Highlights of the Stated Meeting, June 15, 2010

Photography by Hal Thornton The meeting was hosted by Claremont Lafayette United Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Carlisle Dickson, Elders, Deacons and members of the congregation welcomed the Presbytery members very warmly, and provided gracious hospitality. It was noted by Presbytery members how the congregation was vibrant, and the premises were beautifully restored.

The worship service was led by Rev. Carlisle Dickson, and Elder Robert Mason. The Choir “Voices of Praise” enchanted attendees with their singing. The Rev. Dr. Adrian A. McFarlane, Interim Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church in Paterson, preached a sermon entitled “The Bridge That Unites”.


Highlights in summary:
- The EPT (Rev. Tischler & Elder Faragalla), in addition to their written report, shared their different involvements:

•  Joseph attended among a group of 10 people, the National Multicultural Church Conference. During the        conference, he had the opportunity to work with the Multicultural Network in the area of providing resources and encouraging engagement in the Immigration issues. He invited Rev. Debra Given, who was among the attendees to give her view. He was also working with some ethnic churches on different issues.
• Bruce shared that the efforts continue to follow-up on the Retooling Project, working with setting up the Roundtables, with various church issues, and also shared about the assets income from church sales.

- The Stated Clerk read, in its entirety, the report of the “Request for Jurisdiction in a Judicial Process,” and the report of “Decision and Order of the PJC of the Synod of the Northeast”

- Elder Barkley Calkins gave a quick account of who will be serving on the three Roundtables. Click here for a quick view of the Roundtables./ or view an animated version. He also heartily thanked the outgoing Treasurer, Adina Yacoub, and introduced the New Treasurer, Elder Judith Hartley for installation.

- There were short commissioning services for:

•  The commissioners to the 219th General Assembly
• The youth from different churches who will attend the Youth Triennium 2010.

- Celebration of Ordination Anniversaries

- Upon the recommendation of the Committee On Ministry, the Presbytery examined, enrolled and approved the calls of:

• The Rev. Sandro Ferriera, to continue to serve in the Portuguese Ministry
• The Rev. Mark Oehler , to serve as Associate Pastor at the West Side Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood.

- Members of the Presbytery and of West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, participated in saying  words of appreciation to the Rev. Kent Smith, who is retiring from his youth work in West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood.

- The Presbytery voted down a proposal from the Personnel Committee regarding the Interim Connectional Presbyter position.

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