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Who We Are
Newton Presbytery
is the regional governing body for 62 Presbyterian member churches
in
New Jersey's Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon counties. We are one
of 22 Presbyteries that make up the Synod
of the Northeast of the Presbyterian
Church (USA), along with the rest of the Presbyteries in New
Jersey, New York, and all of New England. Our membership is comprised
of the ministers
of the member churches, together with an equal number of member church
elders.
Officers and Staff conduct the business of the Presbytery. Other ministries
are carried out by Program Committees.
In addition, all Committees required
by the Book of Order (the PC(USA) Constitution) are active in Newton
Presbytery: Committee on Ministry, Committee on Preparation for Ministry,
Committee on Nominations, and Committee on Representation. A Presbytery
Council oversees the work of the Presbytery. Unique to Newton Presbytery
are: Care Committee and Nairobi Partnership Committee. Within Newton
Presbytery’s bounds are Blair Academy, Bloomfield College, and
Johnsonburg Camp & Conference Center.
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1. How does
Newton Presbytery carry out its mission?
Newton
Presbytery carries out its mission by providing resources in the form
of people's time, talents, and dollars to support the work of a variety
of programs.
2. What mission programs are served by Newton Presbytery?
Some of the mission programs served by Newton Presbytery-like
Carpenter's Helpers-are regional and unique
to our Presbytery; some are carried out in alliance with organizations
such as IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network); and some significant missions
are worldwide-for example, the Newton-Nairobi Partnership.
3. What resources are available to member churches?
Besides help with mission programs, at both the
member church and Presbytery level, Newton Presbytery has a number of
resources available to member churches, their ministers, and congregants.
For example, the Resource Center contains many
books, pamphlets, and videos that any Presbytery church member can borrow
for up to a month at a time.
The Christian Education Committee helps
member churches with their education programs. Presbyterian
Youth Connection (PYC) plans youth activities throughout the Presbytery
for the young people of every church to take part in. Church
Development & Redevelopment helps member churches grow, both
physically and spiritually, by experimenting with new ministries.
Our Small Church Consultant has expertise
in solving difficulties with, and challenging and encouraging small churches
(fewer than 150 members). The Facing Racism
Task Force is available to provide workshops for member churches wanting
to raise awareness in this important area.
The Acting
Executive Presbyter is available to listen to concerns of a confidential
nature, and can also direct you to the many resources of the Presbytery.
The Executive Presbyter is tasked with the needs and support of the Presbytery
and its pastors, support of presbytery and its pastors AND CHURCHES
as they seek to be the body of Christ.
The Treasurer can help member churches with all
types of financial, accounting, and tax matters, and can advise on mission
funding, available loans and grants, and some clergy salary issues.
The Stated Clerk and the Handbook
for the Local Church are good sources of information on policy, procedures,
and church law. In addition, the Handbook contains a number of useful
forms.
The Newton Presbytery Office
Manager can direct you to the appropriate person, committee, or other
resource, to address your request.
4. What resources are available to pastors of member
churches?
The Committee on Preparation
for Ministry
can provide advice for anyone interested in pursuing the ministry
as a vocation. Developing Church Leaders
(DCL) is a workshop held every March to provide courses for ministers
and church members.
5. How can I locate a church in Newton Presbytery?
The Church Search feature
is available to help you locate a specific church in the Presbytery by
name, or to help you find a church that meets the needs of yourself and
your family.
6. Our church has extra / used supplies or equipment.
Can Newton Presbytery help me locate a member church that can use them?
Our church needs supplies / equipment. Can Newton Presbytery help me locate
a donor?
The Classifieds page
was included as a service on this web site to announce the availability
of, and/or the need for, supplies and equipment on the part of member
churches. Contact the church directly.
7. We have been asked
to donate resources to a new mission. How can we find out if this mission
is approved by Newton Presbytery?
Newton Presbytery maintains a Validated
Mission List, containing information about those missions that have
been checked out and approved by the Presbytery. For more information
about validated missions, contact the Newton Presbytery
Treasurer.
8. How can non-ministers find church employment
in the Presbytery?
Occasionally, member churches have openings for choir directors, Christian
educators, and other talented and trained professionals. Check the Classifieds
page of this site for positions and contact information.
9. What is the Handbook for the Local Church?
How can our church obtain a copy?
Each member church is given two copies of the Handbook
for the Local Church, containing information designed to acquaint
Session members (particularly Clerks, Pastors, and Commissioners to Presbytery)
with their responsibilities. The Handbook contains sample forms, letters,
registers and reports; guidelines, bylaws, and constitutional requirements;
expense and insurance worksheets; funding procedures and sources; employment
information; and committee requirements.
Contact the Office
of Newton Presbytery for additional copies.
10. I would like to volunteer my services
to the Presbytery. Whom should I contact?
Contact the Office
of Newton Presbytery for volunteer opportunities.
11. I have information for the web site. Whom should
I contact about this?
Contact the Office
of Newton Presbytery to submit your request.
12. What advocacy groups is Newton Presbytery supporting?
See the Mission page
for information concerning advocacy. For information concerning advocacy
at
the national level, contact the Office of Newton Presbytery, or see the PC
USA site.
13. Can Newton Presbytery
help me locate a specific type of support group sponsored by a member
church (for example, bereavement, divorce, etc.)?
Contact the Office
of Newton Presbytery.
14. What are the Resource Center hours?
The Resource Center is
open during regular Presbytery office hours, 9:00 - 4:30, Monday through
Friday, and one evening a week, Mondays, from 5:30-8:30PM. For specific
information about the Resource Center, and special summer hours, contact
the Resource Center Coordinator.
15. Where can I get information about Developing
Church Leaders?
Developing Church Leaders workshops are
usually held in March for ministers and other
church leaders who want to learn to improve their leadership skills.
16. What camps and retreats does Newton
Presbytery recommend for congregants and pastors of member churches?
We are blessed to have the Presbyterian Johnsonburg
Camp and Conference Center with which we have enjoyed an ongoing relationship
since 1958. This camp provides program retreats for youth and adults and
is also located within the bounds of the Presbytery. See the Resources
page for information about specific retreats.
17. How can I become involved in the Newton-Nairobi
Partnership?
The Nairobi Partnership
Committee implements joint programs between Newton Presbytery and
our sister Presbytery in Nairobi, Kenya. Contact them for project, communication,
and travel opportunities in the Newton-Nairobi Partnership.
18. How can I get
in touch with Newton Presbytery officers and staff? Program Committee
Moderators?
See the Officers
page for a list of officers and staff members, and the Program
Committees page for a list of committees, committee moderators, and
their contact information.
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