Presbytery Meeting Summary – September 9, 2025
COM presentation
The Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey held its 22nd Stated Meeting, a hybrid event, on September 9th at the Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center (videos forthcoming). Those gathered were greeted by Elise Bates Russell, the Camp’s Executive Director, at the invitation of Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Chad Rodgers (Validated), Johnsonburg’s Associate Director of Programs.
This meeting’s agenda was, from the start, full of the business that makes a presbytery what it is, beginning with the examination of Scott Stotle, Candidate for ordination and installation as Pastor for the Lamington Presbyterian Church in Bedminster. For the first time, an examination of a candidate had to include a question concerning their commitment to principles of inclusion found in F-1.0403, as well as the historic principles of church order in F-3.01. With the singing of the Doxology and a round of applause, Scott learned of his successful examination. Announcement of his ordination and installation is forthcoming.
The Presbytery then celebrated another first, as Ruling Elder Donna Rahmann (Fairmount) was commissioned by the Commission on Ministry (on September 2) and recognized publicly at this meeting to preside at the Lord’s Supper in Highlands’ Presbytery churches. Donna has completed both the Preaching God’s Word in the World and Presiding at the Table: A Class for Ruling Elders classes, and is on the Presbytery’s Pulpit Supply List, all required for such a commissioning. Liturgy from the Book of Common Worship appropriate to the occasion marked the achievement, including the Constitutional Questions.
(Above) Moderator Chad Rodgers commissioning Ruling Elder Donna Rahmann (Fairmount) to preside at the Lord’s Supper.
(Left) Peter Curran, Headmaster of Blair Academy, spoke of the Academy’s 170+ year relationship with the Presbytery, while sharing stories and pictures of Academy life.
Blair Academy Presentation
Presbytery Worship
The day’s worship was adapted from liturgy shared at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (click here for information and pictures), which took place on July 28-31. The conference’s theme was As If We were Dreaming. Thirteen members of the Presbytery attended as part of a three presbytery partnership (with Northeast New Jersey and Hudson River), and each contributed to worship. Music was provided by the members of “Jammin’ for Jesus”: the Rev. Mary Beth Mardis-Lecroy (Old Greenwich) and Ruling Elders Joe Martinoni (Rockaway) and Craig Barth (Morristown). The Communion liturgy was adapted from that used at Triennium. Resource Staff/Stated Clerk, the Rev. Steve Shussett, presided, as he staffs the Young Leader Formation Team that oversaw the Presbytery’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium involvement.
Deacon Carol Morris (Fairmount) shared the story of the relationship between the Fairmount Board of Deacons and Good News Home for Women. View the presentation here.
Approval of GA Overture and Election of Moderator and Vice Moderator
With the General Assembly taking place next year in Milwaukee, several related items were brought to the Presbytery’s attention.
Teaching and Ruling Elders, as well as those 17-24 years of age, are encouraged to prayerfully discern whether God is calling them to serve as a Commissioner to the Assembly. Clear instructions on who can serve and what is required of them can be found here.
Also, the Presbytery approved sending an overture to the Book of Order, which can be found here. Additional overtures are anticipated in November.
The First Presbyterian Church of Hanover and its life, ministry, and generosity, were celebrated at this meeting, as the final report from its Administrative Commission was received. This included its final distribution of assets, assuring that the financial gifts of the congregation will continue long into the future.
As is Highlands’ tradition, the September Presbytery Meeting included the election of the next year’s Presbytery Moderator and Vice-Moderator. The Rev. Amy Lincoln (Flemington), member of the Nominating Committee, placed the Rev. Ryon Herin in nomination for Moderator in 2026, and Ruling Elder Donna Rahmann (Fairmount) as the 2026 Vice-Moderator. The two nominees were elected by unanimous consent, and their installation will take place at the November Presbytery Meeting.
With that, a full and informative meeting of Highlands Presbytery came to a close. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 11 at 7PM on the Zoom platform.
Presbytery Business and the Annual Budget Presentation
The Administration and Coordinating Team presented a series of policies and documents that were either approved at the September meeting or available for a first reading before voting on them in November. All of the material can be found here.
For the last Assembly of 2025, other documents will be on the Presbytery website as the November meeting gets closer, including
New Pastoral Relationships
The Rev. Dr. Edwin Aponte
Dean, Drew University
The Rev. Lissette Gonzalez-Sosa
Director, Sanctuary+Seed
The Rev. Carie Stanley
Covenant Supply Pastor,
Calvary Presbyterian Church, Florham Park
The Rev. Barry Young
Covenant Supply Pastor
Beemerville Presbyterian Church/
First Presbyterian Church of Sussex
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 Full Presbytery Meeting has been delayed.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
