Presbytery Meeting Summary – May 13, 2025
“The Not-Ready-for-Presbytery-Players”: from the left, Tim Clarkson, Hannah Faye Allred, Linda Owens, Tracey Henry, and Sue Cail
It was a presbytery meeting like no other,
and a day full of celebration as Highlands Presbytery met at Camp Johnsonburg and via Zoom for its May assembly. [Regrettably, a technical issue has meant that no recording is available.]
The business meeting was called to order by the Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Chad Rodgers, Associate Director of Programs at the Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, and those gathered soon received greetings from Elise Bat
es Russell, the Camp’s Executive Director. She read a note from a recent camper that described just how meaningful his time at the Camp was, and his observation that “God has a lot of miracles and this camp is full of them.” With that, she invited those gathered to think about a place that was sacred to them, and then to attach a word to that place; several named Johnsonburg. Noting that she has been the Executive Director at Johnsonburg for over eleven years, she reviewed the Camp’s 65-year history and how despite all of the changes since 1959,
We’re still creating what we hope to be responsible citizens who care about issues of social justice, who care about their God and their faith. And who care about each other, and so how exciting to think that as we look forward that is still the purpose of this place.
Johnsonburg will soon be celebrating the end of its capital campaign, exceeding its first goal and then meeting a second goal of two and a half million dollars. As a consequence of this generosity, visitors to the camp can look forward to upgrades and additions to the facilities.
A second greeting followed, from the Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Transitional Leader of the Synod of the Northeast, composed of nineteen presbyteries from Maine to New Jersey, including Highlands. She commended members of the Presbytery who currently contribute to the Synod’s ministry, particularly Teaching Elder Stephen Park Choi (Stewartsville) and Ruling Elder Lisa Gray (Old Greenwich). Observing that the Presbytery would be voting on its Discernment Report later in the meeting, SanDawna pointed out that the Synod is in the midst of its own discernment process, whose results are expected later this year.
Ruling Elders Hope Duncan and Sharon Smith, members of Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church, then shared their story of the Church’s relationship with Family Promise and the Warren County Interfaith Hospitality Network in service to the homeless (also known as “unhoused”). Those in need would arrive at a church in the evening for a meal and a safe place to spend the night. The next morning, a day center would be available for counseling, information, and training on how they could work to better their daily situation. Churches would host on a weekly rotation. COVID dramatically changed this ministry, with Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church, turning to fundraising for Family Promise of Warren County. Hope also affirmed Pilgrim Presbyterian and its Presbyterian Depot, which provides household goods for those who are able to escape homelessness and move into an apartment.
Following dinner Pete Peterson, Moderator of the Westminster Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission, presented the Commission’s final report which included a $10,000 donation to Family Promise of Warren County in the Church’s honor. The remainder of the funds associated with the Church has been deposited into the Presbytery’s Special Resourcing and Assistance Account, the long ministry of the Church was acknowledged, and the Commission was dissolved with thanks.
THE DISCERNMENT TEAM REPORT
Following “Sharing Our Stories,” the Presbytery’s long-awaited Discernment Team Report was placed before commissioners, including bookmarks with the proposed vocation statement.
A memorable skit – a hybrid of talk show and Family Feud – communicated the history of the discernment process and the many opportunities people have had to contribute.
Hosted by Teaching Elder Tim Clarkson (Union Hill/Succasanna) and Ruling Elder Sue Cail (Ringwood), and featuring Teaching Elders Hannah Faye Allred (Kitchell) as “Nurture,” Tracey Henry (Clinton) as “Equip,” and Linda Owens as “Enable, the Team walked through the whole of the Report (which can be found here). Ruling Elder Pete Peterson, Co-Moderator of the Administration and Coordinating Team, presented the Report for Presbytery action, to which the vote was resoundingly in favor.
Before taking a dinner break, members of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry led the Presbytery in worship. Worship leaders were Ruling Elders Craig Barth (Morristown) and Susan Vigilante-Williams (Morris Plains). Teaching Elder Chris Doyle (Oak Ridge/West Milford) preached on “The Whole Church” based on Ephesians 4:11-16 and presided at the Lord’s Table. Music was provided by Krista Sweer and Teaching Elder Ryon Herin (Rockaway).
Following dinner, Teaching Elder Barbara Aspinall (HR), Moderator of the Nominating Committee, nominated persons to serve on the Administration and Coordinating Team and positions affiliated with Blair Academy. Later in the meeting, all were reminded of the 2026 General Assembly for which commissioners and a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (someone between 18-23 years old) will have to be elected later this year. Information for those considering this important ministry will be available in the coming months.
Teaching Elder Jacqui Van Vliet, Co-Moderator of the Commission on Ministry (COM), shared news of the lunch held earlier in the day for the the pastors of the Presbytery. It was a time of fellowship and an opportunity to honor those ministers who have recently retired or soon will be.
Rev. Ron de Groot, Rev. Alden Johnson, Rev. Peter Magnan
Rev. Donna McDaid, Rev. Fred Milligan, Rev. Jacquelynn Van Vliet
Stories were shared, both funny and poignant, and those recognized were the beneficiaries of prayer, well-wishes, and tokens of appreciation.
In the business meeting, those teaching elders whom COM had recommended for recognition as Honorably Retired were placed before the Presbytery for its affirmation. For pictures and more information about our most recent honorably retired (HR) pastors, click here.
Some may remember that several years ago the honorific “HR” was removed from the Book of Order, with the understanding that presbyteries could act to restore it for their context. Highlands Presbytery took action to restore that designation earlier this year.
At its March meeting, the Presbytery voted on all but two of the amendments proposed for the Book of Order. With this meeting, that constitutional responsibility has been fulfilled. The Presbytery voted in favor of both 24-A (that categories gender identity, sexual orientation, be included as protected classes in the Unity in Diversity section of Foundations of Presbyterian Polity) and; 24-C [adding Historic Principles of Church Order (F-3.01) and principles of participation and representation (F-1.0403) to required areas for examination for ordination.] The entire slate of proposed amendments can be found here, while a summary of the Presbytery’s votes on all actions can be found here. The denomination’s votes on all of these matters, dated May 14, can be found here.
Before concluding, the Stated Clerk, Teaching Elder Steve Shussett, informed the Presbytery that the longstanding matter of Ryan Irmer’s status has been resolved. On March 21, 2025, Mr. Irmer communicated to the Clerk’s office that he had renounced the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). As of receipt of that email, Mr. Irmer is no longer a member of the denomination, and his only entry back into it, should he wish to pursue it, would be through Highlands Presbytery.
Following this explanation, the meeting was closed in prayer by the Moderator. With that, the Presbytery bid farewell to Camp Johnsonburg until its next meeting there on September 9, time to be determined.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
There is always a need for more hands to make lighter work! If you are sensing a call to serve the church beyond your congregation, in another commission, committee, or team in Highlands, contact the Presbytery here.
The Clergy Care Fund
The Clergy Care Fund assists pastors in times of crisis and emergency. Gifts may be given online by
- using the QR Code above
- going to the Highlands Presbytery website here
- texting “PRESBY Meeting” to 73256
or sending a check to Presbytery of the Highlands, 390 Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ 07869, and putting “Clergy Care Fund” in the Memo Line.
Because of technical difficulties the Zoom Recording of the Presbytery Meeting is not available.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
