Highlights of the Stated Meeting, March 16, 2010

The meeting was hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Englewood. The Rev. Richard Hong welcomed the Presbytery members very warmly, and provided the most gracious hospitality. The meeting coincided with the Church's festive series of celebrations of its 150th Anniversary.  The host Church provided space that was delightful, inviting and equipped with up-to-date technology systems.

The Pre-Presbytery workshop: IGNITE Your Hospitality, was the third in the series of workshops about Evangelism, presented by Rev. Chris Walker (EvangelismCoach.org), International Evangelism Training Ministry. The workshops were very well attended and attendees found them inspiring and helpful. Mp3 and notes will be posted shortly on the Presbytery website and a notice will be sent out accordingly.

The worship service was led by various Presbytery members and the Rev. Chris Walker gave an inspirational message entitled “What Amazes Your Neighbors?”

Highlights in summary:
- The EPT (Rev. Tischler & Elder Faragalla) shared their involvements and a Power Point Presentation of their additional responsibilities during the transitional time of the Connectional Presbyter’s search.

- During the council report the position description of Treasurer was approved and the members were divided into three groups to further discuss the three Roundtables (Resourcing, Outreach/ Evangelism, and Discipleship). The groups were given the task of identifying the need, the interests and the resources available in the congregations.

- The COM report included:
         o The Rev. Beverly Dempsey will serve First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey as Transitional Pastor  and Moderator of Session, effective April 5, 2010.
         o Rev. Hong will serve the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood as Pastor beginning May 1, 2010. The installation service will take place on May 29, 4:00 p.m. at the chapel of Brookside Cemetery in Englewood.
         o The installation service of Rev. Lindner, as Designated Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly will take place on March 21, 4:00 p.m. at the Church.
         o Rev. Ditmars will serve New Milford P.C. as Pastor effective April 1, 2010. Installation service will be held on May 16, 2010, 4:00 p.m. at the Church.
          o The “Oasis Fellowship” was recognized as a new immigrant fellowship within the bounds of the Presbytery. The Rev. Dae Junn Kwon providing Pastoral Leadership.

- The Mission Communication Committee gave the first presentation in the newly approved series Moment for Mission. This series was established, as part of the permanent Agenda, to communicate the various missions within and without the bounds of the Presbytery, to promote mission, help enlarge the vision, and widen the participation opportunities of the Palisades members. The presentation was about the “New City Kids,” ministry led by Trevor and Linda Rubingh in Jersey City.

- The Personnel Committee gave a report (distributed during the meeting) with several recommendations which were approved (and or amended and approved). These recommendations included:
           o A $1,200.00 monthly increase for the two EPTs at least until June 2010.
           o A search for an Acting Connectional Presbyter to start as soon as possible. In case a qualified person is identified by Personnel, he or she will also be provided with the possibility of applying for the permanent position in the future.

The meeting was adjourned by prayer and thanks to the hosting Church.