Rev. Lori Bass-Riley
PC(USA) Teaching Elder
Christian Educator
Phone:
412-737-1412
Email:
EXPERIENCE
2020-2025 MINISTER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
FOX CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FOX CHAPEL, PA Lori began her ministry at Fox Chapel during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020. She designed and presented creative and innovative children's programming delivered virtually while also helping the church plan for reopening and reengaging with the community during safer times. Lori developed experiential curriculum that connected the primary stories of faith to the overarching narrative of the Bible. By creating programming designed to build a community of faith among busy families, Lori more than tripled attendance in children's programming after pandemic restrictions were relaxed. New events Lori introduced were Wednesday Night Live + Family(a multi-generational, multi-week Lenten experience),Trunk or Treat, and an Easter Egg Hunt. She supported this programming by developing a network of more than 40 volunteers who worked in Sunday programs, Vacation Bible School, and special events. Church members praised Lori's leadership and collaboration in her work.
2015-2020 Director of Children and Family Ministries
CROSS ROADS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MONROEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA Lori's ministry at Cross Roads has successfully redeveloped children's evening programming resulting in higher attendance as well as an additional evening ministry to younger children that is well attended. Using new technology as a form of outreach has opened Cross Roads to the wider community. For two years, Lori developed and ran a summer camp that brought a wider community of people into VBS and evening activities. Lori led a task force that participated in the "Safe Church" program that culminated in the development and implementation of the child protection policy at Cross Roads. Lori reintroduced child led services, worked with the children's music director to recruit children for the music program, and coordinated with the youth director to bridge the gap between children and youth programs. Lori also helped to design a multi age four week Lenten series and a Messy Church night for families. Other evening educational opportunities led by Lori included personal finances and how to create time for God in a busy world.
2013-2015 Certified Peer Support Specialist
CAREGIVERS OF SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA GREENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Lori valued her time working in human services with Caregivers as a peer support specialist. A peer support specialist walks beside those with significant mental illness, encouraging them to create meaningful goals, gain connections and supports within the community, and develop a plan of self care in the various stages of mental health wellness. Lori especially appreciated the in depth training on mental illness and experiencing the crucial difference between attempting to do the work of recovery for someone and supporting and encouraging someone in their journey to health.
2014-2015 Temporary Supply Pastor
MCKEESPORT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MCKEESPORT, PENNSYLVANIA Serving McKeesport Presbyterian as pulpit supply and session moderator between their last interim and their next pastor, Lori led the session in completing their administrative manual. She also helped the congregation to create a handbook for the new pastor that included contacts for various ministries within the church, names and numbers of local church, community, and educational leaders, family trees within the congregation, and maps and guides to the surrounding areas.
2001-2012 Pastor
CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GIBBSTOWN, NEW JERSEY During her 11 year tenure at Christ Church, Lori did a significant amount of continuing education in congregational redevelopment that helped the community experience significant growth. Attendance in worship increased from 45 to 65. Attendance in the children's Sunday School program increased from 2 to 20. Restructuring of the VBS program resulted in a rise from 15 to 65 children. Lori led the church in redeveloping a confirmation program and confirmed the first class in over 20 years. The congregation became more active in the community, having joint services with local churches and being a primary leader in beginning a community meal ministry for those in need. With this new outward focus, the church began a relationship with a Christian school in South Philadelphia for underprivileged children that included financial support as well as a yearly combined worship and fellowship time. The church also experienced new ministry together, forming a children's choir and having family evening theatrical productions during Advent and Lent. Lori also led the community in new ways of worship, introducing a new hymnal and supplemental hymns, drama, and liturgical dance.
SUMMER 1998 Pastoral Assistant
CROSS ROADS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MONROEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA Lori was hired by Cross Roads while still in seminary as a summer pastoral assistant. Her time there coincided with a period of significant transition, and for 6 weeks she was the only pastoral member of the church staff. She preached, provided pastoral care, led an alternative worship service, and recruited adult participants to develop a youth ministry council in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee.
1997-1998 Youth and Family Pastoral Intern
FAIRFAX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA Lori completed a year long seminary internship at Fairfax during the church's search process for an Interim Associate Pastor for youth ministry. During that time, Lori helped to lead confirmation and Vacation Bible School. She coordinated the youth ministry program for 6 months of her internship. She also offered several adult education classes on several topics including history of the Reformation and music in worship. During Lori's tenure, the Senior Pastor resigned, and she worked with the staff to develop an intentional process for engaging in constructive conflict and expressing grief that included Bible study and small group reflection that culminated in a concert of mourning.
2001-PresentOther Service to the Church
PITTSBURGH PRESBYTERY 2023-PRESENT
REDSTONE PRESBYTERY 2017-2023- Member of Presbytery Council 2017-2019 - Synod of the Trinity Commissioner
PRESBYTERY OF WEST JERSEY2011-Co-Led Small Group Leadership Training2006–2008 Executive Presbyter Search Committee 2001–2006 Committee on Preparation for Ministry
EDUCATION
1999
Master of Divinity
PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
During her time at Princeton Seminary Lori focused on coursework in preaching, worship and music, and pastoral care. She participated in the seminary touring choir under the direction of Dr. Martin Tel. As a part of the Touring Choir, Lori learned about various styles of worship music and how to blend them into a coherent service as well as how to inspire parishioners to participate more fully in congregational singing. She also participated in the Choir's 1999 tour of Ireland and Scotland.
1995
Bachelor of Music Education
West Virginia Wesleyan College
At West Virginia Wesleyan Lori majored in music education and minored in theater. In her senior year she directed and produced the Theater Department's first student-led musical Godspell. A significant portion of her production work on Godspell involved working with various area congregations to develop sponsorship and support for the show. She did student teaching in both elementary and high schools. Lori taught Sunday School at a local United Methodist church and was a Big Sister in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also participated in local and national mission programs.