Presbytery Meeting 2008-04-15
The meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Carlstadt. The theme of this gathering, as outlined by the Council, was directed towards stewardship of the Environment. The Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of Green Faith, gave a pre-presbytery presentation and preached a message entitled “Homily.” Green Faith is an Interfaith Partner in Action for the Earth. The worship service was organized by The Rev. David Thornton and other participants in worship were: Rev. Donald Pitches, Rev. Justin Choi, Elder Joseph Faragalla, Rev. Debra Given, and Rev. Peter Strand. The Meeting was opened with the installation of the Vice-Moderator, Rev. Donald Brown. Rev. Brown is Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in North Haledon. The Moderator, Elder Barkley Calkins, presided and propounded the constitutional questions. The minutes and consent agenda were approved. Rev. Philip Gehman, Regional Representative of Board of Pensions, presented a report about the services of the Board of Pensions and introduced the improved website (www.pensions.org) which should prove very informative and helpful to members. The Pensions and Benefits Chair made a report and outlined some procedures regarding the process of the Shared Pool Medical Wrap-Around claim reimbursements. The Transformational and Multicultural Presbyters presented a team report. As well as working individually with the different Churches, they worked together encouraging the Paterson Council and the collaborative work of these Churches. They also attended and participated in the recent 2008 Multicultural Conference, which was held in San Antonio, Texas. The Multicultural Conference was attended by ten other Pastors and Elders of the Palisades representing six ethnic groups, of which Revs Wanda Lundy, Beverly Dempsey and Gustavo Vasquez-Paredes are also part of the National Multicultural Network. An announcement regarding the upcoming Presbytery Day, May 17, 2008 was made. Flyers and registration forms were distributed by hand and through e-mail. The Presbytery Administrator made reference to: - Attending a recent training session of ACS Technologies, this led to the continuous expansion of the ACS Data system in order to serve all the needs of the Presbytery. - New features are introduced on the Website. Some of which are more a more user friendly menu and interactive forms. - Feedback needed in order to improve the information packages and relevant forms for Treasurers, Clerks of Session, and New Pastors. - Invitation to dialogue and continue to explore possibilities to find the best means to keep those without internet capabilities informed and included. All the above tools and means should be used to the maximum capabilities in order to move us forward in our mission. The Council Chair added to the written report three elements the Council is engaged in: - Praying for the congregations’ needs, joys and concerns. - Addressing the emotional needs associated with financial giving crisis. - Meaningful worship forums in the Presbytery Meetings. The Congregational Planning and Mission Strategy Unit sponsored a Latino Ministry presentation of a Video on Multiculturalism (Part 1). Two other parts will follow in upcoming meetings. The Social Justice Priorities Unit presented a very encouraging historical and current review of the work of Katrina Response Team. Through the last two years the team was able to organize eight work trips, 130 volunteers and the equivalent of 1,000 (4 years) of work. The Presbytery raised around $120,000 (not including the Presbyterian Disaster Aid) to aid victims of New Orleans and built houses for three families. The current project is to help build “Gloria’s House.” For more information contact Rev. Craig Rule, cwrule@tenaflychurch.org. The Committee on Ministry approved the call and introduced Rev. Seong-Sik Heo, called to serve True Light Presbyterian Church of Teaneck. The Nominating Committee introduced a slate of nominations to the General Assembly, Treasurer Position, Committee on Representation, Personnel Committee, Mission Communication Unit and Spiritual Theology and Development. The Personnel Committee Chair introduced a brief summary of the new Teamwork Leadership Model and the importantance of bringing many gifts and skills together to accomplish the goals and fulfill the mission. Elder Jones also stated the importance of retaining a Connectional Presbyter as soon as possible to support ithe congregations. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry introduced Jacqui VanVliet, member of the West-Side Ridgewood Presbyterian Church, as a new candidate. Ms VanVliet was examined and approved by the Presbytery. At the end of the meeting a new draft proposal was submitted by a group of Elders and Pastors which was two-fold: 1- Part 1: To move forward with the search and retain the Connectional Presbyter as soon as possible. This was approved by the Presbytery. 2- Part 2: To introduce and recommend a facilitator for the evaluation and effective implementation of the Shared Model. This will be discussed in length in a special meeting to be held on April 29, 2008 in South Bergenfield Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by thanking the hosting Church and by prayer. The next Scheduled Presbytery Meeting will be held at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church Dates to remember: - Spring Women Gathering, April 26, 2008 at Warren Point Presbyterian Church, Fair Lawn. - Presbytery Day, May 17, 2008 at West Side Ridgewood Presbyterian Church - Summer 2008 work – Mission trip, August 10-16, sponsored by The Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, N.J. - Mission trip to the City of Santa Marta, Colombia – South America, July 28 – August 6, organized by Nueva Esperanza Presbyterian Church. |
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