Highlights of the Stated Meeting, September 21, 2010

The meeting was hosted by the friendly First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack; the home church of Sophie Corporan, the Presbytery Moderator. Rev. Steve McClelland, together with his hospitable and cheerful Elders, Deacons and volunteers welcomed the Presbytery members very warmly, and provided gracious help and hospitality. Elder Sophie Corporan gave an inspirational sermon entitled “Who do you Say I am?”

Highlights in Summary:

- The EPT (Rev. Tischler & Elder Faragalla) shared their different involvements and efforts in launching and helping the Roundtables start off to identify their missions and engage congregations.

- The Nominating Committee presented a slate for the Search Committee (for Connectional Presbyter) and for the different committees. The slate was approved as presented.

- The Council and the Stated Clerk presented the “Proposed Revisions to the Standing Rules” for a first reading highlighting the changes and encouraging discussion and comments. Reponses may be communicated to the Stated Clerk lanierkeosaian@optonline.net

- Elder Paul Talarico, Chair of Bills & Overtures Committee (B&O) presented a preview of the schedule and format for consideration of the “Proposed Amendments to the Constitution.” The schedule is as follows:
o On the November 16, 2010 Stated Meeting the B&O will present to the Presbytery its recommendations on the 15 Proposed Amendments (Part 3 of 3). Rev. Bill Chapman will hold a seminar of the n-FOG Report at 3:00 p.m. preceding the meeting.
o At the January 2011 Stated Meeting, the B&O will present its recommendations re the proposed n-FOG (Part 1 of 3)
o At the March 2011 Stated meeting , the B&O will present its recommendations re the Belhar Confession (Part 2 of 3)
All the above documents are available on the www.palpres.org website and the www.pcusa.org website via the OGA link. Please contact paultalarico@optonline.net for more details.

- During the Fellowship Moment, the EPT led a time of remembrance and appreciation for those who have preceded us to Glory, namely Ministers Kyoji Buma, James Erdmann & Clinton McCoy, who passed away in 2010.

- Personnel Committee presented a revised Job Description for the Connectional Presbyter which was approved with minor changes.

- Committee on Ministry presented their report for information and approval. The Presbytery received Rev. Jonathan Brown as Designated Pastor, Old Bergen, J.C.