Ninth Presbyterian Church (Colombia) project
Seattle Presbytery
October 2019 Update: Read thank-you letter from Ninth Presbyterian church.
With the help of generous donations from our churches and members, Seattle Presbytery was able to contribute $12,000 to this project. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.
Over the past five years, the Seattle Presbytery and the presbytery of the North Coast in Colombia have built a foundational base of relationships that has enriched both our presbyteries. Through these years, one of the congregations we have come to know well in Barranquilla, Colombia is the Novena Iglesia Presbyteriana - affectionately called La Ceiba - led by Rev. Vilma Yanez who is spending a sabbatical month of July here in Seattle with us. “Ninth” Presbyterian has been providing significant hope, love, and service in a neighborhood very much longing for all three gifts. Up until recently, their ministry flowed out of very “humble” building. A couple of years ago, it was condemned and the congregation has been doing their best with a makeshift location.
With the help of their presbytery and contributions from the congregation, the church was recently able to purchase a house in the neighborhood which they hope to convert into their permanent worship space. Significant work needs to take place in order to make this structure safe and appropriate for their mission and ministry.
Seattle Presbytery has been invited to partner with our sister presbytery to help the Ninth Church. With materials and labor factored in, Rev. Yanez and her congregation need to raise an additional $20,670. Within one day of hearing of this need, our own Vashon Presbyterian Church voted to contribute $2500 toward this ask. We know that we have numerous, generous congregations in our presbytery who would welcome the opportunity to help out as well.
If your congregation would like to come alongside of Ninth Presbyterian Church (and Vashon), please contact any member of the Colombia Task Force (Doug Early, Renee Notkin, Staci Imes, or Eliana Maxim). Any amount contributed by Friday, August 30, 2019 will be deeply appreciated.
Checks can be made out to Seattle Presbytery, and mailed to 1013 8th Ave, Seattle 98104. PLEASE note in the memo section: "Ninth Pres. Church project." Please send by Friday, August 30, 2019.
Photos: La Ceiba’s previous location.