Preamble and Introduction:
Proposed Presbytery of Elizabeth Structure
Through the Holy Spirit, reinforced by prayer, the Mission Study Team
recommendations were guided by the input we received from more than 450 members
of Presbytery at the breakout sessions at presbytery meetings, the dialogues with
various sessions, the documented hopes and dreams of presbytery members, and
feedback from surveys conducted over the recent past. These helped to shape the
presbytery calling, which underpins the proposal and the proposed structure. While the
presbytery is often perceived to be the stated meetings or the team of six serving as the
presbytery staff in Plainfield, the Mission Study Team endeavored to propose a
structure that reflects and relies on the true heart of the presbytery – the congregations
and ourselves.
The proposal attempts to reflect a more decentralized model of leadership and
decision making while still adhering to the requirements of the PCUSA Book of Order.
We live in a world that is rapidly changing and demands structures that are flexible and
responsive to these changes. The Mission Study Team perceives less tolerance,
particularly in younger members, for rigid structure, hierarchy and formality. We believe
the recommendation acknowledges our human and financial constraints,
accommodates the evolving role of middle governing bodies and builds on experiences
of other presbyteries.
The Mission Study Team was created by the Cabinet in September 2011 and has
been meeting nearly every week since then. During that time the team has held wideranging
and thought provoking discussions concerning the mission and responsibilities
of the presbytery. Teaching elders Cynthia Cochran-Carney, John Howard, Shannan
Vance-Ocampo, Ray Roberts, Bobbie Arrrowsmith, Matt Davis, Chris Kile, Sam
Massengill, ruling elders Jack Paddon, Alan Ford, Lee Anne Lowman, and Barbara
McLaughlan contributed their time, experience, inspired thoughts and ideas to the final
proposal.
The Mission Study Team would welcome written and/or oral communications from
members of the presbytery concerning the proposal and realistic ways to staff and
finance it. The Team meets most Thursday’s from 11 am to 1 pm in the Presbytery
Office. The first 20 minutes of each meeting would be available for discussions with
presbytery members. Please inform the Presbytery Office of your desire to participate
in a discussion on a particular day. We may not be meeting every week during the
summer. We will hold two open meetings for the membership, July 19
th, 7-9 pm at The
Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 104 Mountain Ave, and August 9
th, 10 am – 12 noon
at the Presbytery Office, 525 E Front St., Plainfield.
The Mission Study Team is grateful for all input received from the membership. As
you review the proposal may you be informed by the Holy Spirit and prayer. The first
reading is at the June Stated Meeting at the Elizabeth, Second church, and the vote
will
be at the September Stated Meeting at the Scotch Plains, Willow Grove church.THE CALLING OF THE PRESBYTERY:
As a Christ-centered community of congregations, we support and encourage one another as we joyfully carry out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
THE VALUES OF THE PRESBYTERY:
"To create a community of trust, we as God's faithful respond to our calling by committing ourselves to the following values:"
FORGIVENESS: We forgive each other as Christ forgives us.
HONESTY: We speak the truth in love, with mutual respect for others.
JUSTICE: We demonstrate God's unconditional love through acts of compassion and reconciliation in Christ's name./
LISTENING: We are graciously attentive to each other in discerning God's will.
OPENNESS: We honor God with our acceptance of the diversity of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
PASSION: We carry out our God-given tasks with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love in the power of the Holy Spirit.
RESPECT: We honor all people as children of God, cultivating an environmnet of kindness, trust, and integrity.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF STRUCTURE:
Presbytery Stated Meetings
Meeting Guidelines
•
The values (behaviors) listed in the Calling will govern the meetings.
•
4 meetings per year
•
2 Saturdays and 2 Tuesday evenings
•
Meet in assembly halls preferably around round tables
•
A 20 minute prayer service at each meeting, except for the July meeting where
communion will be served
•
All meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer (G.30105)
•
Minimal business will be conducted – significant time available for open conversations
•
New teaching elder members will be welcomed with presentation and celebration
•
Nominating recommendations, if necessary
•
Trustees’ actions, if necessary
•
All reports will be in written form only sent by email (snail mail only where necessary)
•
Omnibus motion will be used extensively
Suggested meetings and content
October Saturday
•
Prayer Service
•
Budget (presentation and vote)
•
Oral reports from churches
January Saturday
•
Prayer Service
•
Workshops based on needs expressed by churches such as,
o
Officer training
•
Preplanned instructional presentations on such things as …
o
Stewardship
o
Grant applications
o
Engaging teens/youth/young adults
o
Subjects of interest to a group of congregations
May Tuesday evening
•
Annual meeting
•
Officers/chairs elected to take office after the July meeting
•
Prayer Service
July Tuesday evening a family event
•
A celebration, a barbecue, families invited
•
Games, Fun!!
•
Installation of officers and comm. Chairs
•
Communion
June 14, 2012
Presbytery of Elizabeth Book of Order Teams
Book of Order Teams
Emmaus Team
- Responsible for walking with and encouraging leaders as they enter
and exit our Presbytery as well as interpreting our call as Elizabeth Presbytery
Stephen’s Team
- Responsible for nurturing, caring, and sustaining relationships
among the leaders of the Presbytery
Pauline Team
- Servants responsible for fostering excellence amidst the pastors and
congregations in the ministry of Jesus Christ
Esther’s Team
- Responsible for theological, stewardship, strategic direction, and
programmatic resources to be shared with Elizabeth Presbytery and the larger
community so that we are responding faithfully in and toward God’s world
Wisdom Team
- Responsible to share, discern, Interpret, implement, and recommend
the policy and practice of Elizabeth Presbytery
Diversity Team
- Responsible for ensuring the presbytery gives full expression to the
rich diversity of the church’s membership and provides for full participation and access
to representation in decision-making and employment practices (F-1.0403).
Book of Order Support Teams
Stated Clerk
– responsible for maintaining the books and records of the presbytery
Presbytery Judicial Commission
– responsible for hearing and rendering decisions
on disciplinary cases referred to it
Nominating
– responsible for recommending to presbytery elders to fill presbytery
leadership positions
Board of Trustees
– responsible for oversight and accountability of all presbytery funds
in addition to their property and corporate responsibilities
Personnel
– responsible for guiding, listening to, and reviewing the work of the paid
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