Honor Reverend Donna Elia

Senate Resolution No. 2192 BY: Senator BRESLIN CONGRATULATING Reverend Donna Elia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Reverend Joyce Giles Pastoral Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches on September 18, 2019 WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in our great Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministries of others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body congratulates Reverend Donna Elia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Reverend Joyce Giles Pastoral Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches on Wednesday, September 18, 2019; and WHEREAS, This auspicious award is bestowed upon a person who has actively participated in the Council's life and has exemplified the ideals for racial, gender and interdenominational inclusiveness in the Council; Reverend Donna Elia is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Reverend Donna Elia has served as Executive Director of Troy Area United Ministries since October of 2000; in this role, she works with interfaith communities and others to provide a safe and just space for those in need by offering meals, HIV/AIDS services, furniture, education, spiritual counseling and advocacy; and WHEREAS, Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Vice President for the Board of Trustees on behalf of Albany Presbytery, and serves as Chaplain of the New York State Assembly in addition to her time spent as Pastor of First United Church in the Town of Hoosick Falls; and WHEREAS, These fulfilling positions have provided Reverend Donna Elia ample opportunity to bring her community closer together and enrich the lives of all individuals she has met and served; and WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of faith has always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her 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 exultantly proclaim and commend that individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Reverend Donna Elia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Reverend Joyce Giles Pastoral Award by the Capital Area Council of Churches, noting the role she has played in strengthening the bond between interfaith communities and enriching their lives for the better; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend Donna Elia.