The Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey met for the first time in this new year, under a new theme discerned by our new moderator, the Rev. Tom Brown (Chatham Township). As he would reveal, our year will largely center on 2 Timothy 1:1-7, as we are invited to “rekindle the gift that is in our churches, places of ministry, and hearts that beat the rhythm of life every day.”

The service was led by Tom, who also preached, and Vice-Moderator Sue Cail (Ringwood), and included the singing of “O God, Our Help, in Ages Past,” led by Craig Barth (Morristown). Those assembled were reminded that, like embers waiting to be rekindled on a chilly morning the day after a campfire, it is now time for the embers of our ministries to be rekindled after the pandemic. After Presbytery Leader Jeanne Radak spoke on the Presbytery’s Quick Start Challenges, breakout groups offered a chance to share what in their church’s ministry is being rekindled, or could be. Such efforts might just meet the Challenge and its $1000 grant.

The Presbytery welcomed the Rev. Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo, who became the Executive Director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance this past October. The Presbytery was reminded of the many ways that PDA serves people in this country and around the world, in so many ways. Edwin was introduced by our own Rev. Meredith Mueller-Bolton (Frenchtown), who became a member of the PDA National Response Team following her own experience with disaster assistance following Hurricane Sandy. Highlands Presbytery is looking to encourage our churches and members to participate in the wide array of opportunities PDA provides.

For the second of four consecutive meetings, commissioners were asked to vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Thirty-three amendments came out of the 2022 General Assembly, and the Presbytery voted on seven of these at this meeting.

A new feature was introduced with this Zoom meeting: Digital Announcements. Attendees were invited to type announcements into the Chat function (or paste things prepared beforehand). After a period of time, the Moderator then lifted up highlights of the announcements, so people could look details up later.

Nominating Committee Moderator Barbara Aspinall (Meyersville) presented two new persons for election to serve on the Youth Leadership Formation Team. It was timely then, that shortly thereafter YLF Member Patrick Allred (Morristown) presented the Team’s report, including some exciting news and events.

Lisa Kolterjahn (Old Greenwich), Co-Moderator of the Property and Insurance Team, alerted the Presbytery to a forthcoming questionnaire regarding their experience with their current insurance coverage. Those gathered were also told that a manse lease template will be available as soon as possible.

Along with sharing her relevant experience during the voting on some of the amendments, our long-time colleague Elise Bates-Russell (Long Valley), Executive Director of the Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, also updated the Presbytery on their program and ministry, including their most diverse board ever.

Presbytery Leader Jeanne Radak introduced to the assembly an exciting new venture with fifteen other presbyteries, The Northeast Crossroads Call Finder. Covering presbyteries serving the greater New York City and Philadelphia metro regions, this will help both those churches wishing to publicize their vacancies, and those pastors searching for a new call.

One final item was presented by the Presbytery’s Stated Clerk, Steve Shussett. As required by the Book of Order, he reported the recent decision of the Permanent Judicial Commission to find Scott Foster guilty on charges of Adultery, Sexual Misconduct, and Accepting Payments. As a result, he is now Temporarily Excluded from the Exercise of Ordered Ministry, the second most severe censure. The Committee on Ministry will oversee the process determined by the PJC for any reinstatement. This will require such things as psychological assessments, counseling, and formal apologies to church and Presbytery. The written report, and the video of the entire meeting, including the reading of the report, will be made available in the coming weeks. The Moderator ended this report with prayer for all affected, and gratitude for those who fulfilled this difficult, but necessary responsibility.