In this season of Advent, this time of hope, we look back upon our visit to Berlin this fall with deep gratitude for the relationships that were birthed and nurtured, and we look ahead to the new year in great hope for our partnership. 

The highlight of our visit was the opportunity to participate in the installation of Co-Superintendents Dr. Silke Radosh-Hinder and Matthias Lohenner.  It was a joy to celebrate the new leaders in this innovative model of dual ministry. We cherish other memories of our time with KKBS as well. We worshipped in the Berlin Cathedral. We visited the REFO community and the Heilig Kreuz Church -- two creative and engaging church projects. We delighted in the many banners saying, “Liebe Tut Der Seele Gut,” that profound message about the power of love. And, on September 11, we met with the KKBS board, sharing a time of prayer, as together we remembered 9/11 and lit candles in solidarity, compassion, and hope.  

As we think about the year ahead, we envision strengthening relationships and new conversations. We look forward to welcoming representatives of KKBS to our Annual Meeting in May and to sending representatives of the NY Conference to Berlin in August. We hope to set the stage for conversations about reimagining how we are church in urban contexts and how we can build multi-cultural relationships. There is much hope in this partnership, as we learn from each other and dream together.   

We wish for all our friends in the KKBS the spiritual gifts of this season – hope, peace, joy, and love.  

With prayers from the New York Conference and with blessings,  

Ryan Henderson and Marjorie Purnine December 2023