University of the Ozarks First Lady Sher?e Niece was installed as moderator of The Presbytery of Arkansas during the 122nd Stated Meeting of the Presbytery, which was held Feb. 15-16 on the Ozarks campus.
As moderator, Niece will oversee the business meetings of The Presbytery of Arkansas. Her term will run through February 2014. In January of 2014 she will begin a one-year term as moderator of the General Committee.
Niece, who is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville, spent the last year serving as vice moderator of the Presbytery. She has also served the past three years as a member of the General Committee, the group that serves as the visioning body of the Presbytery.
"Active participation on that committee prompted my consideration as a candidate to become moderator," Niece said. "I believe in giving back and thought this would be a significant way to contribute to the life of the Presbytery."
She said it was particularly gratifying to have the installation ceremony in Munger Chapel.
"I was thrilled that my installation ceremony took place on the University of the Ozarks’ campus," she said. "It was great having the support of my church friends and family."
Niece said she’s excited about playing a role in the future direction of the Presbytery as well as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
"Fortunately, I like change when it aims to improve and streamline efforts," she said. "I believe with the new form of government adopted by the church, we have great opportunities to improve upon our way of doing business and accomplishing our mission work. Instead of being tied down by rules and regulations, we have the chance to work together to promote and lift up our work and show others what we truly believe."
Niece said one of her goals as moderator is to "create meetings that inspire, educate, and provide a true focal point on how we can best grow God’s church."
University of the Ozarks First Lady Sherée Niece (second from right) was joined by her husband, Ozarks President Dr. Rick Niece (second from left), and her parents, Jay and Bonnie Parrot, during her installation ceremony as moderator of The Presbytery of Arkansas, held Feb. 15 in Munger Chapel.
Topics: Presbyterian