Presbytery Meeting Summary – March 14, 2023 via ZOOM
Continuing our 2023 theme drawn from 2 Timothy 1, the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey celebrated its second anniversary at this March meeting. In a text appropriate to the occasion, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you” (2 Timothy 1:5), those gathered witnessed the power of these words several times over. Over the course of the meeting, tied throughout by a litany of celebration, four congregations shared how the faith of God’s people is being lived out in tangible and meaningful ways in their particular context. Breakout Groups were also a part of worship, as participants were asked
- Who are your saints, personally and as a congregation?
- What gifts have they entrusted to you?
- How do you see them living on in your life and in your congregation and ministry?
Following a meditation by Moderator Tom Brown (Teaching Elder, Chatham Township) on the gifts that have been handed down over the generations, the Presbytery recognized those entering the Church Triumphant, ruling elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament who have died over the past year. This is an annual observance common to the entire Presbyterian Church (USA), including at the biennial General Assembly. It was fitting, then, to hear and sing “For All the Saints,” as provided by the Choir of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ringwood, under the direction of Music Director James Weber.
The Administration and Coordinating Team report, presented by Rev. Brad Morgan (Mt. Airy), included an update on 2022 Per Capita contributions and a video presentation of Rev. Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy’s Per Capita Song.
These two themes of “faith handed down” and “per capita” then dovetailed in the report of the Stillwater Administrative Commission. The Rev. Heather Morrison Yaden (Newton), Moderator of the Commission, presented its final report. This included the recommendation that the Church’s final assets be used to pay its per capita accrued over the last several years. The presbytery approved the recommendation and dismissed the Commission with thanks.
Rev. Hannah Faye Allred (Kitchell), member of the Presbytery Discernment Team, shared that the team was beginning their work. The team will lead the presbytery in discerning the question “where is God calling the Presbytery in mission and ministry?”
The presbytery approved the nomination of Elder Alec Jain (Morris Plains) to serve on the Administration and Coordinating Team.
Rev. Jacqui VanVliet, COM co-moderator, welcomed the Rev. Heather Morrison Yaden to her new position as Interim Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Newton. In addition, the Presbytery voted to allow the Rev. Kathi Heath to transition from Covenant Supply Pastor to Installed pastor at Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church in Chatham.
The presbytery voted in the affirmative on all six proposed amendments concerning changes to the Rules of Discipline of the Book of Order. At the May presbytery meeting the final six amendments will be presented for a vote. More information about the six amendments will be available mid-April
With a meaningful display of candlelight across the Zoom screens, Moderator Tom Brown and Vice Moderator Sue Cail closed with an evening prayer.
The next Stated Meeting will take place on May 9 at 7pm. It will be a hybrid meeting at Camp Johnsonsburg and via Zoom. Information on the meeting, as well as overnight accommodations and a planned pastors retreat will be available after Easter.
PER CAPITA MAKES THINGS HAPPEN
The Rev. Brad Morgan (Second English) provided an update from the Funds Development Team, part of the Administration and Coordinating Team. He reported that in 2022, 80% of expected per capita was received, from 85% of the churches in Highlands Presbytery. Those trends in the right direction have continued, as the first quarter of this year has seen contributions increase from 22% to 25% compared to last year.
To find images you can use to promote per capita in your congregation, or an audio file of the Rev. Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy (Old Greenwich) performing her “Per Capita Song, ” go to Per Capita Makes Things Happen
Voting on Amendments to the Book of Order
This meeting, the third of four to include proposed amendments to the Book of Order, focused on the final portion of this part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Constitution. There were six items to consider, five of these to amend the current Rules of Discipline. These were all approved, as was the sixth, which if accepted would replace the current “Rules of Discipline” with a new “Church Discipline.” This would be the first major revision of the disciplinary portion of the Book of Order since 1996, and would introduce more contemporary practices, and add needed clarity to the process.
Amendment Voting Results – November, January, March
Meet the New Pastors
Rev. Kathi Heath to be Installed as Pastor at Ogden Memorial
Committee on Ministry Co-Moderator Jacqui van Vliet presented to the Presbytery a rare but permissible action item. The Rev. Kathi Heath has been serving as Covenant Supply Pastor at the Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church in Chatham for several years. As permitted by the Book of Order, and according to the policies of Highlands Presbytery, the congregation’s request to have Rev. Heath made their installed pastor was approved. This required a congregational vote and a presbytery vote, both to exceed 75% in favor. This was easily achieved in both cases, and an installation service is forthcoming.
Rev. Heather Morrison Yaden, Interim Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Newton
The Faith of God’s People Lived Out
The Rev. Linda Owens shared how the church’s connection with local school district and partnership with a new ministerium led to starting a weekly food pantry during the pandemic. Serving 150 families a week, it is hosted by the Bound Brook church on Sunday mornings. This is only possible because of volunteers from other churches and interfaith partners. Living out their motto “Loving Local,” this initiative is bringing the community together, and the church is looking to expand on the services it provides.
The Rev. Julie Raffety shared that the church has a Medical Equipment Ministry. The equipment is offered free of charge, and borrowers are encouraged to return the items when they no longer need them. On one occasion, the Franklin Church didn’t have a piece that was needed but was able to reach out to the Union Hill and Pluckemin churches, each with their own medical equipment ministries. Between the three, the need was met.
This ministry has not only met the needs of the community, but also provided opportunities to meet people. One person, after returning some equipment, ended up joining the church – and recently became a deacon!
According to Ruling Elder Carol Skidmore, God’s glory has been revealed in the church’s mission, which includes post-Hurricane Sandy clean-up and repair, mission trips for youth and adults, and partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
She also shared that 12 years ago, another church approached Basking Ridge about starting a food pantry. This ecumenical effort started with 50 bags of food month, and is now up to 600, with 50 volunteers assisting in all aspects of food distribution, and doing so “tirelessly but joyfully.”
Recent events have led to seeking a new location for the pantry, and with the congregation’s help a suitable space has been found. The plan is to not only continue the current mission, but to expand in both volunteers and recipients.
The Rev Erin Hayes-Cook shared that because summer travel plans can adversely affect Vacation Bible School participation, the church took a poll to explore it options. As a result, on the second Sunday of each month, fun and interactive opportunities are provided to those from the age of three through middle school. Each month is a intergenerational different activity, with older members offering time, food, and attention. This has been so successful that it is now going to continue through the summer, as an outreach to the community.
