The Presbytery of the Palisades

Clerks of Session Workshop

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:12:03 -0400

The Presbytery Day, May 17, 2008 provides a rare opportunity for all Clerks of Session to meet together, share views, and hear from our experienced and well informed Stated Clerk about your vital role in the lives of our congregations.

Please make every effort possible to attend this long awaited workshop.
You may call or e-mail the office with your information, or use the sign up sheet attached.

201-599-1111
info@palpres.org

Invitation: Mission Trip to Santa Marta, Colombia

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:00:18 -0400

July 28-August 6, 2008

The Nueva Esperanza Presbyterian Church in Jersey City is inviting you to join our mission trip to Santa Marta, Colombia, South America. Members of your church, college students, members of your community are all welcome.
The approximate cost is $1,545. That includes round trip ticket, hotel accommodation, food, and ground transportation in Santa Marta and Cartagena.
Some of the activities will include:

1. Worship on a Sunday morning with La Puerta Reformed Church. You can participate in the worship service if you desire, and there may be an opportunity to preach.

2. Visit the La Puerta Displaced Children Shelter and School.

3. Visit the Chimilas Indian Tribe Reservation, and share a devotional, then a lunch at the reservation. La Puerta Church is helping and ministering to this Indian Tribe. They had suffered oppression, hunger and hardship. A car will take us close to their reservation, and then we will walk 20 minutes to enter their community.

4. As a learning experience, we will visit the city of Cartagena, a historic city in Colombia. Many African slaves were brought to this city in the past. You will have the opportunity to visit museums and learn about that sad part of history. We will spend a whole day Cartagena, as there is a lot to see in this city.

5. We will visit Tayrona Park. A beautiful natural park on land that “Pre-Colombian” Indians inhabited in the past. An ideal and exotic place for camping.

6. For those who like hiking Santa Marta has plenty places to visit. All levels - from amateur to professional hikers can be accommodated.

7. You will have free time to visit different sites, or just rest and relax.

8. You will have an opportunity to practice your ‘High School’ Spanish.

9. An opportunity to share with, and to appreciate a culture different from our own.

10. To experience another context in which the Christian faith is practiced.

Have a great Pentecost celebration. I am looking forward hearing from you.
Fraternally in Christ,
Milton

Rev. Milton Nunez-Coba
170 Saint Nicholas Ave.
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 406-1742 miltnn@aol.com

Introduction to Congregational Transformation

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:46:17 -0400

NYTS offers: MMA286 Introduction to Congregational Transformation

This class will provide a foundational understanding of why transformation must be the core focus any effective ministry through the exploration of personal and communal transformation.

This exploration will consider the impact "contemporarry" issues of congregational transformation will have on their individual ministries. Various contemporary models will be identified and discussed. Participants will be introduced to tools that will assist them in functioning effectively in the 21st century church milieu.

Summer course registration: May 6-8, 2008 REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

PROFESSOR: Rev. Dr. Wanda Lundy

CLASS DATES: August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
                            August 23; 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Riverside Church (Room 416)
                   490 Riverside Drive
                   New York, NY 10027

TUITION: 3 Course credits/ $ 375 per credit; Audit calss / $100 per credit
* Please bring a copy of Bachelor's Degree.

For additional information contact:
Registrar Lydia Bumgardner at 212-870-1207 or email: lbumgardner@nyts.edu

PoP Shots from the Presbytery Stated Meeting- April 15, 2008

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:51:52 -0400

Presbytery Meeting 2008-04-15 The meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Carlstadt. The theme of this gathering, as outlined by the Council, was directed towards stewardship of the Environment. The Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of Green Faith, gave a pre-presbytery presentation and preached a message entitled “Homily.” Green Faith is an Interfaith Partner in Action for the Earth. The worship service was organized by The Rev. David Thornton and other participants in worship were: Rev. Donald Pitches, Rev. Justin Choi, Elder Joseph Faragalla, Rev. Debra Given, and
Rev. Peter Strand.
The Meeting was opened with the installation of the Vice-Moderator, Rev. Donald Brown. Rev. Brown is Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in North Haledon. The Moderator, Elder Barkley Calkins, presided and propounded the constitutional questions.

The minutes and consent agenda were approved.

Rev. Philip Gehman, Regional Representative of Board of Pensions, presented a report about the services of the Board of Pensions and introduced the improved website (www.pensions.org) which should prove very informative and helpful to members.

The Pensions and Benefits Chair made a report and outlined some procedures regarding the process of the Shared Pool Medical Wrap-Around claim reimbursements.

The Transformational and Multicultural Presbyters presented a team report. As well as working individually with the different Churches, they worked together encouraging the Paterson Council and the collaborative work of these Churches. They also attended and participated in the recent 2008 Multicultural Conference, which was held in San Antonio, Texas.

The Multicultural Conference was attended by ten other Pastors and Elders of the Palisades representing six ethnic groups, of which Revs Wanda Lundy, Beverly Dempsey and Gustavo Vasquez-Paredes are also part of the National Multicultural Network.

An announcement regarding the upcoming Presbytery Day, May 17, 2008 was made. Flyers and registration forms were distributed by hand and through e-mail.

The Presbytery Administrator made reference to:
- Attending a recent training session of ACS Technologies, this led to the continuous expansion of the ACS Data system in order to serve all the needs of the Presbytery.
- New features are introduced on the Website. Some of which are more a more user friendly menu and interactive forms.
- Feedback needed in order to improve the information packages and relevant forms for Treasurers, Clerks of Session, and New Pastors.
- Invitation to dialogue and continue to explore possibilities to find the best means to keep those without internet capabilities informed and included.
All the above tools and means should be used to the maximum capabilities in order to move us forward in our mission.

The Council Chair added to the written report three elements the Council is engaged in:
- Praying for the congregations’ needs, joys and concerns.
- Addressing the emotional needs associated with financial giving crisis.
- Meaningful worship forums in the Presbytery Meetings.

The Congregational Planning and Mission Strategy Unit sponsored a Latino Ministry presentation of a Video on Multiculturalism (Part 1). Two other parts will follow in upcoming meetings.

The Social Justice Priorities Unit presented a very encouraging historical and current review of the work of Katrina Response Team. Through the last two years the team was able to organize eight work trips, 130 volunteers and the equivalent of 1,000 (4 years) of work. The Presbytery raised around $120,000 (not including the Presbyterian Disaster Aid) to aid victims of New Orleans and built houses for three families. The current project is to help build “Gloria’s House.” For more information contact Rev. Craig Rule, cwrule@tenaflychurch.org.

The Committee on Ministry approved the call and introduced Rev. Seong-Sik Heo, called to serve True Light Presbyterian Church of Teaneck.

The Nominating Committee introduced a slate of nominations to the General Assembly, Treasurer Position, Committee on Representation, Personnel Committee, Mission Communication Unit and Spiritual Theology and Development.

The Personnel Committee Chair introduced a brief summary of the new Teamwork Leadership Model and the importantance of bringing many gifts and skills together to accomplish the goals and fulfill the mission. Elder Jones also stated the importance of retaining a Connectional Presbyter as soon as possible to support ithe congregations.

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry introduced Jacqui VanVliet, member of the West-Side Ridgewood Presbyterian Church, as a new candidate. Ms VanVliet was examined and approved by the Presbytery.

At the end of the meeting a new draft proposal was submitted by a group of Elders and Pastors which was two-fold:
1- Part 1: To move forward with the search and retain the Connectional Presbyter as soon as possible. This was approved by the Presbytery.
2- Part 2: To introduce and recommend a facilitator for the evaluation and effective implementation of the Shared Model. This will be discussed in length in a special meeting to be held on April 29, 2008 in South Bergenfield Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned by thanking the hosting Church and by prayer.
The next Scheduled Presbytery Meeting will be held at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church

Dates to remember:
- Spring Women Gathering, April 26, 2008 at Warren Point Presbyterian Church, Fair Lawn.
- Presbytery Day, May 17, 2008 at West Side Ridgewood Presbyterian Church
- Summer 2008 work – Mission trip, August 10-16, sponsored by The Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, N.J.
- Mission trip to the City of Santa Marta, Colombia – South America, July 28 – August 6, organized by Nueva Esperanza Presbyterian Church.

Presbytery Day Brochure

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:15:02 -0400

Presbytery Day - May 17, 2008
Westside Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ

Kindly announce this information and post it on your bulletin boards (for Sunday service). The completed registration forms may be mailed to the office or completed on-line and e-mailed. To download the Presbytery Day Brochure and the registration form, please click here.

(Duplicate form as needed)

PRESBYTERY DAY
MAY 17, 2008
SIGN-UP SHEET
Use for Individual or Team Registration
(Please print)

Church Name _____________________________________________

Contact Person _____________________________________________

Telephone Number __________________________________

Total number of persons________ Amount enclosed $_________

(Make checks payable to: The Presbytery of the Palisades)
(Early Registration Ends at April 25th )
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We will try to place each person in their first two choices.

Name __________________________________________________________

---Please choose 3 workshops---
1st Choice #____
2nd Choice #____
3rd Choice #____ (alternate)

Name __________________________________________________________

---Please choose 3 workshops---
1st Choice #____
2nd Choice #____
3rd Choice #____ (alternate)

Name ________________________________________________________

---Please choose 3 workshops---
1st Choice #____
2nd Choice #____
3rd Choice #____ (alternate)

Name _________________________________________________________

---Please choose 3 workshops---
1st Choice #____
2nd Choice #____
3rd Choice #____ (alternate)

Bring to Presbytery Meeting (April 15, 2008) or mail to:
Presbytery of the Palisades
650 Pascack Road
Paramus, NJ 07652

Uprooted - Paintings by Lucy Janjigian

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:49:32 -0500

Hatred, Repression, Genocide, Suddenly, an entire people is Uprooted... This powerful documentary begins with a brief History of Christian Armenia: victims of the Turks in the first genocide of the horrific twentieth century, movingly illustrated by Janjigian's first nineteen paintings. The rest of the collection reflects genocides as a scourge upon humanity. Please click the image to view the video.

Lucy Boyadjian Janjigian was born in Jerusalem of Armenian descent. Painting became her passion and she developed into an award-winning artist after many years of study at the Art Students League and the Stacy Studio Workshop in New York City. Lucy's work has been exhibited around the world and hangs in many public, private and corporate collections. Lucy can be reached at edlujig@mac.com for information regarding her video and art exhibition. You may also find some additional information about Lucy at http://www.ecva.org/wordimage/multimedia.htm

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:45:50 -0500

At the January 29, 2008 stated meeting of the Presbytery of the Palisades, Rev. Dr. Wanda Lundy, presented an inspiring message from the Book of Acts Chapter 2. The message challenged us to move together, in The Spirit, beyond our limitations, to fulfill God's higher purposes. Click on the picture to view the video.

The Meeting was opened with the installation of our new Moderator, Elder Barkley Calkins. Elder Calkins is from Highlands Presbyterian Church, Allendale. The retiring Moderator, Rev. Wanda Lundy, presented the Symbols of Office.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to those who fulfilled their term of service on various committees and units of the Presbytery.

The Transformational and Multicultural Presbyters presented a team report, outlining relationships and involvement with the congregations and the different committees/units of the Presbytery.

The Presbytery Administrator made reference to:
- The new 2008 Directories.
- Calendar of events circulated and posted on the website
- Packages of information and relevant 2008 forms for Treasurers and Clerks of Session
- Board of Pensions changes for 2008.
- Medical Warp Around contributions due by March 1st.

The Council presented the following recommendations, which were approved:
- Dismiss, with thanks, the Presbytery Missional Leadership Team.
- Presented a slate of nominees to serve in the Nominating Committee
          o Class of 2008: Rev. Esther Kim, Elder Dorothy Smith, Elder Jose Lopez
          o Class of 2009: Rev. Wayne Holcomb (Chair), Elder Clifford Lake, female elder (tba)
          o Class of 2010: Rev. Wanda Lundy, Elder Tim Roufael, Elder Willa Mae Taylor.
- Establish an Administrative Commission for the First Presbyterian Church of Passaic.
- Grant permission to the South Presbyterian Church of Bergenfield to sell specific lots.
- Grant permission to the Pompton Valley Presbyterian Church to sell the Church’s manse.
- Grant permission to the True Light Presbyterian Church of Teaneck to obtain a loan from PCUSA Investment and Loan Program.
- Enter into contract with Commercial Wall Systems Inc. to reconfigure the existing office space in order to accommodate the needs of the Presbytery Staff and officers, in light of lease changes.

The Committee on Ministry presented the following recommendations, which were approved:
- 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.-)
- Dissolve, with regret, the pastoral relationship between Rev. Jack Lohr and the Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes.
- Appoint the Rev. Michael Carrier to serve as moderator of the Session of Franklin Lakes.

The committee also drew attention to the importance of updating “Change of Salary” forms (2008) and reporting clergy expenses on the “Ministry Expense Report.”

The Administrative Commission of Claremont Lafayette United Presbyterian Church presented its complete report and recommendations. Because of the serious nature of the matter, Presbytery voted to hold a special meeting on February 28 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 650 Pascack Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

The Meeting adjourned with prayers and thanks for the hospitality of Ridgewood West Side Presbyterian Church.

The next Presbytery Stated Meeting will be held on April 15, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church of Carlstadt.

Presbytery in Worship

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:44:16 -0500

The beginning part of the worship at the West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, where the Presbytery gather for the first stated meeting of the year, on January 29, 2008. Enjoy the powerful organ music by Mrs. Joanne Harris Rodland, comforting prayer led by Rev. Hal Thornton, and beautiful scripture reading by Rev. Cheryl Kincaid. This video is followed by the Moderator, Rev. Dr. Wanda Lundy's inspiring message, "The Wind of Change."

Journey to Resurrection - 33 Paintings by Lucy Janjigian

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:25:05 -0500

source:orig border:1 align:none autoplay:0

Lucy Janjigian is a member of the West Side Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood, New Jersey. The 33 paintings that make up "Journey to Resurrection" are the evolution of many years of Bible study and Lucy's personal experiences growing up in Jerusalem.

Lucy's work has been exhibited around the world and hangs in many public, private and corporate collections.

Lucy can be reached at edlujig@mac.com for information regarding her video and art exhibition.

You may also find some additional information about Lucy at this website.

POP SHOTS - NOVEMBER 20, 2007 PRESBYTERY MEETING

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:27:06 -0500

POP Pics 2007-11 The meeting was held at West Milford Presbyterian Church, coinciding with the Church's 200th year celebrations. The Guest Preacher was Rev. Dr. J. Barrie Shepherd (H.R.), Minister Emeritus, First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, and author of numerous books. The sermon was entitled “Summoned by Bells.”

The Committee on Ministry conducted a Pre-Presbytery Seminar on Sexual Misconduct Prevention.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was conducted by the Revs. Lilia Ramirez-Jimenez and Gustavo Vasquez-Parades.

Greetings were conveyed from Rev. Sook Hee Bae, PCUSA missionary to Korea, who was visiting the Palisades and other areas in New Jersey as part of the Mission 07 Project.

Rev. Wanda Lundy, gave a few words of thanks to the Presbytery on completion of her term as Moderator. Rev. Lundy had previously requested to be excused from completing her round as Council Chair in the next year because of other responsibilities.

Elder Guillermo Lopez-Acosta also gave a final word of thanks, on completion of his term as Chair of Council in 2007.

The Presbytery dismissed Rev. Donna Frischknecht, who was ordained in South Bergenfield Presbyterian Church, to the Presbytery of Albany, upon their request, where she received a call to the First United Presbyterian Church of Salem.
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Presbytery Business Administrator
Highlighted the following:
- Some changes in the Maintenance Medication Program from Express Scripts that might affect Medical Wrap Around reimbursements.
- Deadline for processing 2006 reimbursements is December 15, 2007.
- The new Directories dated October 2007 include a section of information packages and forms relevant to ministers, clerks and treasurers. A copy should be available at each church office to be duplicated as needed.
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Council
The Presbytery approved the 2006 Audit Report and the 2008 budget, as presented by Elder Meg Meyer, Chair of Finance Committee and Mr. Paul Karoyan , Treasurer.
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Social Justice Priorities Unit
A “Survey of Social Justice Concerns” was prepared and sent in the Pre-Pak and Day-Of Paks, in order to better focus and streamline resources. The completed surveys were collected at the end of the meeting.
Katrina Response Team
Reported the overwhelming support received from various congregations. The Rev. Beverly Dempsey (Chair) thanked the Churches that gave so generously, and read a heartfelt “Thank You” letter received from South Louisiana Presbytery. Financial support keeps coming in and sent forward.
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Congregation Planning and Mission Strategy Unit (CPMS)
Presented for approval the plans to invite Rev. Sandro Ferreira, as an Evangelist to the Brazilian speaking community, residing in Jersey City, to be part of the Palisades Presbytery. The Presbytery approved the project, which will be (in-part) supported financially by the New Immigrant Groups Ministries Office of GAC and CPMS.
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Nominating Committee
Presented a slate of nominations to various committees and units and recommended the suspension of the Standing Rules and a motion to nominate the Rev. Beverly Dempsey as Chair of Council for one year. The slate of nominations, as presented and motion were approved
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The Presbytery approved the recommendations and directives of the Administrative Commission for the Claremont Lafayette United Presbyterian Church (CLUPC) regarding Rev. Rudolph Daniels.
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Other recommendations and approvals by the Presbytery:
- Presbytery approved lending CLUP $55,000 to be used as outlined in the written Consent Agenda item.
- Approved a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 3% over 2007. New Minimum effective salary of $53,227 for full-time positions for 2008.
- Granted Permission for Rev. Barbara Lucia to labor outside the bounds of Palisades, contingent upon her being granted permission by those Presbyteries within whose bounds she seeks to labor.
- Request the Presbytery of Newton to Dismiss the Rev. Elizabeth Morrison to the Presbytery of the Palisades, on order that she may serve as Interim Pastor of the Pompton Valley Presbyterian Church.
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Personnel Committee
Presbytery approved the following recommendations:
- 3% COLA increase for all compensated officers and staff of the Presbytery
- Increase in compensation of Rev. Gregory Keosaian
- Change in terms of the invitation of Rev. Bruce Tischler, retroactive for the year 2007, and proposed changes for 2008.
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Leadership Team Search Committee
Presented the detailed written report of historical events leading to interviews and recommendations for the two posted positions of Connectional and Multicultural Presbyters. The Presbytery voted (after a period of questioning and discussions) to extend the invitation to the position of Multicultural Presbyter, to Elder Joseph Faragalla. The candidate for Connectional Presbyter requested some more time to pursue other part- time positions available in New Jersey as a supplement.
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Congregational Support and Resourcing (CSR)
Recommended that Presbytery dismantle the existing Resource Centre, due to lack of maintenance staff, and turn to more up-to-date available technology. The internet is quicker, economical and easily accessible. The unit will recommend library sites to visit on-line.
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Future Meetings
The next regular presbytery meetings will be held on January 29, 2008, at West Side Ridgewood Presbyterian Church.
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FOR DETAILS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE WRITTEN REPORTS IN THE PRE=PAK AND DAY-OF PAKS