Wednesday, January 14

The Presbytery of Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

The Rev. Bill Golderer is convening minister of Broad Street Ministries. Photo by William Cobb.

The Presbytery of Philadelphia is bringing the grace of Jesus Christ into the heart of the city through “a different kind of faith community” known as Broad Street Ministries (BSM). This new community, birthed over two years ago, has the continuing support of a number of congregations that pool their resources for it. Its founding and convening minister, the Rev. Bill Golderer, and his dedicated staff serve their urban neighbors in creative, engaging, and faithful ways that are transforming lives.

This ministry describes itself as “an emerging community of faith that honors creativity in all it pursues, strives to extend hospitality to each and all, and works tirelessly for a more just and compassionate city.” Just down the street from City Hall, BSM is surrounded by office buildings, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, and theatres. BSM attracts a growing community of artists, scholars, intellectuals, blue-collar workers, city workers, and poor and homeless. They come together Wednesday evenings in “No Holds Barred Bible Studies” where those who are searching for meaning engage deeply with Scripture and with each other; and “No Barriers Dinners,” where the mayor of Philadelphia and a seminary professor may sit at meal with a mother on welfare and a man who lost his toes to the cold while living on the streets. Visit this vibrant ministry at www.broadstreetministry.org.

The Presbytery of Philadelphia has 138 congregations and 38,438 members. It supports Presbyterian Community Ministries of Delaware Valley, Chester Eastside Ministries, John Gloucester House, and Kirkwood Camp and Conference Center.

Let us join in prayer for
Presbytery Staff
Elder Albert Dermovsesian, acting general presbyter
Rev. Bruce Barstow, stated clerk
Rev. Jeanne B. Radak, associate for congregational ministry
Rev. Bill Reinhold, associate for urban ministry and mission partnerships
Rev. Linda Robinson, associate for pastoral ministry
Elder Lawrence S. Davis, business administrator
Rev. William Thompson, associate for visitation
Rev. ShaunelSteinnagel, hunger action enabler
Elder Carolyn Jeffrey, Kirkwood Camp administrator
Deacon Betsey Radcliffe, administrative assistant
Crystal Peterkin, administrative assistant
Deacon CinthiaAndujar, administrative assistant
Amy Ayres, administrative assistant
Luis Mercado, property manager and IT supervisor
Andrea Cameron, accounting manager
Elder Karen Bannister, accounting clerk
Danette Rivers, receptionist

PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Danella Bass, FDN
Cynthia Beach, BOP

Prayer
Gracious and Good Lord, you wept over Jerusalem and brought your Good News, your blessing and your willingness to die for its people into the heart of that city. Bless those who live and labor in our cities today. Bless all who work today for the justice and peace of the city, and grant that through your grace your will may break forth into joy for each and for all. Amen.

Daily Lectionary
Ps. 89:1–18, 147:1–11 Ps. 1, 33
Isa. 41:1–16
Eph. 2:1–10; Mark 1:29–45