Presbytery Meeting Summary - September 10, 2024 Hybrid Meeting, Part 1 - Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey

Presbytery Meeting Summary – September 10, 2024 Hybrid Meeting, Part 1

The theme of the September meeting of the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey was “Sharing Our Gifts,” and truly our cups – full of information and presentation – did overflow with so many gifts. Because there was so much to share and discuss, this is only Part 1 of our usual summary. Part 2 will come out as soon as the video can be edited into more bite-sized pieces, allowing you to hone in on subjects of particular interests.

At a time when many were just settling in, the Moderator, Ruling Elder Sue Cail (Ringwood), provided an important explanation on the means by which commissioners can speak on the floor. While the Presbytery’s meetings are generally comfortable and fun (this one no exception) we are bound by Constitution, Bylaws, and Robert’s Rules of Order. The Moderator’s comments were a helpful reminder of the process by which someone can ask to be recognized, and appropriate ways to use time when given.

Click here for this new information, as well as longstanding guidelines for attending and participating in our presbytery meetings.

The Presbytery was privileged to receive greetings from the General Assembly through the Rev. Dr. John Wilkinson, Director of the Ministry Engagement and Support Team. Their work focuses on supporting the denomination through stewardship and the special offerings taken throughout the year. He made a special point of highlighting Hildale Presbyterian Church’s generosity in contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing, a small congregation contributing almost $30,000! Hear their story by clicking here. In addition to being available for conversation at breaks and during lunch, John met with a group of Presbytery leaders after the meeting to discuss important innovations that are being tested right here in Highlands Presbytery (see below and eventually Part 2 for “The Percentage Model”).

Interspersed throughout the meeting, presbytery commissioners watched short videos prepared by our General Assembly commissioners, sharing their experiences and observations. You can see each of the videos by Ruling Elders Craig Barth (Morristown) and Alec Jain (Morris Plains), and Teaching Elders Robin Palmer Burton (Highlands) and Rich Gelson (Pilgrim), as well as a recording their July Town Hall by clicking here.

Photo by Rich Gelson

Sanctuary + Seed

There was a tangible excitement in the room when Rev. Linda Owens (Bound Brook), chronicled the history that led the former Christ Presbyterian Church in Martinsville to come into the possession of BBPC, and leadership’s discernment process. She then introduced Ruling Elder Lisette González Sosa (Iglesia Hispana Presbiteriana Bet-el, Vineland NJ, and a Candidate Ready to Receive a Call under Care of the Presbytery for Southern New Jersey, on the left) and Esther Chiang (on the right) the Executive Team directing the New Church Development known as “Sanctuary + Seed,” sponsored by BBPC and under the care of Highlands Presbytery.

The assembled were reminded that there is no “Planet B”; this is the one planet we have, this world God so loves (John 3:16). The re-purposing of Christ Presbyterian for human and ecological benefit reflects the needs and desires of a growing number of people, inside and outside the church. This includes those who identify themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” or even “done” with organized religion. These are people who are sure there is “more,” but would never look in a traditional church to look for it.

We are at the very beginning of the process of getting Sanctuary + Seed off the ground, and it will need assistance in a variety of ways from the Presbytery, its churches, and its members. Its four-fold vision is to provide space and be a place allowing and enabling people to

How can you can help?

Volunteer or find volunteers

Lend your expertise

Connect others with Sanctuary + Seed

Fundraising Aid

Spread the Word!

How can you get more information?

contact marp@bbpc.org

or scan this QR code

Election of the Moderator and Vice Moderator

A number of other significant items were brought before the assembly for action.

Presenting the Nominating Committee report, Rev. Amy Lincoln (Flemington) presented the nominees for 2025 Moderator and Vice-Moderator. The Presbytery unanimously voted in favor of the Rev. Chad Rodgers, currently the Vice-Moderator, to be the Moderator next year, and for the Rev. Ryon Herin (Rockaway) to become Vice-Moderator. The Presbytery also cheered Rev. Herin’s recent engagement.

Rev. Chad Rodgers,

Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center

Rev. Ryon Herin,

First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway

Administration and Coordinating Team Report

On behalf of the Administration and Coordinating Team (ACT), Rev. Stefanie Muntzel (Stirling/Meyersville) presented an Anti-Harassment Policy for the Presbytery. This policy, required by the Book of Order (G-3.0106) as 2023, is mandated for the purpose of ensuring that all persons “are treated with dignity, decency, and respect.” It will also provide a template for all sessions to create their own anti-harassment policy in 2024, as is required in the Book of Order. The Anti-Harassment Policy can be found by going here.

The Stated Clerk reported on recent developments concerning the Presbytery’s appeal to the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, regarding the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission’s ruling. The four official documents received since the last presbytery meeting can be found here.

Rev. Katherine Scott-Kirschner (Sussex) presented the Young Leader Formation report, celebrating the Team’s recent workshop at Camp Johnsonburg which featured Liz Moore from the Institute of Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. Over twenty people from Highlands and its presbytery neighbors attended this invigorating event.

The Design-thinking and Planning Process is a valuable tool for whatever you are planning, youth-focused or not. You can find worksheets and a comprehensive PowerPoint here.

Katherine also provided information on the 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium and the Presbytery’s Family Spirituality Day. You can learn more about these under “Upcoming Events” here.

The meeting concluded with worship led by members of the Worship Planning Team, with music provided by the Revs. Nancy Young and Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy (Old Greenwich). The service also included Mary Beth and Rev. Chris Scrivens (Chester) leading a contemplative reading of Matthew 13:1-9, and 18-23; and Chad Rodgers presided at the Lord’s Table, before Presbytery Leader Jeanne Radak offered the benediction marking the close of the meeting.

Meet Our New Pastors and Pastoral Transitions

Rev. Jacqui van Vliet, Co-Moderator of the Committee on Ministry, presented to the Presbytery a rare but permissible action item. The Rev. Tom Brown is well known to the Presbytery, having served as Associate Pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township since 2012, and as Presbytery Moderator last year. As permitted by the Book of Order, and according to the policies of Highlands Presbytery, the congregation’s request to have Rev. Brown made their Pastor was approved. This required votes by the session, congregation, Committee on Ministry, and Presbytery, all to exceed 75% in favor. This was easily achieved, and an installation service is forthcoming.