Highlights of the Stated Meeting, January 26, 2010

The meeting was hosted, for the first time, at the newly acquired premises of the Presbyterian Church of Passaic. Members of the Presbytery were welcomed into the well lighted spacious sanctuary.   The atmosphere was a reflection of the joyful and hospitable welcome extended by the Pastor, Rev. Raymond VandeGiessen.and the congregation.

The Pre-Presbytery meeting presented and explained in detail the New Proposed Structure to the attendees. Click here to view the The Power Point Presentation, prepared by the Council Chair, Rev. Donald Brown.

The worship service was coordinated by the Rev. Fran Thiessen. Members of the Presbytery participated in the moving service by offering prayers and reflections to our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The offering was dedicated to the crisis relief efforts in that country.

Highlights in summary:

• The installation of the Moderator, Sophie Corporan, and Vice-Moderator, Sam Stone, and transfer of the Symbols of Office. Rev. Donald Brown, former Moderator, presided and propounded the constitutional questions.
• The Rev. Philip Gehman, Regional Board of Pensions Representative, presented a summary of changes and important information for 2010. All information is posted on the website: www.pensions.org
• The New Structure Proposal was discussed; the Council’s recommendations for moving forward, were voted on and adopted by the Presbytery.
• The Presbytery examined and received Mr. Salvatore Seirmarco as a Candidate.
• The following recommendations from COM were approved:

1.  Rev. Hector Seda to be Part-Time Stated Supply and Moderator of St. Augustine Presbyterian Church beginning February 1, 2010.
2.  Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner to serve as Designated Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, for a period of two years, beginning February 1,2010 (on one-half time basis) and becoming full-time beginning March 1, 2010.

• The Personnel Committee also submitted several recommendations (in a report distributed during the meeting) concerning the transitional period, the staffing and reviews of the EPT. The recommendations were discussed, amended and approved.