The Presbytery of the Palisades

Summary and Highlights of Stated Meeting, June 16, 2009

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:06:41 -0400

The meeting was hosted at First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. The welcome and host committee lead by Rev. Bert Watkins did a wonderful job in organizing the event and making every member warmly welcome.

The worship service was prepared and lead by the Committee of Preparation for Ministry. Mr. Andrew Roughgarden, a member of West Side Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood, gave a sermon entitled "The Inner Eye." Other participants in the service were: Revs. Steven McClelland, William Chapman, Richard Hong, Samuel Stone and Elders Lincoln Stulik and Sophie Corporan. During the worship, the late Rev. Barbara Worthington was warmly remembered by numerous colleagues for her excellence as a Presbytery Leader, pastoral care, listening friend and mentor. The family will be kept in our prayers.

The Rev. Philip Gehman, Regional Representative, conducted a Pre-Presbytery Q & A time to answer questions about the Board of Pensions. He was also available during dinner to hear any other concerns or questions.
The Presbyters Leadership Team, (Connectional, Multicultural, and Transformational), presented summaries about their work during the current year.

Minister members who wish to attend the Mini-Clergy Retreat, June 30, 10:00 a.m. at Hackensack Presbyterian Church were invited to complete a response form, also posted on the website www.palpres.org under the 'Forms' menu.

The Business and Communications Administrative Professional title was officially changed and approved by Presbytery according to a recommendation from Personnel Committee. The “Office Communiqué,” was submitted to the Presbytery among the other written reports of the Stated Clerk, Council, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Nominating Committee, Audit Committee, Committee On Ministry, and Session Records, which are all posted on the website.

The distribution of the Military Appreciation packages was very well received and there were more people willing to contribute than the number of kits available. Elder Barkley Calkins, gave a heartfelt thanks and offered a moving prayer for our military personnel.
The congregations were recognized by receiving “Blue Star” Certificates.

The Presbytery recognized those who completed 5,10, 15, 25, 30, 35, 40,45 and 55 years of dedicated service, by presenting small tokens of appreciation.

The Presbytery also approved among other items the following:
- Formation of one Administrative Commission for the dissolution of two Korean congregations (New Garden and Oasis)
- Formation of an Administrative Commission for carrying out all matters relating to the dissolution of First Presbyterian Church of Garfield, and allocating $15,000.00 for their initial expenditure needs.

At the latter part of the meeting the Presbytery convened in an Executive Session to discuss and vote on some important Committee on Ministry matters.

CAMEOS:

Rev. Donald Pitches encouraged members to read the book entitled “I refuse to lead a dying Church” by Paul Nixon, as it’s a good book in the face of reality plus some practical helpful suggestions.

Rev. Bill Chapman invited members of the Presbytery to join his new blog presbywonk.com.

Rev. David Baer informed the Presbytery that the Allendale Clergy Association formed a career development group called “Opening Doors” which provides excellent opportunities for networking and job hunting to those who are suffering job losses in these hard times. For more details visit www.highlandschurch.net.

Rev. Sam Stone announced that the Palisades will be visited by a Missionary Couple from Taiwan, as part of the Mission Challenge 2009. The visit will be from October 2-9, 2009. The congregations wishing to invite them may visit the website for more details or contact sam@trinityfamily.org, OR maha@palpres.org.

Mrs. Maha Faragalla encouraged members to complete a quick survey about the website in order for the communications team to be able to provide the needed content. To complete the survey visit www.palpres.org under ‘Forms’. She also asked congregations to contribute their mission and ministry stories to be posted on the website. Stories may be submitted to maha@palpres.org OR sam@trinityfamily.org.

Elder Paul Talarico shared that First Ramsey are celebrating, during 2009, their 185th anniversary as a church and their 100th year anniversary as a Presbyterian congregation.

Rev. Melodee Bottari shared that a group of five youth, form Pompton Valley Presbyterian Church, and three adult volunteers including herself, will be going on a mission trip on July 19-25, to Hedgesville, W.Virginia.

Elder Ramzi Eliya from First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, said that as working with Compassion International the one millionth child has been recently sponsored.

Rev. Jeffrey Leininger representing the Pensions & Benefits committee encouraged congregations, who have unpaid Shared Pool dues to please fulfill their covenantal agreement as soon as possible.

The motion to adjourn was moved and seconded.

The meeting was concluded with prayer and thanks to the hosting Church for a well done and wonderful job.

THE NEXT STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY
WILL BE HELD ON
TUESDAY, September 15, 2009
AT THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In North Haledon

World Mission Challenge 2009

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:44:54 -0400

World Mission Challenge 2009 This fall 40+ missionaries will visit 130+ presbyteries. On October 2-9, Rev. Choon Shik and Yen Hee Lim (Current PCUSA Missionaries assigned to Taiwan) will visit Palisades Presbytery.

If you would like to host the visiting missionaries for an event at your Church, or provide room, board, transportation, or other hospitality please let Maha or Sam know by emailing to: Maha@Palpres.org or Sam@TrinityFamily.org. To share this information with your church, please download:

The following is a brief bio of the visiting missionaries: Choon and Yen Hee Lim were appointed mission co-workers in 1991. Their current assignment is with the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan’s Aboriginal College Ministry, a work which Choon initiated for the PCT in September 1999. Until then there were no outreach ministries to students in the Hualien area. Now, Choon works in Hualien at two universities and four colleges with the campus ministries that he founded between 1999 and 2002.

Rev. Choon Shik and Yen Hee Lim

Yen Hee a registered nurse, works at Bethesda in Hualien, a handicapped children’s center and in a mobile clinic of the Mennonite Christian Hospital, traveling with the medical staff to remote mountain villages.

Prior to their assignment in Taiwan, the Lims served at the request of the Presbyterian Church of Korea on the medical ship “Salvation.” Choon was a director of the Island Medical Mission in Korea and Yen Hee was a nurse in that medical ministry. When their term with the “Salvation” ended in 1997 the Lims began two years of language study (Mandarin) in preparation for their work in Taiwan.

“It took a lot of love and forgiveness,” says Choon, referring to the difficulties he encountered while founding six campus ministries in a few short years while working out of his home. Once several student groups had been formed, Choon brought them together to work with each other in the Hualien Aboriginal Campus Ministry (HACM). On July 1, 2003, HACM moved to a new mission center. Among the many programs housed in the new mission center is a Gospel Coffee House that many non-Christian students come to for the free coffee, cakes, and good conversation.

After the HACM was established, Choon began to invest more time working with the pastors of the Ami tribe. He organized a Bible study in 2004 for which he used “See Through the Scriptures,” which he translated into Mandarin. Choon has worked with all 13 aboriginal peoples, but he has focused especially on his work with the Ami and Taroko tribes.

Only 3 percent of the population in Taiwan is Christian. Choon sees the college students he ministers to as the hope of Christianity on the island. “The Holy Spirit wants to equip the Taiwanese people with the Word of God,” Choon writes. “I believe that if the Holy Spirit touches our hearts, all we have to do is to obey. I pray that the Spirit continually moves the students and the college workers so that the Kingdom of God may be established on Taiwan, as we Christians obey Jesus Christ’s command.”

Prior to their appointment in 1991, Choon served as an associate pastor of the Hanmee Presbyterian Church in Itasca, Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degrees from Indiana University in Indianapolis and then worked for Indiana University Hospital as a supervisor of the respiratory therapy department. He earned his master’s of divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a minister member of Chicago Presbytery. Yen Hee is a graduate of Seoul Nursing College. She has worked in four hospitals in the United States as well as in Ewha University Hospital in Seoul. She is a member of Hanmee Presbyterian Church in Itasca.

JOIN US AT THE BIG TENT, June 11-13, 2009

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:40:13 -0400

Dear fellow worker

Please find below information about the Big Tent and the ten different conferences it entails. Find for yourself and the leaders/ministers in your church which event will be more suitable and more relevant to you and the ministry you are involved in.
It is expected that if you attend, you will give one year commitment to support and be involved in the ministry of the Unit that helped you attend the relevant conference.
A limited number of partial or full scholarships are available. I was asked to coordinate the event for the Presbytery, so I am working with Rev. Don Pitches and Rev. Martha Grace in their capacity as Chairs of CSR and CPMS respectively. Feel free to communicate with them and copy me or vice versa.
Rev. Don Pitches e-mail is Donald.pitches@verizon.net and Rev. Martha Grace’s is: mgrace114@verizon.net. They will decide on funds from CSR and CPMS. I am still working with Synod and GA to obtain more scholarships especially for Multicultural conference and Racial Ethnic convocation. Other Units in the Presbytery might have funds to help with other conferences. We will keep you informed.
The good news is that deadline for registration at reduced fees ($ 285) is extended till May 8, 2009 but some conferences have other deadlines. A limited number of brochures are available at the Presbytery office. You can find a lot of relevant information at the Denomination’s website www.pcusa.org/bigtent.

Below please find a list of all 10 conferences and some important information about each conference.
You can also watch a short video presentation on our website by clicking:
http://www.palpres.org/mediagallery/album.php?aid=7&page=1 OR go to http:// www.palpres.org then go to the icon: “watch it”, then to “Big Tent video”.

Partner Conferences:
The following Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ministries and groups that typically hold annual or biennial conferences will instead join in the Big Tent event as one big family.

1) Healthy Ministry Conference:
For Committees on Preparation for Ministry (CPM), Committees on Ministry (COM), presbytery staff and seminary faculty and staff.

2) Presbyterian Communicators' Network (PCN) National Conference:
The members of this network will participate in the Big Tent in lieu of their regular biennial national conference.

3) Presbyterian National Multicultural Conference:
Models for multicultural church development and redevelopment, evangelism and church growth in a diverse setting, workshops that address how to provide a holistic witness to the Gospel in an increasingly diverse society, in addition to networking and cultural celebration

4) Stewardship and Investment Conference:
Designed for elders, pastors, presbytery staff and volunteers seeking to discover and employ the best practices of stewardship interpretation and programming.

5) Evangelism and Church Growth Conference:
This conference will focus on the most-needed topic in Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) — Evangelism

6) National Elders Conference:
A gathering of elders from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Elders have the opportunity to strengthen their ability to lead worship, provide pastoral care, teach the Bible and conduct other ministries

7) Peacemaking Conference:
Conference participants experience worship, biblical reflection and celebration in community, engage in conversations on difficult issues, practice nonviolence, participate in public witness and address issues of and concerns for justice around the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

8) PHEWA Social Justice Biennial Conference:
Participants will connect with those working at the grass-roots of our denomination in justice ministries. Listen, learn and share how congregations can be in ministry with persons and families affected by disabilities, mental illness, human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, substance abuse, immigration, child welfare and health disparities

9) Racial Ethnic Convocation:
The event provides opportunities to deepen spiritual awareness and commitment and revitalize, redevelop and strengthen racial ethnic and immigrant ministries. At the same time, it equips racial ethnic people to proclaim the liberation gospel of Jesus Christ for justice and reconciliation in their communities.

10) New Immigrants Ministries Convocation:
New Immigrant Groups Ministries in the USA is an intentional evangelism and social justice effort to help middle governing bodies bring new immigrants into membership of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as equal partners. Those networks will participate in the Big Tent in lieu of their 2009 national convocation to share collaborative strategies for racial ethnic ministry growth in our denomination.

There will be some common meals and worship services, a shared exhibit hall, some common workshop sessions and a Saturday evening celebration event. Housing will be at Hyatt Hotel in Downtown Atlanta (subject to availability of rooms) the rate now is $ 99.- per night (you will need reservation for 3 nights). Shared accommodation is available

Further Information and registration in Conferences:
Please look into the following websites:
1) Visit pcusa.org/vocation. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5503
2) Visit pcusa.org/comnet. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5060
3) Visit pcusa.org/multicultural. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5233 or 5252
4) Visit pcusa.org/stewardship. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5194
5) Visit pcusa.org/goodnews. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5247
6) Visit pcusa.org/eldersconference. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 8488
7) Visit pcusa.org/peacemaking. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 8700 or 916-705-3501
8) Visit pcusa.org/phewa. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5794
9) Visit pcusa.org/racialethnic. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5700
10) Visit pcusa.org/immigrant. Contact 1-888-728-7228 ext. 5135

J.I.Faragalla
Multicultural Presbyter
jifaragalla@yahoo.com
973-722-9329

Financial Peace University Class at Trinity Begins May 3, 2009

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:37:49 -0400

When we heard that 7 out of 10 Americans live paycheck to paycheck, we knew we had to do something. That’s why we’re going to be offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class here at the church starting May 3, 2009.

It’s the most practical stuff out there and the most fun you’ll ever have learning about money. Each weekly session starts with Dave Ramsey teaching on video and is followed by a powerful small group discussion. You’ll see that you are DEFINITELY not alone if you’re struggling in this area. And even if you’re one of the few who isn’t struggling, you’ll still benefit from this powerful material.
It teaches you how to apply biblical principles to the way you handle money and how to start truly managing all of the resources God has given you. This class breaks the process down into easy steps that will help no matter where you are. You’ve just got to take it! You can watch the class preview video by click here.

If you want to get some more information now, just ask Sam at 201-394-4108. Can’t wait to see you all there!

Katrina Relief Continues

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:38 -0400

The Presbytery of the Palisades next project supports Berean Presbyterian Church

NOLA church is rising again and PoP joins in reconstruction.
The Berean Presbyterian Church, established in 1879 as the first African American Presbyterian congregation in New Orleans, serves the inner city by providing worship and study, health resources, food and youth programs, and a community drop-in center. Though devastated by Katrina, the congregation is rebuilding and plays an active role in the life of central city. Safe child care serves the most vulnerable, and the church bus driven by Elder Malcolm gets the elderly en mass to eye exams and new glasses. Through the adversity, their faith keeps them strong. In April ’09, their new pastor arrives, and hope is still alive.

Project Overview:
Construction is well under way in the rebuilding a church-owned apartment building to create a five-family, rent-assisted complex. This will help meet the housing needs of the community and provide much needed income for the pastor’s call. .
PALISADES PRESBYTERY’S PLAN FOR SUPPORT:
- Send $30,000 by June 30, 2009—We’re about halfway there.
- The first of two work groups spent a week in February. Of the 14 volunteers, 11 were Katrina relief veterans. We hope to field another.

HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN HELP:
- Receive a special offering and send checks designated to
Project Homecoming: Berean Project to the Palisades Presbytery office,
- Participate in Presbytery collections during worship at each stated meeting this year
- Send members of your congregation on one of our mission trips

For more information or to offer your support, please contact any member of the Palisades’ Katrina Response Task Force: Craig Rule, Don Brown, Mike Carrier, Beverly Dempsey, Richard Hong.

Taiwan Youth Mission Opportunity

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:35:58 -0400

2009_I_Love_Taiwan_Mission_poster_English

The Youth Committee of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) welcomes young people (16-35) from the Presbyterian Churches around the world to participant in “I Love Taiwan Mission 2009" Christian youth camp. Food, accommodation, and medical upon arrival in Taiwan are covered by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Please click here for more information.

Summary of the Stated Meeting - March 17, 2009

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:06:00 -0400

The meeting was hosted by the First Presbyterian Church in Rutherford, an historic building with exquisite stained glass windows. The staff volunteers, under the leadership of Rev. Peter Wilkinson and Elder Steve Adubato, welcomed the Presbytery members warmly, joyfully dressed in bright green caps, having decorated the tables in bright colors to coincide with the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The Worship Service was organized by Rev. Debra Given in Taize style.

The Pre-Presbytery Conversation, “Bearing Witness in Hard Times,” was well attended. The attendees brainstormed the potential possibilities and available opportunities, with Elders Barkely Calkins, Steve Adubato and Rev. Lilia Ramirez hosting the discussions. Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner provided input and background information for the needed pastoral care concerns in these times. The hosting team recommended the provision of a communication resource for forum discussion and posting of information on the Presbytery’s website.

The Presbyters Leadership Team, PLT, (Connectional, Multicultural, and Transformational), presented a short video about the One Great Hour of Sharing, encouraging congregations to respond to our denominational call, by doubling their giving, during this time of crisis. Each of the Presbyters then provided more information on the document "Invest Yourself." A brochure regarding "Re-Tooling for Ministry" (May-April 2009) was distributed and will be posted shortly, as well as information regarding the upcoming Big tent Conference (June 11-13), and special Multicultural Event (May 26) with motivational speaker/preacher Rev. Jin Kim.

The PLT also presented a Power Point presentation detailing the executive functions and roles of each Presbyter. (Click this link to view presentation) www.palpres.org/mediagallery/album.php Minister and Elder members of the Presbytery, are invited to contact them directly by e-mail or phone.

The Communications Professional (member of the Staff Leadership Team, SLT) reported to the Presbytery by the report entitled “Office Communique,” and other written reports (Officers, Committees, and Units) of the Stated Clerk, Council, Committee on Representation, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Committee On Ministry, Session Records, Bills and Overtures, and Administrative Commission of Old Bergen Church, J.C. which are all posted on the website. A document representing the legal opinion of the Presbytery’s Attorney (Roger V. Jones) regarding CLUPC Request for Grant from the Presbytery was distributed prior to the meeting.

The Presbytery,

Welcome, examined and approved:

- The call of Pompton Valley Presbyterian Church to Melodee Bottari, as Designated Pastor for two years beginning February 9, 2009. Ordination and Installation service will be held on March 29, 2009.

Authorized

- Elder Joseph Faragalla, who was invited by the Mid East Evangelical Church to serve as Temporary Stated Supply, to officiate at the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for a period of up to one year.

Was informed

- Mrs. Adina Yacoub, agreed to serve as Treasurer Pro Tem

Approved

- The retention of the Law Firm of Roger Jones to represent the interests of the Presbytery in the claims of the Provident Bank against the Claremont Lafayette United Presbyterian Church of Jersey City.

- Lending Claremont Lafayette U.P.C. the sum of $30,000.00 at the rate of 3% simple interest per annum. Terms will be re-negotiated at the Regular Council Meeting, one year hence March 2, 2010.

- The Personnel recommendation to grant 3.5% COLA increase for 2009 to each of the three Presbyters, retroactive January 1, 2009.

The Chair of the Congregation Support and Resourcing Unit, Rev. Donald Pitches, presented a short report, identifying members of the Unit, Dorothy VanderWerf, Florence Ditco and Kent Smith as the resource persons for Christian Education Material. They are also in the process of developing a resource relating to Day Care Centres. Gerald Goss will put together a Media Development and Maintenance information resource.

The Unit, in an effort to focus on Stewardship, will be able to provide limited scholarships to attend the Stewardship Conference during the Big Tent, June 11-13, 2009 in Atlanta GA, to those willing to commit to one year of Stewardship Development to the Presbytery.

The Chair of the Personnel Committee, Elder Dick Jones, briefed the Presbytery on changes and shifts of responsibilities due to the resignation of the Treasurer and the urgency of auditing the 2007 and 2008 books. Rev. Bruce Tischler, due to his skilled background in Finance, will attend to the audit needs and the transfer to the new accounting system, with the help of Haggerty & Bosch Accounting Firm. The other two Presbyters will shoulder his responsibilities in the meantime.

The Bills and Overtures Committee Chair, Rev. Janet McGregor-Williams continued from the last Stated Meeting, the discussions and votes of proposed Amendments. The official actions of the Presbytery with respect to the Proposed Amendments (E – N) were as follows:

08-E Nongeographic Presbyteries – On Amending G-11.0102 & G-12.0102 k - AFFIRMATIVE

08-F Presbytery Membership of Certified Christian Educators - On Amending G-11.0407, G-14.0730, - AFFIRMATIVE

08-G Synod Membership on Permanent Committees - On Amending G-13.0107 and G-13.0108, and G13.0202a AFFIRMATIVE

08-H Five Ordination Exams - On Amending G-14.0431– AFFIRMATIVE

08-I Certified Christian Educators – On Amending G-14.0730 AFFIRMATIVE

08-J Alternative forms of Resolution – On Amending D-2.0103 and D-10.0202h AFFIRMATIVE

08 K, L, M. N Ecumenical Statements with the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Korean Presbyterian and Moravian Churches respectively were all in the AFFIRMATIVE.

The Stated Clerk, Rev. Gregory Keosaian, then gave an overview of the votes received from all the other Presbyteries regarding the amendments, and will report the final results to the Presbytery in June.

Rev. Janet MacGregor-Williams gave a brief report on behalf of the Task Force, advising the Presbytery that there will be a call for a Special Meeting on May 19, 7:30 p.m. to present findings and recommendations of the Team Model at the Presbyterian Church in Leonia.

CAMEOS:

Rev. Mike Carrier informed the members of the need of his custodian to find another half time job to supplement his income. Please contact the Church if you have any custodial needs.

Offerings towards Gloria’s House and the Berean Presbyterian Church are needed, a $250.00 suggested donation per Church (or whatever is affordable) will be of great help towards a worthy cause. See members of the Katrina Response Team for information of how to donate.

Rev. Carlisle Dickson shared his heartfelt thanks to the Presbytery for approving the loan to Claremont Lafayette United Presbyterian Church and invited members to attend a special “Voices of Praise” band and voices concert on April 4, 3:00 p.m. at the Church for $10.00 per person.

Rev. Fran Thiessen shared information about a free website freerice.org sponsored by the U.N. that encourages children to answer questions correctly and win grains of rice for the hungry.

Rev. Don Pitches invited members to attend a special Stewardship conversation with a guest speaker, Rev. Jon Brown, Director of the Mission Interpretation Unit of the denomination, on June 5, time to be determined, at the Presbytery office.

Elder Barkely Calkins informed the Presbytery that the brainstorming discussions which took place regarding “Bearing Witness in Hard Times” will be posted on the website as a resource for gathering more information and input.

Rev. Lilia Ramirez reminded members that there are free Spanish classes offered at West Side Englewood every Saturday morning from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. with immersion activities.

Also, volunteer doctors and nurses are needed to help with “Health on the Move” van services in Paterson, on April 26.

Elder Sophie Corporan invited women to attend the Spring Gathering on April 26 at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Paramus.

Rev. Beverly Dempsey called on behalf of Rev. Mary Marcus and herself for support to CampJohnsonburg by visiting and/or contributing to the excellent programs for children.

The meeting was concluded with prayer and thanks to the hosting Church for a well done and wonderful job.

THE NEXT STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY

WILL BE HELD ON

TUESDAY, June 16, 2009

AT THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

OF RIDGEWOOD

Information re the call of the Special Task Force Meeting on May 19, 7:30 p.m. will be mailed in due course

Highlights of the Stated Meeting, January 27, 2009

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:25:52 -0500

Presbytery Meeting 2009-01-27 The meeting was hosted at Wayne Presbyterian Church, which is conveniently located at a very scenic backdrop. A host of volunteers warmly welcomed, registered and served the members of the Presbytery. Elder Barkley Calkins gave a moving sermon entitled “Called as Partners In Christ’s Service.” The message was about the genocide in Dharfour and how, as a body of Christ, we could practically support the cause and have a voice to stop the atrocities. Rev. David Thornton concluded by singing a resonating solo hymn and the Revs. Lilia-Ramirez-Jiminez and You Tae Kim conducted a Multilingual Sacrament Service of Holy Communion.

During the worship service Rev. Donald Brown was installed as the new Moderator for 2009 and Elder Sophie D. Corporan was installed as Vice-Moderator. The retiring Moderator, Elder Barkely Calkins, presented the symbols of office.

The Presbytery,

received/welcomed/examined and approved:

- Ms Michelle Burdick, of West Side Presbyterian Church, as a candidate.

- Rev. Christina Hindley, as Interim Pastor of the South Presbyterian Church of Bergenfield, for the period of one year beginning February 1, 2009.

- Rev. Gareth Icenogle, to serve as Pastor of West-Side Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood beginning February 1, 2009.

- Rev. GustavoVasquez Paredes (current Designated Pastor), to be installed as Pastor of West New York, beginning January 1, 2009.

Dismissed with thanks and appreciation:

- Rev. Dr. David Thornton of the United Presbyterian Church of Paterson, effective February 28, 2009, in order to accept another call, and appointed Rev. Katherine Cunningham as Moderator of the Session, effective March 1, 2009.

The Bills and Overtures Committee Chair, Rev. Janet MacGregor-Williams introduced the proposed Amendments, allocated time for discussions and the official action of the Presbytery with respect to the first 4 Proposed Amendments was as follows:

08-A Vows of Membership - On Amending G-5.0200 - NEGATIVE

08-B Ordained Officers - On Amending G-6.0106b, G-14.0240, and G-14.0450 - AFFIRMATIVE [ by written ballot, with 35 in favor, 20 opposed, and with 2 abstentions]

08-C Replacing the Word, “Sympathy” with the Word, “Compassion” - On Amending G-6.0202b and G-6.0401 - NEGATIVE

08-D General Assembly Mission Council Name Change - On Amending Throughout the Book of Order – AFFIRMATIVE

In the next Stated Meeting(s) other proposed amendments will be discussed and voted upon, as time allows.

The meeting was concluded by prayer and thanks to the hosting Church for a well done and wonderful job.

All documents discussed at this meeting are posted on the website under Pre-Pak and Day-of for your convenience.

THE NEXT STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY

WILL BE HELD ON

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009

AT THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

OF RUTHERFORD

Portugueses Speaking Ministry

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:53:42 -0500

Portugueses Speaking Ministry O grupo de brasileiros apoiado pelo Presbytery of the Palisades se reuniu no dia 27 de Novembro na casa do Rev. Sandro Ferreira e sua esposa Vanessa para a celebração do Thanksgiving. Um encontro de 20 pessoas para louvar e agradecer a Deus pelas bênçãos recebidas durante o ano. Depois do culto, um momento de confraternização com um jantar muito especial.

“Nossa visão é plantar uma igreja presbiteriana de língua portuguesa alicerçada nos princípios da Escritura Sagrada com atenção especial para as diversas necessidades dos imigrantes que aqui vivem, propondo-nos sermos uma família de apoio para o desenvolvimento social e espiritual de todos. Agradecemos o apoio do Presbitério de Palisades e contamos com as orações de todos.” Rev. Sandro Ferreira.

Highlights From The Presbytery Stated Meeting November 18, 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:39:51 -0500

Thanksgiving

The meeting was hosted and warmly greeted by The First Presbyterian Church at Elmwood Park. Rev. Dr. Eileen W. Lindner gave a moving sermon entitled “The Original Ya Ya Sisterhood.” All staff participated in the service of worship, and the assembly was engaged in special responses and prayer for the Children. Cash offerings were designated for the Berean Presbyterian Church in New Orleans and food donations were passed on to the Passaic Presbyterian Church for the Thanksgiving Drive.

The Pre-Presbytery Meeting was lead by Rev. Richard Hong, in which the new Confirmands program was introduced and discussed. More information will be circulated soon.

The Meeting was opened by prayer from the Moderator, Elder Barkley Calkins. Proceedings of the meeting continued as per the approved agenda.

The special guest speaker, Elder Julia Thorne, Manager of Immigration Issues and Immigration Council in the office of the General Assembly, was invited by the Multicultural Presbyter, Elder Joseph Faragalla, to address the Presbytery regarding those issues. A separate report about the two-day visit will be circulated shortly.

Additional Reports (All the Pre-Pak and Day-Of documents are posted on the website www.palpres.org):

- The GA commissioners to the 218th Assembly (Revs. Jeff Leininger, Esther Kim, and Elder Paul Talarico) gave a brief oral report about their different but wonderful experiences being in the Assembly and participating in the various committees.

- Rev. Craig Rule, Chair of the Pensions and Benefits Committee emphasized the following:
o The covenantal nature of the Shared Pool Medical Wrap Around depends upon the commitment and timely participation of all our churches. (All dues must be received by March every year).
o Special attention should be given to the claims re Maintenance Drugs. The additional cost incurred for not using the home-delivery program will not be reimbursed by the plan.
o “Terms of Call” Forms should be completed, as soon as you receive them, and sent to COM for approval and the “Salary Change” Form should be duly sent to the Board of Pensions. Failing to do so may result in serious consequences.

- Rev. Janet MacGregor-Williams reported on behalf of the Task Force that the process is in place for hiring a consultant/ evaluator for the Team Model. The consultant will assist the Task Force in making further recommendations.

Actions/Approvals by the Presbytery:
- The slate of nominations as presented by the Nominating Committee

- 2009 budget and per capita apportionment (Total of $27.00 per communicant member) as presented by the Finance Committee. Per capita dollars will be allocated as follows:
o Presbytery portion $17.20
o Synod portion $ 3.76
o GA portion $ 6.04

- Recommendations by the Personnel Committee, to extend the three Presbyters’ contracts until December 2009 and proceed with the review process were discussed and approved.

- Elder Patricia Pastas was commissioned to serve Hispanic congregations with particular emphasis on Christian Education. The Moderator propounded the constitutional questions.

- The cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.85% over 2008 making the TES $54,744 for 2009.

- Shared Grant with the Board Of pensions, in the amount of $1,600.00 for the widow of a Presbyterian Minister. (Presbytery portion is $800.-)

- Validating the ministry of Rev. Yung Sun Esther Kim, by designating her to work as an Evangelist.

Upcoming events noted:
- Dec. 7, at West Milford Presbyterian Church, 7:30 pm “Jazz Vespers” will present a service full of Christmas Music
- Dec. 14, at Leonia Presbyterian Church, 4:00 pm “The Messiah” group singing
- Dec. 15, Conversations about Stewardship with the team from Hudson River Presbytery at the Presbytery office beginning at 11:30 am. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to the presbytery office.
- Dec 21, at The Presbyterian Church of Teaneck, 5:00 pm “A Soulful Christmas Celebration”

- Jan 8, 2009, Meeting, greeting and orienting new Committee and Unit Members and Moderators, 6:30 p.m.@ Presbytery Office

The meeting closed in prayer.

The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery
will be held on
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
at the Wayne Presbyterian Church