Honor Rev. Reisner’s Service

Senate Resolution No. 2188 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Reverend James L. Reisner upon the occasion of stepping down after many years of distinguished service as Pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Reverend James L. Reisner upon the occasion of stepping down after many years of distinguished service as Pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church to be celebrated on Sunday, June 11, 2017, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Since 2002, Reverend James L. Reisner has brought experience, enthusiasm and compassion to his role as the seventh senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Reverend James L. Reisner has been instrumental in fostering a bond between the Hope Mission School in Bernard Farm, Liberia, and his congregation; and WHEREAS, What began more than eight years ago as an effort to raise funds for a new well to provide clean water for a struggling Liberian mission school has grown into an important relationship and a long term commitment for Westminster Presbyterian Church; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Reverend James L. Reisner, the Westminster Presbyterian Church has tutored local students and given of its time and energies to countless homeless shelters; and WHEREAS, In addition, Reverend James L. Reisner has fostered relationships with such organizations as AVillage, a community group dedicated to developing the South End of Albany, and the FOCUS Interfaith Pantry, which provides food to those less fortunate; and WHEREAS, Reverend James L. Reisner has brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Reverend James L. Reisner upon the occasion of stepping down after many years of distinguished service as Pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend James L. Reisner.