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.