For Such A Time As This

The Council of the Presbytery of the Palisades felt drawn to some consideration of the ways in which our churches might minister to the needs of members and neighbors in the present climate of economic hardship.  We know that individuals have lost jobs, families have lost their homes and health care coverage and that those on fixed income have grown fearful for their well-being.  Many of our congregations have learned that members will not be able to fulfill their financial pledges to the church and some have withdrawn their children from day care or even college in the face of economic distress.

At minimum, reasoned the Council, the churches should take this opportunity to talk together about the needs in northern New Jersey as the nation and the world slide more deeply into economic recession.  A pre-Presbytery event was organized to precede the March 17, 2009 Presbytery meeting in Rutherford, NJ.  Representatives, lay and clergy, participated from some 30+ congregations.  In the discussion which followed there was immediate consensus that the deepening economic crises offers new challenges and opportunities in every area of ministry and mission including; direct service such as feeding programs; pastoral care –for those who have lost jobs or had to withdraw from school; advocacy among public officials to establish equitable policies to provide critical services; education –with regard to how we corporately have come to this circumstance and what we might need to do to resolve the most serious consequences. It soon became evident that no one response will be appropriate or adequate for all the churches in our Presbytery. Several churches have begun responding in ways which respond to the specific needs of their communities. (See “The Churches Respond” section of this website to learn what churches are doing)

Our March 17th discussion also reflected our awareness that the economic downturn has resulted in new challenges to public and private service agencies as well. Demand for feeding and food programs is up while contributions are down and the state funding has stopped.  Homeless shelter demand is up while the capacity to meet the need remains static.  Organizations that used to hold job fairs have no positions to offer. Financial and economic counseling is presently in short supply especially for those who cannot pay for such services. It was agreed that we might be well served by sharing our knowledge of resources and to update them with current information as it becomes available.  (See the “Community Resources” section of this website.)

We did agree that we would continue to develop together the resources of this website and to continue to hold in prayer all those adversely affected by economic factors as well as those charged with bringing about changes in our financial institutions and regulatory agencies. Moreover, we committed to staying in conversation with one another so that we may together find the most faithful ways to show the love of God which is in Jesus Christ in this moment of human suffering.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Become a part of the Presbytery of the Palisades mission response to the current moment by:

1) Committing to daily prayer personally and weekly prayer within your congregation for those who suffer in the present moment.

2) Sharing news of your congregation’s response to the needs of others whether through contribution of food, money, time or development of a specific program. Your story will encourage others and will provide an example for those seeking to respond. (Post your congregation’s story on the website)

3) Contribute additional information about resources available in the community for inclusion in this website.

4) Seek our new institutional partners to maximize the effectiveness of your efforts whether with other Presbyterian churches, in ecumenical settings or in interfaith relationships.

In all that you do, may God continue to bless and keep you in this important ministry.

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