On January 15, Team Moderators from across the Presbytery of the Highlands gathered at Johnsonburg Camp and Conference Center for a day rooted in connection, collaboration, and shared leadership. Led by Rev. Jeanne Radak, Presbytery Leader of the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey, the retreat created space for conversation, laughter, learning, and the opportunity to meet new faces while strengthening relationships already carrying important work.

Grounded in Matthew 13, the day opened with reflection on the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. These stories reminded us that small things matter, that growth often happens quietly, and that what we nurture together can shape the whole. From the beginning, Rev. Radak invited the group to think not only about leadership skills, but about leadership culture and how we show up for one another across teams.

Bread-making became a shared language for the day. Through the metaphor of mise en place, everything in its place, participants reflected on preparation, clarity, and structure in presbytery leadership. Clear purpose, communication, organization, and shared expectations were named as foundations that allow creativity, trust, and collaboration to grow.

As teams named the essential ingredients for strong leadership, words surfaced again and again: listening, discernment, communication, collaboration, curiosity, accountability, humility, playfulness, creativity, and humor. Participants also named what cannot be left out. Just as bread needs salt for structure and flavor, leadership needs clarity, trust, and follow-through to hold together.