Welcome, Margery Rossi!
A warm welcome to our new pastor, Margery Rossi! She joins us on May 1, 2022.
“I am enthusiastic about South Church’s heart for social justice, mission and ministry, and eagerly look forward to becoming part of the community,” said Rossi. “I joyfully anticipate the kinds of ministry that God will call us into, together.”
Rossi’s career has spanned roles including pastor, youth minister, chaplain, program director and retreat leader. Throughout, her driving principle has remained the same: to spark meaningful, faithful engagement, and change for the common good. Most recently, she served as pastor to the First Presbyterian Church of Wappingers Falls, NY. Previously, Margery was the pastor at the Stony Point Presbyterian Church.
In addition to moderating the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Working Group for six years and serving on its executive committee, Rossi has written and led vigils for victims of gun violence, facilitated workshops on the issue for congregations, and spent a decade helping to create the Presbyterian Church’s policy on gun violence prevention and intervention. She is also involved in the Presbyterian Church’s regional, national and international mission and partnership efforts in peacemaking and church change.
Rossi was ordained as an Interfaith Minister in 1996 at The New Seminary in New York City. She holds a Master’s in Religion and Religious Education from Fordham University and a B.A. from Northeastern University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Margery,” said Kris Kliemann, a Hastings resident and session member who served on the Pastoral Nominating Committee. “Her preaching is creative and inspiring. Her commitment to social justice is strong. She is the type of pastor who will work to inspire all of us to use our gifts to make a better South Church – and a better world!”
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Q. How long will Margery be at South?
A. She is serving in an interim pastor capacity with a one-year contract, renewable for up to three years. Continuation of service is something that will be considered each year.
Q. Will Margery live at the Manse?
A. No, she will continue living in Peekskill. This option opens up the opportunity to consider new uses for the Manse that would serve the broader community.
Q. Is Margery full time?
A. She is working for South 30 hours a week. This includes preaching three times a month. Beyond providing pastoral leadership to South, her main responsibilities include:
- Assisting the Session and congregation in the process of reinvigorating committees, reviving church school program, as well as designing and implementing a stewardship campaign.
- Creating space for church community to identify sustainable ways of using our campus that meet needs of our congregation and the wider community
- Building a more effective church organization in ways that include moderating and leading the Session/Deacons in their responsibilities; assisting with the development and planning of an appropriate program of activities; serving as Head of Staff on the Administration Committee and supervising the church office and campus
