At its May 12 meeting, Presbytery of the Miami Valley elected and installed Ruling Elder Alice McCollum as Moderator and Minister of the Word and Sacrament Ben Beres as Vice Moderator of presbytery for 2020-21.

Alice McCollum, a lifelong fourth generation Presbyterian, has been an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Dayton for over 45 years. She has served Trinity in several capacities: Trustee, choir member, chair of the James I. Davis Endowment Fund, member of the Pastor Nominating Committee, and after several previous terms, is currently a member of the Session. As a Ruling Elder, Alice designs and conducts new member training at the request of the Pastor and the Clerk of Session. Alice particularly values the regulations and directions provided by the Book of Order.

Serving as a judge for more than 40 years has given Alice a chance to practice her ministry: serving the community; encouraging others to improve their lives through education, treatment, and behavior modification; and resolving disputes in a courteous and professional manner: in other words, treating everyone as she would want to be treated. Alice believes in being a servant leader and desires that her efforts reflect her Christian beliefs and values.

In addition to several professional leadership positions, Alice has served on many community boards including the United Theological Seminary and Dayton Children's Hospital. Currently, Alice is actively involved with her Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Lambda Omega Chapter, which is a service-oriented organization, feeding the hungry, clothing the less fortunate, and delivering other vital services to the community. Alice also enjoys providing memorable experiences for her grandchildren.

While Alice's involvement in the presbytery was somewhat limited for a while, she has been Vice Moderator for the past year and a member of the Permanent Judicial Commission prior to that. She has served as a commissioner to presbytery representing Trinity and has attended other presbytery meetings for educational development. Alice is excited and humbled to take on these roles in the life of the presbytery.

Ben Beres is the sheepdog for a great little community in Huntsville, Ohio and pastor of Huntsville Presbyterian Church and much prefers barking to biting. He's the blessed husband of Sarah and adoring father of Mason, 15, and Kirk, 9 3/4.

He's served on Administrative Commissions, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and the Committee on Ministry of this presbytery, and also got to serve as a Commissioner to the 220th General Assembly for the Presbytery of the Miami Valley.

Ben graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2005, and is wrecking the statistical curve for first calls.

When he's not navigating the choppy waters of physical-distance pastoring, he enjoys meandering conversations, comic books, coaching his kids, and embarrassing his wife with his effervescent karaoke skills.

For the first time in the history of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the denomination's General Assembly will be held online only. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) voted unanimously to approve a plan for a reduced assembly gathering that will require everyone involved - commissioners, advisory delegates, corresponding members, and staff - to participate in a digital assembly. The virtual 224th General Assembly will occur June 19, 26, and 27.

At the May 12 meeting of Presbytery of the Miami Valley, presbytery commissioned the following people to serve as Commissioners, Young Adult Advisory Delegate, and Alternates:

Commissioners: Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders (The Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, Wilmington) and Minister of Word and Sacrament Michael Isaacs

Alternate Commissioners: Minister of Word and Sacrament Sarah Sparks-Franklin and Ruling Elder Commissioner Bridget Hawkins (First United Presbyterian Church, Bellefontaine)

Young Adult Advisory Delegate: Anne Paquette (Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dayton)

Alternate Young Adult Advisory Delegate: Caroline Eader (First United Presbyterian Church, Bellefontaine)