Honor Pastor James Reisner

Assembly Resolution No. 550 BY: M. of A. Fahy COMMENDING James Reisner upon the occasion of stepping down after 15 years of distinguished service as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church on June 11, 2017 WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who 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 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 Pastor James Reisner upon the occasion of stepping down after 15 years of distinguished service as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, to be celebrated at a Thank You and Farewell Luncheon on Sunday, June 11,

2017, at the Luncheon following worship; and WHEREAS, Born in southern New Jersey, James Reisner was the son of Presbyterian elders and the grandson of Presbyterian agricultural missionaries; and WHEREAS, In 1976, James Reisner earned his bachelor's degree from Williams College; after graduating from Yale Divinity School in 1980, he served three urban congregations throughout his 36 years of ordained ministry; and WHEREAS, James Reisner began his career as the Assistant Pastor at Park Central Presbyterian Church from 1981-1986; he went on to lead First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey from 1986-2002 before he took on the role of Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Pastor James Reisner was a member of numerous committees including the Rebirthing, Revitalization, Redevelopment Committee, the Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Committee, The Self-Development of People Committee, and the Transition Vision Team; and WHEREAS, Pastor James Reisner also served on the United Church of Stillwater Administrative Commission; in January of 2014, he represented Albany Presbyterian Church at its Teaching Elder Commissioner to the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church; and WHEREAS, During his tenure, Pastor James Reisner was instrumental in obtaining the Self-Development of People Grant for A Village, which enabled the organization to establish itself in the South End of Albany and to develop its first programs for its community; and WHEREAS, Pastor James Reisner held the position of Vice President of the Board of Directors of FOCUS and served on its Personnel Committee; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Martha, and their two sons, Joseph and Charlie, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Pastor James 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 James Reisner upon the occasion of stepping down after 15 years of distinguished service as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him heartfelt best wishes for a future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Pastor James Reisner.