Presbytery of Monmouth Docket Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Toms River, NJ
7:00 Worship Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
7:40 Presbytery Convenes with Prayer Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
7:45 Opening Items of Business
Formation of the Roll & Brief Announcements
Approval of the Docket
Report on Arrangements
Omnibus motion
Report of the Stated Clerk & Correspondence Rev. Jean Pinto, pro tem
7:55 Ministries Division Steering Committee (MDSC) Rev. Myrlene Hamilton Hess
Educational Ministries
Resource Center Emily Allen
Mission Working Group Rev. Terry Chapman
8:10 Regional Presbyter Rev. Wendy Bailey
8:15 Mission Council Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
8:35 Trustees Rev. Theresa Swenson
8:45 Committee on Preparation for Ministry (examination for
Ordination- Christine Myers-Tegeder) Elder George Gill
9:05 Committee on Ministry Elder Dan Raisch
9:10 Nominating Committee Rev. Jean Pinto
9:15 Personnel Committee Rev. Doug Chase
9:20 Presbytery Visioning “Roundtable” Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
9:50 Miscellaneous, Un-docketed & Unfinished Business Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
Thanks Extended to Host Church
Adjournment
9:55 Closing Prayer Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
Questions for Visioning Roundtable:
1. What is the essential mission of a presbytery?
2. On a scale of 1-10 how necessary is it that a congregation fully participate in the financial
responsibilities of its presbytery? (1 not necessary at all; 10 vitally necessary to the well-being of the
congregation and the larger Church) Why?
3. Some in our presbytery are rethinking the concept of percapita assessment of congregations for the
funding of the presbytery. Another approach would be for the presbytery to assess congregations a
percentage of their receipts or income for a year. Please discuss the pros and cons of a percentage
assessment vs. a per capita assessment.
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH
MEETING IN ALLENTOWN, NEW JERSEY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 The Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Monmouth, held at The First Presbyterian Church, Allentown, New Jersey, on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., was convened at 7:00 p.m. The Rev. Robin Lostetter (Bordentown) and the Rev. Dana Eglinton (Jacksonville) led the Presbytery in worship, assisted by Elder Kathie Ackerman (Bordentown), Enoch Smith (Allentown), and the Rev. Phyllis Zoon (Plumsted). The offering was designated to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The meeting was called to order with prayer offered by the Moderator, the Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson.
Roll of Presbytery's Commissioners
The roll of commissioners present was formed by the Clerk pro tempore, the Rev. Jean Pinto. The roll for this Stated Meeting was as follows:
Church Minister Commissioners Elder Commissioners
Allentown Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Nancy Tindall Mary Beth Drew Dwayne Bailey Douglas Paige Jeffrey McLaughlin
Atlantic Highlands, First Peter Donoghue
Barnegat, Wright Memorial Peter Edgar Reinhard Rutz
Bayville, Morning Star John Czekaj
Belmar, First Bill Morris
Bordentown, First Robin Lostetter Kathie Ackerman
Bricktown, Brick Doug Chase Lori Evans
Principe de Paz- Cliffwood Beach, Bayview
Cranbury, First Lou Mitchell
Suzanne Schafer-Coates
Don Winchell
East Brunswick, Trinity
Englishtown, First Vera Musser
Farmingdale, Pierce Memorial
Howard Dunbar
Forked River Terry Chapman
Freehold, First Susan Beaton
Hightstown, First Barbara Heck Walt Vincent
Jackson, Cornerstone
Jacksonville Dana Eglinton
Jamesburg Gary Filson
Korean New Church
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
Development
Lakehurst Christina Hindley
Lakewood, First Francis Nace
Lakewood, Hope Barbara Hicks
Lincroft Wendy Harman
Long Branch, First
Manasquan, First
Matawan, First Ralph Evans
Middletown, Westminster John Pillarella
Neptune, Martin Luther King Jr
New Egypt, Plumsted Phyllis Zoon
New Gretna, First
Ocean, Church on the Hill
Perrineville, Millstone Claude Heller
Point Pleasant Beach Claire Pula
Red Bank, First Theresa Swenson Jason Tucker
Ken Garrison Ken Park David Hinton Bill Faust
Retreat, Oak Grove
Rumson, First John Monroe
Sayreville, First
Shrewsbury Joyce Davies Joe Davies Sue McPherson
South Amboy, First
Sykesville, First
Tennent, Old Tennent Gary Weiss
Tinton Falls, Hope Stephen Buckley
Toms River Victoria Pruner
David Joynt
Scott Thayer
Graham Bright Dan Raisch
Tuckerton, First Merideth Mueller Gwen Atwell
Yardville, United Jean Pinto
Mission Council Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Jean Pinto Rob Morrison Wendy Bailey
Dan Raisch Bill Faust
Administrative Division Steering Committee
Wendy Bailey Jean Pinto
Howard Dunbar Nancy Tindall
Ministries Division Steering Committee
Terry Chapman Barbara McDonald Wendy Bailey
Lori Evans Patty Williams
Board of Trustees Theresa Swenson Victoria Pruner
Gary Weiss Howard Dunbar
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
MONMOUTH PRESBYTERY
SPECIALIZED, AT-LARGE & RETIRED
MINISTERS
GUEST - MINISTERS
GUESTS - ELDERS
GUESTS - OTHERS
Attendees with Privilege of the Floor
Barbara McDonald ® George McDonald ® Terry Fouse ® Mary-Lynn Morrison (at-large) Rob Morrison ® Jane Price (s) Joanne Petto (s) Joanne Van Sant (s)
Thad Livingston (Past Moderator)
Presbytery Staff Wendy Bailey*
Marie Luthringer Patty Williams*
Members Karen Collins
(Allentown) Robert Musser (Englishtown) Kim Daly (Allentown)
Bailey Pruner (TR)
Guests Douglas Hughes
Karen Giurici
* Lay employee with privilege of the floor (G-14.0804) Before adjournment, the Stated Clerk reported that the following presbyters wished to be excused from this Stated Meeting:
Name Church Reason
Rev. Jeffrey Carney South Amboy Travel
Rev. David McKirachan Shrewsbury Travel Limitations
Julissa Alvarez-Garcia Principe de Paz Illness
Joanne Schnaudt None
Rev. Cynthia Bowman At-large Other Commitment
Rev. Myrlene Hamilton Hess Bayville, Morning Star Travel
Rev. Linda Goeddel Specialized Other Commitment
Rev. John Milne Retired Out of State
Rev. Dierdre Thompson Specialized Medical
Rev. Linda Chase Pt. Pleasant Other Commitment
Rev. Fred Halde New Gretna Other Commitment
Rev. Mike Hoffarth Sayreville Out of State
Rev. Scott Cupp Matawan Travel
Rick LaFever Lakewood, First Emergency (friend)
Rev. Carl Wilton Pt. Pleasant Medical
Rev. Rob Carter East Brunswick Vacation
Rev. Courtney Cromie Jackson, Cornerstone Travel
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
Rev. Cynthia Ritter Parker Englishtown None
The following are permanently excused for health reasons:
Allen A. Ruscito Retired John E. Slater Retired Clarence Twigg Retired The following are excused because they live outside the bounds of the Presbytery and do not labor within the bounds:
Raymond A. Foley Retired Samuel Y. Khalil At large Timothy S. Lantz Chaplain Kimberly Bracken Long At large Dayle G. Rounds Church related Ingram S.C. Seah Retired Robert L. Seaman Retired Danny M. Sharpe At large Robert M. Taylor Retired Joyce C. Tucker Retired Wayne R. Whitelock Retired In keeping with the provisions of the Form of Government, G-11.0202, the 31 ministers and the 39 elders present constituted a quorum for the Stated Meeting. The total registered attendance was 71; the total number of persons eligible to vote was 66. The following were absent: There were no elder commissioners present from the following churches: Principe de Paz (Bayview), East Brunswick, Freehold, Korean, Jackson (Cornerstone), Long Branch, Manasquan, MLK, Ocean (Church on a Hill), Perrineville (Millstone), Oak Grove Retreat, South Amboy, Sykesville, Sayreville Elders attending a Stated Meeting for the first time were introduced. Dawn Adamy (New Brunswick) and Stuart Spencer (Thompson Memorial Church of Philadelphia Presbytery) were seated as corresponding members. Announcements: Dawn Adamy invited the clergy of Monmouth Presbytery to join the clergy of New Brunswick at a Clergy Retreat at the Stella Maris Retreat Center, Jan. 19-21. The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson announced that the President of McCormick Theological Seminary, Frank Yamaguchi, will be preaching at Allentown PC on Dec. 8, 2013 at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
It was moved and carried to elect the Rev. Jean Pinto, to be Clerk pro tempore in the absence of the Stated Clerk, the Rev. Carl Wilton, due to illness.
Approval of the Docket It was moved and carried to approve the docket for this meeting. Business docketed at this meeting included: Pre-presbytery meeting – Youth Mission Trip Worship Presbytery Convenes with Prayer - The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Election of Clerk pro tempore Opening Items of Business Formation of the Roll & Brief Announcements
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
Approval of the Docket Report on Arrangements Report of the Stated Clerk & Correspondence – The Rev. Jean Pinto, pro tem “State of the Presbytery” Report of the Regional Presbyter – The Rev. Wendy Bailey Mission Council – The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Mission Working Group – The Rev. Terry Chapman Committee on Preparation for Ministry – The Rev. Meredith Mueller Personnel – The Rev. Doug Chase Nominating Committee – The Rev. Jean Pinto Committee On Ministry – Elder Dan Raisch Trustees – The Rev. Theresa Swenson Administrative Division Steering Committee (ADSC) – The Rev. Wendy Bailey Elder Nancy Tindall Ministry Division Steering Committee (MDSC) – The Rev. Myrlene Hamilton Hess Mt. Holly Administrative Commission – Elder Bill Faust Miscellaneous, Un-docketed & Unfinished Business - The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Thanks Extended to Host Church Adjournment Closing Prayer – The Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson
Report on Arrangements The Rev. Stephen Heizel-Nelson welcomed the presbytery and acquainted the commissioners with the facilities of the Allentown Presbyterian Church.
Report of the Clerk pro tempore
Rev. Jean Pinto presented the Minutes of the June 25, 2013 Presbytery Meeting at the Pincipe de Paz Church, Cliffwood Beach for approval. It was moved and carried.
REGIONAL PRESBYTER’S REPORT
Rev. Wendy Bailey reported that Rev. Carl Wilton is home from the hospital and is improving. She also presented a gift of a hurricane lamp to Mary Lynn Morrison in appreciation for her work in managing the presbytery’s Sandy relief effort with the recovery team. The staff and council are beginning to question whether we need a physical space for the Presbytery office or could it be done virtually. The budget that we have and how we raise our funds is not sustainable in the long run. A task force composed of the Regional Presbyter, Elder Howard Dunbar (presbytery accountant), Rev. Jason Tucker and Rev. Jean Pinto has been working on alternative ways to fund the presbytery which will continue to be worked on with the goal of transforming our process of funding for 2015.
MISSION COUNCIL Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson, Moderator, reported that much of the issues in Wendy’s report are reflected in the minutes of the Mission Council.
MISSION WORKING GROUP Rev. Terry Chapman reported that the Mission Working Group is looking at ways that we can make connections to all the mission, advocacy, and social justice opportunities available. Not just information but (spiritual) transformation. The group is working on two overtures that they will present in January.
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY On behalf of the committee, the Rev. Meredith Mueller made the motion that Candidate Bailey Ann Pruner be examined for ordination. Following questions, a motion was approved to arrest the examination. It was moved and carried that Bailey Ann Pruner be approved for ordination and that Philadelphia Presbytery be asked to ordain her on our behalf. The Rev. Tori Pruner led the presbytery in prayer of thanksgiving for Bailey’s life and call.
PERSONNEL Rev. Doug Chase, chair of Personnel, moved on behalf of the committee to approve a revised draft of the Personnel Policies and Practices of the Presbytery of Monmouth for approval. The motion carried.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE Rev. Jean Pinto, chair of Nominating, presented the following nominees for Presbytery approval: For the Committee On Preparation for Ministry, Class of 2014 The Rev. Joanne Van Sant (Faith Reformed, Hazlet) For the Permanent Judicial Commission, Class of 2015 Ruling Elder Sue Ralph (Englishtown) There being no nominations from the floor, a motion was made and carried to elect the slate unanimously.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Ruling Elder Dan Raisch, chair of the Committee on Ministry, reported the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken by eVote since the last meeting of Presbytery: A. That, acting as the Presbytery, the Committee concurred with the session and congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, Freehold and the Revs. Cynthia Bowman and David Bowman in regard to the dissolution of the pastoral ties between them, according to the terms of the respective Agreements of Separation documents which became effective on October 6, 2013. B. That the Committee acted to appoint the Rev. Barbara McDonald as Moderator of the session of the First Presbyterian Church, Freehold, effective October 15, 2013. C. That the Committee, acting as the Presbytery, approved the Parish Associate relationship between the Rev. Suzanne Schafer-Coates and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, effective November 1, 2013, at the following terms of remuneration: Total salary and housing $20,000 Pension, Medical, Disability $10,800 Social Security Allowance $1,639 Travel $1,100 MediFlex $1,426 Dental $1,035 Study Leave $500 This relationship was established to support the Meadow Lakes ministry recently adopted by the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury following the discontinuation of the relationship between the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown and the Meadow Lakes ministry.
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
The Committee reported the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken at the stated Committee meeting of November 5, 2013: 1. The Committee recommends that the Presbytery receive the Rev. Douglas E. Hughes as an At Large member upon his transfer from Shenango Presbytery. Following examination, it was moved and carried. 2. The Committee discussed Overture 002 – 221st G.A. (2014) from Kiskiminetas Presbytery. A motion that Monmouth Presbytery concur with Kiskiminetas in supporting the overture was defeated. 3. In conjunction with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and the Educational Ministries team, COM will seek to form a “Pathway to Commissioning” task force to develop policies relating to the commissioning of Ruling Elders for a particular purpose (the position formerly titled Commissioned Lay Pastor.) The Committee reported the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken by eVote after submission of the Committee’s November report to Presbytery:
1) The Committee moved that Presbytery approve the formation of an
administrative commission with the following membership to conduct the
ordination of Ms. Bailey Pruner at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River at
4:00pm on January 5, 2014:
Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson (Allentown, Moderator of Monmouth Presbytery) Rev. Courtney Cromie - Cornerstone (Jackson) Rev. Gary Filson - Jamesburg Rev. Dr. David M. Joynt - Toms River Elder Susan Beaton - Freehold Elder Peter Thomson - Toms River Elder George Gill – Allentown The motion carried.
2) The Committee moved that Presbytery approve the contract for Stated Supply
services between the Rev. Paul Rack and the First Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands, at the following terms, effective December 1, 2013:
Part time service at 20 hours per week Salary $20,000.00 Soc. Sec. Offset 1,530.00 Pension & Med 6,660.00 Total Effective Salary $28,100.00 Professional Exp 2,000.00 Vacation 1 month plus one Sunday Cont. Ed. Leave 2 weeks Attendance at GA 8 days on even numbered years Atendance at FPC 4 days each year
Note that Social Security and Pension & Medical will be split proportionally between Atlantic Highlands & Hope Tinton Falls as Rev. Rack will continue to serve as Interim Pastor for the latter congregation. The motion carried.
TRUSTEES The Rev. Theresa Swenson, on behalf of the Trustees, made the following motions: 1) That Presbytery approve of a lease of the building of Hope Presbyterian Church, Tinton Falls, including the sanctuary, to a congregation of the United
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
Pentecostal Church, International, at terms to be negotiated by the Session. The motion carried.
2) Moved that Presbytery approve an application loan of $260,000 being sought by the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation, through the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Fund, for property repairs and improvements. The motion carried. 3) That Presbytery approve of the Endowment Fund Policy, Mission Fund Policy and Investment Policy. The motion carried. Moderator Heinzel-Nelson thanked Rev. Swenson and the Trustees for the effort and thought put into the developing of these policies.
ADMINISTRATION DIVISION STEERING COMMITTEE Elder Nancy Tindall moved that Presbytery receive the financial report submitted by the independent auditors, Feldman Sablosky Massoni, and append it to the minutes. The motion carried. The Treasurer also gave a preview of the 2014 budget, which is based on a $35.20 per capita. Per capita shortages will be covered by the payment made by the Mt. Holly Church in its agreement with the Presbytery upon its dismissal. 2% increases for staff.
MINISTRIES DIVISION STEERING COMMITTEE
Elder Joyce Davies announced the Equipping the Saints program in January; the Pizza and Polity confirmation class at Hightstown PC; the Women’s retreat, Sat. Jan. 25; and a brunch for Educators and friends Mon., Jan 27 11-1.
MT. HOLLY ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION REPORT
Ruling Elder Bill Faust reported as follows: In accordance with the actions taken at the June 25
th Presbytery Meeting at Cliffwood
Beach, the Moderator of Presbytery, Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson, on August 30, 2013, appointed Rev. Jean Pinto (Yardville), Elder William Faust (Red Bank) and Elder William McFarland (Mt. Holly) to an Administrative Commission to oversee the dismissal of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Holly from the PCUSA denomination to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians, frequently referred to as the ECO denomination. The Administrative Commission viewed its task as being implementers of the findings of the Monmouth Presbytery Gracious Discernment Team for Mt. Holly, assuring that the recommendations of the Gracious Discernment Team were completed decently and in good order. With very mixed feelings of accomplishment for the team and sadness at the loss of vital contributors to Monmouth Presbytery, I can report that this has been done, with the Church being dismissed on November 1, 2013. The following items have been completed:
Full Payment to Presbytery of Per Capita for 2013
Full Payment to Presbytery of 10% of regular contributions received by the Mt. Holly church for the 2012 calendar year
All deeds signed over to the Mt. Holly church on November 1, 2013; (here I want to express appreciation to Elder Joel Davies for substantial assistance in drawing up appropriate legal documents)
By-Laws redrawn and adopted by the congregation to remove any reference to the PCUSA
November 26, 2013, Allentown, New Jersey
All financial accounts put solely in the name of the Mt. Holly church
All insurance policies reviewed to assure that they do not rely on membership in the PCUSA denomination
Membership roles revised to remove from membership those members indicating the wish to continue membership in the PCUSA
All communication materials reviewed to remove reference to the PCUSA
Board of Pensions notified that Rev. Tim Osborne has elected to join the ECO denomination
The Administrative Commission has received a commitment for one item that is still outstanding:
All original church records are to be deposited with the PCUSA Historical Society no later than January 24, 2014.
It was moved and carried to accept the report and spread it upon the minutes.
Report on Leaves of Absence
The Presbytery excused those presbyters previously named from this Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Monmouth.
Thanks Extended to the Host Church
Elder Walter Vincent announced that he has signs with information about where to Hurricane Sandy victims can receive assistance and would like to distribute them to people to place on their lawns.
Adjournment The Presbytery meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. with prayer by Moderator Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Attest: The Rev. Jean Pinto, Clerk pro tempore
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT January 28, 2014
The Committee reports the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken by eVote
since the last meeting of Presbytery:
A. That the Committee recommends that for the year 2014, the Presbytery of Monmouth
grant the Rev. Linda Goeddel permission to celebrate the Lord's Supper in public
worship at Crestwood Manor on a monthly basis, as well as in such individual situations
of pastoral care as may seem prudent to her. (Although specifically identifying Rev.
Goeddel, the Committee recommends that this permission be extended to all Teaching
Elders serving in chaplaincy situations in the Presbytery.)
B. That the Committee recommends:
1. That according to the Book of Order G-2.10, Presbytery extend the commission of Elder Rick LeFever (Hightstown) to limited pastoral service at the First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood for a period of one year;
2. That during the period February 2, 2014 to February 1, 2015, Presbytery grant Elder LeFever permission to moderate meetings of the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, celebrate the Sacraments, officiate at weddings, and have voice and vote at meetings of the Presbytery;
3. That Presbytery approve the contract between Elder LeFever and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, with the same terms as the 2013 contract except for a 2% increase in cash salary.
C. That the Committee recommends that Presbytery approve the change in the terms of
call for the Rev. Dr. Merideth Mueller, serving at the First Presbyterian Church,
Tuckerton, reflecting a 6% increase in base salary, adjusted proportionally to reflect a
change from full time to three quarter (3/4) time service. [The reduced total package
will free church resources to permit the hiring of a staff person for Christian Education.
This change was initiated by and approved by Rev. Mueller.]
The Committee reports the following to Presbytery, based on actions taken at the stated
Committee meeting of January 7, 2014:
1. Recommend that the Presbytery concur with Session of the First Presbyterian Church,
Sayreville and the Rev. Michael Hoffarth in extending the contract for stated supply
services for one year through December 31, 2014, with the following terms: salary
$15,595.56, housing allowance $23,886.88, social security offset $3,020.41, pension
$2,176.03, medical reimbursement allowance $600, travel allowance, study allowance
$400, 2 weeks study leave time and 4 weeks plus 1 Sunday vacation leave.
2. The Committee voted to recommend that the request of the Session of First
Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands for suspension of G14.0222 regarding term
limits for ruling elders be denied. Instead the Committee would propose to meet with
the Session to explore the issue and suggest other alternatives.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel Raisch
Docket – Thursday, January 9, 2014 Mission Council of the Monmouth Presbytery
The First Presbyterian Church of Freehold
118 West Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
1. The Moderator Called the Meeting to Order at 7:15 and moved that the Rev. Jean B. Pinto be elected
Clerk Pro Temp. The motion carried.
2. Motion to Form the Roll and Approve the Docket was approved Moderator Rev. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson P
Vice Moderator Rev. Jean Pinto P
Administrative Division Steering Committee Elder Joel Davies E
Ministries Division Steering Committee Rev. Myrlene Hamilton-Hess P Member at Large Elder Bill Faust P
Member at Large Rev. Cynthia Ritter-Parker P
Member at Large Rev. Rob Morrison E
Member at Large Rev. Mike Hoffarth P Mission Working Group Rev. Terry Chapman E
Committee on Ministry Elder Dan Raisch P
Committee on Preparation for Ministry Elder George Gill P
Committee on Preparation for Ministry Rev. Courtney Cromie E Executive Presbyter (ex officio) Rev. Wendy Bailey P
Stated Clerk (ex officio) Rev. Carl Wilton E
3. Devotions: We shared our favorite part of the birth narrative of our Lord and the Moderator led us in
prayer.
4. The Minutes of the 11/14/13 were approved as read.
5. There was no Clerk’s Report.
6. Executive Presbyter Updates
It was moved and carried unanimously to concur with the recommendation of the staff that the presbytery
move to a virtual office, following the expiration of the lease with Plumstead Church, and to recommend
approval by Presbytery. 7. Visioning
Myrlene Hamilton Hess and Jean Pinto presented a proposal to amend the Presbytery Bylaws and Standing
Rules to eliminate the Administrative Division Steering Committee and the Mission Division Steering
Committee and consolidate their work under the aegis of the Mission Council. The motion was discussed
and it was decided to bring a revised proposal to the next Mission Council so that a first reading can be
brought to Presbytery in March and final approval before the next class of nominations are elected.
8. Reports and Items for Docket
A. The Mission Council recommends to Presbytery that all specialized clergy serving as
chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes, and so on be given permission to officiate communion
at their discretion. The Mission Council also recommends that any Presbytery group, such as
PW, Youth Programs, Clergy Retreats, etc. be given permission to hold communion worship
services officiated by teaching elders at their discretion. Such a motion would cover all
requests such as the one we have received from the Presbyterian Women to have communion
at their Spring Gathering on April 26, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan with
Barbara MacDonald officiating.
B. Regional Presbytery Group have had their 2 ½ year evaluation of Wendy Bailey’s work and
will bring recommendation to the March meeting to extend Wendy’s call through the
calendar year and extend it for 3 more years.
C. The moderator reported that the Administrative Commission constituted for the ordination of
Bailey Pruner completed its work.
D. MDSC: Educational Ministries wants 15 minutes at beginning of meeting;
E. ADSC: Requests 30 minutes on the docket for a table discussion about Presbytery funding.
F. CPM: no time needed; written report will be given.
G. COM: Dan Raisch reported that a significant number of churches do not presently have
installed full time ministers, and that this is a growing trend. The committee requests 5
minutes on the docket.
H. Trustees: Budget needs 10 minutes on the docket;
I. Mission Council: Requests 10 minutes on the docket to discuss the office move.
J. Nominating Committee: Requests 5 minutes on the docket.
K. Personnel: Requests 5 minutes on the docket.
12. The meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Rev. Jean B. Pinto, Clerk Pro Temp
2013 Statement of Faith Myers-Tegeder
STATEMENT OF FAITH
I believe in God the creator, redeemer, and sustainer. God is one all-powerful God,
completed by the three equal natures of God. God created us and loved us first. God is gracious
and desires that we seek to know God and be in relationship with Him. God saves by God’s
grace alone. Since we cannot earn salvation, we are called to respond with obedience and preach
and serve faithfully.
Scripture is the inspired word of God, written down and collected by human hands. It
reveals God to us through the history of God’s relationship with us, through Jesus Christ and his
ministry, and through the Holy Spirit as we read God’s Word.
Jesus Christ is God incarnate. By living among us in human form, God shared in our
challenges, suffered, and exemplified how we are to live with one another and how we are to
serve God. Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. Because God’s power could not be
defeated, Jesus Christ was resurrected and now reigns in heaven until the time is right to return to
this world and complete His kingdom.
The Holy Spirit of God is present and active in our world. It is fully God has every
freedom of God and can move, instruct, influence, change, and empathize with all human beings.
With the aid of the Holy Spirit we can better understand scripture, have more effective
communication through prayer, and discern God’s will.
Jesus Christ left His disciples with instructions for two sacraments; the Lord’s Supper
and baptism. By participating in the Lord’s Supper we proclaim what Christ did for humankind.
The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ that had to be sacrificed to bridge the
sinful gap between us and God. They are visible signs of God’s grace.
Baptism is also a sign of God’s grace. It is both a personal and public affirmation of our
intention to let God direct our lives and hearts. Even Jesus Christ was baptized. Although He was
God incarnate, He was in human form and submitted to God’s will.
Jesus Christ also instructed the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. We are
called to share the good news of the gospel. Discipleship requires a lifelong process by which we
strive to be sanctified and become more like Christ, letting go of our sinful selves and desires.
We also assist others to know God and do the same. Since we are relational and intended to live
in community, the church is instituted to be a body of believers to carry out God’s will and live
as Christ like examples in our world.
The Christian church, of which the Reformed church is part, has a responsibility to the
world to be loving and compassionate and to stand for social justice. In both the Old and New
Testaments God calls us to love God, love one another as we would love ourselves, and care for
the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and those needing to know the love of God. Everyone,
regardless of gender, race, status, wealth, or intelligence has the right to the opportunity to be
loved, be treated kindly, and to know God.
MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH The meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery of Monmouth was called to order on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, by the Rev. Theresa Swenson, President, with the Rev. N. Scott Cupp and Ruling Elder Howard Dunbar participating by conference call. Rev. Swenson opened the meeting with prayer. ROLL OF ATTENDANCE President The Rev. Theresa Swenson P Members The Rev. N. Scott Cupp P
Ruling Elder Henry Hohorst P The Rev. John Milne P Ruling Elder Gary Weiss P Ruling Elder Sue Warren E Regional Presbyter The Rev. Wendy Bailey P Treasurer Ruling Elder Nancy Tindall P Financial Secretary Ruling Elder Howard Dunbar P Stated Clerk The Rev. Carl Wilton E (P=Present; A=Absent; E=Excused)
The Rev. Theresa Swenson was appointed clerk pro tem. Rev. Swenson announced that Kathe Morrison has resigned from Trustees since her husband has taken an Interim position in Florida. Following discussion of various options, it was moved and carried to distribute the Mt. Holly gracious dismissal payment, of approximately $50, 000 as follows. First apply approximately $3,000 to the Mt. Holly outstanding per capita balance. Once that is satisfied, distribute the remainder 70% to Endowment and 30% to Missions. Regional Presbyter Rev. Wendy Bailey presented a proposal on moving the Presbytery offices to a virtual office. After discussion, Trustees recommend that Presbytery approve extending the lease in New Egypt on a month to month basis for no more than 4 months starting February 1, 2014. Trustees also recommend that Mission Council and Personnel work out the details of the transition for Presbytery staff to work remotely. Trustees discussed the obligation to contribute to repairs in New Egypt for the time we have been there, as agreed upon verbally when we began our 3 year lease. It was moved and carried that a payment be made from the Presbytery to the New Egypt church in the amount of $33,000 ($10,000 for each year of occupancy, $1,000/month extension in 2014) to compensate them for the use of their building. Rev. Theresa Swenson will present this decision at a meeting with the New Egypt church on Wednesday, January 15 at 2pm.
Ruling Elder Nancy Tindall reported that the Endowment Fund has been set up with an opening balance of $136,000 and the Mission Fund with an opening balance of $452,000. The current distribution of assets among cash, fixed and equities is in line with our investment policy. Rev. Theresa Swenson will ask Bill Faust from COM to connect with Ruling Elder Nancy Tindall to discuss needs at the Jamesburg church. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. with prayer by Rev. John Milne. The next stated meeting of the Board will take place on February 12, 2014 at 9:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, Red Bank.
ATTEST: Rev. Theresa Swenson
President, Trustees PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH
The Presbytery of Monmouth
2014 Budget Worksheet (a/o 1/27/14)
Proposed Proposed
12/31/13 2014 2014
YTD Actual Budget PassThru
Operating Revenue:
Per Capita 454,130 423,703 -
Per Capita Shortfall (177,632) (157,228) -
Unrestricted & Equity Reserves 37,785 48,985 -
Transfer In - Restricted Funds:
Legal - Expense ($0k) 5,095 - -
Endowment Fund. & Mt Holly Per Cap. - 6,605 -
Trustees - Manse ($10k) - 2,000 3,000
CPM - Scholarships ($6.4k) - - 3,750
s/t 319,378 324,065 6,750
Mission Giving for Governing Bodies 147,215 85,000 59,453
Hunger($4.5k)/Centsability ($6.2k) 11,312 - 10,700
Genesis Center - Synod Grant - - 31,700
Transfer In - Restricted Funds:
Principe de Paz (up to $40k) 30,730 - -
Youth Triennium ($12k) 12,020 - -
Hispanic Tri-Presbytery ($10k) 10,000 - 10,000
Selina Rule - Library ($5.0k) 5,000 - -
Hunger Fund ($3.4k) 428 - 3,400
Mission Fund - 4,500 30,000
Hurricane Sandy - Donations 90,271 - 30,000
Minister/Lay Remittances 2,900 4,500 -
Other (CPM Install. / CE donation) 3,059 - -
s/t 312,935 94,000 175,253
Total Operating Revenue 632,313 418,065 182,003
Operating Expenses:
Partnership Ministries - Per Capita 139,289 135,150 -
Presbytery Center 15,467 15,442 -
Personnel Related Exp's 217,106 225,449 -
Trustees 8,750 19,200 33,000
Presbytery Assistance 5,095 - -
Total Presbytery Operations Expense 385,707 395,241 33,000
Program Expenses:
Partnership Ministries:
Governing Partnerships - GA/Synod 52,606 - 49,787
Presby. Partnerships - Camp J. 9,267 - 9,666
Presby. Partnerships - Hispanic Tri-Presby. 10,000 - 10,000
Departments & Committees:
Ed. Ministries ($5k Trienn. 2014) 17,721 7,500 -
Genesis Center 9,837 4,324 31,700
MWG - Promote Mission Proj./Hunger 5,857 1,000 7,900
Comm. On Ministry 450 - -
Comm. On Prep for Ministry 1,881 - 3,750
Special Ministries:
Education/Enrichment Grants 968 10,000 -
Church Development 30,730 - -
Mission Endowment 4,149 - -
Cents-ability 6,812 - 6,200
Personnel Exp. - Hurricane Sandy 31,499 - -
Hurricane Sandy - Grants & Exp's 58,772 - 30,000
Total Partnership & Program Exp's 240,549 22,824 149,003
- - -
Total Ops, Partnership & Progam Exp's 626,256 418,065 182,003
NET INCOME 6,057 - -
PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH Note: Schedule reflects giving received through 1/24/14
General Mission, ECO's & Special OfferingsYTD December 31, 2013
2013 General Mission Pledge vs Paid 2013 Total Giving Recap
Actual Expected Dec'13 YTD $ General Presbytery GA Special
Mission Mission Mission (Under) Mission Hurricane & Offerings Total
Church Pledge Support Paid / Over Paid Centsability & ECO's Giving
Allentown - PC 8,000 8,000 10,000 2,000 10,000 4,515 14,515
Asbury Park - Principe de Paz * 600 600 0 600 600
Atl Highlands - FPC - 0 0
Barnegat - Wright Memorial PC 4,500 4,500 4,500 0 4,500 4,500
Bayville - Morning Star PC * 7,500 7,500 0 7,500 195 630 8,325
Belmar - FPC * 600 - (600) 806 806
Bordentown - FPC 2,000 2,000 2,000 0 2,000 3,313 5,313
Bricktown - PC 34,000 34,000 34,540 540 34,540 3,948 38,488
Cranbury - FPC 10,500 10,500 7,875 (2,625) 7,875 4,261 12,136
East Brunswick - Trinity PC 9,450 9,450 9,450 0 9,450 1,777 11,227
Englishtown - FPC 500 500 500 0 500 506 168 1,174
Farmingdale - Pierce Memorial - 0 500 256 756
Forked River - PC 0 0 - 0 979 979
Freehold - FPC - 0 1,401 1,401
Hightstown - FPC - 0 5,568 5,568
Holmdel - Korean Church of NJ - 0 0
Jackson - Cornerstone PC 0 0 - 0 729 729
Jacksonville - PC 3,000 3,000 3,000 0 3,000 1,281 1,158 5,440
Jamesburg - PC - 0 851 851
Lakehurst - PC - 0 0
Lakewood - FPC 12,000 12,000 12,000 0 12,000 300 3,076 15,376
Lakewood - Hope PC 1,700 1,700 937 (763) 937 1,766 2,703
Lincroft - PC 2,000 2,000 - (2,000) 100 288 388
Long Branch - FPC - 0 0
Manasquan - FPC - 0 4,981 4,981
Matawan - FPC * 5,000 5,000 0 5,000 302 4,915 10,217
Middletown - Westminster 16 16 16 1,293 1,309
Mount Holly - FPC * 8,800 3,060 (5,740) 3,060 140 3,200
Neptune - Martin Luther King Jr * 700 - (700) 0
New Egypt - Plumsted PC 800 800 800 0 800 966 1,766
New Gretna - PC 2,400 2,400 2,400 0 2,400 449 2,849
Ocean - Church on the Hill - 0 6,859 6,859
Perrineville-United PC Millstone * 4,000 4,000 0 4,000 4,000
Point Pleasant - PC * 3,700 7,400 3,700 7,400 1,050 3,351 11,801
Red Bank - FPC 16,000 16,000 16,000 0 16,000 3,048 19,048
Retreat - Oak Grove PC 3,060 3,060 3,060 0 3,060 3,060
Rumson - FPC 6,000 6,000 6,000 0 6,000 873 2,710 9,583
Sayreville - FPC - 0 0
Shrewsbury - PC at Shrewsbury * 1,000 1,000 0 1,000 469 2,556 4,025
South Amboy - FPC * 4,000 1,200 (2,800) 1,200 1,328 2,528
Sykesville - FPC - 0 0
Tennent - Old Tennent PC - 0 425 425
Tinton Falls - Hope PC * 500 500 0 500 95 595
Toms River - PC - 0 188 188
Tuckerton - FPC 2,500 2,500 2,500 0 2,500 313 1,869 4,681
Yardville - United PC 2,000 2,000 1,624 (376) 1,624 701 2,325
Individuals & Ministers 5,000 2,900 (2,100) 2,900 1,732 4,632
Budget Adj. 1,550 (1,550) 0
Total 120,410 163,360 150,362 (12,998) 150,362 9,566 69,419 229,346
% shortfall -8%
* Note 1: The 2013 "Expected Gen. Mission Pledge" column assumes that churches who have not yet pledged for the year 2013 (i.e. churches with
asterisk) will remit the same amount in 2013 as paid in 2012 (unless an amount was paid in 2013; then the 2013 projected annual run rate was used).
Mission Giving YTD Dec'13 1/27/2014 2:02 PM
Anticipated Income
Net Per Capita $266,475
The per capita rate is increasing
$0.20 in 2014. Since 2009, the rate
has increased just $0.28 or less than
1%, with the presbytery portion of
the rate decreasing by 3%.
Mission Giving $148,950
It is through the generosity of our
congregations beyond their per
capita giving, though, that enables
the presbytery to be strong in
supporting all of its member
congregations.
It is our hope that our congregations
will exceed our per capita and
mission estimates. If so, we will be
able to offer so much more in
congregational support and mission.
Monmouth Presbytery Mission and Ministry 2014
Monmouth Presbytery
monmouthpresbytery.com
Equipping
Staff
Operations
Synod & GA
2014 Spending
Spending Plan for 2014 Leadership Development $72,275
The presbytery provides many services for
congregations needing or wanting help in
curriculum, education and leadership
development. Events, Classes and Workshops
are available throughout the year including
Equipping the Saints and Nuts and Bolts.
Expanded opportunities for Lay Leader
development and education are being planned.
We help support youth attend Triennium and
other youth events. We also pay the salary of
our Christian Education Consultant who is
available to congregations to help develop their
leadership, education, and spiritual formation
programs.
Genesis Center $36,025
The Genesis Center is available online at
genesiscenternow.com where you can browse
physical and electronic resources for checkout
and use by individual leaders or congregations.
Emily Jones, curator, is available for
consultation on resources and services. The
Center is expanding in 2014 to include other
services and information such as workshops,
publishing, and additional consulting.
Mission Statement The purpose of the Presbytery of Monmouth is equipping ministers and congregations to strengthen God’s people for
ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ.
Presbytery Mission $54,765
Includes support for Sandy relief, CentsAbility,
Hunger, Mission Working Group and Camp J.
Synod and GA Mission $184,935
In addition to our per capita, it is proposed that
Monmouth Presbytery tithes ten percent of our
income to the mission work of the PC(USA).
Mission Volunteers, New Church Development,
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, are all mission
work in which our denomination participates.
Communication and Operation $69,140
Of course, in order to provide this support and
connectivity in mission, we need to have
operational expenses for communication and
technical support. Our website, email
newsletter, telephones, computers, etc. are all
necessary for the presbytery to serve our
congregations well.
Staff $169,175
Our staff is vital to providing all of the above
support to our congregations. The staffing level
remains the same as 2013, with salaries
increasing 2% in 2014.
Ministry Grants/Partnerships $ - As needed
Grants are available for consultants, workshops,
and initiatives to meet the specific needs of
congregations. Grants and loans can be
requested through Mission Council.
New Faith Communities $10,000
We are creating new Hispanic faith communities
through our partnership with New Brunswick
and West Jersey in Tres Iglesias Presbiteriana.
The funds for this support have been reserved
in previous years.
Congregations in Crisis $ - As Needed
Through the COM and other sources our
presbytery offers support for congregations and
pastors in transition or other difficult times.
This includes financial support to help with
legal expenses should the need arise.
Preparation for Ministry $3,750
Monmouth Presbytery is currently supporting
eleven candidates for ministry. Consultation,
coaching, preparation, scholarship and
examination of prospective teaching elders is
all included in our support.
PRESBYTERY OF MONMOUTH Note: Schedule reflects giving received through 1/24/14
Per Capita RemittedYTD December 31, 2013
2013 Per Capita - Assessment vs Paid
$
2013 2013 (Under)
Church Assessed Paid / Over
Allentown - PC 21,875 21,875 -
Cliffwood Beach - Principe de Paz 1,330 1,330 -
Atl Highlands - FPC 2,345 - (2,345)
Barnegat - Wright Memorial PC 3,220 3,220 -
Bayville - Morning Star PC 3,815 3,815 -
Belmar - FPC 4,655 - (4,655)
Bordentown - FPC 6,125 5,040 (1,085)
Bricktown - PC 16,485 16,485 -
Cranbury - FPC 20,475 4,411 (16,064)
East Brunswick - Trinity PC 12,215 5,050 (7,165)
Englishtown - FPC 2,485 1,453 (1,032)
Farmingdale - Pierce Memorial 2,170 2,170 -
Forked River - PC 9,135 3,870 (5,265)
Freehold - FPC 11,935 3,419 (8,516)
Hightstown - FPC 9,940 9,940 -
Holmdel - Korean Church of NJ - -
Jackson - Cornerstone PC 5,040 2,299 (2,741)
Jacksonville - PC 3,605 3,605 -
Jamesburg - PC 8,890 1,870 (7,020)
Lakehurst - PC 2,520 2,520 -
Lakewood - FPC 1,715 1,715 -
Lakewood - Hope PC 7,665 2,342 (5,323)
Lincroft - PC 4,935 4,935 -
Long Branch - FPC 1,330 1,330 -
Manasquan - FPC 23,765 10,500 (13,265)
Matawan - FPC 9,240 9,240 -
Middletown-Westminster ($1.429 PY) 6,965 1,429 (5,536)
Mount Holly - FPC 11,025 11,025 -
Neptune - Martin Luther King Jr 1,610 - (1,610)
New Egypt - Plumsted PC 2,065 1,859 (207)
New Gretna - PC 1,400 1,400 -
Ocean - Church on the Hill 7,455 4,035 (3,420)
Perrineville-United PC Millstone 5,565 5,565 -
Point Pleasant - PC 18,620 15,517 (3,103)
Red Bank - FPC 41,930 41,930 -
Retreat - Oak Grove PC 3,675 3,675 -
Rumson - FPC 11,445 11,445 -
Sayreville - FPC 5,810 5,810 -
Shrewsbury-PC at Shrewsbury 10,150 10,150 -
South Amboy - FPC 3,010 950 (2,060)
Sykesville - FPC 280 280 -
Tennent - Old Tennent PC 4,200 630 (3,570)
Tinton Falls - Hope PC 3,185 3,185 -
Toms River - PC 97,125 16,131 (80,994)
Tuckerton - FPC 6,230 6,230 -
Yardville - United PC 13,580 13,580 -
Individuals 0 140 140
2013 Budget Adj. 0 - -
Total 452,655 277,400 (175,255)
Per Capita Giving YTD Dec'13 1/27/2014 2:03 PM