ERT (Evangelism/Outreach RT) Minutes - July 27, 2010

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Evangelism and Community Outreach Roundtable
Minutes of the meeting Held at Presbytery Offices July 27, 2010

The first meeting of the Evangelism and Community Outreach Roundtable (ERT) took place at the Presbytery office at 7.00 pm.
Present: Revs. Linda Rubingh, Raymond VandeGiessen and Adrian McFarlane
Elders Giselle Aguila and Willa Mae Taylor
Absent and Excused: E. Lucy Janjigian and E. Wayne Scott
Moderator: Elder Barkley Calkins
Staff: Rev. Bruce Tischler and E. Joseph Faragalla

Barkley convened the meeting and started with prayer. He explained the history of the Roundtables, and his role as convener of the restructure sub-group. Attendees shared their background, ministry and aspirations of the new structure.

Proposed agenda was approved and discussions took place in an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm.
For item 2) of the agenda, Adrian suggested rewording of the statement of purpose of this roundtable, which will be distributed separately for R/T approval.
It was agreed to keep the mission aspect of ministry beyond our Presbytery separate from this R/T.
Item 3): It was suggested and approved that a plan be put in place to conduct meetings of “groupings” of churches at close proximity or shared visions. Bruce and Joe were asked to put together such plan where churches meet, share needs and resources, listen to a keynote speaker (from within the Presbytery or a guest), and have a meal together. This is meant to help understand the needs and concerns of our churches, and identify the resources we have. Dates suggested for these meetings included: Sunday Oct 31st, 2010 (Confirmation Sunday) @ United, Paterson, and June 2011(Pentecost). It is understood that meetings can overlap as church groupings vary in their calendars. It was also emphasized that, although a presence of members from the other two roundtables is expected, these gatherings should concentrate on ECO roundtable efforts.
Item 4): I was agreed that some expenses are expected, especially related to food and honorarium, yet exact figures were not yet decided upon at this time.
Item 5): Discussion took place and leadership role of roundtables was explained, putting more emphasis on ”convening” rather than on “leading”, as part of this new structure philosophy.
Rev. Linda Rubingh and Elder Giselle Aguila accepted to be co-conveners. Classes were decided for Ministers as follows;


Class of 2011 Rev. Adrian McFarlane
Class of 2012 Rev. Raymond VandeGiessen
Class of 2013 Rev. Linda Rubingh
Classes for the member Elders will be decided later.

Item 6): Next meeting will be held at the Presbytery offices on Thursday Sep. 16th. @ 7:00 pm
Rev. Adrian McFarlane closed the meeting in prayer at 9:00 pm