around in one. Yet, our bodies can both inflict harm and give love. When I exercise I am reminded of all that my body can do, and how I can use my body to extend God’s love and justice. This is emphasized when I listen to podcasts while I exercise. The podcasts focus on stories of humanity. As I sweat I am reminded of why I push my body to its limits, because humanity is both beautiful and broken. I feel called to take that beauty to heal the brokenness, and that reminder sustains me.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? This is the hardest question for me, I am a graduate student who currently does not have disposable income that I do not have to pay back to the government (yeah loans...) When I think about stewardship I correlate it with ability to take my gifts and talents to help the greater community; one of these ways is through financial giving. This is a question I have had to wrestle with: how do I give with the limited resources I have? For me it was using my spare cash at the end of the week to give to the church.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I see the relationship of lay leadership and staff as a partnership. Together we are called to work as a team to further the mission of Riverside. It has to be a trusting relationship, that understands we are all in this together, we are the body of Christ. There may be times of contention, but there is always the understanding that we want the best for Riverside and each other. My understanding is that the staff is here to help support and guide the lay leadership, and lay leadership is there to be a voice for the congregation and work to see each committee’s goals to fruition.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? My hopes for Riverside as we move into the future is that we continue to be a force. Many of my friends of other faith backgrounds know Riverside. I think that is because we truly reflect the face and love of God through our inclusion and mission to social justice. I would love to have a series that breaks down different social justice issues, such as homelessness, criminalization of addiction, or community monitoring. As always I hope we continue to march, chant, and fight. Further, as a member of the young adult ministry, I hope to see our group continue to grow in size but also presence in the church. I would love to have the young adults lead an entire service or host a seminar series.
31 Mission & Social Justice Commission
Jeremiah K. Drake
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Visual Artist who has used his art to create pro-bono reconstructive surgery and dentistry to disfigured survivors of domestic and Social violence. Journalist and researcher at the Village Voice. Veteran of the Paratroops 82nd Airborne Division Vietnam Era.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? In the unforced diversity where all races, ages, LGBTQ, social status, etc...come together in love. I wish the entire world could behold what we have and who we are.
In the many ministries that address the Rainbow of Concerns that people and the world possess.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Since childhood, I have sought to help my fellow human beings in a multiplicity of ways including with the 82nd Airborne Division. Now, as a civilian, I not only can serve the country, I can also serve the world and more importantly, God’s Kingdom, as we work to help usher in the Beloved Community
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Art, worship and prayer during service at Riverside, meditation and serving as a Lay Reader at Riverside and by helping serve communion.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? By tithing and giving, and by helping to create low cost or free programming ideas such as the Torpedoes into Plowshares event during Sunday service with the Worship and Arts Ministry.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Staff oversees and supports the day to day functioning of the church including employee relations and the functioning and upkeep of church property. Lay Leadership is volunteer, mostly spiritual support and not managerial.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? That our diverse, wonderful congregation will grow and that we remain a beacon of love and inclusion in the City of New York and beyond.
32 Mission & Social Jusitce Commission
Jocardo Ralston
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. BFA Theatre (emphasis in playwriting), MS Urban Education, and just recently accepted to Columbia Teacher’s College. I am a teacher who works with children with special needs ranging from emotional difficulties, learning difficulties, and students on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I work with students after school with reading difficulties.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God is at work in the Riverside Church in the pulpit when there are calls for justice for all of our global brothers and sisters. God is at work at Riverside Church in all of the social service and community programs when either teaching a skill, providing support, marching against injustice, or providing food, shelter, and showers for any person who is in need. Without exception and without a qualifier. God is at work at Riverside when my heart is expanded past its physical boundary and opened up to the acts of love that help my fellow human beings (and my fellow living creatures) on this planet. God is at work at Riverside in every call for justice, every march, every prisoner visited.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am interested in serving Riverside Church through lay leadership because I am grateful to Riverside for helping me expand the boundaries of my own limits of love. When I joined Riverside, I was lost. Trump had been elected and I felt that I had been gut punched and I couldn’t breathe. Riverside helped me to stop, think, and listen to God’s instructions. What I enjoy and hold dear about Riverside is this peace that it instills. God led me to Riverside when I needed His word most. By serving in lay leadership, it allows me to give back for all that I’ve been given in this brief period of time that I have been a member. I am called to service and this is an opportunity to answer.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. The simple answer to this question is prayer. I as God to continually keep me in His perfect peace. Sometimes I suffer from anxiety and prayer allows me to take a moment and take a breath. In my conversations with God, I can tell Him anything and I always receive guidance and an answer in some form. As a teacher who works with students with special needs (and their parents who sometimes have special needs) these moments strengthen my shield and allow me to face the obstacles that I have to face. Those moments of prayer, sometimes quick and sometimes lengthy, give me the boost and stamina I need to make it through the day.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means taking care of my church and my church family. The church and the church family extend beyond the walls of the Riverside and melds into my everyday life. When I stood before the congregation and was immersed by Pastor Amy for my baptism, I rose from the water a new person. I declared myself a Christian and my stewardship is the care and cultivation of all Christians (and those who are not). To be “like Christ” is to see the Divine in all and respect that and cultivate love, respect, and care. This is reflected in my financial giving by tithing to help support Riverside in the work of cultivating love, respect, and care throughout the congregation and community.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leadership is a service role that provides support to the staff acting as a liaison between congregation and staff. Lay leaders are those members that step up to support the Church and the staff by becoming literal beacons for the congregation and becomes a servant to the mission and goals of the Church.Being these beacons allows lay leaders to become the voice of the congregation and bring concerns and questions to the staff. Lay leaders also work with the staff to help strengthen the church’s mission and vision through support and action. Looking through the lens of social justice, lay leaders answer the call for action and stand by the side of staff in unity and justice for all people.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I hope that Riverside opens her arms even wider in the future. What I love is Riverside has answered the call of a new generation by developing such an amazing digital presence. I love the podcasts because I can download and listen on my commute. This provides me with an “on-the-go” spiritual energy drink. I would love to see Riverside welcome in more diverse ideas for programs that bring those people into service that are on the cusp. People that consider themselves “spiritual but not religious”. Those people that have been scared away from church due to the louder voices of those that are on the fringes and use the church as a weapon.
33 Mission & Social Justice Commission
Marissa Jackson Sow
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I work as the Deputy Commissioner for Community Relations at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, where I oversee the Commission’s human rights education and outreach throughout the City of New York. I sit on my community board, the BoD at the African Services Committee in Harlem, and on the United Nations Committee at the City Bar Association.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God is always at work at Riverside. Riverside is a leading force in progressive Evangelicalism at a time when right-wing pseudo-Christianity is destroying America’s poor and most vulnerable for the purpose of preserving White male supremacy. By embracing LGBTQ Christians, centering racial justice and (confronting racism), promoting women’s Church leadership, providing food and education via the Freedom schools, and engaging in global ministries, Riverside is allowing God to work through our church to bring many to Jesus from throughout the City of New York- -and beyond.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I will say at the outset that I am actually as interested in simply joining the Mission and Social Justice Commission as a volunteer as I am in being elected, as my aim is to become a more active member at Riverside through social justice work. I have found connecting with ministries to be a challenge, and as I attempt to surmount that challenge myself, I’d like to make social justice ministry more accessible to other church members.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I pray and meditate on Scripture throughout the day. Prayer and study of the Bible aid me in controlling anxiety and they provide me with direction as I work in my office and at home. I also dream prophetic dreams and have the gift of counseling others, and I try to do this for people as often as they come to me for assistance. Counseling prophetically also sustains me with confirmation that the Holy Spirit is present and at work in the world, providing me with hope and a sense of purpose.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I regard stewardship as both an obligation and a privilege. I am by no means a wealthy woman and so I may not give large amounts, but I give regularly via monthly debit, and as called upon to add offerings during services. Stewardship is a form of philanthropy that advances the work of the Church, in love.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I believe that lay leaders serve as ambassadors between the laity and church staff. Lay leaders should so immerse themselves in the life of the congregation that they can serve as effective liaisons, communicating the spiritual temperature, needs, and vision of the congregation to the church leadership--thus facilitating unity and harmony between staff and the church body.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I would like Riverside to become even more accessible to young adults and folks with young families like myself, as a real community hub for families in Harlem and Morningside Heights. I would like to become involved in the commission to move the church forward in this direction.
34 Mission & Social Jusitce Commission
Sumati Devadutt
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I am a retired academic who taught for 40 years at a community college in Rochester, NY. My speciality is political and global sociology. Informed by this background, I joined groups to fight for education and economic equity nationally and in such causes as the anti-Apartheid movement and Latin American issues. Have been on justice boards.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? Long before I came to settle in New York, I was aware of the very progressive and prophetic nature of The Riverside Church’s mission. I saw this when I came to a conference on nuclear disarmament in the 1980s when William Coffin was the minister. I was profoundly moved by Riverside’s national leadership on this critical issue. I did not dream then that someday I would have the privilege of being a member of this church. I see God at work in the legacy of Riverside Church as well in its clergy and membership. So many people here are deeply committed to God’s call for radical love and to build the beloved community” that Christ exemplified through his ministry.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am an activist at heart. I take the example of Christ’s life very seriously and want to live my own life by the example set by him. I have had experience in studying issues, identifying needed changes, and in being strategic in taking action to implement change. It would be my privilege to join with others similarly committed in order to move the church membership as a whole in speaking to the challenges that confront us today.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I was brought up as a Christian but in a family that respected all world religions. In my adult years I deeply immersed myself in Buddhism and it meditative practices. As a Christian I greatly value the congregational nature of worship and the call to discipleship. Buddhism’s emphasis on searching deeply the nature of one’s mental dispositions and one’s motives enables me to go deeply within. I engage in formal prayer and meditation on a daily basis. Moment to moment spiritual vigilance is very important to me. I also am immersed in the readings of Christian and Buddhist mystics and try to learn from them. So my spiritual practices are varied.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Financial giving in very important to me for a variety of reasons. First, every organization relies on financial support to fulfill its mission. I give, therefore, for very practical reasons. But more importantly, I give because it is an expression of the love that I feel in my heart for God and for my fellow human beings. Before my family came to this country, we lived in extremely modest circumstances. My parents were deeply committed to alleviating suffering. So I learned from them empathy for others. I have found over the years that giving nurtures the natural, generous tendencies of the heart. We learn through giving to undo our self centeredness and to find the genuine joy in giving.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? I have great respect for the staff of any organization and therefore of the Riverside Church. They know the total organization and can see the big picture and understand the church’s mission both in particular and comprehensive ways. They are most equipped to relate the two. Given this, I feel it is the duty of members to respect the staff. This does not mean being silent. One can ask questions and even take exception. But one must defer to the final informed judgement of the staff. I also feel that, if at any time I believe that the church does not reflect my understanding of what God calls us to do as a congregation, then I must leave in peace.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? We live in dire times with exaggerated forms of economic inequity, social divisions on multiple fronts, and racism and xenophobia. The powerful message of Christian compassion, love and inclusiveness has been totally corrupted by conservative Christian evangelism. It has loudest voice in the public square. With other progressive congregations Riverside can be a leader in reclaiming the true message of Jesus Christ. It is my hope that the MSJ Commission can continue to help the church in understanding the issues that confront us locally and nationally, and in mobilizing the congregation to engage in meaningful change. Guided by the grace of God, we can do this.
35 Nominating Committee
Eleanor (Nora) Campbell
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Doctoral degree in Nursing Education from Teachers College-Columbia University. Employed as a professor of nursing and a registered nurse for over 30 years. I have served on the Nominating Committee in the past. I also was an adult mentor for youth in the Rites of Passage Program and volunteered on several church committees.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? The church has a history of social justice ministries which initially drew me to Riverside. There are many dedicated people among the membership that contribute to this tradition. I hope to work with these people and initiatives to continue and expand this mission as there is much work to be done.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I believe in a more active role in the church through service on the Nominating Committee.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I pray daily and try to live my life according to the laws of the 10 Commandments.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means giving to those in need. The needs may be financial, physical or emotional. Money helps to support most of the programs offered at Riverside that help to meet these needs while human capital is immeasurable. Regular giving means that programs can be planned and sustained.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? As a Congregational Church, Riverside needs a balance of ideas and action plans that come from both clergy and members. I see my role in service on the Nominating Committee to recruit members to serve and work cooperatively towards achieving these plans.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? More active participation of the membership in lay leadership. Increased attendance at morning worship and programs.
36 Nominating Committee
Kevin Bentley
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. In my current role at a national CDFI, I have provided critical grants management, analysis, and operations support to help generate and steward over $66 million in grants for under-resourced communities in 2017. My work experience and professional interests intersect in a way that I am always ready to tackle a challenge in new and innovative ways.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God working at Riverside in the little communities that pop up over shared interests and then the way people are able to come together over a shared mission.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am interested in elected lay leadership because I view it as a form of giving back to your community. Riverside has been the first places in NYC that I have called a church home and I want to be able to use my time, talents, and treasure in any way possible.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. I love to take long walks to really calm and recenter myself. It is perfect to live in a city with so many great parks and green spaces.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? For me, I view Christian stewardship as once again finding a way to use my time, talents, and treasure to serve my Riverside community. Since, I grew up in a non-denominational church, it was ingrained in me to give 10% of my income to the church and I try to stick with that here at Riverside, but I understand that not everyone can do that. So, that is where I circle back to using time and talents as a tool of stewardship.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? We are all on the same side and we want the same things. It’s plain and simple.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? I could write a very length essay about what my hopes for Riverside’s future, but I will spare everyone reading this here. In this present moment, I want Riverside to start the process of moving forward in a healthy and sustainable way. I am not completely sure what that will look like, but I am very excited for the next stage. As Pastor Amy said “Everything must change”.
37 Nominating Committee
Una Tapper
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. An attorney Associations pro bono work with the Bar.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? In the study groups as we share and learn and work together; In the music as we worship together
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I feel the need to give back to the community that sustains me
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Study groups where we read, share and grow together
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? I feel that whatever I have is a gift from God and that I should use it carefully to take care of His people
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? At present I do not have a relationship with staff members
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? That we can support each other and grow together in a changing world
38 Worship Commission
Michael Winger
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. J.D.; M.Div.; Ph.D in New Testament. Practicing lawyer (retired). Author of various scholarly articles on the New Testament. Pro bono legal work for the Center for Constitutional Rights. Volunteer work with the American Friends Service Committee.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I believe that God is at work everywhere in Riverside, and in our lives, and in the world. Sometimes it’s hard to see. (We are all recalcitrant in varying degrees.)
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I think my training, along with my experience on various church bodies over the last 26 years (including the Worship Commission since 2015), can contribute to worship planning.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Reading and reflection.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Everything we have and are is a gift from God, to be used for God’s purposes. What complicates things is that God’s purposes are not limited to the church. My wife and I give to the church what we can afford, consonant with other needs and obligations.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? It is collaborative. The church by-laws specify that the Worship Commission advises the clergy.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Proclamation of the gospel, and demonstration of its power in the world around us.
39 Worship Commission
Becca Kesting
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. University of Wisconsin-Madison: BS Dance, BS Exercise Movement Science, certificate in Dance/Movement Therapy Columbia University: Doctor of Physical Therapy NYU: Clinical Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Work: Physical Therapist at Harkness Center for Dance Injuries
Volunteer: Spinal Mobility, service learning trip to Guatemala
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? Too many places. I see God in the warm welcome at coffee hour, a familiar hymn, and a reflective prayer by our ministers. But also in our actions as a community: our shower service and food pantry, the Freedom school, and the Coming Home program.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? Volunteering my time, energy, and talents at the Worship Commission is a way to serve my church so that we collectively can work on creating in the kingdom of God. I would strive to assist in creating meaningful worship services to refresh and fuel our community for the long, hard work of justice. I also look forward to developing closer relationships with other Riversiders, both by discussing with members about their wants and needs for worship and by working with the other members of the Commission.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. On Sundays I text a former classmate. She moved home to Utah to be closer to family. My friend is Mormon. During our exchanges, we update each other on work, family, etc, but what I value most is about our faith practices. I learn much about the Mormon faith, but ultimately we come back to commonality about the love of God and our call to love one another. I don’t have many friends my age that will discuss religion comfortably with me. I savor this moment of belonging with my friend.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? Christian stewardship means we are called to maintain and support our resources in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God. This is both local and global. For me, that means that I give regularly in offering and to specific causes (e.g. Freedom School and the Grateful Gift Market). I also give to organizations that nationally and globally sustain natural resources and rights of those oppressed (e.g. Church World Service, Southern Poverty Law Center).
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? As lay leaders, it is our job to put in the work, time, energy for church events and programs. Our staff serves as guides, mentors, and cheerleaders in this work, but it is not their responsibility alone. I think that both lay leaders and staff need to support and respect one another.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? In terms of worship, I hope to continue to honor our traditions but also look for new ways to worship God together. I hope we will extend an extravagant welcome to those who are new to our community and to those who may previously feel ostracized by faith organizations. I hope the messages we hear from the pulpit are reflected in our actions, our songs, and our financial giving. I hope we inspire and support our staff so that they can best guide us in our work as a community.
40 Worship Commission
Anna Meyer
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. I’m a nonprofit development professional, and I conduct annual fund campaigns, steward donors, and plan & execute all types of fundraising events. I volunteer with Church Clarity, an organization that works to increase the standard for a clearly communicated policy & advocate for visible representation of groups the church has historically ignored.
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? I see God at work everywhere in our community, especially when we reach across perceived boundaries, stretch ourselves by being open to new and different ways of doing things, when we greet a stranger during passing of the peace, in the prophetic actions we take together like divesting from fossil fuels, and when we invite our larger community in through our ministries and events like God and Guns.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I am always looking for ways that I can positively invest in our community, where I have been so loved, challenged, and nurtured over the last few years. Lay leadership is an opportunity to use my gifts in service of the church.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Regular worship attendance is the most important spiritual practice for me. Being present and praising God with people who don’t look like me or think like me reminds me of the infinite possibility of the kingdom of God.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? It means remembering that all we have belongs to God, from the air we breathe to the money we earn. For me, to fully remember that, it means that before I can do anything else, I should return more than I’d be comfortable with to God.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Our community functions best when lay leadership and staff work together and trust each other.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? It is my hope that we continue to challenge ourselves to live into the promise of who we can be, and who God has intended us to be, together.
41 Worship Commission
Diana Solomon-Glover
Detail your education, work experience, and volunteer work outside of Riverside. Professional musician since 1985. Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music, 1990. Writer. Lutheran Social Services 2001-2009 (Director of Communications, Director of Volunteers, Producer: GOSPELCare Competition). Past member of Association for Volunteer Administration. Former broadcast journalist (ABC affiliate).
Where do you see God at work at The Riverside Church? God’s divine hand is in the DNA of The Riverside Church. I see God in the push and pull -- the fight against fundamentalism out of which the church was born; the irony in a robber baron’s alignment with one of the most vocal proponents for social justice. With such a legacy, how could there not be formidable achievements and epic battles? God is working in the harmony and the struggle.
Why are you interested in serving The Riverside Church through elected lay leadership? I believe there are new energies emerging which are formulating ideas that will have a meaningful impact on our immediate community and the larger society. I would like to help them take shape.
Describe a spiritual practice that sustains you. Singing. It is said, s/he who sings, prays twice. When I am singing, it is my intention, always, that I, myself, move out of the way to allow in the divine.
What does Christian stewardship mean to you and how do you reflect that understanding through financial giving? God is the source of the many gifts and blessings we receive. Good stewardship is caring for them, accordingly. Financial giving -- without the expectation of a return or personal reward -- is the simplest, purest, greatest act of faith. I give in that spirit.
How do you understand the relationship between lay leadership and staff? Lay leaders represent the Congregation. As such, it is incumbent upon the members of the various Commissions and The Church Council to work collaboratively with staff to fulfill the Church’s mission and vision as determined by the Congregation.
What hopes do you have for The Riverside Church as we move into the future? Riverside bears both the blessing and the curse of an illustrious past. My hope is that we are using our great legacy to create the future we want now.
42 CHURCH COUNCIL (pages 1-10) Dr. Frank A. Nelson Sandy Thomas Dr. Kurt Karandy Adams Rev. Dr. Alan Bentz-Letts Jacqueline Hopkins Eugene A. Melino Christian M. Rojas Dr. Tony O. Job Dr. Challon Perry Sonia Ingram
BUDGET & PLANNING (pages 11-15) Lakeisha McCoy Kwesi McDavid Michael Ellis Allen W. Kratz Patrick Mouton EDUCATION COMMISSION (pages 16-20) Adelaide E. Sackeyfio Rueben Martinez David Jensen Robin Veenstra-VanderWeele Charmae Lewis MEMBERSHIP CARE & PARISH LIFE COMMISSION (pages 21-27) Hillary Puckett Patricia Pell Carolyn Bland Dr. Hsien-yu Wang Danielle Aviles-Griffin Stefany Blyn Jacobs LaSony Thompson MISSION & SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION (pages 28-35) Angela Aidala Jeremiah K. Drake Victoria Anderson Jocardo Ralston Karen Diggs Marissa Jackson Sow Kate Sullivan Sumati Devadutt NOMINATING COMMITTEE (pages 36-38) Elanor (Nora) Campbell Una Tapper Kevin Bentley
WORSHIP COMMISSION (pages 39-42) Michael Winger Anna Meyer Becca Kesting Diana Solomon-Glover