Highlights of the Stated Meeting, June 21, 2011
The meeting was hosted by the First Presbyterian Church in Ramsey. The Staff, Elders and Deacons warmly welcomed the Presbytery members. The sanctuary was adorned with Pentecost decorations which enhanced the theme for the worship service. The participants in the worship service were the ministers celebrating their ordination anniversaries. The Rev. Donald Smith, who celebrated his 65th year of ordination, gave a special meditation on how missions have changed over the years. Worship was led by Rev. Steve McClelland, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hackensack, who celebrated his 25th year of ordination.
The Presbytery approved the minutes of March 15, 2011 and the consent agenda.
The Stated Clerk explained in detail the effect of the passing of Amendment 10-A and n-fog (New form of Government) and the enabling resolutions. All materials were included in the pre-pak, sent to all ministers and clerks via e-mail and posted on the website with June 21 documents.
The Leadership Study Group presented three questions, which were discussed among six groups.
The Presbytery body then took the following actions as presented by the relevant committees:
- Examined and approved two inquirers, to be enrolled as candidates, Ms Maria Patino, Iglesia Presbiteriana Nueva Esperanza (Jersey City), and Ms Jennifer Rodriguez-Michel, Iglesia Presbiteriana Metodista Unida (West New York).
- Received two new ministers. The Rev. Jean Ann Holmes, who will serve as Interim Minister for a period of one year, at Pompton Valley Presbyterian Church of Pompton Plains; and Rev. Edward Baugh, as non-parish, called to serve as Pastor of the Pequannock Reformed Church in Wayne, within our bounds.
- Bid farewell to the Rev. Gretchen Janssen, who will be moving to Oregon this summer to be closer to her family.
- Voted to adopt the Policy & Procedures for Emerging Faith Communities, posted on the website on this link.
During the meeting the “Moment for Missions,” Rev. Samuel Stone, presented his experience “The Christian Climate in China” and Mrs. Maha Faragalla demonstrated “Making Connections” for ministry and mission through using the online directory.
The Session Records Committee recommended the use of Guidelines and Template for session minutes. Booklets are available from the office and posted online under “Policy Documents.” http://www.palpres.org/mediagallery/download.php?mid=20110622125157997
The report of the audit committee was also distributed in the form of a booklet containing the financial statement for 2009/2010.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer and thanks to the hosting church.
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