Highlights of the Stated meeting November 15, 2011

Members of the Presbytery, who attended this meeting, enjoyed the beautiful historical church and the welcoming communities of Old Bergen Church and Mid East Evangelical Church in Jersey City.  Rev. Jonathan Brown, pastor of Old Bergen, organized volunteer Elders and Deacons from the two host Churches to prepare logistics for the meeting, participate in worship and extend hospitality.  All attendees enjoyed a hearty meal and a delicious dessert.  The Old Bergen Choir and the New City Kids led the congregation in singing and Rev. Linda Rubingh gave an inspiring message about the generosity of Jesus and His abundant provisions which were demonstrated in the feeding of the five thousand listeners.  She also challenged us to rethink the impossibilities of any situation through the eyes of faith. 

Rev. Mary Marcus, Palisades member and Princeton Seminary’s Bicentennial Coordinator, introduced Bob Sharman, Director of Alumni Relations at Princeton Seminary.  Mr. Sharman brought greetings from Princeton and gave a gift to the Presbytery in commemoration of the seminary’s Bicentennial celebration.  Mr. Sharman also showed a brief video about the new extensive library building and courses offered, which will enhance the education experience necessary for ministers and students.

 The Presbytery approved the minutes of September 20, 2011 and the consent agenda.  (See posted documents for details www.palpres.org ).

The reports from different committees were then discussed with the following results:

-           The Presbytery Leadership Study Group (PLSG) Report was postponed for further study to the Stated Meeting of January 24, 2012.

-           The Personnel Committee Report was approved, including a 3% increase in salaries of compensated staff and officers.

-           The 2012 Budget was approved.  The 2012 Per Capita Apportionment for the Presbytery of the Palisades will be $29.80 per active communicant member. [GA portion $6.63; Synod portion $3.95 & Palisades $19.22]

-           The Moment For Mission was presented by Rev. Janet Macgregor-Williams and some of the youth who participated in the summer Youth Mission Trip to Washington, DC. To read more and view pictures click here http://www.palpres.org/admin/story.php?edit=x&sid=20110804144606749

-           The Committee on Ministry Report was approved.  The following important implications were contained in the report:

o   3% increase in the minimum 2012 Total Effective Salary (TES) for all full-time Calls/Invitations.  The new minimum TES is $59,205.43.

o   It was noted that the Board of Pensions (BOP)dues for the medical portion of the benefits plan will increase, as of January 2012 from 19.5% to 20.25% (corrected amount). (Retirement portion remains at 12%; so the total 2012 BOP dues will be 32.25% of TES.  

o   Shared pool Medical Wrap Around will remain 1.75% of TES

o   Professional Expenses (including travel) remains $2400.00 and Continuing Education expenses $750.00.

o   Compensation package for ministers currently receiving more than the new Presbytery minimum to increase by 3% wherever possible.

o   Approval of the Palisades Presbytery Policy of Best Practices for pastors and Congregations following the conclusion of a Pastoral Relationship.  The policy is posted on the website at this link http://www.palpres.org/mediagallery/download.php?mid=20111118112426930

-           The West Side Englewood Administrative Commission was approved for exercising limited jurisdiction of financial issues pertaining to the church to enable them the freedom to pursue their ministry and witness in the community.

The host churches were thanked for their hospitality and the meeting was adjourned in prayer.

The next meeting will take place

on Tuesday, January 24, 2012

 at the South Presbyterian Church of Bergenfield.