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.