The National Board of Directors and Staff of More Light Presbyterians give thanks to God for the life, ministry and witness of Virginia Davidson who died peacefully today at her home surrounded by loved ones.
We are so grateful for the pastoral care provided so faithfully by her pastor, Rev. Dr. Pat Youngdahl and Virginia's beloved church family, Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester. Downtown United Presbyterian Church was one of the pioneering congregations to minister and witness as a welcoming and affirming More Light Church, making that decision and affiliation in 1979. Like her beloved Downtown church, Virginia blazed many a trail for peacemaking, justice for women, racial reconciliation and equality for LGBT people and their families. Rev. Youngdahl's message about Virginia's death and memorial service follow this remembrance.
"Virginia passionately and faithfully served the Presbyterian Church (USA) at every level including Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly, as an Elder at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, on the Board of the More Light Churches Network, and as traveling companion with her beloved friend, Rev. Janie Spahr, through the ministry of That All May Freely Serve. Many of us had the privilege of hearing Ginny and Janie speak. I still remember the weekend they came to Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati. Ginny and Janie inspired all of us to dare to live into and share God's wildly inclusive love for all," remembers Michael J. Adee, Executive Director & Field Organizer.
"Ginny and Janie touched my life in profound ways and I give thanks to God for them. Oklahoma and our church was never quite the same after one of their visits. They were quite a dynamic duo! The Presbyterian Church is more loving, just and open because of Ginny and Janie's ministry," said Vikki Dearing, Co-Moderator.
We invite all of you to join us in thanksgiving for Ginny's life, ministry and witness. We also encourage you to keep her family, her Downtown Presbyterian Church family, and her many beloved friends including Janie Spahr and Lisa Larges in your thoughts and prayers.
With gratitude and hope,
Michael
Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., Executive Director & Field Organizer
More Light Presbyterians, 369 Montezuma Avenue #447, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA
Rochester, NY: Message from the Rev. Dr. Pat Youngdahl, Pastor, Downtown United Presbyterian Church
Dear Friends,
Our treasured friend and companion in faith, Virginia Davidson, passed peacefully into the light of God’s eternal love early on this beautiful October afternoon. She spent the last few days at home, surrounded by loved ones.
A memorial service in witness to the resurrection and in loving celebration of Virginia’s life will be held in the Downtown Presbyterian Church sanctuary at 2pm this coming Saturday, October 24th, with a reception to follow in the Hallock Lounge.
In these sacred days of sorrow, remembrance, and thanksgiving, may we be especially alert to the movement of God’s Spirit among us to comfort and inspire.
May the grace and peace of God be with us all,
Pat
The Rev. Dr. Pat Youngdahl, Ph.D., Pastor
Downtown Presbyterian Church, Rochester, New York
Ref: http://www.mlp.org/article.php/20091020041326359
