Recognizing and honoring Reverend Kirk T. Berlenbach who will be leaving St. Timothy's Episcopal Church after 14 years of dedicated service to the Roxborough community.

WHEREAS, Reverend Kirk T. Berlenbach was born in Philadelphia in 1969 and raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey. He received his Bachelors of Art in Philosophy from Hamilton College in New York and his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He also obtained a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Berlenbach was ordained a priest in 1999. After being ordained, he worked extensively in behavioral health, and as a chaplain at both a general hospital and a hospice. He also served as Assistant Rector and Youth Minister at St. Alban's in Newtown Square; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, Reverend Berlenbach began serving as the Rector for St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Roxborough. Under Reverend Berlenbach’s leadership, the parish has grown younger, more diverse and financially stable. The parish has also greatly expanded its mission work and community outreach, established a community garden and home brewing club, as well as partnerships with local synagogues and Roxborough Memorial Hospital; and

WHEREAS, In addition to serving as Rector at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Reverend Berlenbach is heavily involved with both the Diocese and The Episcopal Church. In the community he is a volunteer chaplain at Roxborough Memorial Hospital and serves as the President of the board of Pensdale Village Senior Apartments and the Vice President of the Board of Inter Community Action (Interac); and

WHEREAS, Reverend Berlenbach loves reading, music, gardening, craft beer and studies Aikido, in which he holds a second-degree black belt. He is happily married to Rebekah Sassi, the Director of the Foundation of Riddle Memorial Hospital. They have three teenage children; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Kirk T. Berlenbach will be leaving St. Timothy’s to serve as Canon for Innovation and Community Engagement for the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. In his new role, Reverend Berlenbach will emphasize work with congregations to facilitate community involvement and connection, developing creative ministries, and making the best and fullest use of their buildings and other assets; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Reverend Kirk T. Berlenbach who will be leaving St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church after 14 years of dedicated service to the Roxborough community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Kirk T. Berlenbach as evidence of the sincere respect and appreciation of this legislative body.

End