The Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey met for its fourth meeting of 2023 in the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, which was kind enough to invite us, and able to provide the means for a hybrid meeting. The gathering opened with one of the most important and joyous things that a Presbytery can do: welcome new colleagues in ministry! In addition to welcoming a number of ruling elders attending for the first time, three new Ministers of Word and Sacrament are now serving within our bounds.

The meeting opened with worship, guided by the theme of “Claiming our Gifts.” The service was led by the Moderator, Rev. Tom Brown (Chatham Township); Ruling Elder Sue Cail (Ringwood), Vice-Moderator; and the Rev. Brad Morgan (Second English, Lambertville). Brad’s homily was based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Music was provided by Pluckemin’s Director of Music, Karl Geiger. By the power of the Holy Spirit and technology, we were also able to join together in celebrating the Lord’s Supper.

While the meeting was not heavy on actionable business, a number of significant decisions were made. Perhaps the most significant was the report provided by the Rev. Barbara Aspinall (R)*, Moderator of the Nominating Committee, regarding the Election of Moderator and Vice-Moderator for 2024. Upon hearing the nominations, and receiving none from the floor, by unanimous consent the Presbytery elected Ruling Elder Sue Cail (Ringwood) to be Moderator, and the Rev. Chad Rodgers (Lower Valley) to be Vice-Moderator.

Barbara then provided guidance on how persons within the Presbytery can nominate themselves or others to be commissioners to the 226th General Assembly (2024) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A presentation of the First Reading of the Proposed 2024 Budget      followed, under the leadership of Administration and Coordinating Team Co-Moderator Pete Peterson (Ruling Elder, Clinton). Significantly, as a consequence of the proposed budget, the ACT moved that the 2024 Per Capita remain unchanged from its current $42.50. The motion passed.

By consent, the Presbytery also approved the 2024 Minimum Terms of Call, as well as its meeting dates for the next year.

An unusual but meaningful action came to the Presbytery through the Property and Insurance Team. The Rev. Julie Raffety (Franklin) Co-Moderator, presented the motion on behalf of the Lamington Presbyterian Church (Bedminster). The Church requested permission to participate in the Farmland Preservation Program in Somerset County, to transfer (not sell) the development rights of 17 acres of their farmland across the street to be used for agricultural purposes alone. A congregational vote is required to approve or not approve participation in Program, as well as the price to be paid in exchange for the development rights.

The last item on the day’s agenda was an opportunity for all attending, in-person and remotely, to engage in the work of the Discernment Team. It has been very active for several months, and will continue  its efforts into 2024.

Thank you to the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, its Session, and Pastor Ian Rankine, for their hospitality!

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* What’s the “R”?

As of July 9, there is no longer a distinction between Honorably Retired (“HR”) and Retired (“R”). For the sake of consistency with the new edition of the Book of Order, all person who are retired will be referred to as “R,” regardless of when they retired. This joins the list of membership abbreviations of “TE” for Teaching Elder (also known as Minister of Word and Sacrament) and “RE” for Ruling Elder.