Congregation Planning and Mission Strategy Unit (CPMS)
Description (According to the Presbytery's Standing Rules)
This Unit is to assist congregations in their planning process. It is to encourage the development of cluster groups to address common needs of congregations and to direct congregational mission to society. It is to analyze recommendations and requests for funding of mission programs, with priority attention being given to urban ministries. It is to allocate the funding for Presbytery mission programs and is to be responsible for continuous monitoring and evaluation of them.
This Unit assists churches to develop the kinds of ministry and congregational mission that will carry their witness into the future, especially in the face of changing community composition and environments. Funding to help support congregational mission projects can be applied for to this Unit. This year, twelve such projects were funded, ranging from the Safe Space summer camp in Paterson and the Loaves and Fishes meal program in Englewood to four ethnic minority focused ministries to Parish Nursing programs and others.
MEMBERSHIP: The Congregation Planning and Mission Strategy Unit is to have 18 members. There are three clergy and one elder in the Class of 2008 eligible for re-election to the Class of 2011, leaving two (2) vacancies, preferably for elders or an elder and an unordained layperson. The entire Class of 2009 is vacant, leaving six (6) positions to be filled; and the Class of 2010 has three clergy and two elders, with a vacancy for, preferably, one elder or unordained layperson.
MEETINGS: Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, beginning at 7:30 PM, at the Presbytery office and usually last between one and a half to two hours.
