 Who I Am...
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
In life and in death, I belong to God.
These two statements are the foundation of my life and ministry. Long
before I was baptized as an infant in Millburn, New Jersey, God had been vital and active
in the world into which I was born. My parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts passed
along their faith in Jesus Christ. They each found expression in different ways - some as
Presbyterians, others as Episcopalians or Christian Scientists. Each one taught me about
the generous love of God and about the rich diversity which is found in the world God
created.
My first memories of church come from the New Hope Presbyterian Church in
New Hope, Louisiana, where I can remember seeing the shafts of sunlight stream in through
the windows of the tiny church we attended. I learned to talk with the drawl of the Cajun
Bayou and learned about God sitting on tiny wooden Sunday School chairs. When my family
moved to Westfield, New Jersey, we joined the Westfield Presbyterian Church, which at that
time was one of the largest in the denomination. Under the able leadership of the pastoral
staff, I flourished in faith.
In wisdom far greater than my own, I was able to attend the College of
Wooster, Wooster Ohio during my formative young adult years. Through the rich and powerful
ministry of that Presbyterian related college, I was formed and shaped beyond my wildest
imagination. When I studied at New College, Edinburgh, Scotland, the international flavor
of theological inquiry fed my soul and my mind.
I graduated from Yale Divinity School as a candidate under care of the
Elizabeth Presbytery and subsequently was called to First Presbyterian Church, Wooster
Ohio as Associate Pastor. The long term ministry to which I was called has provided a rich
tapestry of interest and experience in Mission, and Outreach throughout the world.
My husband, Hank and I were married in 1985 at First Presbyterian Church,
Wooster, Ohio on a bright, happy, sunshine filled day in September. Hank and I joined up
with his two older daughters to learn the joys and struggles of becoming a blended family.
Rebecca Ann was born ten years later to our total joy and delight. She is now a bubbly,
happy, child of the church.
We moved to Saginaw Michigan in order for Hank to become the Executive
Presbyter of Lake Huron Presbytery, and for me to start my own consulting business doing
Congregational Planning and Conflict Management. During the initial years, I also served
as an interim in two congregations part time.
Prior to coming to Tampa Bay Presbytery, I was the pastor of Westminster
Presbyterian Church, which is an urban redevelopment congregation located in the heart of
Flint, Michigan. This congregation and I experienced a renewing of the Spirit and an
encouragement in the Gospel as we worked side by side to bring the Gospel to those in
Flint who had never heard it.
As a family, we enjoy spending time together at the beach, and exploring
the water and the wildlife found therein. We all love books and have stacks of them to
read at any given point.
I enjoy jazz and dancing.
What I Do...
As the Associate Executive for Mission, my job is to encourage "All
those things we DO after we say WE BELIEVE". Thus, I work with committees and
congregations in the areas of Evangelism and Church Development, Mission, International
Relationships, Urban Issues, Involvement in the Public Life of the World, and the
encouragement of revitalization among our congregations. I also serve as your staff person
for the Partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Honduras and on the Disaster Network.
I work with congregations to:
- Interpret their mission
- Spread the Gospel
- Deepen their faith
- Reach out to others
- Start new congregations
- Engage in new ministries
- Look at Evangelism in different ways
- Plan their ministry for growth
- Effectively nurture ministries of compassion and witness such as Food Banks, Parish Nurse, Health Ministries, Peacemaking Ministries, Ministries of Justice And Reconciliation
I have led workshops on:
- Evangelism ("Beyond Little Bo Peep")
- Conflict Resolution (When "No" isn't Getting you where you want to Go);
Congregational Planning ("Why painting the church matters")
-
Intergenerational Ministry ("Following Jesus in an Internet World")
-
A Biblical Approach to Stewardship ( Utilizing the Covenants of Public Life, Community,
Personal and Financial Life)
-
Personal Spirituality ("When you Need more than a long Vacation")
These are only a taste of the ways that I would be available. Call me and
we can design ways that will encourage your ministry.
You can reach me at the Presbytery Office at
813-868-4800 or
ssmeier@pbty.com.
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