Council
Our Mission
The Presbytery Council’s mission is to promote the growth, work and health of the Presbytery as an instance of the body of Christ. It has a special concern for the relationship of the Presbytery to its congregations, and the coordination and effectiveness of its ministry units.
Our Uniqueness
In the spirit of that mission, the Council, embracing the unique shared leadership model embodied in the Executive Presbyters Team (EPT), as well as the cultural diversity of our Presbytery, is working to empower congregations, the clergy and the laity to explore and develop new forms of ministry that will joyfully bring God’s eternal and unchanging love to bear on the needs of a troubled and ever-changing world.
Our Witness
With the troubled economy producing stress on individuals, families and communities, representatives of the Council and the EPT convened a Pre-Presbytery meeting on March 17, 2009 to explore creative responses. Many possibilities were discussed, and new opportunities were created. As a result the website posted various community resources and church responses which are continually updated. One outcome of this meeting was that Highlands Presbyterian Church in Allendale, working in cooperation with the Creative Living Counseling Center, an Allendale-based pastoral counseling center, and the Allendale Clergy Association, began hosting an employment seekers support group called Opening Doors. The group now meets weekly for mutual support,networking, sharing of information and leads, and receiving advice from experts in the field. Opening Doors has become a place where people in transition come to shore up their self-esteem, recharge, pray and encourage one another. Want to know more? Click here
Our Property:
In June of 2009, the Council, recognizing the increasing frequency and complexity of the issues related to Church-owned property arising within the Presbytery, named a Task force to bring recommendations concerning property maintenance, management, insurance, lease, and sale, to the Council for consideration. The Task Force brought some recommendations to the Council and also identified several excellent resources which will be available to the Presbytery in 2010. More details to follow.
Our Leadership Development:
In cooperation with the Presbyteries of Newark, Elizabeth, a shared grant was obtained from the Board of Pensions for the Retooling Program desired to prepare the clergy for the challenges of ministry in the 21st Century. The Program began April 30, 2008 and will end in April 2010. Five Primary workshop leaders were invited to lead together with five panel respondents. The program served eleven ministers from the Palisades and sixteen from the other participating presbyteries. Participants found that the sessions were very helpful to their growth and ministry.
Our Denominational Relationships:
Through the Presbytery Leadership Team, the Council is working cooperatively with the Synod of the Northeast and the General Assembly on various ways to enrich our ministry.
With the General Assembly, our Presbytery participated in June of 2009 in the Big Tent event by sending around 15 people. There were much energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to share experiences among the participants. If you or any of your congregation are interested request a form from the Presbytery office. Want to know more about Big Tent 2011?
Our Hope
The Council is looking to 2010 with hope. Last meeting, in February, we welcomed Clint McCoy, Executive for Partnerships, and Florence Fletcher, Moderator of the Misison Design Team, both from the Synod of the North East. They were in conversation with the Council for input on new ways to mutually connect, support and resource each other.
The Council also discussed ways to move forward in order to implement the New Structure Design. As always we depend on your prayers, support and input.
