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The Presbytery of Lackawanna
Pennsylvania
Several years ago, faith communities in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania began to ask a new question. “Is there something we can do to prevent the wounds? How can we have an impact on structures, systems, and attitudes that perpetuate the problems we see around us?” A group of churches banded together, became affiliated with the Gamaliel Foundation, and began “Faith Speaking with One Voice.” The organization was formally inaugurated with a covenanting service in November 2005. During the following months, members of participating congregations were trained to conduct listening campaigns within their faith communities.
In August 2006, the organization gathered and decided that the problems of rising crime and drug abuse needed attention. After listening to many community leaders, Faith Speaking with One Voice decided to focus on two areas: the need for municipal cooperation and the need for more effective drug prevention education programs within schools. In October 2006, over 250 people from member congregations gathered to ask leaders from state and local governments to work with the group for better municipal cooperation and to ask leaders from several school districts to work with Faith Speaking to find the best drug prevention programs available.
Task forces have continued to work on both these issues, pulling together people from the faith communities and community and school leaders to work for changes that might have positive impacts on the well-being of all people in the area. It is a difficult journey marked by small successes and even more obstacles. The group struggles to empower its members to take the risk of speaking out against entrenched power and crippling traditions.
The Rev. Micki Robinson, pastor of Westminster Church, is currently serving as president of Faith Speaking. Two churches in the Presbytery of Lackawanna, the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston, and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre, are member congregations. The presbytery’s 62 churches have 7,957 members.
Rev. Susan J. Ezell, member, GAMC
Hollis Baker, BOP
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Susan Faye Wonderland, interim executive presbyter
Rev. Carl Batzel, stated clerk
Andrea Medura, treasurer
Elder Alice Goodall, administrative assistant
Elder Lorrie Loughney, associate for camp and Christian education
O God, we pray for all who despair of knowing a better world, a world that more clearly reflects the values of your realm where all can live in peace and safety. Help us to work for changes that benefit all your children, our friends and our opponents, those like us and those who are strangers in our midst. Give us courage, strength, and perseverance. Open us to your leading presence. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Ps. 46 or 47, 148 Ps. 27, 93, or 114
Isa. 63:1–5
Rev. 2:18–29; John 5:1–15
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