The Butler Clergy Network is an interfaith group cooperating to serve the community. Monthly faith-based conversations have been happening at Butler SUCCEED since April 2020. This network “largely includes mainline Protestant, Jewish, and Roman Catholic” clergy leaders, according to Pastor Kimberly van Driel of
Butler’s First Lutheran English Church.
Consisting of a small core group, meeting at SUCCEED is a time to share issues, trends and brainstorm ideas among local clergy. SUCCEED serves as a “necessary neutral meeting location” according to Pastor Kimberly van Driel. Butler Clergy Network develops their agenda and discussion items, sharing information across faiths. Josh Strelbicki, 2008, BS safety management alum, is working with the group to craft their mission statement and values.
One of the unique aspects of Butler is the ability for organizations to share resources while serving the community. Examples are the daily community meals offered through the churches. One location, Katie’s Kitchen, offers Thursday dinners from 5-6 pm at St. Marks Lutheran Church, located at 201 W. Jefferson Street. Thursday dinners are coordinated by St. Marks and Trinity Lutheran Churches volunteers. Those interested in volunteering with the community meals program may contact the local churches.
Serving Butler County, SUCCEED identifies projects from both community and campus stakeholders. An introduction was made between SRU Writing Program professor Patrick McGinty and conversation began about writing. Newsletter writing is a topic the clergy identified to explore.
Informally over a brown-bag lunch, the clergy will hone in on strategies and writing tips to lessen newsletter writing complexities. This is SUCCEED’s first Clergy Writing Workshop.
The Butler Clergy Network is also planning a “Love your Neighbor” gathering in Butler
downtown’s Diamond Park on Sunday, February 19, as part of their call to uphold the dignity of all people in the face of rising forms of hate across the country.
Those who would like more information are welcome to join the organization’s Facebook page, contact SUCCEED at succeed@sru.edu or call 724-841-0477.