New officers were installed at the November Presbytery Meeting in Hudson, NY. Rev. Jerry McKinney stepped into the role of Moderator and Cara Molyneaux accepted the role of Vice-Moderator. We give thanks for their service. Being new to this position, we took a moment to connect with Cara and learn a little more about her.
How did you begin in the PCUSA?
I first joined a Presbyterian Church in 1966. I had grown up in a home where my parents were atheists and I had accepted Christ as my Savior while I was in college. My husband was ordained in 1965 and took his first church just before Easter of 1966. During those first years, I was active in the Presbyterial of the Providence Presbytery. We next moved to Maine where I was active in the local church and continued to be an active member when we moved to Schenectady in 1978.
What has been your involvement in the Presbytery over the years?
I started attending Presbytery meetings as a Commissioner from Westminster Church in Schenectady and continued until the church closed in 2010. I then served for six years on the Presbytery Council before being elected as Vice-Moderator.
Share with us a little about your hobbies?
I enjoy lots of activities in my retirement. I am a quilter and am very active in Q.U.I.L.T.S. (Quilters United in Learning Together of Schenectady). I’m the chair of the 2016 Quilt Show which will be held at Proctors in October. I also enjoy traveling and have been blessed to have a friend to travel with whose husband is happy to have her travel with me. We have taken a number of trips together, and with two other friends, will be going to the Greek Islands next summer. I try to stay current with what is going on in the world and read two newspapers each day.
What are your goals as the incoming Vice-Moderator?
My primary goal is to become more familiar with the issues facing Presbytery. I thought I knew what was going on because of my years on the Council but I have discovered that I have a lot to learn.
What is your dream for Albany Presbytery?
I look forward to the completion of the Transition Process and my hope is that it will reinvigorate the Presbytery and that we will move forward with enthusiasm.
Can you share with us your thoughts and reflections following the 305th Presbytery Meeting in Hudson, NY?
The Presbytery meeting in Hudson turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for all those attending to exchange stories of the work each church is doing in their community. Those in the small group I was leading were excited about the possibilities for networking with other churches to explore ways to collaborate and cooperate to expand their mission to each community represented in the group. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to develop these ideas for programs in the near future.
