The Presbytery of the Palisades

Highlights of the Stated Meeting March 20, 2012

Maha Faragalla — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:40:15 -0400

The sunshine was pouring in the, not so typical sanctuary, of the Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes, as it opened its doors to warmly welcome presbytery members. Elders, Deacons, officers, Administrative Staff together with Rev. Louis Kilgore, managed to set-up and accommodate the various needs of the meeting, which were many at this particular time. Everyone worked together gracefully and efficiently to convert the space from meeting, to eating to worship...and it was all with the sense of being on Holy Ground in the presence of God. This theme of worship was so cleverly woven throughout the entire time, seamlessly including the business items, the inspiring message of Rev. Kilgore and the special music and songs. Everyone was touched and inspired by the creativity and hard work in planning and preparing such a gathering of God’s people.

Highlights of the Stated Meeting January 24, 2012

Maha Faragalla — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:20:07 -0500

Elders, Deacons, officers, and Pastor of the South Church, Bergenfield, Rev. Donald Brown, welcomed warmly, served graciously and extended generous hospitality to the Presbytery members.

The Worship Team organized the order of Worship in a new and engaging way, which promoted fellowship, sharing of our faith and God’s work in our individual and corporate lives. Worship was led by Revs. Jon Brown and Bob Tomlinson. Rev. Bob Tomlinson also gave an inspiring message from the Gospel of Mark and God’s transformational work within us.

The Presbytery approved the minutes of November 15, 2011 and the consent agenda. (See posted documents for details www.palpres.org ).

Highlights of the Stated meeting November 15, 2011

Maha Faragalla — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:11:59 -0500

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 ).

Highlights of the Stated Meeting, September 20, 2011

Maha Faragalla — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:42:30 -0400

The meeting was hosted by the Trinity PC in Paramus, home of the Moderator, Rev. Dr. Samuel Stone. Elder Sophie Stone, and the team of elders and volunteers, warmly welcomed the Presbytery members and served a delicious Chinese dinner. The Children’s Gospel Dancers performed an expressive dance during worship and Rev. Stone gave an inspiring sermon entitled: “Happiness Under Attack.”

The Presbytery approved the minutes of June 21, 2011 and the consent agenda.

International Peacemaker Visits the Palisades

Maha Faragalla — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:20:51 -0400

Arda Aghazarian, International Peacemaker, will be visiting the Presbytery of the Palisades September 23-27, 2011.

Ms Aghazarian, is touring several Presbyteries as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the General Assembly Mission Council. The Mission Communication Committee, organized the visiting schedule with the following host Churches: (Click on the name of the Church for address and directions)

September 23, 8 p.m. speaking to youth and young adults (English service) @ Mid East Evangelical Church J.C.
September 24, 4 p.m. English, at FPC Englewood, and at 7 p.m. Arabic @ Mid East Evangelical J.C.
September 25, 10 a.m. English @ WS PC Ridgewood and 11 a.m. Armenian @ The Armenian PC in Paramus.
September 26, 7 p.m. @ West Side PC Ridgewood for fellowship and follow-up.
For more information or details please contact Paul Talarico paultalarico@optonline.net

You may also read Ms Aghazarian's publication in The Nation www.thenation.com

All are welcome to attend and invite others.

Youth Mission Trip to Washington DC

Maha Faragalla — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:46:06 -0400

Report from Rev. Janet McGreggor-Williams:

Youth Mission Trip to Washington DC From July 24 -31, seven youth and three adults from Palisades Presbytery went on a mission trip to Washington DC, with TeamEffort. We stepped out of our own comfort zone and had a variety of opportunities to explore what mission is all about. No two days were the same. We fed the homeless, picked vegetables that went to food pantries, and hung out with children at a youth center. We gained a deeper appreciation for the food we eat and the hands that grow it. As we played with children in the “projects” we saw that they just wanted love and acceptance. A day feeding the homeless in DC took us to a park opposite the Whitehouse, were we took time to meet the homeless and hear their stories. Though people looked at us strange, we realized that the homeless are people too. It made us wonder if our parents lost a job and unemployment ran out—would we be able to keep our homes. We learned to work together as a team, supporting and encouraging each other. Jesus had knack for seeing the people that everyone else overlooked. He was committed to caring for others. This experience has helped us see the neglected and overlooked, the oppressed and the disenfranchised. It has enlarged the world view that the youth have and challenged us to focus not on scarcity, but abundance.

Highlights of the Stated Meeting, June 21, 2011

Maha Faragalla — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:44:36 -0400

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 25^th 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.

Better Together: A Multicultural Celebration of Pentecost

Maha Faragalla — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:27:56 -0400

Better Together - Pentecost Multilingual Worship

What a celebration of Pentecost! On June 5, 2011, one message resounded through the santuary of the Pilgrim Church in Paramus New Jersey: We are One was expressed through... the enchanting choirs in Korean, English, and Spanish; including Negro Spirituals sung by the African American Choir…in the different musical instruments and singing which compelled the congregation to stand, join their hearts and hands as they clapped and gave standing ovations... The word of God from Acts 2:1-12 was read in 11 different languages, English, Russian, Aramaic, Armenian, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Akan (West Africa)... The inspiring sermon “The Work of the Holy Spirit,” reminded us once again that Pentecost knows no national boundaries, no language barriers, no time limit, and manifests in nontraditional ways; the unexpected, unprecedented and unplanned move of God!

Working together the three Presbyteries: Eastern Korean, Newark and the Palisades, truly expressed that together we can go farther, be stronger and our witness becomes more powerful. It’s so much better together….

Thank you to the hosting church Pastor and members, who toiled long and hard to provide the attendees with plenty of delicious food and blessed everyone with their warm hospitality.

Administrative Professionals Day

Maha Faragalla — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:35:56 -0400

Administrative Professionals Day The Council of the Presbytery hosted an Appreciation Dinner for Administrative Staff & Clerks of Session on April 27, 2011. The dinner was held in recognition of the unsung heroes who work hard to support the mission of the Presbytery, and it was hosted at "Mangiamo" Pizza & Restaurant in Paramus. Guests sat in small mixed groups and were served delectable Italian food. They participated in games which promoted conversation, laughter, and fun.

Transitional Associate for Congregational Support

Maha Faragalla — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:30:21 -0400

New Ministry Opportunity in the
Presbytery of West Virginia

Transitional Associate for Congregational Support

Applications are sought for this new position which will provide professional staff support to presbytery committees and congregations during the transition time of our mission study and the possible restructuring of our staff. In particular the Transitional Associate will work closely with churches in transition or crisis, the Congregational Development Committee and the Committee on Ministry. He/She will work with small churches to inspire hope, generate vision, and challenge them to consider new models for ministry. The terms of service for this position are two years, renewable yearly after the first two years or until the position is formally restructured.

Job/Position Descriptions, Application process information, Sexual Misconduct Policy, Supplementary Questions and other details are available on the website at www.wvpresbytery.org.