Staff
Reverend Christian Iosso
PhD. Interim Minister
Rev. Iosso has pastored two congregations previously and served on the national staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He has edited or written several books of social ethics and many General Assembly policy statements. Originally from New Jersey, he is married to the Rev. Robin Hogle, a hospital chaplain, and is the father of three adult children and two grandchildren.
Check out the article below from TapIntoUnion featuring Rev. Iosso.
Ms. Velinda Harjono
Church Secretary
Ms. Harjono connection with the church began when her children attended our Nursery School and Scout Troop. She coaches the Union branch of New Jersey Orators and holds degrees from the University of the Philippines and Columbia University, with a professional background in economic research and banking.
Mr. Dewey Moss
Music Director
Dewey Moss brings a wealth of artistic experience to his role as our Music Director. He holds a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance and is an accomplished actor, director, writer, and musician having performed on Broadway and Operatic stages as well as Carnegie Hall.
Originally from Texas, Dewey has lived in NYC for 34 years. His professional background is extensive, including writing numerous plays, screenplays, and film scripts. He is a graduate of the Commercial Theater Institute and has served as producer/director on a number of off-Broadway productions, and currently has numerous projects in various stages of development for the NYC stage. He also served as a Vice President/Creative Director in the advertising industry, developing hundreds of scripts and short films.
For more on his impressive career and projects, you can visit the link below.
Pastor Nominating Committee
We Are Searching for Our Next Pastor
Are you a dynamic and visionary leader with a heart for ministry? Our historic church in Union, New Jersey, is seeking a new pastor to serve alongside our welcoming and active congregation. We have deep roots in our community and a renewed vision to grow in faith and membership. We are looking for a leader who is:
- Committed: Joyfully dedicated to serving our church and community.
- Passionate: Eager to grow our membership and strengthen our ministries.
- Present: An active and visible presence in our community.
If you are a faithful and compassionate leader with a desire to build a vibrant and thriving church, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us.
Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)
The Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church PNC is a diverse group of members elected by our congregation to prayerfully search for and recommend our next pastor. Following the guidelines of the Presbyterian Church (USA), this dedicated team is
responsible for crafting our church's Ministry Discernment Profile Form (MDP), which outlines our mission and needs. We review candidates' profiles, conduct interviews, and listen to sermons to find the person whom God is calling to lead our church. The work of the PNC is confidential and requires a significant commitment of time, prayer, and discernment. Once the committee identifies a candidate, we will present their nomination to the congregation for a vote
Session
Our Governing Council
Our congregation is governed by the Session, a council comprised of twelve (12) members elected by our congregation. Every church member has a voice and a vote in selecting these leaders. Those elected to serve on the Session are called "elders," The Pastor serves as a specialized elder who moderates the Session's discussions and decisions, ensuring a collaborative and balanced approach to leadership. This structure exemplifies our commitment to representative government, shared power, and collective decision-making. Elders are individuals deeply committed to the Church. They are regular participants in worship, pledge their prayerful and financial support, and generously dedicate their time and talents to our community.
Guiding Principles
The Book of Order - The responsibilities and qualifications for our elders, as well as the organizational rules of our church, are outlined in The Book of Order. This document serves as the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), an affiliation Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church has proudly held since before our nation's founding.
Deacons
Compassionate Service at CFPC
Our Deacons embody a long-standing tradition of compassionate service, reaching back to the Book of Acts in the New Testament. They are dedicated to caring for our church members and friends, as well as extending that care to our wider community by ministering to individuals in need.
Deacons' Key Responsibilities
Actively serve the congregation and community in many vital ways, including:
Communion Assistance: Assisting to distribute communion during worship services and thoughtfully deliver communion to those who are homebound or unable to attend.
Comfort and Support: Offering heartfelt phone calls, cards, and visits to individuals mourning the loss of loved ones. They also provide encouragement and comfort to those who are sick or feeling isolated, visiting hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and maintaining other vital contacts.
Practical Aid in Crisis: Becoming the "hands and feet" of Christ during challenging times by preparing and delivering meals, assisting with transportation, and offering other practical help.
Outreach Partnerships: Collaborating closely with our Mission Committee on initiatives like the Food Pantry and providing gifts to individuals who may lack family or community support.
Integral Roles in Church Life
Beyond these core ministries, our Deacons have grown to fill several other important roles within the church:
Welcome and Hospitality: They often serve as ushers, playing a key role in welcoming all who enter our doors and organizing "coffee hour" refreshments after worship, fostering fellowship and connection.
Worship Assistance: Deacons contribute to our services as worship assistants or liturgists, helping to lead elements of our worship experience.
Celebrating Milestones: They help celebrate significant life events by providing flowers on Mother's Day and offering hospitality support around births, baptisms, funerals, and memorial services.
Leadership and Commitment: The Deacons, through their moderator, coordinate closely with the Session and the Minister. Individual Deacons also have the opportunity to serve on other committees and teams within the church based on their interests and gifts. Like our elders, Deacons are ordained leaders and can be elected to serve two consecutive three-year terms, reflecting their deep commitment to service.
Committees
Shaping Our Church Life
For practical and effective ministry, members of the Session typically lead and work closely with various committees that focus on key areas of church life. This committee structure allows for new ideas and proposals to be thoroughly discussed and developed before being presented to the full Session for review and decision-making.
New volunteers and fresh ideas are welcomed.
Current Committees
Building and Grounds Committee
Responsible for the general maintenance, repair and improvement of the church facilities. Many members also function as the Cemetery Committee.
Christian Education Committee
Provide religious education programs for children, youth, and adults.
Finance & Stewardship Committee
Manages the budget, oversees investments and distributes financial resources to support the mission and ministry of the congregation, working with the Financial Secretary. Our usual stewardship campaign is in the fall when we pledge to support the budget of the church and its outreach.
Historical Committee
Maintains, displays, and manages church and cemetery historical records, providing tours and organizing special events.
Media and Communications Committee
Manages the church's online presence (website, social media and outward messaging). This involves a range of responsibilities aimed at informing, engaging, and inspiring the congregation and the wider community about the church's mission and activities.
Membership Committee
Builds fellowship and welcomes people to our community with social events, meals, and trips.
Mission Committee
Connects, fosters collaboration and partnerships with community organizations that help those in need.
Nominating Committee
Responsible for generating an annual slate of candidates for elders and deacons, and encouraging others interested in contributing time and expertise to the church.
Personnel Committee
Support and select church staff and specialized volunteers, working closely with the minister.
Scholarship Committee
Overlaps with Christian Education Committee. Oversee the annual scholarship selections and dispensing of funds to college and seminary bound students.
Worship & Music Committee
Responsible for preparation of Sunday services and music ministry in coordination with the Pastor and Director of Music/Choir Director.
Facilities
A Hub for Community and Mission
We believe our church building is a vital instrument of mission, a gift entrusted to us by previous generations. We are committed to sharing this resource with the community and warmly welcome non-profit organizations, including those we sponsor or co-sponsor. To help us maintain this historic building and continue our mission, we gratefully accept donations. We also periodically support charitable fundraisers for other groups whose missions align with ours.
Safety and Requirements for Facility Use
The safety of all who use our facilities is our highest priority. Therefore, we require adult supervision for all activities involving young people. To ensure everyone's protection and to comply with New Jersey law regarding "charitable immunity," we also require groups using our facilities to provide a statement of insurance. This typically doesn't incur an additional cost for groups and helps us manage our own insurance expenses.
