2024 SUMMER SERVICES
THEME: Finding Common Ground
PREACHING
Sunday, September 1
11:00 AM
Rev. Dr. Viki Brooks
Moderator
Rensselaerville Presbyterian Church
Sermon:
“Live Into Hope”
The Rev. Dr. Viki Brooks has been a member of the Albany Presbytery for 34 years. She has served several congregations as an interim and others as an appointed pastor. Viki served Union College as the part-time campus Protestant minister for 20 years. In 2009, after earning a doctor of ministry from Hartford Seminary, Union College extended her a second part-time role as director of religious and spiritual life. Her doctoral focus on interfaith chaplaincy was a huge asset in working with the various campus faith groups. In July of 2018 Viki retired from both positions with a deep sense of satisfaction for holding two such engaging positions that were more varied and fulfilling than she could ever have imagined.
Starting in the fall of 2020 Viki accepted the role as moderator for the Renselearville Presbyterian Church session. Working with this vibrant and eclectic congregation has been a welcome addition to retirement.
Viki’s community service includes membership on the founding board and task forces of the Capital Region Theological Center, past board membership at Planned Parenthood and member of the Board of Trustees and personnel committees of Albany Presbytery. She and her husband of nine years, John Lawton, live in Scotia where kayaking, gardening, cooking and entertaining keep them actively engaged in the outdoors and the practice of hospitality. Viki and John’s children and partners live in the area. With the joy of threegrandchildren in the mix, family is another blessing in this chapter of life.
Send an email to rvillepreschurch@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list for our newsletter and notices of website updates.
220th Anniversary Celebration Service
A service of remembrance and celebration in observance of the 220th anniversary of the first service of worship in our first church building on September 11, 1796 was held on September 11, 2016.
Moderator Rev. Alexandra Lusak officiated. Rev. James Miller brought greetings from former moderator Rev. Robert Lamar and spoke about his own term as moderator. Members of the Session read remembrances from former moderators Rev. Donna Elia and Rev. Joseph Shook, passages from scripture and excerpts from the church history authored by Barbara Dudley and Nancy Chase. The Village Voices sang, led by church Music Director Jan Bishop.
Four new members were received into the church during the service. A gala reception followed in Conkling Hall.
Montage of Anniverary Service Photos by John Eldridge: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I-yTQSgMxW74vH1hENSS4_2xHXVDh2Ty/view
All Are Welcome!
Whether you are a person of faith, questioning faith or no faith, you are welcome in our church and at our services. We are inclusive and nonjudgmental.
Please see the “All Are Welcome” tab on this website for a special invitation.