A Time of Discernment
The Moderator introduced David Specht, a consultant provided by the Synod of the Northeast, who led the Presbytery in a time of discussion and discernment around the following two hypothetical questions:
- If the Presbytery were to go out of existence and we were to come together a year later, what would we want to emerge at that moment, and why?
- If we were to make an argument for continuing the Presbytery, what are the most important reasons for continuing, and why?
Report of the Mission Council
On recommendation of the Mission Council, it was moved and carried to call a special meeting of the Presbytery for Tuesday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m., location and business to be announced.
Note: Red Bank is now the location
On recommendation of the Mission Council, it was moved and carried to suspend the rules in order to allow current members of the Mission Council who would ordinarily be required to rotate off to continue as members of the Mission Council through May, 2018.
Elder Sue Smith reported that the Mission Council has designated a theme for the September Presbytery meeting of Social Media Outreach, and for the November meeting, Earth Care.
Ms. Smith reminded the Presbytery that applications for Vitality Grants are due in September, and to encourage conversations among congregational leaders about projects for which they may want to seek funding:
Prison Ministry, Environmental Justice, Immigration Advocacy and Action
The Rev. Cynthia Ritter-Parker reported for the Presbytery’s Nominating Committee, placing the following names in nomination. It was moved and carried to cast a unanimous ballot for the slate :
Committee on Ministry
Class of 2018
Elder Carol Cashin, Matawan, 2nd term
Class of 2020
Elder Glenn Sandberg, East Brunswick, 2nd term
Elder Dale Genberg, Tuckerton, 1st term
The Rev. David Cotton, chaplain, 2nd term
Committee on Preparation for Ministry
Class of 2018
Elder Robert Joe Lee, Bordentown, 1st term
The Rev. Linda Goeddel, chaplain, 1st term
Class of 2020
Elder Iver Kennedy, Toms River, 2nd term
Elder Cathie Strauss, Lakewood Hope, 2nd term
The Rev. Douglas Chase, Brick, 2nd term
The Rev. Alice Hageman, honorably retired, 1st term
Ordination Exam Readers
The Rev. Lisa Lancaster, honorably retired
Elder Iver Kennedy, Toms River
Elder Robert Joe Lee, Bordentown (alternate)
Camp Johnsonburg Board of Trustees, Class of 2018
The Rev. Merideth Mueller, at large, 1st term
Mission Council
Class of 2020
Elder Patricia Apy, Shrewsbury, 2nd term
The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson, Allentown, 2nd term
Presbytery Moderator: Ruling Elder Sue Smith, Rumson
Presbytery Vice-Moderator: the Rev. Merideth Mueller, at large
Permanent Judicial Commission
Class of 2019
The Rev. Louis Mitchell, Cranbury
Class of 2023
Elder Joel Davies, Shrewsbury
The Rev. Gary Filson, Jamesburg
The Rev. Lisa Lancaster, honorably retired
Personnel Commitee
Class of 2019
Elder Diana Chase, Jamesburg, 1st term
Class of 2020
Elder Dilys Henninger, Hightstown, 2nd term
Board of Trustees
Class of 2018
Elder Eric Hess, Morning Star, 2nd term
Class of 2020
Elder Joseph Kavalek, Yardville, 2nd term
At the conclusion of the worship service, the Moderator led a service of installation for the new moderator, Ruling Elder Sue Smith, Rumson, and for the new Vice Moderator, the Rev. Merideth Mueller, at large.
Moderator Sue Smith presented the Rev. Gary Filson with a cross and thanked him for his faithful service during the past year as Moderator.
