The Penson Boards interviews the Rev. Davi Weasley, Pastor of First Congregational Church of Bellingham, Washington, about the impact of the NGLI program in their life and ministry, and their perspectives on church challenges and opportunities.
FOREWORD
I am a sentimental fool. The nostalgia of my past happily haunts me today. At 55 years old, I’m a member of the last group of folks who rode a bike with a bag full of newspapers bouncing off the front wheel. I still have my old red paper bike and the Rocky Mountain News bag hanging in my garage. The old bike is now a cruiser; I ride it around my neighborhood in Denver on warm days. It’s the same neighborhood I rode through delivering the newspaper over forty years ago. Every ride is a sentimental journey.
Over the years, the churches in Puerto Rico have centered upon operating more introspectively—looking within to invoke spiritual connection and a deeper relationship with God, and that is good. But equally important is that the church respond to situations that arise in their communities and connect more with our people to address existing justice and peace issues.
My role as Benefit Consultant supports the Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico (IEUPR) and Ryder Hospital employees. The role allows me to serve as a liaison between the Pension Boards and Puerto Rico, providing updates and communications on key topics. I consult with current and potential members or employers to facilitate their registration and plan participation process. By doing so, I become aware of the needs of our members in Puerto Rico, and help identify areas of opportunity to improve our member experience. The best way to help our members is to be intentional about listening to their needs, and for our actions to reflect the value they hold for us.
Ángel E. Cepeda Velázquez, a Trustee of the Pension Boards, and head of Accounting and Administration for Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico (IEUPR), shares how the Pension Boards and IEUPR are working together to service the financial well-being of its pastors.