Seattle and Colombian presbyteries explore thriving across borders
Seattle Presbytery
Presbyterian News Service
SEATTLE — In 2020, Seattle Presbytery received a Thriving Congregations Grant from the Lilly Endowment, enabling the mid council to explore with its congregations how their faith could be renewed through community connections.
“Thriving is not just for the congregation, it’s for the community, which then forces a question, which is, how is the congregation viewed within its own community, and how is that congregation even connected?” said the Rev. Scott Lumsden, Co-Executive Presbyter of Seattle Presbytery. “How can these be true relationships, and not just the church kind of doing mission to the community?”
The Rev. Eliana Maxim, Co-Executive Presbyter of Seattle Presbytery, said, “We decided when we received this award, we’re not doing this alone. We’re going to do it with our partners in Colombia.”
Oct. 7, 2025 feature: US-Colombian presbyteries forge decade-plus relationship