Presbytery Meeting Highlights – September 2022

Presbytery Meeting Summary – September 2022 – Johnsonburg Camp

It was a beautiful day at Camp Johnsonburg for the eighth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Highlands. September 10 was our first hybrid meeting of the year, with approximately 40 online and 60 onsite, these last able to enjoy the picture perfect weather.

The meeting opened with joy as Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Tracey Henry (Clinton), presented Elise Bates-Russell, Executive Director of Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, with a check for $100,000 toward Johnsonburg’s capital campaign.

The good news continued as the Rev. Amy Lincoln, member of the Nominating Committee, announced the Presbytery’s leadership for 2023, Moderator  Rev. Tom Brown ( Chatham Township), and  Elder Sue Cail ( Ringwood). They will be installed at the November Presbytery meeting, taking office in January. The assembled also learned that their commissioners to the upcoming Synod Assembly will be the Revs. Stephen Choi (Stewartsville) and Scott DeCaro (Alpha and Westminster), Elders Lisa Gray (Old Greenwich) and Donna Rahman (Fairmount), and Young Adult Advisory Delegate Catherine Morgan (Ringwood). The news that Stephen Choi will be installed as the Moderator of the Synod of the Northeast in October was met with applause.

Property and Insurance Co-Moderator Rev.  Julie Rafferty ( Franklin) informed the Presbytery that given the concerns that several congregations have raised regarding our current insurance provider, P&I and the Presbytery are exploring other possible providers. Watch for more information on this

Moderator Tracey preaching

important matter.

Elder Pete Peterson,(Fairmount), Co-Moderator of the Administration and Coordinating Team, and member of its Budget Team, took the floor to present a first reading of the 2023 budget. While the budget as a whole will be voted upon in November, at this meeting it was determined that the 2023 Per Capita will be $42.50.

Churches are urged to fulfill their Per Capita commitment. It is a crucial part of our shared ministry in Highlands Presbytery, the Synod of the Northeast, the General Assembly, and throughout the world.

Presbytery Leader Rev. Jeanne Radak  shared word of some new opportunities for congregations as we emerge out of the COVID world we have been living in. The first two challenges are available now, one of which paves the way for churches to receive a grant in pursuit of new mission-focused goals. The last two challenges will be available in October.

Following this challenge to get out into the world, we heard from someone who has done just that. The Rev. Unzu Lee, minister member of Highlands Presbytery and regional liaison for East Asia, provided recorded greetings and news on the Presbyterian Church’s work on ecumenical relations in South Korea, North Korea, and Hong Kong. She will also be speaking in person at an upcoming Presbytery luncheon.

Laura Choi – Candidate for Ministry

A new feature to our presbytery meetings gave members an opportunity to share how they and their congregations are involved in the world. “30 Second Announcements” are just that: half a minute for you to share an upcoming event, something to celebrate, or a prayer concern.

Highlands Presbytery was blessed to have four commissioners at this year’s General Assembly: Elders Scott Riker (Highlands) and Bob Zeh (Flemington), and Revs.  Katherine Scott Kirschner (Sussex) and David Young (Newton). Those gathered were able to see a short trailer of the videos that each commissioner prepared to speak of their experience and learning. In addition to the invitation to join a Town Hall Zoom meeting with our commissioners, those in attendance were also asked to discern whether God might be calling them to service on one of the national committees that emerged from the General Assembly.

Among the highest of highlights is seeing those progress toward the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and meeting those new pastors among us. Laura Choi successfully transitioned from Inquirer to Candidate, and continues her studies at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and her engagement with the world. We also met two new pastors in the Presbytery:  Revs. Scott DeCaro (now at both Alpha and Williamsburg), Scot McCachren (Mendham, Hilltop). Melanie Williams, who became a Candidate in May, was introduced as a Student Pastor, serving the Andover Presbyterian Church. Finally, Jennifer Miller (Old Greenwich) was recognized for achieving the status of Certified Christian Educator Associate, for the ministry of education to which she has been called.

The meeting closed with worship and released us into the world. Tracey Henry preached “On Giants and Grasshoppers” from Number 13, and she and Tom Brown presided at the Lord’s Supper. Music was courtesy of  Rev. Rich Gelson, including the piece “Trust the Clouds” from his new album, Campfires.

Upon adjournment, many of those at Johnsonburg shared lunch under a tent and took advantage of the beautiful weather to enjoy the amenities of land, sea, and sky through walking and talking, water sports, and high ropes.

Highlands Gives Johnsonburg $100,000 Gift

Presbytery Moderator, the Rev. Tracey Henry, presented Elise Bates-Russell, Executive Director of Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, with a check for $100,000 toward Johnsonburg’s current capital campaign. Once again, we were reminded of the Gospel truth that death does not have the last word, as these funds were made available through the sale of the Pompton Valley property. The stewardship and generosity of this congregation will live on for generations through this gift.

In thanking the Presbytery for this significant contribution, Elise shared that Camp Johnsonburg experienced a goal-breaking year, with more campers than expected. She also noted that news of the Presbytery’s gift was being used to encourage other presbytery partners to match Highlands Presbytery’s generosity.

2023 Budget Presentation

Pete Peterson (RE, Fairmount), Co-Moderator of the Administration and Coordinating Team and member of its Budget Team, then took the floor to present a first reading of the 2023 budget. The Presbytery was informed that investments and sale of property led to an increase in revenue, and that significant progress was made in its goal to further reduce the deficit, as was promised at the outset of this new presbytery.

As is our practice, while the next year’s budget will not be finalized until the November Presbytery meeting, the September meeting included voting on Per Capita. In 2023, the total Per Capita will $42.50 ($28.40 for the Presbytery, $4.25 for the Synod, and $9.85 for the General Assembly).

Churches are reminded to meet their Per Capita payments as part of our shared ministry commitment.

Meet the New Pastors

Rev. Scot McCachren – Mendham

Rev. Scott DeCaro – Westminster and Alpha

Melanie Williams – Student Intern – Andover

Jennifer Miller, Certified Christian Educator Associate

As Presbyterians, we know that gifts of the Spirit are not limited to teaching and ruling elders. Jennifer Miller was recognized for achieving the status of Certified Christian Educator Associate. According to the General Assembly:

Christian educators are persons called by God to a ministry of education who demonstrate their faith in and love for Jesus Christ, are dedicated to the life of faith and are serious in purpose, honest in character and joyful in service. It is expected that Christian educators be persons with skills and training in biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, human development, religious education theory and practice, and the polity, programs and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Jennifer is a member of Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church in Stewartsville.

The Clergy Care Fund Needs You!

The Clergy Care Fund Needs You!

The Clergy Care Fund supports pastors in times of emergency and crisis. In 2022 we have had five requests for support.  You gift is needed and appreciated.

You can still contribute to the Clergy Care Fund! which assists pastors in times of crisis and emergency. Gifts may be given online using the QR Code, texting “PRESBY Meeting” to 73256 or send a check to the Presbytery of the Highlands.

225th General Assembly

Highlands Presbytery was blessed to have four commissioners at this year’s General Assembly: Ruling Elders Scott Riker (Highlands) and Bob Zeh (Flemington), and Teaching Elders Katherine Scott Kirschner (Sussex) and David Young (Newton). Those gathered were able to see a short trailer of the videos that each commissioner prepared to speak of their experience and learning. Those in attendance were also asked to discern whether God might be calling them to service on one of the national committees that emerged from the General Assembly.

Are you feeling called to serve on a General Assembly committee?

The General Assembly Nominating Committee is now receiving self-nominations for the special committees, commissions, and teams that will act on decisions made at the recent General Assembly — and it is looking for people just like you to participate! And if not you, perhaps someone you think should apply.

The impact you can have on the church is quite significant; and equally significant is the time and energy required. But if there is an opportunity that really speaks to you, go to https://ganominations.pcusa.org/ . Among the openings is a place on the Funding Model Development Team that came out of Newton Presbytery.

You will find descriptions and an application on the website, as well as the eligibility requirements (for example, ruling elder, teaching elder, young adult advisory delegate).

The opportunities are:

  • 2020 Guiding Statement Implementation Team
  • Commission to Unify the Office of the General Assembly and the

Presbyterian Mission Agency

  • Funding Model Development Team
  • Special Committee on the PCUSA and Race
  • Special Committee to Revise the Standing Rules
  • Special Committee to Write a New Confession –
  • Task Force to Explore the Theology and Practice of Ordination

The deadline to apply is October 14, 2022. To learn more, go to https://ganominations.pcusa.org/