the leadership of beacon: board members (session elders)
Cathy, Megan, Hannah, Daniel, & Khalil
Beacon is governed by a board comprised of 5 community members, also known as a "session." Presbyterian churches are governed democratically, which means session members, or elders, have been nominated, elected, and ordained by their peers. Session members serve terms of various lengths and bring unique gifts and skills to the leadership of Beacon. The session is responsible for overseeing the entire ministry of the church: worship, program offerings, space usage, and personnel.
the leadership of beacon: staff
Rev. Laura Colee, Pastor
Rev. Laura Colee (she/her) is an ordained PCUSA Pastor who has lived in the Fishtown/Kensington/Port Richmond neighborhoods of Philadelphia for the past decade. Laura grew up in the Midwestern town of Normal, Illinois—yes, that is somehow a real place. She completed her undergraduate work at Northwestern University and received her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Prior to her time at Beacon, Laura served as the Pastor of Broad Street Ministry in Center City, Philadelphia and the Interim Pastor and Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Concurrently with her position at Beacon, Laura is pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree through the Duke University Divinity School.
As a life-long learner, Laura feels most like herself when she is exploring new places, ideas, hobbies, and art. She is passionate about all things Biblical translation, social justice, and community building. Laura and her spouse, Eric, live with their wild and wonderful daughter, Wyler, and their beloved dog, Frankie.
Abi Reimold
Worship Leader
Abi (they/them) is a musical artist from Philadelphia. They love the opportunity to make Beacon's musical canon come to life each Sunday. In addition to leading worship at the church and performing in Philly and on tour they are also a wedding photographer. For more information, check out Abi's website: www.abireimold.com.
[Photo credit Bob Sweeney]