Dear Friends,

We have received news that that former New York City Presbytery Executive Presbyter, friend, and colleague, the Rev. Arabella Meadows-Rogers, died early this morning - with husband Rob and her sister holding hands. Arabella had taken a turn for the worse two weeks ago, the cancer spreading rapidly throughout her body. Until very near to the time she left us, she was sharp and witty and lovely and direct. We receive the news of our loss with sadness, still with the shared faith of people of hope who place our trust in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Arabella was a great encouragement to me in my work in Newark, and she was a bright light to all of us in the Synod of the Northeast Collegium and Association of Executive Presbyters. The Rev. Jill Hudson, the PC(USA) Middle Governing Body liaison wrote about Arabella: "None of us will ever forget Arabella's courage and continued wit as she fought against this horrible disease. Her wildly colorful head scarves were an outward statement of her inward joy of life and her determination to live fully until the last minute. She was a strong witness to us all as she continued to serve in New York City Presbytery and attend as many of our executive gatherings as she possibly could. She was an amazing servant of Christ."

A Memorial Service has been tentatively planned for after the first of the year at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, with the Rev. Fred Anderson presiding. We will share more information as we receive it.

Condolences can be sent to:

Robert Meadows-Rogers
70 Haven Avenue, Apt. 2C
New York, New York 10032-2609

Thank you for joining with others throughout Newark Presbytery to uphold Arabella's husband Rob in your prayers, as well her whole extended family, the Presbytery of New York City which she served faithfully until she took disability this summer, and friends throughout the church who have been touched by her life.

Sincerely,

Kevin