Presbyterian Welcome 2011 Faithful Servants Announced!

Tricia Dykers-Koenig  is the National Organizer for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. She played a critical role in the passage of Amendment 10A, working tirelessly and fearlessly for LGBTQ Presbyterians for over a decade. Tricia also has served as a valuable resource to LGBTQ individuals pursuing ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), working on site at seven retreats organized by Presbyterian Welcome. A graduate of Duke University and McCormick Theological Seminary, Tricia co-pastored congregations in Iowa and Ohio for 20 years.

Patrick Evans,  Associate Professor in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and Minister of Music at member congregation Broadway Presbyterian Church, has faithfully served the LGBTQ movements in the Presbyterian Church through his gift of song, composition and teaching. Patrick serves on the Presbyterian Welcome Visionary Board and has led numerous services of worship for us throughout the years. He recently joined a team of church musician/teachers convened by the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Missions, spending two weeks in Uganda, teaching and learning from church musicians and pastors from that country, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Sudan.

Anna Taylor Sweringen,  a native New Yorker and graduate of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, provided invaluable public witness that contributed to the recent passage of legislation allowing for same-gender-loving couples to marry in New York State. Anna serves as Secretary of the Visionary Board of Presbyterian Welcome and has been one of our most faithful volunteers, always responding with wisdom, excitement and grace. Anna currently moderates the Session of member congregation St. James Presbyterian Church, has served on many presbytery committees and has served as Pastor to a number of Presbyterian and United Church of Christ congregations.