Monday, September 6
The Presbytery of Southern New England
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Yaw Acheampong, Dorthea Lusignan, Sheila Kumatey, and Sheryl Mason enjoy table fellowship during Tuesday Nights Together. Photo by David Watermulder.
About twenty years ago two struggling congregations merged to become Providence (Rhode Island) Presbyterian Church. Ten years ago, only thirty to forty people attended Sunday worship. These persistent, faithful people held a candle in dark times for their congregation. As the neighborhood changed so did the church. New people joined — from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Korea, China, Japan, Liberia, and Kenya.
Long-term pastor Joe Miller helped keep the church alive, even becoming part-time in order to call a co-pastor, Chris Foster, who had skills for redevelopment. When he retired David Watermulder was called as co-pastor. With his skills in foreign languages and international service, and his youthful attitude, growth took off. During his first year he was called on a full-time basis.
Providence is now the fastest growing congregation in the presbytery and regularly has 140–150 people attend worship. Its diversity is astonishing — in ethnicity, race, generation, and lifestyles. The church fosters member-led projects and has blended worship. A college-age choir sings periodically. Young people lead the congregation in contemporary music. An English Learners Fellowship meets once a week. During Tuesday Nights Together the attendees share a simple meal and study. A candidate for ordination leads folks in home Bible studies. Immigrants from Ghana sing enthusiastically once a month.
This congregation’s giving to denominational mission is the highest per capita in the presbytery. The members and staff think that has a lot to do with their faith attitude, growth, and the glory the congregation gives to God.
The Presbytery of Southern New England has 34 churches, 176 pastors, and 8,634 members.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
The Rev. Dana F. Lindsley, executive presbyter
Elder William G. Thomas, stated clerk
Pam Garner, assistant to the executive presbyter and stated clerk, office manager
Dayle Larson, financial secretary
Milly Mead, office assistant
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
The Rev. Kevin Park, GAMC
Mimi Park, GAMC
Akweli Parker, BOP
Prayer
Generous God, out of the believing hearts of those who struggled before us, you have given abundantly flowing rivers of living water. We thank you. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 5, 145 and Ps. 82, 29
Job 32:1–10, 19—33:1, 19–28
Acts 13:44–52; John 10:19–30