Presbytery Meeting Summary – January 27, 2024 via ZOOM
Flipping the calendar page as one year turns into the next does not mean forgetting what has passed; we grow from what was into what will be. Last year’s Presbytery theme of “rekindling the gift that is in you and your church” has, under the direction of 2024 Moderator Ruling Elder Sue Cail (Ringwood) grown into “Sharing our Gifts.” Over the course of the year we will explore what it means to discern our gifts, so we know what we have to share, and communicating those gifts as we use them in the world.
“Discerning Our Gifts” was illuminated in the meeting in several ways. Ruling Elder Joe Martinoni (Rockaway) preached the day’s sermon, a reminder of the many gifts that are not exclusive to minister members; Joe is one of several ruling elders who are frequent guest preachers in the Presbytery. Rev. Rich Gelson (Pilgrim), demonstrated that even among the gifts expected of pastors, there are always more to share. Rich not only played guitar and sang the day’s hymns, but he also performed “The Gift of Patience” as an offertory, a piece that he himself has written.
Gifts within the Presbytery were on full display, this first meeting being a foretaste of what we can look forward to in the year ahead, as two mission presentations were made. Each spoke to important ministries taking place among us, and the invitation to participate, learn from, and be inspired by their important work caring for others in body, mind, and spirit.
Ruling Elder and current Deacon Phyllis Prestamo (Long Valley) spoke on the Church’s involvement with the Long Valley Community Assistance Program (LVCAP). To learn more about this ministry, go to the LVCAP website.
Later in the meeting, Rev. Rich Gelson spoke movingly of how Pilgrim Presbyterian became involved in ministry concerning mental illness and treatment. You can find your local National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter by going to the NAMI website. If you want a church’s experience in partnering and developing programs with NAMI, contact Rich at Pilgrim Presbyterian Church .
As the business of the day unfolded, there was much to be excited about. Young Leader Formation Team member Rev. Katherine Scott-Kirschner (Sussex) gave a recap of YLF’s January 20th workshop for church leaders and youth ministry volunteers, led by Megan DeWald of Princeton Seminary’s Institute for Youth Ministry. She then encouraged parents to come with their children to the March 2 retreat, A Time Apart â A Family Spirituality Camp at Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center.
In addition to the three persons found below now serving the Presbytery in new ways, a more unusual action brought another familiar face to us in a new way. Audrey Webber has been serving as the Associate Covenant Supply Pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Morristown. Under the exception found in the Book of Order (G-2.0504c), the Session and Committee on Ministry placed her before the assembly. After receiving the required three-fourths vote of the Presbytery, Audrey was approved to become the installed Associate Pastor at the Morristown Church. Her installation took place on February 25th.
Rev. Amy Lincoln (Flemington) presented a slate from the Nominating Committee that was approved, filling vacancies on the Committee of Ministry, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and the Church Development Team. If you are interested in serving on one of the Presbytery’s many committees, commissions or teams, go to the Nominating Committee’s page here .
Ruling Elder Lisa Kolterjahn (Old Greenwich) presented the report of the Property and Insurance Team. The Presbytery was reminded and notified of many important building-related matters, on insurance, water-damage prevention, and opportunities to not only help the environment but to get funding to do it! You can find their updates hereÂ
Stated Clerk Steve Shussett informed those assembled of a Remedial charge filed against the Presbytery. He explained that remediation is the process by which councils, including presbyteries, are accountable for action or inaction that is contrary to the Constitution. At the time of this writing, the case is ongoing.
With a benediction offered by Joe Martinoni, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Presbytery of the Highlands is March 12 at 7pm, via Zoom.
Meet Our New Colleagues in Ministry
Rev. Mike Atzert,
Covenant Supply Pastor
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Fairmount
Rev. Dr. Barbara Booth,
Retired Minister, serving
Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church, Ringoes
Rev. Tim Clarkson,
Covenant Supply Pastor,
First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna
and
Union Hill Presbyterian Church, Denville
Presbytery Submits GA Overture
After lengthy discussion inside the Presbytery and out, an overture was presented to the Presbytery concerning the process followed by the General Assembly’s Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examination for Candidates, and the the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) process which it oversees. Following discussion, the overture was approved for submission to the Office of the General Assembly.
The Presbytery of the Highlands Overture to 226th General Assembly – Overture 11
Camp Johnsonburg Updates
Executive Director Elise Bates Russell spoke of her recent sabbatical, which included walking the Camino de Santiago. She noted that she is prepared to share her experience with interested churches and groups.
Registration is now open for Summer Camp 2024, and many other functions and retreats have been scheduled for the year.
The Highlands Pavilion is nearly complete, and will be dedicated at the May 14th Presbytery Meeting. The Pavilion’s creation comes from the Presbytery’s contribution to Johnsonburg’s March for the Future Campaign.
You can register for summer camp and other events, or contribute to the ongoing capital campaign, by going to www.campjburg.org
