A Message from the Moderator

October 2026

“We, too, are laying stones”

Many of our congregations have annual events or celebrations that were started a long time ago by members and friends who are no longer with us.



Driving through Reily a few weeks ago, I was reminded of the annual dinner of the Reily Presbyterian Church – a community celebration that has a long history.

Faithful hands each year have prepared and served food, washed dishes and wiped tables during those dinners.

And some of those hands are now a part of the communion of saints. Even as they are no longer with us, we continue to remember them and give thanks for their ministry that made the way for us and for those to come.



As the long departed laid the stones of Oude Kerk in Amsterdam (see below), they were preparing a foundation for the future. The worship space has survived time and substantial changes in the neighborhood where it is located, but it continues to serve the community and be a worship space for those who gather.

In our own ways and in our own spaces, we, too, are laying stones. We minister and build on the foundations of those who went before us, and we continue to “build” in ministry and worship for the sake of those who will come after us.

What traditions or events does your congregation have that draw on the ministry and work of those who have gone before?

Our ministry includes our local congregations, and our connectional life together as Presbyterians. We have our next Presbytery meeting on November 14, at College Hill Community Presbyterian Church. Through the work of our connectional ministry together, we will “build” the life and witness of this Presbytery to the glory of God and for those who will come after us.



Blessings on the worship and ministry of your congregation, and on our efforts together as the Presbytery of the Miami Valley. I hope to see you on November 14th!

Gratefully,

Diane

The Rev. Diane Ziegler

Moderator, Presbytery of the Miami Valley